Welcome to Winnipeg, the vibrant and culturally rich capital of Manitoba. This city is a stunning surprise in the heart of the Canadian prairies, known for its arts scene, deep history, and incredibly friendly locals. It is a place where big-city energy meets small-town charm.
Get ready to explore a destination that truly packs a punch. We are diving into the absolute best things to do in Winnipeg. This guide is your insider’s key to unlocking a memorable adventure. Let us jump right in and discover the magic of this gateway to the west.
1. Journey to The Forks – Best Overall & For First-Time Visitors
You simply cannot visit Winnipeg without spending a day at The Forks. This is the city’s living room, a historic meeting place at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. For over 6,000 years, people have gathered here, and the energy is still absolutely electric.
The Forks Market is a feast for the senses. Inside the restored horse stables, you will find a dizzying array of food vendors. You can grab everything from a fresh, vegan-friendly salad bowl to a juicy, locally sourced burger.
Then, head upstairs to the rooftop for a stunning view of the rivers and the city skyline. In the winter, the river trails become the world’s longest skating path. Exploring The Forks is the number one thing to do in Winnipeg for a perfect mix of history, food, and fun.
2. Explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Best For a Powerful & Inspiring Experience
Prepare to be moved. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is an architectural marvel and a national treasure. Its soaring structure, filled with light and sweeping ramps, is a symbol of hope and reflection. This is more than a museum; it is a journey.
The exhibits inside are thoughtfully designed and deeply impactful. They guide you through the history of human rights struggles and triumphs from around the world. The stories are powerful, and the visuals are unforgettable.
A visit here is one of the most essential Winnipeg activities for any thoughtful traveler. It is an experience that will stay with you long after you leave. The view from the Tower of Hope is breathtaking, offering a peaceful perspective over the entire city.
3. Get Wild at Assiniboine Park and Zoo – Best For Families & Animal Lovers
Assiniboine Park is Winnipeg’s beautiful backyard, and it is a total gem. This massive park is home to gorgeous gardens, sprawling lawns, and one of Canada’s best zoos. You can easily spend a whole day here and still not see everything.
The Assiniboine Park Zoo is a world-class facility. The Journey to Churchill exhibit is a standout, letting you see polar bears, seals, and muskoxen in habitats that mimic the Canadian North. Watching the polar bears swim overhead in the underwater viewing tunnel is a genuine thrill.
With a fantastic playground and the beautiful Leo Mol Sculpture Garden nearby, this is a top pick for fun things to do in Winnipeg with kids. It is a perfect blend of nature, art, and wildlife.
4. Discover the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada – Best For Plane Enthusiasts
Get ready for takeoff at the stunning new Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. Located right at the Winnipeg airport, this state-of-the-art facility tells the thrilling story of flight in the region. The building itself, with its winged roof, is a sight to behold.
Inside, you will find over 20 beautifully restored aircraft. You can walk right up to a massive DC-3 and imagine the stories it could tell. The exhibits are incredibly hands-on, making it a hit with visitors of all ages.
This museum is one of the coolest Winnipeg attractions for anyone fascinated by history and innovation. It is a soaring tribute to the pilots and engineers who connected the vast Canadian landscape.
5. Catch a Winnipeg Jets Game – Best For Feeling the City’s Energy
Want to feel the true pulse of Winnipeg? Get tickets to a Winnipeg Jets game at the Canada Life Centre. The city is absolutely nuts about its NHL team, and the atmosphere inside the arena is nothing short of electric.
From the roaring crowd to the blast of the goal horn, the entire experience is a total adrenaline rush. Even if you are not a die-hard hockey fan, the energy is contagious. It is a quintessential Canadian experience and one of the most exciting things to do in Winnipeg.
Wearing a Jets jersey and cheering with the locals is a memory you will not soon forget. Be sure to check the schedule and book your tickets well in advance, as they often sell out.
6. Stroll Through the Exchange District – Best For Architecture & Culture
Step back in time with a walk through the Exchange District National Historic Site. This 20-block area is a treasure trove of well-preserved early 20th-century architecture. The terra-cotta and stone buildings house a vibrant community of art galleries, theaters, and unique shops.
The district has a cool, bohemian vibe that feels a bit like a movie set. In fact, it often is, frequently standing in for early 1900s Chicago or New York in films. You can pop into independent boutiques, see a live play, or simply admire the stunning brickwork.
