20+ Issues To Do In Winnipeg Canada On A Weekend Getaway

Referred to by many because the “Coronary heart of Canada,” Winnipeg, Manitoba, performed a significant position within the nation’s improvement. Right now, that coronary heart may be felt from the second you step foot on town streets, surrounded by a novel mixture of historical past and fashionable aptitude. From inventive city murals to guided historic excursions, you’ll be able to simply spend a weekend (or longer) and nonetheless really feel such as you couldn’t see all of it.

With so many choices, it’s possible you’ll be feeling overwhelmed or not sure of the place to start out. Don’t fear; we have now you lined! Take a look at our checklist of the most effective issues to do in Winnipeg Canada, with choices for journey lovers of all ages and pursuits. There’s certain to be one thing on this checklist for everybody!

Why Winnipeg?

Earlier than we get began, let’s shortly tackle a few of your perceptions concerning the capital metropolis of Manitoba.
1. Winnipeg is the homicide capital of Canada, with excessive ranges of poverty and violent crimes, with the massive Indigenous inhabitants bearing the brunt of those points.
2. The winters in Winnipeg may be harsh, whereas the summers are plagued with mosquitoes. Spending an excessive amount of time in a single season could make you yearn for the opposite.

As Canadians, we can’t deny the harshness of winter, however for those who costume appropriately, you can be nice. Throughout summer season, mosquito repellent is crucial. Crime is an issue in each massive metropolis in North America, and Winnipeg isn’t any exception. Moreover, there is no such thing as a a part of Canada that doesn’t have to work in direction of higher understanding and respecting our Indigenous mates.  

Historical past of Winnipeg

• The identify “Winnipeg” is derived from Cree and loosely interprets to “murky water” or “muddy water,” impressed by its proximity to Lake Winnipeg.
• Positioned on the assembly level of the Pink and Assiniboine rivers, archaeological proof and oral historical past present it served as an vital assembly place for Indigenous peoples for no less than 6000 years.
• The primary fur buying and selling submit on this space, Fort Rouge, was inbuilt 1738.
• French merchants lived within the space for a number of many years, marrying native Indigenous girls and beginning households. Their French/Indigenous descendants are actually often called the Metis.
• Fort Gibraltar, later renamed Fort Garry, was inbuilt 1809 however destroyed in a flood in 1826. It was rebuilt in 1835, and a portion of the fort nonetheless stands in downtown Winnipeg at the moment close to the Fort Garry Lodge.
• Winnipeg was the location of the Pink River Insurrection in 1869-70, a battle between the native Metis authorities (led by Louis Riel) and newcomers to the world.

Easy methods to Get to Winnipeg

The very first thing to think about, logistically, on your subsequent journey to Winnipeg is how you propose on getting there. In spite of everything, there are a number of choices relying in your accessible price range and timeline. Listed here are a couple of concepts, together with estimated prices and timelines from Toronto, to assist get you began:

By Automobile

The drive from Toronto to Winnipeg isn’t quick. At simply over 20 hours one-way if travelling by means of the US or 21 hours when travelling by means of Canada, you’ll both want a number of drivers or put together for a number of days. In case your schedule permits, we extremely advocate embracing the multi-day journey and visiting unimaginable locations alongside the best way (like Thunder Bay, Ontario).

By Bus

There are public transit choices if you’re caught and not using a car or want to not tackle the prolonged drive from Toronto to Winnipeg. Ontario Northland does have a route that may take you from Toronto’s Union Station Bus Terminal to Winnipeg, nonetheless, it’s estimated to take between 32 and 33 hours with 3 transfers and can value roughly $275 every approach. Until you’ve got your coronary heart set on a bus journey, we consider higher choices exist.

By Practice

VIA Rail can be an possibility. Beginning at roughly $255 every approach and taking an estimated 34 ½ hours, it falls underneath the identical class because the bus route above – it’s an possibility however not our really helpful possibility.

