Discover Things To Do In Winnipeg For Arts, Culture, Outdoor Adventures, Festivals, And Local Eats

A scenic view of popular attractions highlighting top things to do in Winnipeg.

This one-stop list of the 10 incredible things to do in Winnipeg is your perfect guide to exploring the heart of Manitoba. Known for its vibrant arts scene, rich indigenous culture, and historic charm, Winnipeg offers experiences that are as diverse as its people. Whether you’re drawn to architectural marvels, immersive museums, or tranquil natural escapes, this prairie city delivers on all fronts. From the iconic Forks to fascinating neighbourhoods, every stop unveils something special.

10 Incredible Things To Do In Winnipeg

Experience the best of culture and charm with these 10 best things to do in Winnipeg.

1. Visit The Forks To Experience Winnipeg’s Cultural Heartbeat

Visitors exploring The Forks Market, one of the top things to do in Winnipeg.

Photo: Ccyyrree / Wikimedia Commons

The Forks is a bustling hub where contemporary culture and Winnipeg’s past meet. Beyond its bustling market, visitors can explore the Agowiidiwinan Centre, which offers insights into indigenous histories and treaties. The site also features the iconic Winnipeg Sign, a popular photo spot. There are several seasonal activities, such as winter skating on the Red and Assiniboine Rivers and summer festivals.

Location: 1 Forks Market Road
Best Hotels To Stay: The Fort Garry Hotel

2. Visit The Canadian Museum For Human Rights

Modern glass architecture of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights with the entrance plaza.

Photo: Robert Linsdell / Wikimedia Commons

This architectural marvel invites visitors to engage with stories of human rights from around the world. The museum’s design, featuring alabaster ramps and the Tower of Hope, symbolises the journey from darkness to light. Exhibits cover a range of topics, from Indigenous rights to global human rights movements. Multimedia presentations and interactive displays improve the educational process. In order to guarantee that there is always something fresh to explore, the museum also holds temporary exhibitions.

Location: 85 Israel Asper Way
Best Restaurants To Visit: ERA Bistro
Best Hotels To Stay: Inn at the Forks

3. Relax And Rejuvenate At Assiniboine Park

Things to do in Winnipeg include picnicking, biking, and enjoying flower gardens and sculptures in Assiniboine Park.

Photo: Shahnoor Habib Munmun / Wikimedia Commons

Assiniboine Park offers a serene escape with its beautifully landscaped gardens, walking trails, and cultural attractions. The park is home to The Leaf, a horticultural attraction featuring diverse plant biomes. Children can enjoy the Nature Playground, designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Pavilion Art Galleries, showcasing local and national artists. Seasonal events, such as outdoor concerts at the Lyric Theatre, add to the park’s appeal. Visiting this park is also one of the most recommended things to do in Winnipeg in winter.

Location: 55 Pavilion Crescent
Best Restaurants To Visit: Park Café.
Best Hotels To Stay: The Viscount Gort Hotel

4. Step Back In Time In The Exchange District

Historic brick houses in Winnipeg’s heritage-rich Exchange District.

Photo: Wpg guy / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Exchange District, also referred to as the “Chicago of the North,” is a historically and architecturally rich area. The area boasts over 150 heritage buildings, reflecting early 20th-century architectural styles. It’s a hub for arts and culture, housing numerous galleries, studios, and theatres. The district hosts events such as the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival and the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival. Guided walking tours offer deeper insights into the area’s storied past.

Location: Downtown Winnipeg
Best Restaurants To Visit: Peasant Cookery
Best Hotels To Stay: The Mere Hotel

5. Travel Back In Time At The Manitoba Museum

Visiting exhibits featuring Indigenous history, natural wonders, and a full-scale 17th-century ship, one of the things to do in Winnipeg.

Photo: ajbatac / Wikimedia Commons

The Manitoba Museum offers an immersive exploration of the province’s rich tapestry of human and natural history. Visitors can traverse nine permanent galleries, each meticulously curated to showcase Manitoba’s diverse ecosystems, from the Arctic tundra to the prairie grasslands. The museum’s Planetarium presents captivating astronomical shows, while the Science Gallery provides interactive exhibits that engage the minds of all ages. Special exhibitions rotate throughout the year, ensuring fresh content for repeat visitors.

Location: 190 Rupert Avenue
Best Restaurants To Visit: The Mitchell Block
Best Hotels To Stay: The Fairmont Winnipeg

6. Witness Coin Production At The Royal Canadian Mint

Watching modern coin-making machines in action at the Royal Canadian Mint, one of the top things to do in Winnipeg.

