27 of the Best Things To Do in Winnipeg

Winnipeg might just be Canada’s most underrated city. Tucked into the heart of the prairies, it’s a place where big-sky beauty meets buzzing culture, and where every corner seems to hold a little surprise. One minute you’re wandering through a world-class museum shaped like a giant glass mountain, the next you’re floating down a lazy river or eating your way through a food market that could rival anything in Toronto or Vancouver. The Peg, as the locals proudly call it, has history, creativity, nature, and yes—even polar bears (safely behind glass, of course). Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong Manitoban looking to fall in love with your city all over again, Winnipeg delivers way more than most people expect.

Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or someone visiting the city for the first time, this Winnipeg travel guide will help you discover the best things to do in Winnipeg, Manitoba!

Visit the Forks

If Winnipeg has a heartbeat, it’s The Forks—a gathering place that’s been buzzing with life for over 6,000 years. Once a meeting spot for Indigenous peoples, fur traders, and settlers, today it’s where locals and visitors alike come to eat, shop, play, and soak up the city’s vibe. The Forks Market is the star of the show, with food stalls serving everything from sushi to pierogi, craft beer on tap, and local artisans selling one-of-a-kind finds. Outside, you can stroll the riverwalk, catch live music, or, in winter, lace up your skates and glide along one of the world’s longest skating trails. Whether you’re here for history, culture, a great meal, or just people-watching with a coffee in hand, The Forks is the kind of place you end up visiting more than once—because there’s always something new to discover.

Explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Located right next to the Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is one of the best museums in all of Canada and one of the top Winnipeg attractions. Housed inside the most stunning architecturally beautiful building in the city, this Manitoba museum takes visitors on a journey of inspiration.

The building has been well-thought-out, with the entrance going slightly underground into a place of relative darkness, all the way up until you reach the light-filled Tower of Hope with sweeping views of the city. The only museum in the world solely devoted to human rights awareness and education, it inspires people from across the globe. Multi-sensory exhibits explore human rights concepts with an international scope but through a uniquely Canadian lens.

While the focus is on Canada and our human rights challenges throughout the years, there are also exhibits detailing some of the worst human rights atrocities committed around the globe as well as the inspirational people who’ve made a difference. This uniquely impressive Canadian Museum for Human Rights is certainly one of the top things to see in Winnipeg.

Visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo

Located smack dab inside Winnipeg’s most beautiful park, the Assiniboine Park Zoo provides visitors with the opportunity to interact with animals from all over the globe. Open year-round, with over 80 park-like acres to explore, the Zoo has become one of the top Winnipeg tourist attractions.

One of the most popular animals to see actually comes from the same province. The award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit is home to polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic foxes, wolves and other northern species that can be found in Northern Manitoba.

It is the most comprehensive northern species exhibit of its kind in the world. Watching a polar bear swim by you as you look through the glass has become an iconic symbol of Winnipeg’s Zoo. This is also one of the best Winnipeg attractions for families.

Fun Fact: The polar bear that is housed at the zoo actually came from Churchill after its mother was euthanized for attacking a person. Well, maybe it’s just a fact. Not fun.

Aside from exotic animals from all corners of the globe, Assiniboine Park houses the McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre, which covers 4.7 acres and includes a barn, pastures, paddocks, and a carriage shed. Visitors to the Zoo have the opportunity to experience barn tours and learn about the pioneer era of Manitoba’s history when heavy horsepower was relied on in industries such as agriculture, forestry, mining, and road construction. There are even wagon rides for the young ones.

If you’re keen on a bit more adventure, you can also head into the Canadian wild to see the polar bears and other creatures in their natural habitat on this 5-night polar bear tour from Winnipeg. It’s truly one of the most exciting things to do near Winnipeg.

Bonus Tip: Right next to the park on Portage Avenue is an ice cream shop called Sargent Sundae. It’s one of the most popular ice cream shops in the city and is truly a must-visit if you’re in the area. Try the homemade maple walnut. You’re welcome.

Explore the Leaf

Also located in Assiniboine Park, The Leaf is a spectacular indoor horticultural attraction that takes visitors on a journey through four distinct biomes: the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome, Mediterranean Biome, Babs Asper Display House, and the Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden.