By Airplane

Surprisingly, that is one journey the place the price of airfare makes flying an optimum alternative. Porter Airways provides a direct flight from Toronto to Winnipeg that takes solely 2 hours and 45 minutes. Relying on the day and time you want to fly, flights begin as little as $200 round-trip for his or her PorterClassic Primary Fare. 

20+ Issues to Do in Winnipeg, Canada on Your Subsequent Street Journey

Calm down With a Therapeutic massage and a Restful Evening at The Fort Garry Lodge, Spa and Convention Centre

Are you searching for the right place to relaxation your head whenever you go to Winnipeg? Throughout our keep, we stayed the evening at The Fort Garry Lodge. First opened in December 1913, the resort performed a key position within the metropolis’s previous and continues to at the moment.

This historic location was a fantastic mix of century-old structure and fashionable design. The visitor rooms have been snug and comfy whereas feeling extremely luxurious. Along with a fantastic place to sleep, in addition they supplied a number of facilities on-site, together with the Ten Spa, Yuk Yuk’s Winnipeg, the Mistletoe Moose Bar, the Sundown Terrace, Oval Room Brasserie, Vida Cucina Italia, and Jazz at The Fort Garry. 

Kick Your Day Off with Breakfast at Trendy Electrical Lunch

Whether or not you’re searching for a full breakfast menu of eggs, bacon, sausage, and toast or just cup of espresso, Trendy Electrical Lunch has you lined.

This downtown restaurant has a tasty menu of breakfast and lunch gadgets accessible all day. They describe their menu as a “love letter to consolation meals” It’s simple to see why with menu gadgets like pork stomach tostadas, mushroom hash, and apple cinnamon in a single day oats. They will additionally accommodate vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meal requests.

End your meal with a mimosa or espresso martini off their cocktail menu.  

Take pleasure in a Scrumptious Meal at One of many Metropolis’s Brunch Spots

Not able to stand up and shifting instantly for breakfast? When you’re a fan of brunch, you’re in luck. Throughout our journey, we found a number of cool brunch spots across the metropolis, every with unimaginable meals and an environment that’s certain to start out your day on the best foot.

One other nice possibility with a scrumptious and conventional brunch menu is Juneberry (531 St. Mary’s Street). Some tasty and in style selections embrace the Juneberry pancakes, eggs benedict, and the breakfast Reuben. Their espresso menu provides some enjoyable latte drinks, just like the ginger caramel latte and the raspberry matcha latte. In addition they have milk alternate options accessible for these with dietary issues.

We nonetheless have desires of those pancakes…

That mentioned, there are some completely unimaginable eating places in Winnipeg. Our mates/neighbours/sister website Street Journey Manitoba put collectively one amazingly scrumptious checklist of prime spots! Test it out!

Have a good time the Artwork of Dance with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Whether or not you’ve got been a lifelong lover of dance and ballet or are curious about witnessing your first efficiency, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is properly definitely worth the go to. The famend group is devoted not solely to placing on unimaginable performances to be loved by crowds of all ages but in addition to inspiring and instructing the subsequent era of dancers.

Initially based in 1939 by Gweneth Lloyd and Betty Farrally, the RWB is North America’s longest constantly working ballet firm. It was honoured with its royal title in 1953 underneath the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Efficiency data for the present season is accessible on the RWB web site. Single tickets for the 2023/2024 season vary from $35 to $120 for adults (relying on seating location) or $35 for youngsters 12 and underneath in all sections. If you’re travelling with a number of folks, they provide a reduction for teams of 10 or extra.

Catch a Dwell Present on the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre 

One other attraction that should be included in your journey plans for those who love the humanities is the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, which was shaped in 1958 with the merger of the Winnipeg Little Theatre and Theatre 77. Since then, they’ve produced over 600 performs with tons of of actors. The theatre firm’s royal designation was granted by Queen Elizabeth in 2010.

Reveals are carried out on one among two levels – the John Hirsch Mainstage and the Tom Hendry Warehouse. Just like the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the efficiency schedule for the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre may be discovered on their web site.