Exploring the Exchange District is a must-do for your Winnipeg travel itinerary if you love culture and history. It is a living, breathing piece of the city’s storied past.
7. Learn at the Manitoba Museum – Best For a Deep Dive into Local History
For a fantastic overview of the region’s natural and human history, the Manitoba Museum is the place to go. This is not a stuffy old museum; it is an immersive adventure that brings the past to life in the most engaging ways.
The star attraction is the Urban Gallery, which recreates a 1920s Winnipeg street down to the last detail. You can also walk through a full-size replica of a Hudson’s Bay Company ship and explore a planetarium. The dioramas in the Earth History Gallery are incredibly lifelike.
It is one of the best Winnipeg activities for a rainy day or for anyone curious about how this province came to be. You will leave with a much deeper understanding of the land and its people.
8. Enjoy the Outdoors at FortWhyte Alive – Best For Nature & Bison Spotting
If you are craving wide-open spaces and wildlife, make your way to FortWhyte Alive. This 660-acre nature center is dedicated to sustainable living and environmental education. It is a beautiful, peaceful escape right within the city limits.
The highlight for many visitors is the herd of majestic plains bison. Seeing these iconic animals roam is a powerful sight. You can also walk the interpretive trails, explore the lakes by canoe, or even try your hand at fishing.
FortWhyte Alive offers a fantastic list of things to do in Winnipeg for outdoor lovers. It is a place where you can truly connect with the natural prairie landscape that defines this part of Canada.
9. See Art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) – Best For Inuit Art & Collections
The Winnipeg Art Gallery, or the WAG, is a cornerstone of the city’s cultural scene. Its stunning new building, Qaumajuq, is a architectural masterpiece that houses the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world.
The experience of walking through the luminous vault, surrounded by thousands of stone carvings, is simply awe-inspiring. The connection to the North is profound and beautifully presented. The WAG also features a strong collection of Canadian and European art.
A visit here is one of the most culturally rich Winnipeg activities available. It is a world-class gallery that shines a spotlight on stories and artistry that you will not find anywhere else.
10. Experience the Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature – Best For Ultimate Relaxation
After all that exploring, you have earned some serious relaxation. Thermëa is an outdoor Nordic spa located right in the city. It is a sanctuary of calm where you can unwind and recharge in a beautiful natural setting.
The thermal cycle is the way to go. You will move between hot pools, steam rooms, and refreshing cold plunges. Then, you can relax in a tranquil lounge or by a crackling fire. The experience is incredibly soothing for both body and mind.
This is one of those perfect Winnipeg attractions for a romantic outing or a solo treat. It is the ultimate way to cap off your adventures and feel completely rejuvenated.
11. Walk Across the Esplanade Riel – Best For an Iconic Photo & View
Connecting downtown Winnipeg to the French Quarter of St. Boniface is the Esplanade Riel, a stunning pedestrian footbridge. This is the only bridge in North America with a restaurant (currently closed) on its span, making it a true architectural icon.
The walk across offers a fantastic, panoramic view of the city skyline, The Forks, and the rivers. It is the perfect spot to snap that classic Winnipeg photo, especially at sunset when the light is just right.
Crossing the Esplanade Riel is a simple but essential thing to do in Winnipeg. It is a short walk that delivers a big visual payoff and connects you to two vibrant parts of the city.
12. Cheer at a Winnipeg Blue Bombers Game – Best For a Classic Canadian Football Game
For a truly local sports experience, join the roar of the crowd at a Winnipeg Blue Bombers Canadian Football League (CFL) game. The atmosphere at IG Field is legendary, known for being one of the loudest and most passionate in the country.
CFL football is a fast-paced, high-scoring game with its own unique set of rules. The energy in the stadium is infectious, from the pre-game tailgating to the final whistle. It is a fantastic, family-friendly way to spend a summer or fall evening.
Attending a Bombers game is a beloved Winnipeg must-do. You will be cheering and high-fiving strangers in no time, feeling like a true Winnipegger.
Conclusion
So there you have it. Your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Winnipeg. This city is a captivating blend of powerful history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
From the soaring architecture of the human rights museum to the quiet beauty of a river walk, there is an experience here for every traveler.
Now it is your turn. Look over this list, pick your favorites, and start mapping out your journey. Winnipeg is waiting to welcome you with open arms and unforgettable memories. Do not wait another moment. Your prairie adventure is calling.