This is one of Winnipeg’s newest attractions and one of the most beautiful. Showcasing the natural diversity of plants in Manitoba and across the globe, you’ll see towering palms, bright flowers, gorgeous succulents, and more. It’s also home to Canada’s largest indoor waterfall, which helps create a humid, warm environment in the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome.

The indoor biomes at The Leaf are open year-round, and you can also explore the 30 acres of public gardens and green spaces that surround this beautiful building. Afterwards, enjoy a drink at the coffee bar, enjoy some locally sourced food at the Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar, or pick up a gift from their retail shops that feature unique, handmade items.

Explore the Assiniboine Park

We’ve already filled you in on the Assiniboine Zoo and The Leaf, both of which are within Assiniboine Park. However, there’s so much more to do!

Sprawling across 1,100 acres, Assiniboine Park is Winnipeg’s backyard playground—and it’s packed with enough attractions to keep you busy for an entire day (or three). Stroll through the English Garden, where perfectly manicured blooms make you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard, take the kids to the massive Nature Playground, or wander the outdoor Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, which mixes art and nature in a seriously charming way. Add in picnic-perfect lawns, winding trails, summer concerts at the Lyric Theatre, and winter skating under twinkling lights, and you’ve got a four-season destination that’s basically Winnipeg’s answer to Central Park—with a prairie twist.

Bonus: Rent a tandem bicycle to explore the park at a faster pace!

Walk the Historical Exchange District

Winnipeg’s Exchange District is one of the most iconic and vibrant neighbourhoods in Winnipeg and is home to some of the coolest historic buildings in Canada, which makes it great for Winnipeg sightseeing. This area will take you back 100 years, with beautiful brick facades and pillars.

Nicknamed the “Chicago of the North”, the Exchange features over 150 heritage buildings that were built between 1880 and 1920. This is also Winnipeg’s cultural hub, with an array of restaurants, coffee shops, galleries, and lifestyle stores, making it one of the top things to do in downtown Winnipeg.

Whether you’re looking to shop around, gaze up at the amazing architecture, or just look for things to do in Winnipeg this weekend, this is a neighbourhood you don’t want to miss. You can even take a guided tour of the historic district if you’re keen on history and want to learn about the beautiful area!

Relax at Thermea Spa

It seems weird to recommend a spa as a top thing to do in a city but Thermëa is so unique. This Nordic-inspired spa brings a bit of Scandinavia to the heart of Winnipeg. Soothe your soul in the various thermal pools, steam rooms, or hot saunas. Let the day go by in a hammock as you swing blissfully beneath the pines. Treat yourself to a massage, sip on some infused water, give yourself a scrub down with mint soap salts, and then do it all over again.

This is one place we never miss when we visit Winnipeg and we tend to spend the better part of an entire day here. We usually start off in the dry sauna before walking under a cold waterfall for a shock to the senses. Then we mellow out in the body temperature pool, before jumping into the orange-peel-infused steam room. This is one of the most fun things to do in Winnipeg for adults and has become one of the most popular Winnipeg activities in general.

Tip: If you’re looking for things for couples to do in Winnipeg, this would be one of our top recommendations.

Learn About the Royal Canadian Mint

Whether it’s the reflective glass building that attracts you or the fact that coins are produced here in 70 different countries, this makes for a really cool Canadian mint tour with an insight into currency production.

Guides show visitors around the area while explaining all sorts of facts about money while also giving you the chance to hold a $600,000 gold bar and look at the beautiful Olympic gold medals that were made for Vancouver 2010. It’s not like you’ll find the Royal Canadian Mint everywhere you go, so if you’re in Winnipeg, this is a cool place to check out.

Enjoy Nature Without Leaving the City at FortWhyte Alive

If you’re looking for a big slice of nature within the city, look no further than FortWhyte Alive, which is home to 640 acres of prairie beauty, making it one of the best parks in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Here you can go sailing, kayaking, or canoeing on the various lakes, admire North America’s largest animal (the bison), or even sip on a locally brewed beer on the restaurant patio.

Even in the winter, you can strap on cross-country skis or snowshoes and get some exercise in a winter wonderland. Whether you’re looking for a quick escape into nature or an all-out fun adventure, FortWhyte Alive is a great place to visit. This is also one of the best free things to do in Winnipeg, Canada.

