Winnipeg might not be a tropical destination, but as the capital city of Manitoba, there are plenty of things to do within its borders. It’s a place filled with North America history and brings so much of Western Canada personalities to life.
If you enjoy brisk snow-covered mornings, diverse museums, and lots of hearty meals, you’ll likely love your time in Winnipeg. But what are the best things to do when in Winnipeg? Let’s find out!
1. Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The architectural wonder that is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is an unmissable Winnipeg excursion. This museum features exhibits that explore human rights in Canada and throughout the world, making for an educational and uplifting experience.
Situated almost precisely between Winnipeg’s two infamous waterways, Red River and Assiniboine, this Downtown District landmark has a lot to offer and is easy to find. It’s also enclosed by some of the city’s top restaurants and eateries and just a short stroll away from some of Downtown Winnipeg’s top-rated hotels!
Address: 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0L5, Canada
Phone: +1 877-877-6037
Website: humanrights.ca
2. Explore the Assiniboine Park
Assiniboine Park is one of the most popular areas for residents and visitors, as it’s home to several attractions. You’ll find a zoo, an outdoor theater, a playground, and a conservatory on these grounds. Consequently, it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring this sprawling park.
Unfortunately, this park is a little out-of-the-way, located several miles west of the Downtown District. Still, it’s only about a 30-minute bus ride or 15-minute car ride away from Downtown.
Before you arrive in Winnipeg, check out the upcoming park events to see if anything exciting is happening during your stay. You might also want to set aside a little time to enjoy the artwork in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, which is conveniently located within Assiniboine Park.
Address: 55 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N6, Canada
Phone: +1 204-927-6000
Website: assiniboinepark.ca
3. Play and Learn at the Manitoba Children’s Museum
You and your little ones can cut loose and learn a lot when you visit the Manitoba Children’s Museum, conveniently located in the Downtown District. This museum is full of hands-on interactive exhibits that can keep toddlers and young children engaged and excited.
There’s a gigantic lasagna that little ones can climb through and explore, a tunnel of colorful illusions ideal for photos, and plenty of other fun environments for families. So while this museum might not entertain pre-teens or teens, families with younger children can have a blast.
Address: 45 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4T6, Canada
Phone: +1 204-924-4000
Website: childrensmuseum.com
4. Learn About History in the Manitoba Museum
The province of Manitoba is just as rich in history as any other Canadian territory! And if you appreciate learning the history of the places you visit, The Manitoba Museum could be a dream come true.
This museum combines natural history with human history to form a tapestry of exhibits tailored to students of all ages. You’ll be able to discover more about Winnipeg’s prairie days, its original inhabitants, and the remarkable locals who’ve helped make the city what it is today.
Address: 190 Rupert Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0N2, Canada
Phone: +1 204-956-2830
Website: manitobamuseum.ca
5. Shop and Dine at The Forks Market
Whether you’re a food connoisseur or a casual eater, The Forks Market will delight your tastebuds! This massive shopping complex is also home to several storefronts, making it a great place to buy warm clothing or souvenirs.
Still, the real draw of The Forks Market is its dozens of eateries, with cuisine ranging from Caribbean delights to British favorites! Even better, the bulk of this complex is indoors, making it an ideal spot to hang out when the weather is cold.
Address: 1 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4L8, Canada
Phone: +1 204-942-6216
Website: theforks.com
6. Check Out the Fascinating Winnipeg Art Gallery
Though the Winnipeg Art Gallery exterior might not look very interesting or attractive, its indoor spaces may make your jaw drop! Exquisite classic paintings, experimental sculptures, and local folk art all add punches of color to the Inside of this stern-looking gray building.
There is a small admission for adults and seniors, but all others can enjoy this gallery for free! So, if you’re looking for a fascinating Winnipeg destination to visit with your older children or partner, the Winnipeg Art Gallery could be an excellent choice.
Address: 300 Memorial Blvd, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1V1, Canada
Phone: +1 204-786-6641
Website: wag.ca
7. Spend a Day at FortWhyte Alive
If you’re looking to enjoy Winnipeg like a local, you might want to make a pitstop at FortWhyte Alive. This massive green space has biking trails, hiking trails, and guided tours and workshops for visitors.
You can catch a glimpse of native wildlife while visiting, go canoeing, or enjoy a group walk along the many trails. There’s a gear rental center that offers everything you’ll need to enjoy FortWhyte Alive, and you can kick back and enjoy a high-quality meal at the Buffalo Stone Cafe.
Though this destination is a little out of the way for some visitors, it could be a wonderful day trip for those visiting Winnipeg.
Address: 1961 McCreary Rd, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9, Canada
Phone: +1 204-989-8355
Website: fortwhyte.org
8. Take Your Kids to Tinkertown Family Fun Park 
Winnipeg isn’t only home to top-notch museums, art galleries, and gardens. It also has a family-friendly amusement park with a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and a swinging ship ride!
If your little ones are itching to run around and play during your stay in Winnipeg, you’ll want to consider taking them to Tinkertown Family Fun Park. But this attraction is closed during the coldest winter months.
Consequently, those with young children may want to visit during the summer. The amusement park’s small admission fee covers rides and mini-golf, which is a steal.
Address: 621 Murdock Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2C 2Z3, Canada
Phone: +1 204-257-8095
Website: tinkertownfunpark.com
9. Go for Some Outdoor Activities at Kildonan Park
While the towering buildings and multi-level shopping malls are easy to get lost in, you might want to take a moment to find some inner peace by exploring one of the many parks in Winnipeg.
If you’re visiting during the summer months, you may want to choose Kildonan Park. This green space has an outdoor swimming pool, a soccer field, and rows upon rows of flower beds. During the warmest months of the year, Kildonan Park comes alive with activity!
However, you can also choose to visit during the colder months to catch an icy glimpse of the Witch’s Hut or go ice skating on the winter skating rink.
Address: 2015 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R2V 2B9, Canada
Phone: +1 877-311-4974
Website: winnipeg.ca
10. See the Basilique-Cathedrale de Saint Boniface
This cathedral might look like it was built in ancient times, but the current version was completed in the 1970s! Still, visitors can take in some of the original structures built in the early 1900s.
The architecture and opulence of this Roman Catholic church are captivating, making it a must-see for visitors who enjoy French Romanesque architecture.
You might also want to take a thoughtful stroll through the cathedral cemetery, which holds some of the earliest Catholic residents in Winnipeg. There’s no better place in the city to enjoy local history and astounding architecture.
Address: 180 Av. de la Cathedrale, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0H7, Canada
Phone: +1 204-233-7304
Website: cathedralestboniface.ca
Some Other Great Ideas
- See the Polar Bears at the Assiniboine Park Zoo
- Take a Tour of the Royal Canadian Mint
- Visit Lake Winnipeg
- Watch a Winnipeg Blue Bombers or Winnipeg Jets Game
- Enjoy dance and live music at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet
- Check out the Manitoba Legislative Building or Forks National Historic Site
- Check Out the Churchill Exhibit or Inuit Art of Indigenous People of the area
Final Thoughts
Winnipeg is a beautiful blend of bright green spaces and towering high-rise buildings. As such, it has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Those planning to visit this Canadian city won’t run out of things to do. Dining out at The Forks Market is an excellent way to make the most of your time in Winnipeg, and on sunny days you might want to take in the mind-provoking statues in Leo Mol Sculpture Garden.
So, how will you make the most of your Winnipeg experience?
