Are you tired of the same old routine and want a break from everything? To cheer yourself up, you can go on a relaxing getaway or action-packed adventure.
Where will you go? Will it be Dubai, Malaysia, or perhaps Queenstown or Chamonix?
These are some of the popular places for adventure activities. So we bring you a place that is not popular but is the perfect spot for your next adventurous holiday. It is Winnipeg in Manitoba, one of the popular places to visit in Canada.
This little Canadian city usually flies under the tourist radar, but it has some of the most exciting things to do in Winnipeg.
This guide will discuss everything you need to know about this charming city. And before you get too excited, make sure to apply for your Canada tourist visa.
It is extremely important, and you must apply for the visa at least a few weeks before your planned day of departure.
1. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Human rights are a fundamental part of our shared humanity, and Winnipeg has one such place where you can explore this important topic in depth. As you step inside the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, you can look forward to an emotional journey through time and around the world.
The unique approach of the museum combines personal stories with historical events, making the past feel more relatable and tangible. But the building itself is a work of art, with stunning designs that will take you from darkness to light.
Make sure to visit the Tower of Hope that offers mesmerizing views of the city, while the Garden of Contemplation provides a peaceful space for reflection.
Location: 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, weekday mornings for smaller crowds
Approximate Cost: Adults $18, Students $15, Children under 7 free
2. Assiniboine Park
Winnipeg has one of the best-kept secrets, a gigantic park packed with lakes, gardens, and wildlife. It allows you to indulge in several fun activities in Winnipeg.
The park houses a zoo, known as the Journey to Churchill exhibit, and it is home to polar bears. You can get up close and personal with these amazing creatures as they swim in a transparent tunnel.
There are also has 5 lakes, prairie grasslands, and forest trails that are perfect for hiking, biking or canoeing. Don’t miss the beautiful gardens, including the stunning English Garden, perfect for a relaxing evening stroll.
In the winter, the Riley Family Duck Pond transforms into a magical skating rink, complete with cozy sights and hot chocolate.
Location: 2355 Corydon Avenue
Best Time to Visit: Summer for gardens, winter for festive activities
Approximate Cost: Park entry free, Zoo adults $22, children $18
3. The Forks Market Cultural Hub
Are you looking for a place that is steeped in history, but still buzzing with energy? You are in luck because the Forks Market Cultural Hub is exactly that and offers the best experiences in Canada.
This place has been a meeting point for thousands of years; we are talking about indigenous people, fur traders, and everyone in between.
Fast forward to today, this place is a thriving hub of culture, food, and entertainment. You can also wander through the historic building and discover all types of vendors selling everything from cheese to handmade jewelry.
And if you are thirsty, make sure to check out The Common Era, which is a wine and beer bar with a rotating selection of craft beverages.
But what sets The Forks apart is the location. In the winter, the river freezes over and becomes one of the largest skating trails on the planet. And in the summer months, the patios come alive with outdoor concerts and festivals.
Location: 1 Forks Market Road
Best Time to Visit: Year-round, especially weekends for special events
Approximate Cost: Free entry, food and shopping costs vary
4. Thermëa Nordic Spa
Visitors looking for a unique way to unwind and rejuvenate must visit this wellness destination. Just imagine yourself immersed in a thermal cycle experience that combines hot, cold, and relaxation phases.
Sounds intriguing, right?
As you explore the spa, you will find several thermal pools maintained at different temperatures to improve circulation and overall wellness. The facility also has multiple saunas, including Finnish-style dry saunas and aromatic steam rooms.
The spa strictly uses natural elements of wood and stone used in designing a serene atmosphere, helping you to connect with the nature.
Beyond the thermal experience, you can also try out massage treatments, try out healthy cuisine at the onsite restaurant, and relax in areas with heaters. It is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Location: 775 Crescent Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3T 1X3, Canada
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings are the best with less crowd.
Approximate Cost: The passes start from 65 dollars per day.
5. Exchange District Tour
This is a carefully preserved commercial district in North America, with over 20 blocks and 150 heritage buildings constructed between the 19th and the early 20th centuries.
It showcases various architectural styles like Romanesque, Italianate, and Beaux-Arts.
