Best Things To Do In Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg has been one of my mostly traveled to destinations in the last couple of years. It is historically isolated (located in central Canada) and is self-sufficient. Even though it is mostly overlooked by travelers, Winnipeg offers some gems and has somehow convinced over 705k people to call one of the frigid cities in Canada home.

Winnipeggers are unpretentious, fun-loving and super polite.

Bump into a Winnipegger on your way out of the grocery store, and you might walk away with a sincere apology. They are also very creative managing to stay mentally, and physically active through the long, and cold winter months.

What to Explore

Winnipeg has a beautiful little-big town scene. It’s not really a small city, but in many ways, it feels like one. The Red River and the Assiniboine River meet in an area called The Forks. A once abandoned rail yard, The Forks is home to coffee shops, restaurants, museums and an ice skating rink in the winter. It has also been named one of Canada’s National Historic Sites.

The Saint Boniface Cathedral is another historic site located in the heart of the city of Winnipeg across from The Forks. Formerly known as Cathedral City because of the grandeur building, it served as the cornerstone of francophone settlement in Western Canada. A raging fire that took place in 1968 destroyed the cathedral leaving only historical walls as a reminder to its magnificence.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, established in 2008, is the first national museum created in Canada since the late 1960s. It provides a human rights perspective that is not fully exclusive to Canada to enhance, and promote human rights awareness and education.

One of the catchy details about this museum is the architecture – and every bit of it was designed intentionally.

As you enter the museum, it will feel like a dark underground space but, the higher up you go, you’ll notice natural light peeking through the windows and the skylight, representing hope.

If there is one thing you do in Winnipeg, visit this museum. It is educational, inspiring, and leaves you with a sense of hope.

Winnipeg is surrounded by a number of beaches for a quick getaway during its sweltering summer seasons. Grand Beach, a 53 mile drive from the city boasts fine white sand with a lake stretching about 2 miles. Winnipeg Beach provides the most popular provincial park and it is also the closest to the city. It is a great beach to visit if you love people more than solitude. Lake Gimli is about 47 miles out of the city. The lake freezes in the winter season and makes for an adventurous early morning walk.

When to Visit Winnipeg

Winnipeg is one of the coldest cities in Canada (I am talking about below freezing temperatures for over 5 months throughout the year). The ice rinks, hockey games, and ice fishing culture of Winnipeg makes it one of the best travel destinations in the winter. There are so many outdoor and indoor activities including the RAW:almond event that occurs every January, which consists of fine dining on the frozen rivers of Winnipeg.

Just make sure you pack your thickest socks, winter boots, layer up and you will be okay. It is all a remarkable experience.

You’ll find the warmest temperatures from May to September with lots of sunshine. It can get really muggy, so be sure to hydrate.

Nourish Yourself

Winnipeg has a lot of mom & pop restaurants and cafes all over town. I have included a list of some establishments to try during your visit below.

• Clementine (great place for brunch)

• Passero (a tapas inspired Italian restaurant in The Forks)

• Buccacino’s Fresca Italiana (Osborn Village’s hidden gem for all things Italian food)

• Fools and Horses (one of cutest coffee shops in Winnipeg)

• Prairie 360 (a modern Canadian bistro in a revolving space with the city views)

• Chaeban Ice Cream (delicious ice cream from scratch)

• Cibo Waterfront Cafe (offers Mediterranean mains with a view)

Where to Stay

With its rich indigenous culture, and growing food scene, Winnipeg offers top-notch selections of places to stay for its visitors based on their interest. Mere Hotel and Fort Garry Hotel offer both historical and cultural experiences and are priced slightly higher compared to other hotels in Winnipeg. The Inn at Forks provides the best dining and entertainment for foodies and is known for its on-site restaurant – Smith – which is Winnipeggers hearty weekend brunch destination.

Check the slideshow below for an insiders look into the city of Winnipeg.