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Things to Do in Winnipeg

Things to Do in Winnipeg

Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

Winnipeg and its surrounding areas include many opportunities for outdoor activities, especially during warmer months and distinct winter.

Hiking & Trekking

Assiniboine Park

Offers a mix of paved and unpaved trails suitable for all fitness levels. You can enjoy leisurely walks through gardens or more extensive routes.

FortWhyte Alive

Features an extensive network of easy-to-moderate walking trails that wind through various habitats, including forest, prairie, and wetlands. Paths are generally flat.

Birds Hill Provincial Park

Located a short drive northeast of Winnipeg, this park offers diverse trails for hiking, cycling, and cross-country skiing in winter. It has more rugged terrain than city parks.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Canoeing/Kayaking: Available seasonally at FortWhyte Alive, where you can rent canoes and kayaks. Rentals are also available at The Forks.
  • River Tours: The Splash Dash Water Bus operates seasonally from The Forks, offering scenic river tours and functional transportation.
  • Ice Skating: In winter, the Centennial River Trail at The Forks transforms into one of the world's longest naturally frozen skating trails.
  • Adventure sports: Winnipeg itself has limited options for extreme adventure sports. For more intense wilderness adventures, look to northern Manitoba.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Assiniboine Park Zoo (Journey to Churchill): Up-close viewing of polar bears, seals, and other Arctic animals.
  • FortWhyte Alive: Observe a herd of bison roaming in a natural prairie habitat.
  • Prairie dog town to watch these curious animals.
  • Oak Hammock Marsh: Excellent for birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons.

Cycling & Mountain Biking

  • Winnipeg has an extensive network of multi-use pathways along its riverfronts.
  • Connecting major parks and corridors, suitable for leisurely rides.
  • Birds Hill Provincial Park: Dedicated mountain biking trails for more challenging rides.
  • Consider wearing a Bike helmet for safety, especially if renting.

Natural Landscapes

  • Assiniboine Park offers paved and unpaved trails for all fitness levels.
  • FortWhyte Alive features easy-to-moderate walking trails.
  • Birds Hill Provincial Park provides more rugged terrain for hiking.
  • Oak Hammock Marsh is an internationally recognized wetland habitat.

Seasonal Considerations

Outdoor activities are highly seasonal. Winter weather brings cold temperatures and snow, while summer means warmer weather and outdoor recreation. Always check local forecasts before planning activities.

Cultural Immersion

Winnipeg has many ways to dive into local culture.

Workshops & Classes

  • Check local art studios, community centers, or The Forks Market for potential workshops.
  • They make for a hands-on experience of local culture.
  • Language learning: French lessons are available, notably in St. Boniface.
  • Community-based tourism initiatives: Explore cultural centers in St. Boniface and other neighborhoods.

Cultural Performances

Royal Winnipeg Ballet

Canada's oldest ballet company performs classical and contemporary works at the Centennial Concert Hall.

Manitoba Opera

Offers operatic performances at the Centennial Concert Hall.

Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

Has a season of classical and popular concerts at the Centennial Concert Hall.

Folklorama August

The world's largest multicultural festival. Each pavilion provides ethnic foods, music, and dance from various cultures.

Festival du Voyageur February

This winter festival celebrates Métis and French-Canadian culture with lively music, traditional dance, and historical re-enactments.

Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival July

A large, unjuried theatre festival. It has a diverse and often experimental range of performances across numerous venues.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation in Winnipeg, from spas to tranquil natural spaces.

Spa & Wellness Recommendations

  • Riverstone Spa: Located at The Forks, within the Inn at The Forks. It has a range of spa treatments in a modern setting.
  • Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature: An outdoor thermal spa experience. It has hot baths, cold plunges, various saunas, and relaxation areas.
  • A unique opportunity for hydrotherapy and relaxation. Advance booking is needed, especially on weekends.
  • Yoga and meditation retreats: Various yoga studios offer drop-in classes. Longer retreats typically happen outside the city.

Beach & Pool Clubs

Hotel Pools

Winnipeg does not have beach or pool clubs within the city itself. However, many hotels offer indoor pools for guest relaxation.

Grand Beach Provincial Park

A popular day trip destination, this park offers a large sandy beach on Lake Winnipeg for swimming and sunbathing in summer.

Natural Hot Springs

Winnipeg does not have natural hot springs. Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature offers a manufactured thermal experience.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Live Music Venues

The Park Theatre, Burton Cummings Theatre, and Canada Life Centre host various concerts and performances.

Theater & Performance Spaces

Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (MTC), Prairie Theatre Exchange (PTE), and Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival offer diverse plays and shows.

