Tourism Winnipeg

Depending on how much time you've got, we've got the intinerary for you. This handy guide offers up the very best Winnipeg has to offer in 24, 36 and 48 hours. So if you've got a day or three, you'll always fine something that entertains!

Winnipeg in 24-36-48 hours

Situated where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet at the geographic centre of Canada and North America, Winnipeg is a diverse multicultural city with a rich and varied history. An aboriginal trading centre prior to the arrival of the Europeans, Winnipeg was at the heart of the country’s fur trade and instrumental in developing Canada’s gateway to the west. Home to a grain exchange that once rivaled the largest markets in the world, Winnipeg’s architecture and neighbourhoods reflect the profound character of this small prairie town. Over the last decades, Winnipeg has developed into a cosmopolitan city complete with top-notch restaurants, swanky boutiques, exciting attractions and an arts and culture scene that bursts with talent and originality.

Day One
Start your day at The Tallest Poppy for a breakfast made with love. Sourcing local, organic ingredients whenever possible, an ever-changing menu always leaves you satisfied. If you’re lucky enough to be here on a Sunday, brunch comes served family style and you get whatever the kitchen has prepared that day. For something on the heartier side, head to Sals on The Bridge at The Forks. This location of the popular chain offers stunning views of the Red River and the city from its perch atop the Esplanade Riel. Dig in for a classic breakfast of sausage, eggs, bacon and buttery rye toast.

Once you’ve had your fill, hop on over to The Forks, Winnipeg’s number one tourist destination. If it’s a beautiful day, take a stroll along the Riverwalk and watch the river pass lazily by. You can also wander the site where numerous plaques and displays relay the rich history of this historic spot. While you’re here, visit the Oodena Celebration Circle where more than 6,000 years of aboriginal heritage is honoured with ethereal sculptures, a naked-eye observatory and a ceremonial fire pit.

If shopping is your thing, head inside 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.

For lunch, you’ve got a huge variety of options. For something quick on-the-go, try out a curry at Taste of Sri Lanka, empanadas at The Chilean Corner or stuffed rotis at Bindy’s Caribbean Delights. Or if you’d rather something more upscale, head over to The Current Restaurant, where the menu features local ingredients and innovative plates like to-die-for duck-filled perogies and foie gras poutine topped with aged gouda and thyme rosemary jus.

After you’ve had your fill, head over to the award winning Manitoba Museum. It features a natural history gallery complete with a life-sized replica of a 17th century ship and a full-scale town where you can explore the streets of Winnipeg circa 1920. The Planetarium offers regular shows where you can explore the night sky, and Science Gallery features dozens of hands-on, interactive exhibits that teach minds young and old about how everything from gravity to friction works.

For dinner, rub elbows with Food Network fame and dine at Brooklynn 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.

Or, head to the chic and urban Lobby on York. Here a stunning blue-and-copper-hued dining room is complemented with a creative and eclectic menu featuring plates like cedar salmon served with corn brulee and rack of lamb topped with tamarind mint sauce.

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.

Day Two
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, and don’t miss the well-stocked children’s section located in the tree house overlooking the shop.

Then walk over to the Winnipeg Art Gallery, where the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art is housed. The impressive Tyndall stone building features modern design and is the oldest civic art gallery in Canada. Here, travelling exhibits from the most world-renowned artists hang on the walls, garnering this space an international reputation. While there, don’t forget to pick up an art-themed souvenir inside the funky and eclectic Gallery Shop.

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. You can also head to VJ’s Drive-In for the Special—a monstrous burger dripping with mayo, cheese and chili. Savour it sitting beneath the canopy of trees on Broadway as you watch the world go by.

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. Discover the stories behind the area with an Exchange District Walking Tour. Once you’re done, pop into one of dozens of unique 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 Cakeology or pick up some java at The Fyxx. Have a seat in Old Market Square for some people watching and live entertainment.

For dinner, stay in the Exchange District and head to Blu Fish 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 the night at 6 Degrees Bar where you can sip martinis and cocktails in amongst the beautiful people.

Day Three
Start your morning with sustenance at Fresh Café on Corydon Avenue, where the menu boasts organic local ingredients in dishes like bison and eggs, spelt flour banana bread and French toast made with berry compote. If you’re in the mood for something more exotic, try out the Falafel Place a few blocks away and opt for their famous falafel breakfast that combines the crispy delicacy with scrambled eggs and hashbrowns.

After that, head over to the boho neighbourhood of Osborne Village where trendsetters and fashionistas tread. Head into Rooster for pretty shoes 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 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, head over to Kawaii Crepe and snack on Nutella and strawberry stuffed crepes or savoury versions stuffed with bacon and cheese.

Enjoy the afternoon outdoors in Assiniboine Park where dozens of paved and gravel pathways wait to be explored. Contemplate your surroundings in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden where butterflies dance among a dazzling array of flowers, a year-round open water feature and stunning art.

Visit furry and feathered friends at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. It features more than 400 species in both indoor and outdoor exhibits, specializing in cold climate species from northern latitudes and mountain ranges—don’t miss the newly-renovated Toucan Ridge, home to Central and South American creatures.

The treasures of Assiniboine Park don’t stop there. Finish off your day with supper in the park. You can opt for a picnic and dine al fresco beneath the trees—a great spot is the lawn in front of the Lyric Theatre where live performances happen all summer. Or you can let someone else do the work and head over to Star Conservatory for casual eats served in a lush verdant atmosphere or Terrace 55 for elegant fine dining in a stunning airy setting.

Day Four
Get in touch with nature this morning and head to FortWhyte Alive. Enjoy freshly-made breakfast and coffee in a beautiful, serene lakeside setting. Fish, hike, walk, sail, paddle or canoe your way through the lakes and marshes of this urban nature preserve. You can also see a herd of 30 bison, go bird watching, take an eco-tour, visit at tipi encampment or traverse floating boardwalks. After that, pop into The Nature Shop for outdoor-themed gifts like handcrafted bird feeders and décor.

In the afternoon, head over the Esplanade Riel into St. Boniface, the city’s French Quarter. Visit the St. Boniface Museum, the oldest building in Winnipeg built in 1846, dedicated to history of Manitoba. Then stroll to the stunning façade of the St. Boniface Cathedral and the cemetery that is the eternal home of Louis Riel. After that, grab a coffee at one of several cafes on Provencher Boulevard and wander the unique shops of the area. Be sure to pop into Bijou-a locally-owned jewellery store that sells stunning pieces made with coloured stones.

By now, you must be feeling peckish, and there are no shortage of options in St. Boniface. Check out Le Garage Café for French-inspired cuisine like chicken liver pate, mussels in St. James Pale Ale sauce and scallop stuffed salmon. Stay late for live music and drink specials.

For authentic French cuisine try out Chez Sophie for tartiflette made with tangy trappist cheese, French style-pizza made with white sauce and salade noire topped with shaved dark chocolate. For the most elegant in fine dining, sit down at Step’n Out, where an ever-changing menu of inspired cuisine awaits. Savour pumpkin filled ravioli, tender lamb chops and decadent Bernard Callebaut chocolate cake inside a cozy, eclectic dining room oozing charm.