Visit the Manitoba Museum

Whether you’re looking to catch a Planetarium show on one of the world’s most advanced projection systems or admire the nine permanent galleries, this Winnipeg Museum is a wonderful place to spend the day.

You can learn about the dinosaurs of the Cretaceous Period, the mesmerizing cosmos, or the prairie plains that make up much of Western Canada, all under one roof, making this one of the best indoor activities in Winnipeg.

Join a Hermetic Code Tour at the Manitoba Legislative Building

This is the one thing in Winnipeg that we regret missing. We keep hearing about how amazing it is, but due to its select timing, we weren’t able to make it work. While beautiful in and of itself, it’s the grandiose interior of the legislative building, which is studded with hieroglyphics, Freemasonic symbols and numeric codes that really draw the interest.

The Hermetic Code Tour is a must for anyone with a sense of intrigue and curiosity and will take you on an eye-opening tour through Canada’s finest provincial legislative building. This is one of the more unique Winnipeg attractions for adults as well as one of the cool Winnipeg things to do.

Catch a Sports Game (Hockey, Baseball, Football)

Winnipeg is also a great city for sports lovers. It’s home to an NHL hockey team, a CFL football team, and even a Northern League baseball team. If you’re in the city in the fall, winter, or spring, try and get yourself to a Winnipeg Jets game.

Not only is hockey an incredibly fun sport to watch, but the fans in Winnipeg are some of the best in the league. In fact, despite being one of the smallest franchises in the NHL, they sell more merchandise than almost any other team. The arena is located right in the heart of downtown Winnipeg as well, making it easy to attend.

For those visiting during the summer months, your options will be the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League or the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team. Another option for watching a baseball game is to grab a seat on the patio of Clay Oven, one of the top Winnipeg restaurants for Indian food. This delicious Indian restaurant is located in Shaw Park, where the baseball team plays. So you can sit on their patio, watch the game for free, and enjoy some great food.

For the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, you’ll be watching it from the beautiful IG Arena, which is located within the University of Manitoba.

Admire Art at Winnipeg Art Gallery + Qaumajuq

Located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, WAG + Qaumajuq houses an internationally acclaimed collection of nearly 24,000 works, including the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art.

Critically acclaimed touring shows are also brought in, featuring everything from the Renaissance to Dadaism, to Ancient Greece and the best in contemporary photography.

Also located at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, but totally deserving its own spot in our Things to Do in Winnipeg guide, Qaumajuq is a must-visit.

This $65-million Inuit art centre showcases the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. Famous for both its design and its contents, its striking facade is like a massive snowdrift attached to the WAG’s original angular building. Inside, the galleries pay homage to the stark, expansive beauty of the north.

Laugh Hard at the Great Outdoor Comedy Festival

Get ready to take your summer vibes up a notch at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in Winnipeg, hosted in the gorgeous Assiniboine Park. Imagine lounging under the open sky with iconic headliners like Bert Kreischer, Whitney Cummings, John Mulaney, Jim Gaffigan, and even the Trailer Park Boys. But it’s more than jokes—this festival delivers a true “open-air comedy club” experience with big-stage production, crystal-clear sound, food trucks fueling the laughs, and craft drinks served right to your VIP table or blanket spot. With proceeds supporting local arts groups and park conservation through their Community Fund, you’ll leave feeling lighter, happier, and part of something bigger.

Camp and Party at the Winnipeg Folk Festival

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is one of the most famous folk festivals on the continent, combining a variety of musical talent and camping, all inside a beautiful provincial park located just over an hour from the Winnipeg area. It’s one of the few folk festivals that have the opportunity for camping, which creates a really special musical experience.

Held each summer in Birds Hill Provincial Park,  the festival features a variety of artists and music from around the world, including a number of local artists. The festival exceeds 70,000 people, making it almost the size of Burning Man. You can expect to hear everything from bluegrass, Celtic, and blues to roots, indie-folk, Americana, folk-rock, and French Canadian music.

Get Cultured at the Folklorama

Then there’s Folklorama, one of the largest and longest-running multicultural festivals in the world. This two-week inner-city festival takes place in August and showcases unique cultures in venues throughout Winnipeg, providing lively entertainment, cultural displays, warm hospitality, and authentic ethnic cuisine.