Nightclubs & Bar Districts

Nightclubs and dancing venues are mainly in Osborne Village and the Exchange District, with diverse atmospheres.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Winnipeg's evenings bring a variety of entertainment and nightlife options, from live music to theatre.

Live Music & Comedy

  • The Park Theatre: A smaller, intimate venue that hosts local and touring bands across various genres.
  • Burton Cummings Theatre: A historic theatre that hosts a mix of concerts, comedy shows, and other performances.
  • Canada Life Centre: The city's major arena. It hosts large-scale concerts by international artists and major sporting events.
  • Many smaller pubs and bars in Osborne Village and the Exchange District feature local bands and open mic nights.

Theater & Performances

Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre MTC

Canada's oldest regional theatre company. It operates two stages, presenting a season of Canadian and international plays.

Prairie Theatre Exchange PTE

Focuses on developing and presenting Canadian plays, often with a local or prairie perspective.

Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival July

A large, unjuried theatre festival. It has a diverse and often experimental range of performances across numerous venues.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Nightclubs and dancing venues are mainly concentrated in Osborne Village and the Exchange District. These areas offer a range of atmospheres from energetic dance floors to more relaxed lounges.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Osborne Village is a lively strip with various pubs, bars, and lounges, popular for an evening out. The Exchange District features a growing number of craft breweries and stylish cocktail bars.

Late-Night Entertainment

Casino Winnipeg includes gambling, live entertainment, and dining options that stay open late for those looking for extended evening activities.

Check Event Listings

Check local event listings before your trip. Festivals and special events often include unique shopping and activity opportunities.

Shopping & Markets

Winnipeg has diverse shopping experiences, from traditional markets to modern malls and artisan crafts.

Traditional Markets & Artisan Crafts

  • The Forks Market: An indoor market operating year-round with diverse food vendors and artisans.
  • St. Norbert Farmers' Market (seasonal): Manitoba's largest outdoor market (June-Oct) for local produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts.
  • Artisan workshops and crafts: Several stalls within The Forks Market sell local crafts, jewelry, and art.
  • Exchange District: Explore art galleries and independent studios demonstrating local and regional artists. Third+Bird (seasonal): A popular pop-up market with local makers.

Souvenirs & Luxury Shopping

Souvenir Recommendations

Maple Syrup Products (classic Canadian), Canadian-themed Apparel (e.g., Roots hoodies), Manitoba-specific items (Golden Boy statue, pickerel-themed items).

Luxury & Boutique Shopping

Polo Park: Largest enclosed shopping mall in Manitoba. Grant Park Shopping Centre: Another major mall. Osborne Village & Academy Road: Known for independent boutiques and unique shops.

Ethical Shopping

Look for products marked "Made in Manitoba" or "Made in Canada" to support local artisans and businesses directly.

Modern Malls

  • Polo Park: The largest enclosed shopping mall in Manitoba.
  • Features a mix of national and international brands.
  • Grant Park Shopping Centre: Another major mall with a variety of retail stores.
  • Large selection of clothing, electronics, and more.

Boutique Districts

  • Osborne Village & Academy Road: These areas are known for their independent boutiques.
  • Unique shops offering fashion, home goods, and gifts.
  • A more personalized shopping experience.
  • Great for finding distinctive items.

Souvenir Selection

  • Maple Syrup Products: A classic Canadian souvenir.
  • Canadian-themed Apparel: Comfortable and stylish options.
  • Manitoba-specific items: Souvenirs featuring the Golden Boy statue.
  • Pickerel-themed items and local crafts.

Shipping & Customs Information

Large Purchases
  • If you purchase large items or significant quantities, be aware of your home country's customs regulations.
  • Know your duty limits before making big purchases.
  • Additional taxes or fees may apply upon arrival in your home country.
Shipping Services
  • Local postal services (Canada Post) are available for shipping purchases home.
  • International couriers also have services for sending items globally.
  • Inquire about shipping costs and delivery times at the point of purchase.

Activity Planning Summary

Check local event listings before your trip. Festivals and special events often include unique shopping and activity opportunities.

General Tips for Activities

Plan Ahead

  • Research event calendars for your travel dates.
  • Consider booking popular tours or tickets in advance.
  • Dress for the season, especially for outdoor activities.
  • Many activities are seasonal, notably water sports and winter events.

Getting Around

  • Public transport covers main areas.
  • Ridesharing and taxis are available.
  • Consider walking or cycling in specific neighborhoods.
  • Car rentals work for exploring outside the city.