Discover Winnipeg

Your complete guide to this amazing destination

Discover the best things to do in Winnipeg, Canada with our 2025 travel guide. Explore top attractions and plan your Winnipeg itinerary today!

Discovery Insights

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Local Insider Secrets

1

Visit The Forks on Tuesdays at 8:30 AM to avoid the weekend crowds. Enter through the west entrance near the Johnston Terminal for a quieter experience.

2

Use the Winnipeg Transit app to plan your routes and purchase a Peggo card for discounted fares. Always signal clearly when you want the bus to stop.

3

A realistic budget for 3 days in Winnipeg is around $450 CAD. This includes $150 for accommodation, $120 for food, $60 for transport, $100 for attractions, and $20 for miscellaneous expenses.

4

Visit the Wolseley Farmers' Market on Sunday mornings for local produce, crafts, and baked goods. Bargain politely, especially towards the end of the market.

5

Avoid the chain restaurants in the main tourist areas. Instead, try local favorites like Clementine Cafe for breakfast or Shawarma Khan for Middle Eastern cuisine. Clementine Cafe is located at 123 Princess St, and Shawarma Khan is at 1 Forks Market Rd.

6

Attend the Festival du Voyageur in February for a celebration of French-Canadian culture. Be aware that accommodation prices may increase during this time, so book in advance.

Dining & Food

Best Cafes

Forth Cafe,Little Sister Coffee Maker,Parlour Coffee

Top Restaurants

Deer + Almond,RAW:almond,Clementine Cafe

Food Markets

The Forks Market,Wolseley Farmers' Market

6 Photo Spots

1

The Forks National Historic Site

Iconic shots of the river junction and the historic buildings.

2

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

The striking architecture of the museum itself.

3

Assiniboine Park

The polar bears at the zoo and the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden.

4

Royal Canadian Mint

The impressive coin-making machinery.

5

Manitoba Museum

The full-size replica of the Nonsuch ship.

6

Exchange District National Historic Site

The historic buildings and streetscapes.

Budget Breakdown

Free Activities

  • Walking tour of the Exchange District
  • Exploring The Forks
  • Visiting Assiniboine Park (excluding the zoo)

Budget-Friendly

  • Winnipeg Transit day pass ($10)
  • Lunch at Stella's Cafe ($15)
  • Manitoba Museum visit ($20)

Splurge-Worthy

  • Dinner at Deer + Almond ($75)
  • Thermal experience at Thermëa ($85)
  • Stay at the Fort Garry Hotel ($300/night)

Quick Facts

Total Attractions: 12

Free Activities: 3

Average Time per Attraction: 30–60 minutes

Walking Friendly: Yes

Public Transport Quality: Good

Complete Winnipeg Guide

1

The Forks National Historic Site

Moderate 2-3 hours

The Forks is a historic meeting place at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. It's been a hub for over 6,000 years! Today, you'll find shop...

Visit the Johnston Terminal for unique artisan shops....
2

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Moderate 2-3 hours

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a national museum dedicated to exploring the subject of human rights. Its architecture is stunning, and the ex...

Book your tickets online in advance to avoid queues....
3

Assiniboine Park

Moderate 2-3 hours

Assiniboine Park is a large urban park with a variety of attractions, including a zoo, a sculpture garden, and beautiful gardens. It's a great place f...

Check the park's event calendar for festivals and concerts....
4

Royal Canadian Mint

Moderate 2-3 hours

The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg produces all of Canada's circulation coins. You can take a tour and see how coins are made. It’s surprisingly inte...

Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season....
5

Manitoba Museum

Moderate 2-3 hours

The Manitoba Museum showcases the history and science of Manitoba. It features a planetarium and a science gallery, as well as impressive historical e...

Allow extra time for the planetarium show....

The Forks National Historic Site

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Forks is a historic meeting place at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. It's been a hub for over 6,000 years! Today, you'll find shops, restaurants, and attractions. It’s one of the best things to do in Winnipeg, whether you're a tourist or a local. I found the atmosphere vibrant and inclusive, a place where history meets contemporary culture.

Insider Tip

Visit the Johnston Terminal for unique artisan shops.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in downtown Winnipeg, easily accessible by car, bus, or walking.
Opening Hours: Open year-round, with varying hours for different attractions and shops.
Cost: Free to enter the site; individual attractions may have admission fees.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a national museum dedicated to exploring the subject of human rights. Its architecture is stunning, and the exhibits are thought-provoking. It's an emotional experience, but a very important one. What to do in Winnipeg? This museum should be high on your list. Be prepared to spend several hours here.