During the tourist walking tours, you will get to learn about Winnipeg’s role as the Chicago of the north during its boom years. You will find former warehouse buildings, banks, and theatres that narrate the story of the economic golden age of the city.
The Exchange District also houses a vibrant arts community, independent boutiques, restaurants, and creative spaces.
Location: Downtown Winnipeg
Best Time to Visit: Summer months for walking tours
Approximate Cost: Walking tours from $20
6. Winnipeg Art Gallery Qaumajuq
This centre represents a ground-breaking approach to showcase Inuit culture. It houses over 14000 pieces and also features a visible vault where thousands of carvings are displayed in a three-story glass chamber.
The architecture of this gallery is inspired by the northern landscape, with undulating walls resembling snowdrifts and expansive spaces.
Location: 300 Memorial Boulevard
Best Time to Visit: Tuesday to Sunday, afternoons
Approximate Cost: Adults $18, Students $14
7. FortWhyte Outdoor Adventure
This 640-acre urban nature reserve offers year-round ecological education and outdoor recreation opportunities. In summer, visitors can explore five lakes, prairie grasslands, and forest trails through activities like canoeing, hiking, and bird watching.
Location: 1961 McCreary Road
Best Time to Visit: Seasonal activities vary
Approximate Cost: Adults $15, Children $10
8. Royal Canadian Mint
This facility produces all the circulation coins of Canada and creates coins for numerous other countries too. Tourists can observe the coin production process from elevated walkways, witnessing the transformation of raw materials into finished currency.
The tour also includes interactive displays explaining the history of Canadian currency, demonstrations of traditional and modern minting techniques, and exhibitions of commemorative and collector coins.
You will also get to learn about the complex security features in the modern currency, the artistic design process for the coins, and even how to lift a pure gold bar for hundreds of thousands of dollars.
This unique place to visit in Winnipeg also showcases the role of the mint in producing the Olympic medals and international coinage.
Location: 520 Lagimodiere Boulevard
Best Time to Visit: Weekday mornings
Approximate Cost: Adults $8, Children $5
9. Manitoba Museum
This comprehensive institution combines cultural heritage, natural history, and science education. The facility also houses 9 permanent galleries chronicling the history of Manitoba from the prehistoric times to the present.
The famous Nonsuch Gallery houses a full-size replica of a 17th-century sailing vehicle that played a crucial role in establishing the Hudson Bay Company. The museum also has a science gallery that offers hands-on experiments and demonstrations.
Make sure to visit the planetarium to watch the astronomical shows and learn about the stars.
Want to know how Winnipeg looked back in the early 20th century? Just visit the Urban Gallery that lets you walk true historically accurate streetscapes. The museum often hosts special exhibitions regularly where they focus on topics ranging from dinosaurs to contemporary social issues.
Location: 190 Rupert Avenue
Best Time to Visit: Weekday afternoons
Approximate Cost: Adults $15, Children $12
Practical Tips for Visitors –
- Public transportation runs throughout the city, with day passes available for $11.
- We recommend rental cars for visiting attractions outside downtown. You can also go for ride-sharing services.
- Check out downtown hotels for easy access to major attractions. To experience the culture, you can book a boutique hotel in the Exchange District, and for convenience, book a hotel near the airport.
- Now talking about the weather, summer is between June and August, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Winter is from December to February, and is best for unique winter experiences and festivals.
- If you are traveling on a budget, you will be spending around $100-150 per day. Mid-range and luxury visitors are expected to spend around $200 to $300+ per day.
- To try the famous dishes, you must visit The Forks market, Exchange District, and Osborne Village.
- Even though the city is very safe for tourists, make sure to exercise normal precautions in less populated areas at night. Keep your valuables secure in crowded areas and pre-book popular attractions during peak seasons.
- Tipping is customary, and you are expected to tip around 15 to 20%. Casual dressing is accepted in most venues, and basic French phrases are appreciated in Saint-Boniface.
Conclusion
So, that’s it, a detailed guide on the exciting things to do in Winnipeg. It has museums, parks, spas, and so many things.
Just before visiting any attraction or place, check the operating hours and admission prices.