21 Best Things to Do in Winnipeg

Located at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, Winnipeg is known as the "Gateway to the West." From its historic sites, museums and art galleries to its many festivals, Winnipeg offers exciting things to do for everyone. Whether you're globetrotters wishing to experience varied cultures, adventure junkies, or a couple on your honeymoon, Winnipeg is for you!

Are you planning a trip to Winnipeg, Canada? Need help knowing what to expect from your trip? Or putting together your itinerary? The travel experts at Canadian Train Vacations have put together an ultimate travel guide to exploring the treasures of Winnipeg!

Here is our list of the best things to do in Winnipeg Canada to make your trip unforgettable!

1. The Forks National Historic Site

Located where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, The Forks is an important cultural spot in Winnipeg. The site has a 6000-year-old history and is known as the Gateway to the West. This site was declared a Natural Historic Site due to its significance in Western Canadian History.

The Forks was a historical meeting place for Indigenous people in the area, and then colonial traders. You can learn about the history of the Forks by taking a guided tour of this historic site.

Now, more than 4 million visitors still come to The Forks each year. The neighbourhood features a great mix of shops with local markets, tempting dining options, and a constantly changing slate of entertainment and events.

Parking can get jam-packed during peak seasons,. When visiting this popular historic site, it's recommended to take public transit to Union Station.

2. Canadian Museum For Human Rights

If you are interested in stories about Human Rights issues, this museum should top your list of things to do in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the first museum dedicated to the history, evolution and future of Human Rights.

Located just behind the Forks, the museum houses six floors of galleries displaying varied Human Rights themes. Numerous permanent exhibits themed around Collective rights, Women's rights, Protection of Human Rights, and Human Rights Promotion are displayed. Apart from the displays, the architecture and design of the building are intriguing, with irregular shapes and bold Geometry.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free for children below seven, and others must pre-register their tickets. You can reach the museum by car, otherwise it's only a 2 minute walk from Union Station.

3. Assiniboine Park

Enjoy 400 acres of lush greenery and outdoor entertainment at Assinobaine Park, located in the city centre. Millions of people, locals and tourists, visit this park each year. The park is one of the most fun things to do in Winnipeg.

The park houses popular tourist attractions such as English Garden, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, theatres, zoo and public art galleries. The trails and gardens offer places for relaxing walks, and visitors can also enjoy the exotic displays at the indoor horticulture park, The Leaf. You should set aside three hours to explore this wonder.

Most of its famous attractions, like the English Garden, The Leaf, outdoor gardens, The Pavillion, and the natural playground, are all open throughout the year. The public visiting time is from 9 am to dusk every day.

There is free entry into the park for everybody, though some of the attractions do require the purchase of tickets.

4. Assiniboine Park Zoo

Located at the centre of Assiniboine Park, the zoo is just a few minutes from downtown Winnipeg. The zoo houses numerous animal species in environments resembling their natural habitat. It is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Winnipeg.

Popular exhibits include the polar bears in Journey to Churchill, Aunt Sally's Farm, Toucan Ridge, and Animals of Asia. McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre and Grasslands & Boreal Forests are also major zoo attractions.

Numerous gift shops, playgrounds, and restaurants dot the zoo, making it more enjoyable for families with kids. There are a few unique playgrounds including Aunt Sally's Farm, where kids can play alongside different species of live goats.

The Assiniboine Park is free for visitors, but the zoo charges entry fees. Learn more about the rates and book your tickets at the zoo's website. The zoo is open throughout the year and allows daily visitors from 9 am to 5 pm.

5. The Forks Market

Enjoy a local shopping excursion at the Forks Market, where you'll find items ranging from fresh produce and baked goods to the best wine to pair them with. This shops selling aromatherapy products, kitchen essentials, and Indigenous arts and crafts. It is one of the best things to see and do in Winnipeg.

The Forks Market is open 7 days a week throughout the year from 7 am to 11 pm. (Timings might vary depending on the local weather conditions.)

You can reach the Forks Market by car, and parking is available at a nominal charge. You can also take public transit.

6. Manitoba Legislative Building

The Legislative Building is located in the southern part of downtown Winnipeg. The striking architectural design of the building forms a distinctive "H" at its base. The Golden Boy atop the dome, carrying golden grain and a torch, is one of the iconic symbols of Manitoba.

The Manitoba Legislative building houses the legislative assembly, committees, ministers' and deputy ministers' offices.

Visitors are welcome to view the Legislative Assembly's proceedings. To best view the House Sitting, arrive at the gallery 30 minutes before it starts. Entry is free.

While group tours of the office building are available during certain hours, the Manitoba Legislative Building is open every day of the year for self-guided tours from 8 am to 8 pm.

7. Club Regent Casino

Club Regent Casino is one of the two casinos run by the Government of Manitoba and one of Winnipeg's tourist attractions. It's only a 20-minute drive from downtown Winnipeg. The casino hosts regular comedy and musical performances in the Transcona theater. The casino complex includes the Club Regent Hotel and the Club Regent Event Centre.