Go to The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR)

Positioned on Indigenous ancestral lands, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is a must-see location for anybody curious about studying extra concerning the historical past of the world and the human inhabitants as an entire. That is the one museum devoted to the evolution, celebration, and way forward for human rights.

The constructing itself is a sight to see with its distinctive curved design. It was constructed with a powerful 1,669 items of customized glass and 5,400 tonnes of metal. Dedicated to respecting and defending the setting, greater than 15% of the constructing’s supplies include recycled content material.

Inside, the reveals discover varied important matters regarding human rights. Everlasting reveals embrace an introduction to human rights, the highway to larger human rights in Canada, an examination of the Holocaust, and a devoted show of Indigenous views, together with a 360-degree movie that shares Indigenous rights and obligations instructed by 4 generations.

Close to the museum, you will discover a bronze sculpture of Mahatma Gandhi. The Excessive Commissioner for India to Canada gifted the statue to the Associates of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights on behalf of the Authorities of India in August 2004.

Go Purchasing at The Forks Market & Be taught Concerning the Space’s Historical past on the Forks Historic Website

This year-round market constructing is a one-stop store for scrumptious meals, clothes, craft beer and wine, and presents from native makers and retailers. The placement has been a gathering place for over 6,000 years, beginning with buying and selling among the many native Indigenous peoples. Right now, the location welcomes over 4 million guests yearly.

After all, you’ll be able to’t go to Winnipeg with out taking an image of the WINNIPEG signal itself. Positioned by the CN Stage and Area, the illuminated signal is a well-liked vacationer attraction.

Along with The Forks Market, guests can take a guided strolling tour with a Parks Canada interpreter to study concerning the space’s historical past, together with the 4 fur buying and selling posts, Indigenous connections, the improvements that drove improvement within the space, and extra. You’ll even be given the chance to attempt your hand at some conventional video games. The information may even share worthwhile details about the significance of understanding and honouring treaties within the fashionable age.

You will notice a number of points of interest across the Forks Historic Website that you’ll uncover throughout your strolling tour. The Forks Nationwide Historic Amphitheatre can seat as much as 600 friends between the raised concrete platform and the grassy hill, making it a wonderful location for concert events or reveals. It’s additionally a well-liked marriage ceremony venue.

The Oodena Celebration Circle and Orientation Circle present unimaginable views and extra choices for these planning a marriage. The sculptures, sundial, and ceremonial fireplace pit on the Oodena Celebration Circle make it a really religious expertise.

For these within the metropolis’s historical past, this is among the must-see Winnipeg points of interest. 

The Youngsters’s Museum is an effective way so as to add an academic expertise if you’re travelling with kids. Every exhibit is designed to include hands-on enjoyable, encouraging kids to actively discover and study. There are twelve galleries, together with studying about cows and milk manufacturing on the Milk Machine, conducting water-based experiments on the Splash Lab, and taking the conductor’s seat to study trains at Junction 9161.

Have Lunch at Hargrave Road Market

A more recent addition to the native meals scene, Hargrave Road Market brings collectively a few of the metropolis’s most interesting eating places and breweries in a single place. Conveniently positioned within the coronary heart of the Sports activities, Hospitality, and Leisure District, it provides the right place to seize a drink earlier than heading out to take pleasure in most of the hottest locations to go to in Winnipeg.

With so many choices in a central location, there may be sure to be an possibility for any style or choice. Your choices embrace:

• Gusto North
• Yard Burger
• The Good Combat Taco
• Saburo Ramen & Donburi
• Fools & Horses
• Miss Browns
• Rose Bar
• Lake of the Woods Brewing Firm

Not too long ago, upscale grocery retailer Mottola Grocery additionally opened within the constructing. Right here, you will discover an assortment of pastries, breads, meat, seafood, snacks, produce, and extra.

