The 14 things to do in Winnipeg

What if we were to discover the capital of Manitoba in Canada? Here are the 14 things to do in Winnipeg.

The city of Winnipeg is often unfairly neglected by tourists visiting Canada. Yet, it has an unmatched rate of sunshine by other Canadian cities! But what is there to see and do in Winnipeg, you may ask? The answer and simple: a thousand and one things.

First, Canada’s seventh city is renowned for its cultural dynamism. All arts are celebrated in Winnipeg and you will find many events to attend during your stay. In addition, nature is at hand and infiltrates even in the city, which offers beautiful and relaxing parks.

If winters are harsh in Winnipeg, the city can warm up its visitors by offering them good food and human warmth. The host of Winnipeg is full of activities for families, which delight both young and old. In short, you will not be bored in Winnipeg, and here is a look at the various things to do to prove it to you.

1. Walking around The Forks

The Forks district, called La Fourche in French, is somehow the epicentre of the city and its vibrant heart. This attractive historic district welcomes no less than 4 million visitors per year.

It must be said that it has been several thousand years since The Forks is a dynamic economic centre. Today, it also concentrates local life, including shops, entertainment and restaurants in the city. You will also enjoy yourself in the aisles of the uncontournable Fork’s Market, a covered market entirely dedicated to gourmets.

2. Visit a museum

As mentioned in the introduction, the cultural life of the city is worth a visit. It includes museums, and we can only advise you to visit them during your trip to Winnipeg. Indeed, some, like the new Museum for Human Rights, are almost unique in the world.

We also recommend the Manitoba Museum, which mixes planetarium, region history and natural sciences. Art lovers will enjoy the Winnipeg Art Gallery, whose collections celebrate Aboriginal art. As for children, they will enjoy the Manitoba Children’s Museum, which is fully dedicated to them. Finally, you can breathe fresh air and observe nature at the Living Prairie Museum.

3. Explore the Exchange District

Winnipeg does nothing like the others! Thus, the historical district of the Stock Exchange is now one of the most important sectors trendy City. Indeed, former warehouses converted to shops, restaurants and galleries have instilled a second youth.

The neighbourhood is also very vibrant from a cultural point of view and houses various showrooms, gathered in the Manitoba Centennial Centre. As for the Old Market Square, the former market place, it regularly hosts shows and festivals. In addition, the square is also the best place for shopping in Winnipeg, thanks to its many shops.

4. See a concert

Among the things to do to visit Winnipeg, the live show rises to the top of the list, and especially the concerts. Indeed, the capital of Manitoba is also the city of Neil Young ! Moreover, the folk spirit, blues and rock blends perfectly with the city’s disappointing industrial charm.

To see a concert in Winnipeg, you will only have the embarrassment of choice. They are indeed numerous in the bars of The Forks and dd the Exchange District. In addition, the famous Corydon Avenue hosts free outdoor concerts every weekend at the beautiful season.

5. See a game from Winnipeg Jets

To visit Winnipeg, what more typically Canadian than to see a hockey game? Real local emblem, Winnipeg Jets are a well-known team in the National League of North American Hockey. Consider consulting the game program and booking your seats in advance, as they are very requested.

6. Participate in a festival

In Winnipeg, culture is also able to push the walls of large institutions to become a host of festivals. Throughout the year, the city is animating at their pace. We recommend you in particular francophone and winter Traveler Festival , which offers every year a rich program of activities. Sled dog, giant slide, ice sculpture or beans soup contest: you'll have a warm winter in Winnipeg!

7. See a show at Manitoba Centennial Centre

If you're still looking for proof that Winnipeg is a great place of culture, the Manitoba Centennial Centre will convince you that. Indeed, it is a mini district entirely dedicated to the arts and culture, located east of the Exchange District.

It includes the Centennial Concert Hall, the Manitoba Museum, the Royal Theatre, a production centre, an exhibition space... You will therefore have no trouble seeing a performance, a concert or a play. But the neighbourhood is also one of the visits to Winnipeg for urban planning enthusiasts, as it is the result of an interesting rehabilitation project.