Insider Tip

Book your tickets online in advance to avoid queues.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located near The Forks, accessible by car or public transport.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, closed Mondays.
Cost: $22 for adults, discounts for students and seniors.

Assiniboine Park

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Assiniboine Park is a large urban park with a variety of attractions, including a zoo, a sculpture garden, and beautiful gardens. It's a great place for a walk, a picnic, or just relaxing. The Assiniboine Park Zoo is particularly popular. I think it's a must-see place in Winnipeg if you want some outdoor time. The park also hosts many events throughout the year.

Insider Tip

Check the park's event calendar for festivals and concerts.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in the west end of Winnipeg, accessible by car or bus.
Opening Hours: Park is open year-round; zoo hours vary.
Cost: Free to enter the park; zoo admission fees apply.

Royal Canadian Mint

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg produces all of Canada's circulation coins. You can take a tour and see how coins are made. It’s surprisingly interesting! You can even strike your own coin. Perhaps a bit niche, but it’s definitely one of the more unique things to do in Winnipeg.

Insider Tip

Book your tour in advance, especially during peak season.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in southeast Winnipeg, accessible by car or bus.
Opening Hours: Varies; check the website for tour times.
Cost: $8 per adult for a tour.

Manitoba Museum

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Manitoba Museum showcases the history and science of Manitoba. It features a planetarium and a science gallery, as well as impressive historical exhibits. There's something for everyone here. For those wondering what to do in Winnipeg with kids, this is a solid choice. I found the Nonsuch Gallery particularly captivating.

Insider Tip

Allow extra time for the planetarium show.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in downtown Winnipeg, accessible by car or public transport.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Cost: $20 for adults, discounts for students and seniors.

Exchange District National Historic Site

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Exchange District is a beautifully preserved historic area with early 20th-century architecture. It’s full of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Explore Winnipeg's unique architecture here. It's a great place to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. The area comes alive at night with many bars and restaurants.

Insider Tip

Take a guided walking tour to learn about the area's history.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in downtown Winnipeg, easily accessible by car, bus, or walking.
Opening Hours: Open year-round; hours vary for individual businesses.
Cost: Free to walk around; costs vary for shops and restaurants.

Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Thermëa is a spa offering a range of thermal experiences, including saunas, steam rooms, and outdoor pools. It's a relaxing escape from the city. It's the kind of place you might linger longer than expected. A perfect way to unwind. Some say it's one of the best things to do in Winnipeg for relaxation.

Insider Tip

Book your treatments and entry in advance, especially on weekends.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in south Winnipeg, accessible by car.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
Cost: $85 per person for thermal experience.

Osborne Village

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Osborne Village is a vibrant neighborhood with boutiques, restaurants, and bars. It has a bohemian vibe and is a great place to explore. It's known for its independent shops and live music venues. If you're looking for a place with character, this is it. The best things to do in Winnipeg often involve exploring its unique neighborhoods.

Insider Tip

Check out the local music scene at the Park Theatre.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located south of downtown Winnipeg, accessible by car, bus, or walking.
Opening Hours: Varies for individual businesses.
Cost: Free to walk around; costs vary for shops and restaurants.

Forth Cafe

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Forth Cafe is a popular spot known for its specialty coffee and delicious brunch menu. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with exposed brick and large windows. It's a great place to relax and enjoy a coffee or a meal. Their signature dish is the 'Forth Benedict' which features house-made hollandaise and local ingredients. Expect to pay around $15-25 for brunch. It embodies the local food culture.

Insider Tip

Try the 'Forth Benedict' for a unique brunch experience.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in the Exchange District, accessible by car or public transport.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.
Cost: $15-25 per person.

Stella's Cafe & Bakery

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Stella's is a Winnipeg institution, known for its hearty breakfasts, homemade breads, and comforting meals. It's a local favorite and a great place to experience Winnipeg's food scene. The ambiance is casual and friendly, perfect for a relaxed meal. Their perogies are a must-try, a classic comfort food. Expect to pay around $10-20 for a meal.

Insider Tip

Try the perogies for a classic Winnipeg experience.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Multiple locations throughout Winnipeg, accessible by car or public transport.
Opening Hours: Varies by location.
Cost: $10-20 per person.

Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) is home to an extensive collection of Inuit art. The new Qaumajuq wing is especially impressive. It's a cultural highlight and a must-see for art lovers. I found the Inuit art collection to be truly remarkable. Plan to spend at least 2-3 hours here to fully appreciate the collection.