Photo: Ryancormack / Wikimedia Commons

An exceptional opportunity to observe the complex coin-making process is provided by the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg. Visitors can embark on a 45-minute guided tour, observing the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility from an observation deck. The Mint’s global relevance is demonstrated by the fact that it manufactures coins for several nations outside of Canada. Interactive displays and educational exhibits provide insights into the history and artistry of coinage.

Location: 520 Lagimodière Boulevard
Best Restaurants To Visit: Marion Street Eatery
Best Hotels To Stay: Canad Inns Destination Centre Windsor Park

7. Experience The Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Qaumajuq

Inuit sculptures and contemporary artworks are displayed inside the light-filled Qaumajuq gallery space.

Photo: Matheus Natan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq stands as a beacon of artistic expression, housing the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. Thousands of Inuit sculptures are on display in the gallery’s three-story glass vault, providing a deep connection to Canada’s northern traditions. Rotating shows include both historical and modern pieces, offering a vibrant and always-changing artistic experience. Workshops, artist presentations, and educational events enhance visitors’ comprehension and admiration of the artwork.

Location: 300 Memorial Boulevard
Best Restaurants To Visit: The gallery’s Katita Café
Best Hotels To Stay: Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg

8. Explore Heritage At St. Boniface Cathedral

Things to do in Winnipeg include walking through the open-air stone ruins and garden paths of St. Boniface Cathedral.

Photo: Ken Lund / Wikimedia Commons

St. Boniface Cathedral stands as a testament to Winnipeg’s rich French heritage and religious history. The original structure, built in 1818, has undergone several reconstructions due to fires, with the current building incorporating the façade of the 1908 cathedral. The cathedral is an architectural blend of Romanesque and modern design, featuring Manitoba Tyndall stone and a striking canted roof. Exploring the heritage at this cathedral is among the incredible things to do in Winnipeg, Canada.

Location: 190 Avenue de la Cathédrale
Best Restaurants To Visit: Resto Gare Bistro
Best Hotels To Stay: Norwood Hotel

9. Connect With Nature At FortWhyte Alive

Things to do in Winnipeg include kayaking on lakes, birdwatching, and exploring forest trails at FortWhyte Alive nature reserve

Photo: Suraj Raina / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

FortWhyte Alive offers a serene escape into nature within the city limits of Winnipeg. Spanning 660 acres, the centre features diverse habitats, including forests, lakes, and wetlands, home to a variety of wildlife such as bison, deer, and waterfowl. A family treehouse, floating boardwalks, and more than 9 km of interpretive paths are available for visitors to explore. The Interpretive Centre houses exhibits such as the Aquarium of the Prairies, the Prairie Partners Room, and the Climate Change Greenhouse.

Location: 1961 McCreary Road
Best Restaurants To Visit: The onsite Buffalo Stone Café
Best Hotels To Stay: Best Western Plus Winnipeg West

10. Unwind At Thermëa By Nordik Spa-Nature

Outdoor hot pools and saunas surrounded by nature at Thermëa spa in Winnipeg.

Photo: Photnart / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature provides a tranquil retreat focused on wellness and relaxation through thermotherapy. The spa features a variety of facilities, including four outdoor baths, four distinct saunas, an exfoliation room, and numerous indoor and outdoor rest areas. Guests can experience the thermal cycle, alternating between heat, cold, and rest, to promote overall well-being. Additional offerings include massages, body care treatments, and guided rituals such as the Aufguss ceremony.

Location: 775 Crescent Drive
Best Restaurants To Visit: The onsite Restö offers nutritious meals
Best Hotels To Stay: Holiday Inn Winnipeg South

From immersive cultural experiences to serene natural escapes, things to do in Winnipeg offer a rich blend of history, art, and outdoor adventure. Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks such as The Forks, diving into world-class museums, or relaxing in thermal spas, every corner of this city promises something unique. This vibrant destination isn’t just a place to visit – it’s a place to connect, reflect, and discover. Plan your trip with TripXL today.

Cover Photo: Bob Linsdell / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The Forks Market typically opens daily from 7 AM to 11 PM, though individual vendor hours may vary.
Yes, the museum offers underground paid parking, accessible via Israel Asper Way. Street parking is also available nearby.
Yes, Assiniboine Park allows cycling and scootering on designated paths. Bike rentals are also available within the park during warmer months.
Most visitors spend 2–3 hours exploring all sections of the museum, including the Planetarium and Science Gallery.
Security reasons prohibit photography on the production floor, but photos can be taken in the public areas and the boutique.

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