You’d be forgiven if you overlooked Winnipeg as a stop on your Canadian vacation. Most tourists would opt for Montreal, Vancouver or the beautiful Rocky Mountains in Alberta. However, Winnipeg is really an amazing city that is worth your time. The capital of Manitoba has a rich Aboriginal and Metis history, amazing parks, educational museums, great shopping and fantastic food. Here are 10 things to do and places you must visit when you go to Winnipeg.
1. Fort Gibraltar

In the summer you can enjoy actors who immerse themselves in educational retellings of the fur trading and early days of settlers in Manitoba. This living museum is a fun and educational experience. Fort Gibraltar, which was rebuilt in 1978 for the Festival du Voyageur, is also a popular spot for weddings. Admission is 10 CAD ( 8 USD) for adults and 6 CAD ( 4.90 USD) for seniors. Children under 5 get in for free.
Fort Gibraltar
Address: 866 Rue Saint Joseph, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0G4
Website: Fort Gibraltar
2. The Forks Historic site

The Forks National Historic site offers picturesque nature in the center of Winnipeg. You can relax by the Red River and enjoy the extensive walking trails. It’s also a great place to catch a concert in the summer as the riverside amphitheatre offers captivating shows. The canoe beach offers a great starting point for a leisurely paddle in the water.
The Forks Historic site
Address: Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB
Website: The Forks Historic site
3. Assiniboine Park
You can spend a whole day at Assiniboine Park because there is so much to do. The zoo has a new exhibit called “Journey to Churchill”, which showcases the species that live in northern Manitoba. The park features beautiful gardens and sculptures. The Assiniboine Park Conservatory is home to over 8,000 plants and flowers.
Assiniboine Park
Address: 55 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB
Website: Assiniboine Park
4. Canadian Museum for Human Rights

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is one of the most profound and important museums in the world, so it is definitely worth a visit. The museum predominately focuses on issues related to Canada, so Aboriginal rights is a theme that’s prevalent in the museum’s exhibits. It includes a somber look at some of Canada’s worst atrocities, but also features exhibits designed to inspire change today.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Address: 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB
Website: Canadian Museum for Human Rights
5. Manitoba Museum

The focus of the Manitoba Museum is science, so naturally it is a great place to learn. One of the highlights is a marine observatory that showcases the ancient marine life of Hudson’s Bay. The history and fur trading roots of Manitoba are also on display. A life size replica of a trading ship called the Nonsuch, which is the ship that lead to the formation of the Hudson’s Bay Company, is another highlight of the museum.
Manitoba Museum
Address: 190 Rupert Ave, Winnipeg, MB
Website: Manitoba Museum
6. Royal Canadian Mint

Have you ever wondered where the Loonie comes from? If so, then you should probably visit the Royal Canadian Mint. You can take a tour of the factory and see first-hand how the Government of Canada produces its currency. It’s open year round and you can buy collector coins here, too.
Royal Canadian Mint
Address: 520 Lagimodière Blvd, Winnipeg, MB
Website: Royal Canadian Mint
7. FortWhyte Alive

FortWhyte Alive is an amazing place to see wildlife. This nature preserve in southwest Winnipeg is directly in the path of migrating Canadian geese, and you can even take a Bison safari to see these magnificent mammals up close and in the wild.
FortWhyte Alive
Address: 1961 McCreary Rd, Winnipeg, MB
Website: FortWhyte Alive
8. Festival du Voyageur

The Festival du Voyageur is one of the best winter festivals in Canada. It will run from Feb 16 – Feb 25 in 2018, and it’s a great way to celebrate French culture and Canada’s Metis and fur trading history. The city is filled with snow and ice sculptures during the event.
Festival du Voyageur
Address: Saint Boniface, Winnipeg
Website: Festival du Voyageur
9. Winnipeg Art Gallery

This art gallery dates all the way back to 1912, and ever since it opened it has showcased some amazing works of art. The Winnipeg Art Gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of modern Inuit art. Admission is 12 CAD (10 USD).
Winnipeg Art Gallery
Address: 300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg
Website: Winnipeg Art Gallery
10. Winnipeg Exchange District

The Exchange District is perhaps the coolest and most hip place to hang out in Winnipeg. It’s home to the best restaurants in Winnipeg, and it’s a great place to relax and grab a drink. Deer + Almond is one of the best farm to table restaurants in Winnipeg. You can enjoy fantastic dishes like beef cheek and deer tartare.
Winnipeg Exchange District
Address: 85 Princess St, Winnipeg, Manitoba, MB
Plenty of fun things to do and see in Winnipeg

Winnipeg is perhaps the most underrated major city in all of Canada. There are a lot of amazing things to see in the capital of Manitoba. You can attend a Winnipeg Jets hockey game or explore the Red River Valley. There are wonderful restaurants to dine in, and the parks give visitors a chance to enjoy the outdoors. The zoos and museums in the city offer you a great opportunity to learn about science, culture and history. Be sure to check out one of these locations on your next trip to Winnipeg, Canada. You’ll be glad you did.
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