Tourism Week in Canada runs April 15-19, making it the perfect time to celebrate what this important industry does for the local economy all while experiencing some of the best that Winnipeg has to offer.
Destination Canada confirmed in 2023, Winnipeg attracted approximately 4.2 million visitors, resulting in an estimated $1.1 billion spend on tourism. That's a 16 per cent increase from 2022.
This vital sector employs more than 42,000 people across 2,000 businesses in the city, resulting in $566 million across Manitoba in GDP.
As you’ll read below, the tourism sector –– be it attractions, hotels, restaurants, shops or performance groups –– makes Winnipeg such a great place to be. If you're a local, act like a tourist this week and take it all in!
Here’s just five ways you can celebrate Tourism Week 2024 in Winnipeg.
Visit an attraction
This city is brimming with attractions, from world-class wonders that are on the money (a phrase that works for both the Royal Canadian Mint, and the $10-gracing Canadian Museum for Human Rights), cool spots for the kids and quirky spots that are rightfully celebrated by publications like Atlas Obscura.
At a glance, our Top 10 will guide you to experiences that include polar bears swimming over your head, admiring the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art, and spa-ing under stars or sunny skies as your stresses melt away. If you’re looking to save while seeing top spots in the city, get the Winnipeg Attractions Pass. The pass will see you save at the Manitoba Museum, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the Royal Canadian Mint, Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada and FortWhyte Alive. That's five top-tier attractions in one convenient access pass! Use the pass to visit them all and you'll save 35 per cent on regular admission rates.
For even more action across the board, our Spring Top 50 showcases everything from climbing gyms and kid-centric play centres, to performances for adults that will leave you in stitches.
Stay in a hotel
Whether you’re a returning visitor, making your first trip to Winnipeg, or in need of a staycation, booking a local hotel is great for the local economy. Plus, who doesn’t love putting on those robes, ordering room service, and being at the centre of it all when exploring certain spots of the city?
Our hotels website can help you navigate and book your stay, all while showing you the city’s main properties–from chic local boutiques to international brands and quaint inns. Looking to save on your stay? Both The Fort Garry Hotel and Delta Hotels by Marriott Winnipeg have packaged deals on our website right now that add some culinary delights to your downtown stay.
Parents looking for a pool and waterslide? Here’s a guide on how you can make a splash during your vacation.
Take in a performance
Our renowned performance groups always put on a good show, and Tourism Week itself offers a variety of options to see our talent take centre stage.
For plays there’s Guilt: A Love Story at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre’s Tom Hendry Warehouse, Address Unknown at Winnipeg Jewish Theatre, and The Year of Magical Thinking at Prairie Theatre Exchange. For little ones, Manitoba Theatre for Young People is staging The Pa'akai We Bring.
Opera fans will be treated to a timeless Carmen (with performances on April 25, 26, 27 and 28) by Manitoba Opera, while more laughs can be had at Yuk Yuk’s and Rumor’s, while the Winnipeg Comedy Festival is coming to The Burt in May. For a list of events during the week, check out our Events Calendar.
Of course, there’s so much playoff hockey coming soon to Canada Life Centre, so break out those white jeans and jump suits. # winnipegwhiteout
Support a locally owned restaurant
With so many to choose from, it’s easy. To make your search even simpler, we’ve created a Best Eats website that lists some of our top spots categorically, while at Peg City Grub you’ll find hundreds of stories on the city’s chefs, seasonal guides to new and notable restaurants, and spotlights on hidden gems.
Shop local
Small businesses make a big difference in the community. Many tourists come to the city from surrounding rural areas with shopping high on their list, and we implore you to check out all these unique locally owned shops that can be found throughout our charming neighbourhoods.
From The Forks, to Osborne Village, St. Vital, St. James, The North End, Saint-Boniface, The West End, Corydon, The Exchange District, Transcona, and Academy Road (to name but a few), there are so many quaint neighbourhoods throughout Winnipeg that are home to local artisans, makers, and clothing companies. You can also check out our own Winnipeg merchandise at Made Here.
By supporting these spots, you’re ensuring Winnipeg’s one-of-a-kind places continue to make Winnipeg a one-of-a-kind place. And that’s what it’s all about.
