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 some of the things to do and in Winnipeg, Canada, that you can try out.
1. Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
A beautiful and quiet place to relax and to take a walk absorbing the natural beauty mixed with incredible artwork, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden is named after Leo Mol who was a stained-glass artist, sculptor, and painter from Ukraine. The garden features a variety of bronze sculptures with flowers sculpted by the renowned Leo Mol, and it also houses Leo Mol Gallery, and Leo Mol School House Studio. It also comes complete with fountains and benches all around. The sculptures are inspired by mystical work, mythological work, animals, and more.
Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
Address: Assiniboine Park Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N7, Canada
Website: Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)
2. Manitoba Children's Museum
A non-profit museum situated at Winnipeg’s Fork, in Manitoba, Manitoba Children’s Museum comprises 12 permanent galleries. Tourists or visitors coming to the museum can explore Lasagna Lookout - a five-story tall lookout tower - jump on a diesel locomotive from 1952 to 1910 passenger coach, and perform water experiments among other fun attractions. The museum also conducts several workshops, events, summer day camps, and public services.
Manitoba Children's Museum
Address: 45 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4T6, Canada
Website: Manitoba Children’s Museum
Price: 8 USD
3. Kildonan Park
A medium-sized park situated in the north of Winnipeg, Canada, Kildonan Park is set upon a 73-acre (29-hectare) land and features wonderful attractions including the Witch’s Hut, outdoor swimming pool, and Peguis Pavilion. The park was originally designed by the park’s superintendent, George Champion. It also features several shelters and picnic spots with barbecue pits that are available for rent. During winter, the park has tobogganing slides and a skating pond.
Kildonan Park
Address: 2015 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R2V 2B9, Canada
Website: Kildonan Park
Opening hours: 7am - 10pm (daily)
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4. Oodena
An architectural beauty unlike any, Oodena is a natural shallow amphitheater that is situated near the convergence of two rivers. This amphitheater is known as the Celebration Circle of Oodena. This location celebrates and honors the Aboriginal people from 6,000 years ago. It features an observatory, a sundial, a ceremonial firepit, sculptures, and more, making this a beautiful place to get together for a cultural celebration or just a place to admire the beauty of this location.
Oodena
Address: Winnipeg, MB R3C 0A2, Canada
Website: Oodena
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11pm
5. Riverwalk Trail
An 11.3-kilometer (7-mile) lightly trafficked trail in Winnipeg, Canada, Riverwalk Trail by the Red River is a great place to explore the natural beauty in peace and tranquility. This trail is perfect for hikers and walkers from all skill levels. There are multiple activities that people can indulge in, including birdwatching, nature trips, and exploring wildlife among other options. Although this is a dog-friendly trail, make sure to keep them on a leash.
6. Manitoba Legislative Building
Originally known as Manitoba Parliament Building, the Manitoba Legislative Building is situated in the heart of the city and it is a place of meeting for Manitoba’s Legislative Assembly. The building also acts as an office for the Lieutenant Governor, ministers and deputy ministers, and Manitoba’s premier. Completed in 1920, the legislative building features a neoclassical Beaux-Arts-style architecture and it also comes with a gold-covered bronze statue that sits atop the building’s cupola.
Manitoba Legislative Building
Address: 450 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8, Canada
Website: Manitoba Legislative Building
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
7. The Zoohky Mural
Art lover or not, you’re sure to appreciate the beauty of the Zoohky Mural. Located at the West End, Zoohky Mural in Winnipeg features one of the largest collections of outdoor murals. Zoohky, also known as Walter Zielke Ruesch, was a notable person in Winnipeg’s West End, who was known for his kindness towards others. He used to fix broken things such as toys, bicycles, and more. Once the item was fixed, he would donate it to the families that needed them. Along with helping people over at the West End, Zoohky was also known to babysit or look after stray cats from the neighborhood. To honor Zoohky’s death, the community had a mural painted of him and his bicycle.
The Zoohky Mural
Address: 635 Sargent Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0A4, Canada
Website: The Zoohky Mural
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. The Witch’s Hut
Set in Kildonan Park in Winnipeg, the Witch’s Hut is a small round hut surrounded by century-old elm trees, which is designed to give visitors a chance to experience the fairy tale of Hansel and Gretel. Established in 1970, the Witch’s Hut was designed by Hans Peter Langes - an architect from Manitoba. The hut comprises terracotta panels, along with images of the witch, and Hansel and Gretel.