If you’ve ever wanted to travel the world without actually travelling the world, this is the festival to attend. This is one festival we really miss now that we’ve moved back to Calgary. There’s simply nothing like it. From partying the night away with Cuba to watching Irish Dancers take the stage, this is an event you don’t want to miss.

Brush up on Canadian History at Lower Fort Garry

Step back in time just outside Winnipeg at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, where history isn’t just told—it’s lived. This 19th-century Hudson’s Bay Company fort is one of the best-preserved stone fur trade forts in North America, complete with costumed interpreters who bring the era to life. You can wander through sturdy limestone buildings, watch blacksmiths hammer away, and even chat with “traders” about the goods that shaped Canada’s early economy. It’s also the site of the first Treaty signed between the Crown and First Nations, making it a place of huge cultural significance. Whether you’re a history buff, a family looking for interactive fun, or just someone who loves a good time-travel moment, Lower Fort Garry is a must-visit.

Explore Musée de Saint-Boniface (PHS)

Le Musée de Saint-Boniface (PHS) is the oldest building in Winnipeg. Built for the Grey Nuns between 1846 and 1851 as the first convent and hospital in Western Canada, it now serves as a showcase of Métis and French-Canadian history.

The site is in the heart of old Saint-Boniface and is a short walk across the Esplanade Riel from The Forks. The neighbourhood itself is great to explore, but this just adds to it.

Enjoy some Delicious Food

Like most of Canada, Winnipeg is very multicultural, which makes for a wonderful dining scene. Whether you’re looking for Japanese, Indian, Ukrainian, or just a good pizza and beer, there really is something for everyone.

Some places to get started include:

• The Forks: While The Forks isn’t a restaurant itself, it’s home to dozens of places to grab food of all the different kinds. You can enjoy it indoors or outdoors, especially on a hot summer day.
• Dave & LaVerne’s: For homestyle comfort food done right, Dave & LaVerne’s is a Winnipeg gem. It’s the kind of place where the portions are hearty, the atmosphere is welcoming, and every bite tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
• Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar: Located at The Leaf, this is a beautiful restaurant that makes for a great date spot as well. With creative cocktails, locally inspired dishes, and a chic yet cozy vibe, it’s the kind of place that nails both date night and a night out with friends.
• Trans Canada Brewing Company: This popular brewery is a great spot to enjoy delicious, inventive pizzas and a wide variety of fresh beer.
• James Avenue Pumphouse: This is perhaps the coolest location for a restaurant in Winnipeg. Housed in a beautifully restored 1906 water pumping station, this is where history and modern dining collide. Exposed brick, soaring ceilings, and the original industrial machinery set the stage for craft cocktails and a menu full of shareable plates that are as creative as the space itself. It’s not just dinner—it’s a full experience in one of Winnipeg’s coolest historic landmarks.

Visit the Children’s Museum

Located at The Forks in Winnipeg, the Children’s Museum is housed in the oldest surviving train repair facility in Manitoba, featuring 12 permanent galleries that spark creative learning.

Visitors can hop aboard the authentic 1952 diesel locomotive and 1920 Pullman passenger coach. Whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart, you’ll want to stop by and explore this museum.

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

As if Winnipeg didn’t have enough world-class attractions, it goes and opens the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, a stunning new facility at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.

This museum is home to more than 20 aircraft, with 17 exhibits that showcase Western Canada’s history of flight. See artifacts that shaped and connected our land while immersing yourself in inspiring stories of pioneering aviators and heroes.

Visitors can even board several planes and experience state-of-the-art audio-visual displays. There’s an Observation Lounge for real planespotting of the runways.

Learn at the Living Prairie Museum

Did you know that less than 1% of tallgrass prairie remains in North America, making it one of the most endangered habitats in the world? Well, at the Living Prairie Museum, you’ll find 12 hectares of remnant tallgrass prairie as well as the wildlife it attracts, such as grassland birds, mammals, prairie insects, and a diverse assemblage of historically, culturally, and ecologically significant plant life.

Spend some time at the interpretive centre to learn more about this unique landmark and the story of settlement, habitat loss, and conservation. It’s definitely one of the most unique places to visit in Winnipeg.

