You need to visit Winnipeg! Seven amazing reasons why
Your next Canadian adventure will be rich in culture, nature and excitement as you explore the capital city of Manitoba, Winnipeg!
The Weather Network is highlighting seven of the best activities in Winnipeg. The prairie metropolis is home to a wide variety of restaurants, multiple galleries and museums and some stunning nature scenes.
Let’s dive into some of these hot spots!
EXCHANGE DISTRICT NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE
You could spend all day or night in this trendy neighbourhood. Restaurants, boutique shops, historic walking tours - the list of fun is endless in this district. The transformation of historic buildings into modern businesses to explore is remarkable. The District has also been labeled as one of Winnipeg's top “bike-to” destinations.
Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba
The first Friday of each month is a unique time to visit as businesses open their doors to creative and enjoyable displays of their work, food and music.
Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba
MANITOBA MUSEUM
This museum showcases various galleries, exhibitions, a planetarium, and a science gallery. The Manitoba Museum is the province's largest centre for heritage and science learning.
Tourists have commented that the NonSuch Gallery is certainly a highlight, especially while you learn more about this fur trade vessel that first sailed into Hudson Bay.
Photo Credit: Nonsuch display by Travel Manitoba
The museum offers guided tours or you can explore on your own!
ASSINIBOINE PARK CONSERVANCY
Get ready for a full day of fun as you explore Assiniboine Park Zoo. This park has lots of different features from the zoo’s spectacular Journey to Churchill Arctic species exhibit to the miniature steam train ride. You’ll find many family friendly activities here.
Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba
Many visitors and locals say this is a great spot to lay down a blanket and enjoy a picnic. Millions of people visit this area every year making it one of Manitoba's top attractions.
Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba
The Pooh Gallery is also located in the pavilion building at the heart of Assiniboine Park. You can learn more about the famous bear. And yes, the name “Winnie” is derived from Winnipeg!
This park is also a nice spot to catch the sunset after an adventure-filled day.
Photo Credit: TWN Viewer: Ashley sunset at Assiniboine Park
THERMËA BY NORDIK SPA-NATURE
This Scandinavian-inspired spa is an amazing way to relax and unwind. It features three outdoor pools of varying temperatures, four distinct dry and wet saunas and various relaxation areas.
Their signature experience is the thermal cycle where guests are encouraged to participate in a 2000-year-old relaxation ritual. The cycle heats your body, then cools it down with a cold water plunge. This allows you to draw the maximum benefits of your spa experience.
Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba
With a restaurant onsite you may never want to leave!
WINNIPEG ART GALLERY
The Winnipeg Art Gallery, also known as the WAG, is one of Canada’s oldest civic art galleries.
You will find the world’s largest collection of contemporaryInuit art at The WAG. This is art that comes from the heart and showcases Canada’s northern culture. Soon the WAG’s collection will be on full display to the public in the new Inuit Art Centre, a dedicated gallery and workshop/event space honouring the Indigneous art form.
Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba
Visitors will also find an impressive sculpture garden. Their rooftop retreat will allow you to experience and support local artists and performers.
Pottery, painting and life drawing are classes that people can enroll in at the gallery.
Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba
People have commented about the friendly nature of the building and staff. A must-see in Winnipeg!
FORTWHYTE ALIVE
FortWhyte Alive is a beautiful nature preserve just beyond city limits. It’s perfect for hiking, biking, and fishing. A true outdoor experience!
If you are seeking adventure you can test your skills with mountain biking at Bison Butte, which is a legacy course from the 2017 Canada Summer games mountain bike competition.
FortWhyte Alive encourages its visitors to think about preserving the environment. If you walk or bike to the site, you are granted free admission!
Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba
You can even find a cafe on-site creating meals from scratch with locally grown sustainable foods. Your meal is even more delicious as you sit by the lake and soak in the beauty of this area.
THE FORKS
This top destination in Winnipeg is where the Assiniboine and Red River meet. It’s an iconic spot with a rich history as a meeting place for over 6,000 years for Indigenous Peoples. The Oodena Celebration Circle represents this relationship, meaning “heart of the community.”
Today this area features The Forks Market full of multiple artisan food kiosks, local shops and stunning views of the river.
The Forks is very walkable with many attractions. The Winnipeg Railway Museum is great for kids of all ages -- and be sure to have your camera ready as you explore the 20,000 square foot Prairie Garden. The Parks Canada Playground is also located at The Forks.
The Forks, Winnipeg. Courtesy: Adam Toews/Submitted
You will find something for everyone in your group at The Forks!
Winnipeg is a Canadian capital with something for everyone! It’s home to incredible summer weather with an average high of 25°C in August. With so many remarkable attractions to explore, Winnipeg is an excellent destination!