Tourism Winnipeg

Check out the best 10 things to see and do in Winnipeg - no trip is complete without them.

1) The Forks National Historic Site 
www.theforks.com
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/forks

Discover an urban oasis in the heart of Winnipeg. As a historic meeting place, located at the junction of the    Assiniboine and mighty Red River, the Forks is complete with skateboarding park, river walk, shops and green space. Winter, spring, summer or fall, The Forks is must for a stunning array of dining experiences, incomparable shopping, a constantly changing slate of entertainment and events, and many unique attractions that encompass the site’s natural, historic and man-made features.

2) Winnipeg Art Gallery
www.wag.ca

Constructed of Manitoba Tyndall stone, Canada’s oldest public gallery is home to the world’s   
largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art, some of which is always on display. The
Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) boasts a constantly changing exhibition schedule of national and international art, while showcasing the works of Manitoba artists. The gift shop carries unique jewellery, ceramics   and glassware handcrafted by Canadian artists. The bright  and airy Storm Bistro overlooks the rooftop sculpture garden and tables are set outside in summer months. The WAG is located within walking distance of all downtown hotels.

3)  The Exchange District
www.exchangedistrict.org

The Exchange District National Historic Site is one of North America’s most colourful and cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. The 30-block district showcases North America’s most extensive collection of turnof-the-last-century architecture, and is home to the city’s unrivalled arts community. In addition, the Exchange District is a must-stop for anyone looking for one-of-a-kind items by local designers, antiques and vintage furniture.

4)  The Manitoba Museum
www.manitobamuseum.ca

The Manitoba Museum is an award-winning heritage and edutainment centre welcoming thousands of visitors each year. It features an ever-changing variety of touring and specialty exhibits in addition to its Planetarium, Science Gallery and nine spectacular permanent galleries. The museum offers a vivid portrayal of Manitoba's rich and colourful history and is home of one of Canada's most important historical collections:  The Hudson's Bay Company Museum Collection. 

5)  St. Boniface / Winnipeg's French Quarter
www.tourismeriel.com

Pass over the spectacular Esplanade Riel Pedestrian Bridge and you’ll find yourself in St. Boniface, home to one of the largest francophone communities west of the Great Lakes and the birthplace of Louis Riel, the Métis leader who founded Manitoba. St. Boniface is truly reflective of its French heritage. Here, you can stroll along Provencher Boulevard, while stopping at boutiques and quaint cafes along the way.

6)  Wonders of Nature
www.fortwhyte.org
www.oakhammockmarsh.ca
Experience the great outdoors and the wonders of nature when you take the Bison Safari adventure at FortWhyte Alive. Winnipeg’s award-winning 640-acre nature centre showcases a 30-head prairie bison herd, five lakes, seven km of trails and outdoor activities all year long, including fishing, canoeing, hiking, wildlife watching, snowshoeing, skating, cross-country skiing, and the super Richardson run toboggan slide. Then, see why Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre has been voted the world’s “Best Environmental Experience.”  Under the guidance of friendly interpreters, you can trek
nature trails, take a guided tour of the marsh, go canoeing, view wildlife, watch a film in
the multimedia theatre, enjoy a meal in the café and check out the fun, interactive exhibits.

7)  Assiniboine Park
www.assiniboinepark.ca

This stunning urban park is Winnipeg’s oldest, welcoming visitors for more than 100 years. Bring little ones to Assiniboine Park Zoo and its whimsical Nature Playground or contemplate life in the tranquil setting of the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. Stroll the treelined walkways or catch a game of lawn bowling as you enjoy the park’s lush and verdant setting. Head to the Pavilion Art Gallery, fill up at one of two restaurants and then lay out a blanket and watch a performance beneath the stars at Lyric Theatre.

8) Cultural Experiences

Winnipeg is known as the cultural cradle of Canada and it’s easy to see why with its dazzling performing arts scene alight with talent and star power. Take in the steps of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the notes of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the voices of Manitoba
Opera or the performances of the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. For something more avant garde, don’t miss Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, the intimate setting of Prairie Theatre Exchange or Le Cercle Molière’s theatre performed entirely in French.

9) Sports and Gaming
www.casinosofwinnipeg.com

For armchair athletes and dedicated fans, Winnipeg offers non-stop excitement for sports lovers. Don’t miss the newly-minted Winnipeg Jets NHL team, the beloved Winnipeg Blue Bombers CFL team or the popular Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team as they go for the win.
When you’re ready to get into the action yourself, the city offers dozens of manicured golf courses, endless running and ski trails, two stunning themed casinos—Club Regent and McPhillips Station—and Assiniboia Downs, a horse racing track.

10)  Royal Canadian Mint
www.mint.ca

Get up close and personal with all that glitters at the Royal Canadian Mint, where every single Canadian circulation coin is produced—that’s billions each year! When arriving, look for the beautiful 110-foot tall glass tower designed by local architect Étienne Gaboury and the display of 75 flags representing the additional countries that have coins produced right here in Winnipeg. Learn about the production of coins and explore the Interactive Coin Museum for a fun and creative experience, including the once-in-a-lifetime chance to lift and hold a 23-pound gold bar worth approximately $600,000.