8. Testing restaurants

Did you know that Winnipeg is the culinary capital of Canada? The gastronomic scene is particularly rich, diverse, and dynamic. Everywhere in the city, restaurants are slimming and you will easily find a table to your taste. Forget the maple syrup pancakes: the world’s cuisines are widely represented in Winnipeg and each nation has its neighbourhood.

9. Visit the Cathedral of Saint-Boniface

After a few days visiting Winnipeg, a slight evil in the country is felt? Enjoy it to discover Sainte-Boniface, the city's Francophone neighbourhood. In particular, you can visit the amazing cathedral of the same name. Its imposing façade is today an empty shell, since a terrible fire ravaged it in 1968. But the clouds that we see through the blunt hole left by the old rosace only add to its charm!

By leaving Sainte-Boniface, do not miss the spectacular bridge of the Riel Esplanade , who ticks his canvas by shaking the river.

10. Walking along the Red River

In Winnipeg, nature is often invited to the city, particularly along its three rivers. The banks of the main river, the Red River, are particularly suitable for the walk, as surrounded by several parks. You will particularly enjoy Fort Douglas Park, near the Manitoba Centennial Centre, and Whittier Park, which faces it.

In addition, if you visit Winnipeg in the middle of winter, the Red River can offer you the most exciting activity to do in Canada. Indeed, when it covers a thick ice coat, the locals are rushing to ice skating!

11. Flâner au zoo-parc Assiniboine

Located west of the city, Assiniboine Park is the oldest park in the city and offers more than 400 hectares of greenery. For those who want more, it gives directly to a large natural reserve. But the park itself is full of points of interest, such as its pretty English garden and sculpture garden.

In addition, it houses a large zoo where you can admire many northern and polar animals, an ideal activity if you visit the city with your family!

12. Visit Legislative building

The Legislative Palace is one of the most impressive monuments in Winnipeg, and therefore a must for tourists. But don't stop at its imposing façade.

Indeed, the building opens its doors to visitors, to whom it offers exciting guided tours. It reveals the secrets of its architecture while recounting the rich history and functioning of this major institution.

13. Aerate to FortWhyte Alive

Located just off the edge of the city, FortWhyte Alive will give you the impression of being in the middle of nature. Indeed, around its lakes, this nature reserve is home to a rich fauna, including many bison. There are many activities in the area: walking, canoeing, ice fishing or skating, without forgetting, of course, animal observation.

14. Relax at the Nordic spa

You will understand, in Winnipeg, we can get the best out of polar temperatures and winter activities are not missing. If you prefer to relax in sports, we recommend visiting Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature.

Between open air Nordic baths, saunas and wood fire in the snow, you will experience a relaxing and relaxing experience. And to enjoy it longer, know that the place also offers accommodation, as well as a good restaurant.

How to get to Winnipeg?

The Winnipeg International Airport is served by eight different companies from several North and Central American countries. Unfortunately, there is no direct link from Europe.

However, flights with a stopover in Montreal or Calgary will allow you to reach Winnipeg in a dozen hours from Paris. To find the most convenient flight, we recommend using a Compare flights !

Another option is to reach Winnipeg by train or rent a car from one of the major cities served by France. However, you will have to be patient because distances are very long in Canada. But large Canadian spaces are particularly suited to road . So if you choose to cross the country by car or van, we can only recommend a stop in Winnipeg.

Where to stay in Winnipeg?

To visit Winnipeg and make the most of its entertainment, we recommend staying in the centre. The Forks and the Winnipeg District Exchange are full of accommodations of all kinds.

If you want to get away from the beaten paths, the Francophone neighborhood of Sainte-Boniface can be an excellent option. And if you want to enjoy nature around Winnipeg, it can be more convenient to stay on the edge of the city, for example near Assiniboine Park. Anyway, one Compare hotels you will find the accommodation that suits you in a blink of an eye.

If you want a little more intimate stay, we recommend the rental of one of the charming Airbnb City.

Aside from the most classic tourist tours, Winnipeg still offers a thousand things to do. Summer and winter, it will distract you by a host of activities around nature, culture or local art of living. And to prepare your trip, we recommend listening to the song « Winnipeg » by Julien Doré and The Bash.