Benefit from the Style of Jamaican Delicacies at Gladys Caribbean Kitchen

If in case you have a love for worldwide delicacies, Gladys Caribbean Kitchen is a superb addition to your Winnipeg journey plans. The restaurant, owned by Deidre Coleman and Patrice Gilman, is a fantastic homage to their grandmothers and Jamaican ancestry. Right here, you will discover genuine dishes like curried goat, whole-fried snapper, and extra. If you need vegan choices, their jerk portobellos with plantain croquettes are properly definitely worth the journey.

Positioned at 726 Sargent Ave within the metropolis’s West Finish, it’s the right place to cease and refuel after your West Finish BIZ strolling mural tour. 

Are you curious about studying extra concerning the location and its inspiration? Throughout our go to, I had the pleasure of interviewing co-owner Patrice Gilman. You may see our interview section in our video: What To Do In Winnipeg Manitoba — Neglect What You Heard About Winnipeg!

Discover the Outside at FortWhyte Alive

With an impressive 660 acres of reclaimed city inexperienced area, FortWhyte Alive gives locals and guests to Winnipeg with a novel alternative to get outside and spend time in nature.

For these trying to find out of doors actions in Winnipeg, they provide forest trails, a marsh boardwalk, an aquarium, an interactive museum, biking, paddling, and an on-site café. It’s also possible to take part in scheduled occasions like hatchet throwing and kids’s nature crafts.

When you want a guided tour, there are a number of to select from. You may study fundamental foraging abilities on their Wild Edibles Stroll, participate in a Bison Safari, or study extra concerning the native ecosystem on a Habitat Secrets and techniques tour. 

We loved a guided cruiser bike tour hosted by Barret Miller, FortWhyte Alive’s Group & Company Packages Supervisor.

Once you’re carried out, seize a chunk at Buffalo Stone Café. Right here, you’ll be able to benefit from the enjoyable pure views of the world’s lake, forest, and wetlands from the eating room whereas having fun with tasty meal choices like their signature bison burger, grilled sandwiches, or homestyle soups.

Seize a Drink at La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co.

Positioned in Winnipeg’s Alternate District, you’ll shortly uncover that La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co. is greater than only a brewery. In addition they supply a mouth-watering rotating menu that includes burgers, smoked & marinated olives, beer-battered onion rings, beef tartare, and cavatelli, amongst different choices.

As a majority Indigenous-owned brewery, they take delight in sharing the historical past of their craft. This contains brewery excursions and hands-on workshops the place you’ll make your personal Bannock (a historic bread that the native indigenous inhabitants typically made).

In addition they supply a “Dinner and a Present” bundle that includes a four-course meal (paired with their craft beers, in fact) adopted by a efficiency by native artists, such because the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, every only a quick stroll away. This can be a handy solution to bundle a few of the greatest issues to do in Winnipeg for an ideal night out. 

Swing Over to the Patent 5 Distillery

The most recent distillery within the Winnipeg space, Patent 5 Distillery, is devoted to utilizing native components when attainable, utilizing 90% Manitoban wheat and 10% Manitoban barley. Cease by for a fast drink or guide a distillery tour to attempt their small batch, premium gin, vodka, whisky, and different spirits.

Have you ever at all times been intrigued by the artistry behind inventive cocktails? Are you curious about enhancing your cocktail-making abilities? Think about taking one of many on-site cocktail courses, the place you’ll discover ways to craft the right cocktail underneath the instruction and supervision of a proficient bartender.  By the tip of the category, you should have discovered easy methods to make three cocktails which are certain to impress your family and friends at your subsequent occasion. 

Go to the Burial Website of Louis Riel at St Boniface Cathedral

In case your ultimate journey plans contain attending to know and honouring the historical past of a location, then you should plan a visit to St Boniface Cathedral. In 1818, this was the primary Roman Catholic church constructed on the east financial institution of the Pink River, serving as a chapel, college, and residence. It wasn’t lengthy earlier than it was changed with a bigger constructing to satisfy the rising want within the space.

The unique picket cathedral was destroyed by fireplace on December 14, 1860. After funds have been raised to facilitate its reconstruction, the brand new cathedral was constructed from stone in 1862.

