Tourism Winnipeg

LGBT Itinerary

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Half Day

Before heading out for the day, tuck into a zesty Mexican breakfast of soft corn tortillas stuffed with refried beans, sunny side eggs, cheddar, green onions and tomato served with fresh salsa and guacamole at Stella’s Cafe and Bakery located at the Plug In Gallery. While here, check out the innovative contemporary art exhibits at Plug In and then head to the nearby Winnipeg Art Gallery, which houses the world’s largest collection of Inuit art, some of which is on display. Next, stop in at to the Manitoba Legislative Building, where same-sex marriage was legalized on September 16, 2004. Admire the building’s stunning architecture on a Hermetic Code Tour, where you’ll experience Winnipeg’s own “Da Vinci Code” and unlock the hidden secrets behind the building’s mystical architecture and symbols. Guided and self-guided tours of this magnificent building are also offered. After snapping photos of the famous Golden Boy perched atop the building, head down Broadway for caffeine boost at hip and trendy coffee shop, The Fyxx. Be sure to order one of the many creative sandwiches, such as Tandoori’s Box—a delectable combination of roast chicken topped with peach salsa, jack cheese, greens and bold tandoori mayonnaise.

Full Day 1

Kick off the morning with a visit to The Forks, Winnipeg’s prime central gathering space steeped in more than 6,000 years of history. For early morning eats, stop in at the Current Restaurant and Lounge at Inn at the Forks for breakfast or a la carte brunch dishes, such as croque monsieur omelettes or a Moroccan chicken burger. Stroll around the grounds and head to the observation deck at the top of The Forks Market to enjoy postcard-worthy views of the scenery along the banks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. To the north, you’ll see construction continuing on Canada’s new national museum, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Celebrating diversity, the museum aims to enhance the understanding of human rights, including those of the LGBT communities. Take a perimeter tour of the museum to learn more about this anticipated addition to Winnipeg.

Head to the Exchange District to marvel at the area’s stunning Chicago-style architecture. Gallery hop around the neighbourhood and check out the works of established and emerging artists at cre8ery, Platform Gallery, Mayberry Fine Art, Warehouse Artworks, Outworks Gallery and many more. Along the way, you’ll find hip urban wear at Connect Four, quality vintage at Rhymes with Orange or dapper hats and accessories at The Haberdashery. If digging for antique treasures is more up your alley, check out Hoopers and Antiques and Funk for unique decor and furniture. Take a break and chill out on the patio at King’s Head Pub for a casual lunch and pint of beer, or head to Blufish for sophisticated sushi served in an intimate setting.

From May 25-June 3, Pride Winnipeg will be celebrating a milestone 25 years with many events in celebration of the people who are part of the LGBT human rights movement and community. Take in the main Pride Day celebrations on June 3, including a parade downtown, rally at the Legislature and Pride Festival at The Forks with a free outdoor concert and beer tent. Afterward, put on your dancing shoes and show off your best moves at the official dance party on Sunday night, featuring extended hours and the hottest DJs from Canada and beyond.

Full Day 2

Grab a sweet or savoury creation from Jonnies Sticky Buns, where flavours like sweet whole wheat, chocolate chunk and caramel flavour these freshly baked buns. Get ready for a morning of shopping at Polo Park, Winnipeg’s largest shopping mall featuring big-name retailers such as Coach, Hollister, Club Monaco, Apple store and BCBG MAX AZRIA. For more shopping adventures, make a quick drive to Academy Road, one of Winnipeg’s most exclusive shopping districts. Stroll beneath a canopy of majestic elm trees and pick up casual gifts at Lake Life, browse for 216 types of loose leaf tea at Cornelia Bean and try on footwear at European Shoe Shop. Drop into Academy Uptown Lanes for a game or two of five-pin bowling in a historic building that was once a movie theatre.

After that, depart for the bustling Corydon strip and savour an afternoon bite on the second-floor patio of Confusion Corner Bar & Grill, located at the busy intersection. Here, you’ll find Canadian comfort food with a twist, such as meatloaf rolled with spicy capicola ham, herbs, three cheese blend and gravy or wasabi-sesame crusted albacore tuna. Take a leisurely walk along this bustling strip for prime people watching, making sure to stop in at Nucci’s Gelato for a scoop of cooling Italian ice cream. Browse the shops for art, fashion, accessories, gifts and more.

Next, it’s time to check out where the hip and trendy hang in Osborne Village. This boho neighbourhood is packed with locally owned boutiques featuring cutting-edge fashions, including Hush/Shout, Para Mix, Silver Lotus, Urban Waves and Out of the Blue. Music lovers will love browsing the racks at used CD and record store Music Trader, while comedians can pick up funny gifts at Gags Unlimited.

Once you’re ready to take a rest, park yourself at Massawa for flavourful, well-spiced stews and other Ethiopian cuisine, where you’ll skip using cutlery and eat with your hands. If Thai food is more your flavour, head down the road to Sukhothai for pad thai, rice salad rolls with sweet peanut sauce and curry dishes spiced to your heat level preference.

Get ready for a good time when the sun goes down at one of Winnipeg’s LGBT night spots located downtown. Take a spin on the hopping dance floor at Gio’s or Fame, which tends to attract a younger crowd. Club 200 features VLTs, a full-service restaurant and a packed dance area where clubbers bust a move.