Insider Tip

Explore the rooftop sculpture garden for panoramic city views.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in downtown Winnipeg, accessible by car or public transport.
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, closed Mondays.
Cost: $18 for adults, discounts for students and seniors.

Deer + Almond

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Deer + Almond offers a unique dining experience with its innovative and artistic dishes. Chef Mandel Hitzer creates flavorful and visually stunning plates using local and seasonal ingredients. It's a popular spot for foodies and those looking for a memorable meal. The tasting menu is highly recommended. Expect to pay around $50-75 per person for dinner.

Insider Tip

Make a reservation well in advance, especially for the tasting menu.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in the Exchange District, accessible by car or public transport.
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Tuesday to Saturday.
Cost: $50-75 per person.

Getting Around

Winnipeg has a decent public transportation system, with buses covering most of the city. The Winnipeg Transit app is useful for planning your routes and checking schedules. Consider purchasing a day pass if you plan to use public transit extensively. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are also available, providing convenient options for getting around. For those who prefer cycling, Winnipeg has a growing network of bike lanes and paths. Several bike rental shops are located throughout the city. Walking is also a great way to explore the downtown area and some of the neighborhoods. However, keep in mind that Winnipeg can be quite spread out, so walking may not be feasible for all destinations. If you're planning to explore areas outside of Winnipeg, renting a car is recommended. This will give you the flexibility to visit attractions like Birds Hill Provincial Park or explore the surrounding countryside.

Transportation Tips:

  • Check local transport apps for real-time updates
  • Consider day passes for multiple journeys
  • Download offline maps before exploring
  • Ask locals for the best routes and shortcuts

Where to Stay

Downtown Winnipeg offers a variety of hotels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury accommodations. Staying downtown puts you within walking distance of many attractions, including The Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the Exchange District. The Fort Garry Hotel is a historic landmark and a popular choice for those seeking a luxurious experience. Osborne Village is another great area to stay, with a more bohemian and eclectic vibe. You'll find a mix of boutique hotels and guesthouses in this neighborhood. Osborne Village is known for its independent shops, restaurants, and bars. For a quieter experience, consider staying in the St. Boniface area, which offers a mix of hotels and bed and breakfasts. If you're looking for budget-friendly accommodations, you can find several options near the airport or in the outskirts of the city. However, keep in mind that you'll likely need to rely on public transportation or a car to get around.

Accommodation Tips:

  • Book early for better rates and availability
  • Consider location vs price when choosing areas
  • Check transport links to major attractions
  • Read recent reviews for the most current information

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Winnipeg is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and sunny. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. Summer is also the peak season for festivals and events. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) can also be pleasant times to visit, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, be prepared for occasional rain and cooler evenings. Winter (November to March) can be extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C (-4°F). However, if you enjoy winter activities like skating, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, Winnipeg can be a magical place to visit during the winter months. Keep in mind that Winnipeg is known for its extreme temperatures, so be sure to pack accordingly. In the summer, bring light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. In the winter, dress in layers and wear warm boots, gloves, and a hat.

Seasonal Highlights:

  • Check local events and festivals
  • Consider weather patterns for outdoor activities
  • Book accommodations early during peak seasons
  • Off-season visits often offer better value

When is the best time to visit Winnipeg?

The best time to visit Winnipeg is The best time to visit Winnipeg is during the summer months (June to August), when the weather is warm and sunny. Temperatures typically range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), making it ideal for outdoor activities. Summer is also the peak season for festivals and events. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) can also be pleasant times to visit, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds. However, be prepared for occasional rain and cooler evenings. Winter (November to March) can be extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C (-4°F). However, if you enjoy winter activities like skating, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing, Winnipeg can be a magical place to visit during the winter months. Keep in mind that Winnipeg is known for its extreme temperatures, so be sure to pack accordingly. In the summer, bring light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. In the winter, dress in layers and wear warm boots, gloves, and a hat.. This period offers ideal weather conditions and optimal experiences for most attractions and activities.

How many days should I spend in Winnipeg?

We recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Winnipeg to see the main attractions. For a more comprehensive experience, 5-7 days allows you to explore hidden gems and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

What are the must-see attractions in Winnipeg?

The top attractions include The Forks National Historic Site, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Assiniboine Park. These represent the essence of Winnipeg and should not be missed during your visit.

Is Winnipeg suitable for budget travelers?

Yes, Winnipeg offers options for budget travelers. Many attractions are free or low-cost, and there are affordable dining and accommodation options available throughout the city.

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