Because the variety of Roman Catholics continued to develop, one other improve was made with a fair bigger cathedral devoted in August 1906. This served the wants of the world till fireplace as soon as once more struck in 1968, damaging many options of the constructing and destroying parish data.

In an effort to keep up its historical past, a brand new, smaller cathedral was inbuilt 1972 behind the 1906 façade, ensuing within the historic constructing that also stands at the moment. 

The cathedral cemetery is the burial location of many vital historic figures, together with Louis Riel, the founding father of the province of Manitoba.

Take pleasure in Dwell Music at Blue Notice Park

When you’re trying to find methods to take pleasure in Winnipeg in summer season, we advocate including Blue Notice Park to your must-see checklist. This out of doors live performance venue opened throughout the pandemic when many eating places and bars turned to out of doors areas to carry their prospects collectively. Right here, they welcomed musicians from a variety of genres, making a go-to location for music lovers within the space.

After seeing how a lot folks beloved having this musical hub, the choice was made to proceed with a colourful pop-up by the Instances Change(d) Excessive and Lonesome Membership, the place guests can take pleasure in native beer. Ticket costs for the pop-up differ from occasion to occasion. You may see the whole checklist of upcoming performances and related ticket costs on Eventbrite. 

Have a good time Winter on the Competition du Voyageur

Western Canada’s largest winter competition, the Competition du Voyageur tops our checklist of issues to see in Winnipeg throughout the winter months. This iconic competition takes place in February every year and showcases snow sculptures, snowshoe excursions, workshops, crafts, horse sleigh rides, a playground, and a large slide. Heated tents can be found to heat up, attend concert events, or take pleasure in a chunk to eat.

Tickets for the competition are offered for particular dates and instances, starting from $25 to $40 for adults, $15 to $25 for teenagers and seniors (13-17 and 65+), and $5 to $10 for youth (6-12). Youngsters 5 and underneath can attend without cost.

Test Out the World’s Largest Travelling Carnival on the Pink River Exhibition

After all, we will’t checklist issues to do in Winnipeg, Canada, with out mentioning the spectacular Pink River Exhibition. The competition has been working at Pink River Exhibition Park since 1997, however the affiliation behind the occasion has been in operation since 1952.

This ten-day competition takes place each June, that includes over 200 hours of stay music, stage reveals, a halfway with greater than 50 halfway rides, and agricultural reveals. Whereas many cities and cities host festivals and exhibitions, this one holds the title of being the world’s largest travelling carnival, making it a sight to be seen! 

Go to the Historic Manitoba Parliament Constructing

Designed in 1912 and opened on July 15, 1920, the Manitoba Legislative Constructing serves at the moment because the assembly place for the Legislative Meeting of Manitoba. Not solely does this make the constructing a key location politically, however it additionally holds an vital place in Manitoba’s historical past because the twelfth provincial heritage website.

The spectacular neoclassical-style constructing includes a gold-covered bronze statue of the Roman God Mercury going through northward atop the constructing’s dome. This iconic statue, often called “The Golden Boy,” represents Manitoba’s prosperity and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Take within the structure, observe the proceedings of the Legislative Meeting when it’s in session, or just take images on the grounds with this monumental backdrop.

Take Within the Winnipeg Artwork Gallery – Qaumajuq

First opening its doorways to the general public in 1912, the Winnipeg Artwork Gallery has been a staple within the metropolis’s artwork neighborhood. The 185,000-square-foot location in downtown Winnipeg is dwelling to a world-renowned artwork assortment together with the world’s largest public assortment of latest Inuit artwork. Along with their indoor show, you may as well benefit from the many out of doors sculptures across the property.

Admission is $18 for adults 18-64, $15 for seniors 65+, and free for all youth underneath 18.

Along with a powerful show of artwork, you may as well participate in WAG-Qaumajuq’s many occasions, together with crafting, a fundraising gala, the Artwork in Bloom floral exhibit, their signature dinner and tour program, and Wellness @ WAG, which options artwork talks, yoga courses, and different workshops designed to advertise wellness personally and locally.

