Tourism Winnipeg

Girls Weekend Out

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Half Day

Start off the morning with brunch at The Current at the Inn at The Forks for refreshing mimosas, Manitoba specialties like bannock and bison sausage and the decadent French toast roulade.

After you’ve had your fill, hop over to The Forks Market and Johnston Terminal, where dozens of unique stores offer handmade art, culinary treats and one-of-a-kind treasures. A great spot for the eco-chic is Hempyrean, where cute and trendy hemp and soy clothing is on display. At some point in your travels, you’ll want a snack, and you can’t go wrong with the incredibly light and flaky cheese croissants at Tall Grass Prairie Bakery.

Stay downtown for lunch and try out Eat! Bistro where small plates, perfect for sharing are featured in this cute and girly space. Opt for crispy mushroom bundles, spicy black beans cakes or thick, crunchy onion rings with your choice of more than a dozen sauces.

Full Day

This afternoon, it’s time for some shopping and exploring the Exchange District. This historic area features the best architecture in the city with its stunning turn-of-the-century buildings. Pop into one of dozens of quaint shops like that of local jewellery designer Hilary Druxman. For chic urban fashion head to Unfold Apparel or Moi Boutique, and for awesome vintage finds check out Hoopers and Ragpickers.

While you’re exploring, try out a cakette from Cake-ology or pick up some java at The Fyxx. Then, take a seat in Old Market Square for some people watching and live entertainment.

Spend the evening indulging at Ten Spa located in The Fort Garry Hotel. Featuring Canada’s only Turkish hamam bath, you’ll be buffed, polished and massaged from head to toe. After that, sit back for pedicures and manicures as you nibble on savoury snacks. Kick it up a notch and order a bottle of champagne to share.

For dinner, head to the Exchange District to BluFish for elegant sushi served in a modern setting. Don’t miss the sweet lychee martini or crispy blu fish scallops that come served on a shell and surrounded by a mesmerizing blue flame. For something completely different, check out Hermano’s Restaurant where Latin-inspired cuisine is paired with regional ingredients. Be sure to try the Peruvian ceviche made with Manitoba pickerel and the decadent Argentinean surf and turf.

Finish off your evening at Sensi Wine Lounge in the Exchange District where you can pair wine flights with Italian-style tapas like prosciutto with minted melon and honey.

Full Day 2

Wake up to books and breakfast at McNally Robinson Booksellers—one of the best stores in Winnipeg. Start out at the in-store restaurant, Prairie Ink Café and dine on a sumptuous breakfast of silky quiche, hearty eggs Benny and a tasty smoothie. After you’re done, browse the shelves for treasured tales, unique gifts or the latest bestseller.

After that, head over to the boho neighbourhood of Osborne Village, where trendsetters and fashionistas tread. Head into Rooster for pretty heels and killer boots and then make your way over to Frockstar for gorgeous flirty dresses. Pick up hipster threads at American Apparel and funky indie designs at Out of the Blue.

When it’s time for lunch, head over to Baked Expectations for comfort classics like burgers and fries and then top your meal off with one of dozens of selections from their amazing dessert case featuring sky-high tortes, sinful cheesecakes and golden fruit pies. For something more portable, make your way to Kawaii Crepe and snack on Nutella and strawberry stuffed crepes or savoury versions stuffed with bacon and cheese.

It’s time to get browsing at some of the city’s other shopping hot spots (depending on what direction you’re headed) like St. Vital Centre that houses favourites like Esprit, The Gap, Melanie Lyne, Old Navy, Buffalo Jeans, West Point Shoes, MAC Cosmetics, and Build-a-Bear Workshop. In the opposite direction on Regent Avenue, try Kildonan Place for stores like Le Château, Shoe Warehouse, Urban Behavior and more. If you find yourself near McPhillips, check out Garden City Shopping Centre where you will find Winners and Canadian Tire. The houseware and clothing outlets, as well as numerous other stores along Kenaston Boulevard, are Winnipeg favourites. Check out Home Sense, Urban Barn, Home Outfitters, Bombay, Liz Claiborne, Nygard, Adidas and Motherhood Maternity. And finally, go off the beaten path to the can’t-miss Ten Thousand Villages, where you’ll find distinctive hand-crafted fair trade gifts from around the world.

For dinner, rub elbows with Food Network fame and dine at Brooklynn's Bistro, where Top Chef Canada contestant Chef Darryl Crumb manages the kitchen. Italian home cooking is given an elegant twist with dishes like hand-rolled gnocchi in gorgonzola cream with fried sage, veal osso buco with cinnamon tomato sauce and Manitoba Berkshire pork belly with saffron polenta.

Finish off the night at 6 Degrees Bar where you can sip martinis and cocktails in amongst the beautiful people.