Winnipeg doesn’t get the love it deserves. It’s a quirky city filled with a ton of great things to do. It’s a nice in-between size, large enough to feel like a big city, but still small enough to be easily manageable by simpletons like me. Winnipeg is home to a thriving arts scene, terrific food, and is the gateway to Churchill Manitoba, making it the perfect place to stop along a cross country VIA Rail trip. Let’s check out the best things to do in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Dine Out
A city settled by immigrants from all walks of life means Winnipeg has some tasty friggen food. From top quality pizza, high end restaurants, dive bars, chill pubs, and breakfast joints to mop up all the fun from last night. This city is a foodies paradise. Check out some of these popular joints:
- Segovia
- Peasant Cookery – Great cocktail menu
- Pizzeria Gusto – Authentic Italian Pie. Not your typical pizza place.
- Carlos & Murphys – Decent selection of beer on tap, amazing Mexican and Mexican-American food.
- Osborne Village Cafe – Tasty breakfast spot. A nice alternative to Stella’s (which I’m also a fan of).
- Stella’s – BREAKFAST
- Clemantine – Also breakfast
- Brochee Brocher – French fusion, good stuff.
- Pizzaria Gusto – Wood Fired pizza
- Cafe Carlo – Casual fine dining
- Segovia – A cute Tapas place near down town
- Sous-Sol – An unlabelled basement hipster place with “Vandalay industries” on the door
- The Roost – Tapas and unique cocktails, very tiny place.
- Pesant Cookery – Classic fench
- Tres Visi
- Peg Beer Co – They serve a bunch of local brews, great atmosphere
- The Mitchell Block – Tasty Prairie fare
- Blind Tiger – A fun take on the prohibition bar
- Corrientes – A good South American style pizza downtown
- Market Burger – Creative burger place. Bit slow but worth it.
Enjoy Local Beers
Fancy trying some local Manitoba beer? The people of the prairies pride themselves on their drinking prowess (say that 3 times fast). You’ll find local beers at just about any larger liquor store. A six pack will run you around $15. Prefer to sample them in draught?
Check out the Common at the Forks. With over 20 beers on top, and several of them from within Manitoba, it’s a great spot to sample local beers, and try out other Canadian craft beer. Don’t forget to visit Barn Hammer, or my personal favourite Half Pints. Their Little Scrapper IPA is one of my go-to’s. Though be careful, the IBV is pretty strong. Once minute you’re fine, the next minute you’re singing Spice Girls in the kitchen, dancing with your dog. No regrets!
There is also Torque which is out near the the airport. They make a nice Red IPA and Belgian Wheat. Though be warned, if you’re hankering for food, eat before you go. There’s no dining available there.
Visit the Exchange District
The Exchange District has a ton of interesting things to see and do in Winnipeg. It’s a bit of a mish mash of trendy hip eateries, cafes. Unlike other parts of Winnipeg, the Exchange District is very walk-able. This is a must visit place between July and August. During the summer months there are a ton of festivals, including Jazz, Electronica, Theatre, and more. It’s sure to be a highlight of any visit location to Winnipeg. Oh! And make sure you stop for coffee or tea at Forth, Thom Bargen and Fools and Horses. With all the walking you’re going to want to plan out some breaks to let your feet rest and to refuel for the rest of the walk.
Visit the Forks
The Forks were traditionally used as a meeting and trading zone by first nations of the area. This crossing of rivers has been a go-to destination for humanity for hundreds of years. While it’s been developed quite a bit these days, it’s extremely centrally located to a ton of great places to check out. Including the Human Rights Museum, the bridge to St Boniface, the French Quarter, and just about all of downtown Winnipeg. During the summer months there’s always something going on, and even on warm winter days you’re sure to see people enjoying this unique part of Winnipeg.
Explore the Museum of Human Rights
It had been a few years since I’d been in Winnipeg, and this museum sprung up out of nowhere. You won’t miss it, it looks a bit like a turtle’s shell, if it had a baby with the future. It’s a pretty wild looking building and the exhibits inside are pretty breathtaking. There’s also a gift shop and restaurant inside if you get thirsty or need to pick up something for home.
Explore The French Quarter
While Quebec and New Brunswick might have the majority of French Canadians, there’s a thriving little french community within Winnipeg. St Boniface deserve an entire afternoon in my opinion, possibly more. Visit Cafe Postal, or pop into Le Croissant. Or check out the Esplanade Riel during the summer for some beautiful views from on top of the funky star trek looking bridge. Don’t forget to visit Promenade Cafe and Wine for french eats and delicious drinks. If you’re into history and old architechture, visit Cathedrale de Saint Boniface. Consider taking a walking tour of St Boniface, it’s worth it!
Discover Metis history at La Musee de Saint-Boniface
The Metis story is an incredibly dramatic one. No place will better explain the trials and tribulations of Louis Riel and the Metis people better than La Musee de Saint-Boniface. With historical artifacts, including Riel’s casket and countless Metis artifacts. It’s a great way to spend an hour or two. Walk next door to the Cathedral and see where Louis Riel is buried, and make sure you grab a photo with Riel’s big head statue. It’s a bit out there but we do it weird in the prairies, what’s it to ya?
Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club
No visit to Winnipeg is complete without spending a night at Times Change(d) High & Lonesome Club. This weird, wild west of a saloon style pub has live music constantly. It’s loud, it’s a dive, but it’s beautiful. You’ll meet some character’s here for sure. Check out their website for upcoming shows. I spent a night drinking and stomping my feet to tunes after taking VIA Rail from Toronto to Winnipeg. After a long leg (40 hours+) of your journey by train, you gotta work those legs out.
Manitoba Museum
A welcome mix of history, nature, a planetarium, a science gallery, all under one roof. It’s a nice place to take the kids for a few hours and let them explore the wonders of Manitoba and the world.
Winnipeg Jets Game
While tickets can be a bit expensive for budget travelers, it’s well worth it in my opinion. The Winnipeg Jets are the comeback kid of the NHL. The franchise was shut down for years, but after a boom to the region and money entering the province, the Jets were resurrected. Since then they’ve been packing the stadium and showcasing some of the best professional hockey in North America.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
Regina has the Riders, and Winnipeg has the Bombers. A rivalry that goes back to a mild mannered insult about banjo playing hillbillies. If you have a chance to see a Bombers game, preferably one against the Riders, you’re going to be in for a treat. Things get loud and rowdy. Remember to pre-game it a bit as drinks can be a bit on the pricey side at the stadium.
Assiniboine Park Zoo
If you’re not brave enough to make it all of the way up to Churchill, you’re in luck. See polar bears, arctic foxes, and more at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. A superb way to spend the afternoon and get a taste of the arctic animals you might see if you’re able to get up to Churchill. Another handy option for families or animal addicts.
Explore the Masonic Symbols at the Winnipeg Legislative
Hands down one of my favourite tours in all of Canada was the Hermetic Code Tour. If you read Angels & Demons, or have any interest in the Free Masons, Secret Societies, symbology, or interesting architecture, the Winnipeg Legislative is a building you have to explore. I think after I went on this tour I became much more aware of the finer details in building. It’s a gentle walk, great for adults, grandparents, or mom and dad’s getting away from their kids for a while.
Downtown Winnipeg Farmer’s Market
Head downtown during the summer and find vendors, artists, baked empanadas, pierogies, preserves, and a ton of tasty treats. The Downtown Farmer’s Market is located in the Sports, Hospitality, and Entertainment District (SHED). Typically runs between June and October. It’s a great place to find a local souvenir.