Riel House National Historic Site

As one of the most famous historical figures in Canadian history, Louis Riel’s family home is a must-visit historical site. Restored to reflect the social, economic, and cultural realities of life for the Lagimodière and Riel families in 1886.

Louis Riel was the leader of the Metis and the founder of Manitoba, leading several rebellions in 1869 and 1884. After being executed in 1885, his body lay in state at Riel House for two days. The house, in the Red River-frame style, is typical of early settler homes in the Manitoba region. Riel’s descendants lived in this house until 1969.

Relax on the Beach

It might seem odd that a city in the middle of Canada would have epic beaches, but that’s one of the unique things about Winnipeg. Surrounded by massive lakes, there’s no shortage of beaches and water activities, but the most popular of them all is Lake Winnipeg.

Located just 100 kilometres north of the city, you’ll find Grand Beach, which is ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the entire country. Not only does the massive lake create waves like the ocean, but you’ll also find dunes that can be up to 12 meters high.

Whether you’re into swimming, lying in the sun, or playing beach volleyball, this is a wonderful way to spend a hot summer day. Another option is Winnipeg Beach, which is only half the distance from Winnipeg

Experience Icelandic Culture

It’s not very often you’ll find a community of Icelandic culture, but Gimli, Manitoba, is one of them! Located just 89 kilometres north of Winnipeg, Gimli is a unique community created by Icelandic settlers and also a beach town, which is perfect on hot summer days. One of the most popular times to visit is during the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba comes to town.

Kildonan Park

If you’re looking to explore a local park, it’s hard to beat Kildonan Park, which features some of the province’s most ancient trees, flower gardens, and a Hänsel and Gretel Witch’s Hut.

Spread out over 99 acres, the park also features 2.7 kilometres of recreation trails, most of which run along the beautiful Red River. It’s an excellent spot for bird watchers and is also home to Canada’s longest-running open-air theatre, an outdoor swimming pool, and a golf course.

Prairie Dog Central Railway

The Prairie Dog Central is a fully restored, steam-powered locomotive offering trips from Winnipeg to Grosse Isle. The train consists of vintage coaches that take you on a 60-75-minute journey, including a stopover before returning to Winnipeg.

Train enthusiasts will absolutely love this little adventure, but it’s also great for families, as they have various themed excursions as well, including train robberies, Halloween events, and more.

Immerse Yourself in History at Fort Gibraltar

Another great spot to learn about history is at the historical Fort Gibraltar, where you’ll be able to get a taste of the life of the voyageurs. It all comes to life thanks to costumed interpreters who take you back into time at this reconstructed 19th-century fort. It’s also a popular spot for weddings!

Where to Stay in Winnipeg

We’ve both lived in Winnipeg and have stayed there as tourists, so we know some of the good spots to go to.

Inn at the Forks: Although one of the pricier options in the city, it’s in the best location. Located just steps from both the Forks and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, there’s no better location to stay in the whole city. It has an on-site bar and restaurant, beautiful rooms, Free WiFi, a spa and health club, and more.

Best Western Plus Pembina: Another great hotel is the Best Western Plus Pembina. This hotel is about 10 minutes outside of downtown, but is practically within walking distance from the incredible Thermea Nordik Spa. Not only does it have all the usual features of a Best Western Plus, but it also has a good free breakfast, wonderful evening snacks, and a pool with a waterslide. They have a free airport shuttle and free on-site parking.

Arrowhead RV Park: If you’re travelling by RV and want to stay somewhere near the city, we’ve personally stayed at Arrowhead RV Park, and it was great in terms of offering full service, laundry, and friendly hosts.

Want more things to do?

As you can see, Winnipeg is an awesome city to visit and explore. But there’s much more to Manitoba and the surrounding area if you’d like to stay longer and see more. Not only is Ontario and Saskatchewan right next door, but there’s also Northern Manitoba, which is one of the best places in the world to see Polar Bears and the Northern Lights in the fall, or Beluga Whales in the summer. There’s no shortage of adventure in Manitoba, Canada.

For more, check out these articles below:

• Things to Do in Manitoba
• Clear Lake, Manitoba
• Things to Do in Ontario
• Things to Do in Saskatchewan
• Things to Do in Regina
• Things to Do in Toronto

Have you been? What would you add?

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