The Witch’s Hut
Address: Peguis Dr, Winnipeg, MB R2V 2B9, Canada
9. Transcona Museum
Transcona Museum is a museum in Winnipeg, Canada, that is set within a bank building - Bank of Toronto - from 1925, and it explores the stories, origins, history, and community of Transcona. Founded in 1967, the museum is operated and owned by the City of Winnipeg. It features collections of the early business of Transcona, household objects, railway artifacts, and other historic collections.
Transcona Museum
Address: 141 Regent Ave W, Winnipeg, MB R2C 1R1, Canada
Website: Transcona Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 4pm; Sat: 12pm - 4pm (closed on Sun)
10. Winnipeg Railway Museum
Operated by Midwestern Rail Association Inc’s volunteers, Winnipeg Railway Museum is a non-profit organization established in 1975. The museum is dedicated to preserving the rail heritage of Manitoba. You’ll see where and how it all started. Check out the first steam locomotive, railway equipment, Winnipeg hydro train, and city of Winnipeg Rail car among others.
Winnipeg Railway Museum
Address: 123 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1A3, Canada
Website: Winnipeg Railway Museum
Opening hours: 11am - 4pm (daily)
11. Winnipeg Trolley Company - Winnipeg Tours & Charters
One of the best ways to explore the city of Winnipeg is by taking a tour by Winnipeg Trolley Company. This tour company offers haunted tours, brewery tours, tours of the city, which will give you an experience unlike any other tour. You’ll learn why Winnipeg is renowned as Canada’s wickedest city, how James Bond is connected to Winnipeg, and how a local hockey team won the Olympics for the first time to make history. You can also sample loads of beers and other liquors, and explore some of the haunted sites on this tour.
Winnipeg Trolley Company - Winnipeg Tours & Charters
Address: 1 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4Y3, Canada
Website: Winnipeg Trolley Company - Winnipeg Tours & Charters
Opening hours: Tue & Thu: 9:30am - 3:30pm; Wed: 9:30am - 10pm; Fri: 9:30am - 11pm; Sat: 9:30am - 8pm; Sun: 12:30am - 6:30pm
12. Riel House National Historic Site
A national historic site honoring the life of Louis Riel - an activist and Metis politician - Riel House is located in St. Vital parish in Winnipeg, Canada. This one-and-a-half-story house sits along the Red River and still maintains the original charm of the building even though it has been restored and acquired by the Winnipeg Historical Society. While exploring the house, you’ll learn about the Metis and also about Louis Riel through tours of the house, outdoor exhibits, guided tours, activities, and more.
Riel House National Historic Site
Address: 330 River Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2M 3Z8, Canada
Website: Riel House National Historic Site
13. Air Force Heritage Museum and Air Park
Situated in Manitoba’s Winnipeg, the Air Force Heritage Museum and Park features several artifacts and aircraft from the Canadian Air Force’s history. There are several memorials present here that are of the people who worked under the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and search and rescue team from Canada. Established in 1975, the museum and park has static aircraft displays including CF-104 Starfighter interceptor/fighter, CX 144 Challenger prototype air transport, CT-133 Silver Star, and F86 Sabre Mk. VI, to name a few.
Air Force Heritage Museum and Air Park
Address: 186 Air Force Way, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
14. Old Market Square
Old Market Square in Winnipeg, Canada is encompassed by old, charming buildings that are now being transformed into fancy restaurants, cafes, art galleries, shops, and more. These buildings are over 100 years old, which will make you feel like you’re exploring a whole other world. The stuff you’ll find here when it comes to shopping cannot be found in any mall in the city. So, the next time you’re in Winnipeg, make sure to buy souvenirs from Old Market Square. There’s also a prominent stage called the Cube. This stage hosts several events and concerts throughout the year.
Old Market Square
Address: Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Website: Old Market Square
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
15. Saint Boniface Cathedral
A Roman Catholic basilica - Saint Boniface Cathedral was built in 1972, in Winnipeg, Canada. This basilica is one of the most prominent buildings in the city, and also the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Saint Boniface’s principal church. It served both the Franco-Manitoban community and Manitoba province. Nestled in the heart of Winnipeg, the church sits opposite the Red River. It boasts a multi-story limestone structure, round-arched windows, Corinthian columns, and a Greek cross, among other beautiful elements.
Saint Boniface Cathedral
Address: 180 Avenue de la Cathedrale, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0H7, Canada
Website: Saint Boniface Cathedral
16. 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
17. 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
18. 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
19. 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
20. 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
21. 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
22. 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
23. 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
24. 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
25. 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.