Once you’re carried out taking within the art work, seize a chunk on the primary ground of WAG-Qaumajuq, the out of doors patio, the Katita Café, or the Rooftop Sculpture Backyard.

Admission is $16 for adults, $13 for college students (13-17), and $9.50 for youth (3-12). Youngsters 2 and underneath can go to without cost. For this value, you’ll be able to discover the museum at your personal tempo or take part within the day by day public guided tour. Excursions begin at 1:45 pm and run for about 30 to 45 minutes.

Plan a Journey to Assiniboine Park Conservancy

Based in 2008, the Assiniboine Park Conservancy is devoted to sharing the wonders of nature with all who go to. Along with the historic Assiniboine Park, a fantastic spot to absorb the world’s pure magnificence, it’s also dwelling to the Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf, an indoor horticultural website.

The Assiniboine Park Zoo is a wonderful possibility for households, permitting guests to work together with over 180 animal species in indoor and out of doors reveals. You may discover the over 80 park-like acres by yourself time or take a guided tour. Packages and workshops are additionally run all year long. Tickets may be bought on-line prematurely at $22.45 for adults, $12.75 for youngsters (3-17 years) and $19.65 for seniors (60+). Costs are barely larger if bought on the gate on arrival.

These curious about exploring the unimaginable gardens at The Leaf are invited to go to year-round. Right here, you will discover over 30 acres of gardens and greenspace and 4 distinct biomes – the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome, Mediterranean Biome, Babs Asper Show Home and the Shirley Richardson Butterfly Backyard. 

Uncover the Previous, Current, and Way forward for the Province on the Manitoba Museum

This award-winning heritage and science heart options museum reveals, a planetarium, and a science gallery.  You may select to buy a ticket to any one of many three points of interest, with grownup admission costing $15.75 for the museum or $8.40 for both the planetarium or science gallery or bundle all three at a value of $24.15 for adults, $15.75 for youth (3-17), or $20.99 for seniors (65+). Youngsters underneath 3 go to freed from cost.

The museum will take you thru the historical past of Manitoba and its pure panorama, together with galleries devoted to completely different ecological areas, together with the grasslands, arctic/subarctic, boreal forest, parklands/blended woods, and the Historic Seas underwater observatory. You will notice unimaginable artifacts and shows from completely different eras of the province’s historical past, from indigenous peoples to modern-day Manitoba. 

For individuals who love area and the universe, the Planetarium is a superb place to go to. It provides a variety of reveals and shows and its dome options 360-degree projection, making a uniquely immersive expertise.

If you’re extra within the legal guidelines of science and know-how, the Science Gallery is a must-see. Right here, you’ll be able to discover hands-on actions and reveals for all ages, encouraging you to study extra about engineering, humanity’s achievements in area exploration, the science surrounding the Lake Winnipeg watershed and ecosystem, and extra. The gallery prides itself on providing reveals that may be touched and explored fairly than conserving its shows hidden behind glass instances.

The spotlight, in fact, is the Nonsuch. The Manitoba Museum obtained the Nonsuch reproduction in 1973. It’s now one of many largest artifacts within the museum’s assortment and is beloved by many. For the previous 50 years, the Conservation Division has been chargeable for preserving this cherished ship.

Their efforts have ensured that the Nonsuch will probably be accessible to future generations for a few years to come back.

Last Ideas – Issues to Do in Winnipeg Canada

Whether or not you’re trying to find issues to do in Winnipeg this weekend or simply beginning to plan a visit for the longer term, we hope this checklist was useful. It actually is an unimaginable place to go to for all ages. Town has unimaginable festivals, together with the Pink River Exhibition and the Competition du Voyageur. Plus, there are numerous nice eating places and breweries to take pleasure in when visiting Winnipeg, conserving you fueled and able to go.

We’re optimistic you should have an unimaginable time, and whenever you depart, you’ll already be planning your subsequent go to!  

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