You can reach the casino by car or taking bus no. 47. The casino is just a three-min-walk away from the Regent stop. Club Regent Casino is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 am to 3 am and Fridays and Saturdays from 10 am to 5 am.

8. Winnipeg Art Gallery

Get a glimpse into Canadian Art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. With over 27,000 exhibits, the gallery is home to Canadian and International artworks. It has the world's most extensive collection of Inuit Art, the works of the people of the Arctic region. The displays are exhibited under various themes like Canadian Art, Decorative Art, Inuit Art, International Art, and Photography.

Enjoy the gallery Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm, throughout the year. While the first floor featuring stone art is free, you must pay an entry fee to enjoy other exhibits. Entry is free for visitors younger than 18. For adults over 18, it is $18, and for 65 and above, it is $15. For groups of 10 people and more, registration is compulsory.

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is around a 20-minute walk from the Forks Market. Parking is available around the premises for a nominal fee. You can also take the numerous public buses going to the gallery.

9. Tinkertown Family Fun Park

Tinkertown Family Fun Park is one of the adventurous things to do in Winnipeg, Canada, for families with kids. The outdoor amusement park houses more than 25 rides. People of all ages can have a memorable day at this park. Plus you can try the tasty foods and fun desserts from the food stalls.

Tinkertown Family Fun Park is open only during the summer in July and August (The timing is subject to change, depending on the weather.) The entry fee is $23, except for seniors, who only pay $17 for entry. The pass includes all the rides and other attractions within the park.

10. Canada Life Centre

Located in downtown Winnipeg, Canada Life Center is an indoor arena home to the famous local hockey teams, the Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose. It hosts national and international Ice hockey, curling, and other sporting events. Sporting fans from across the country visit this place for its world-class viewing experiences. Check the event calendar and book your tickets to avoid disappointments.

The Canada Life Centre has more than 13,000 parking spots, and more are available within a 10-minute walk. You can also take public transit, as it is on several major routes.

11. CF Polo Park

Enjoy an extraordinary shopping experience at the heart of Winnipeg, at the CF Polo Park. As the city's largest shopping mall, it is one of the cool things to do in Winnipeg. With around 190 shops featuring global brands, it offers a premium shopping experience.

It is located at the junction of Portage Avenue, between St. James Street, Empress Street and Maroons Road. The hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm; Saturday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm; and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

12. Old Market Square

Located in downtown Winnipeg, the Old Square Market is one of the top 10 things to do in Winnipeg. It's the ideal place for people who love shopping and hunting for those unique treasures.

The market's fabulous architecture features classic red-bricked buildings. With many antique shops, cafes, pubs, restaurants, and clothing stores, this place has something exciting for everyone. There is an outdoor theatre hosting shows and plays during the summer. Attending a show here is one of the fun things to do in Winnipeg at night.

The Old Market Square is open from Monday through Friday throughout the year.

13. Assiniboia Downs Horse Racing Track

You can watch live horse races daily, from May to September, at the Assiniboia Downs Gaming and Events Centre. Operated by the Manitoba Jockey Club, you can wager on your favourite horses — if you are older than 18.

While the track space can hold major events and concerts with a capacity of up to 60,000 people, the seating capacity is up to 1,200. Assiniboia Downs is located at Perimeter Highway and Portage Avenue.

14. Winnipeg Railway Museum

The Winnipeg Railway Museum preserves the town's railway history. The first Canadian Prairie locomotive, Countess of Dufferin, is a major attraction here. The 1972 steel caboose, Canadian National number 1900 diesel locomotive, and other vintage railcars are also displayed.

While it is currently closed for renovations and repairs, the museum aims to be open in late 2025.

15. Corydon District

Corydon district is known as Winnipeg's Little Italy. It's the perfect neighbourhood for people who love premium shopping and dining. In the summer you'll find cozy patios filled with people dining at the neighbourhood's popular restaurants.

It's a great opportunity to visit the restaurants here for a taste of authentic Italian food and other delicious global cuisines. You can even sample some gelato or have a sangria or cold beer. July and August are the best time to visit the Corydon district when the live music and concerts occur.

16. Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra

The Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra presents many concerts per year throughout Manitoba. This orchestra has established itself as a leading Canadian symphony, and has been recognized as one of the country's most innovative. While the primary venue is the Centennial Concert Hall, they also perform in various other places. Check out their events calendar to book your tickets in advance.

17. Assiniboine Forest

Located between Chalfont Avenue and Shaftsbury Boulevard, the Assiniboine Forest is a forest located within Winnipeg. Enjoy nature without leaving the city. Hikers will love the trail that leads to the Eve Werier Memorial Pond. You can view shorebirds and waterfowl from an observation centre in the forest. You might also have a chance to view some white-tailed deer!

18. Manitoba Electrical Museum & Educational Centre

Dedicated to the electrical history of Manitoba, the Electrical Museum and Educational Centre is in a converted electrical substation building. It displays electrical history from the 1870s — and also looks at the present and future of electrical sciences. Exhibits include the Van De Graft Generator, a 1940's Farm Kitchen, and the Evolution of Appliances. It also houses interactive displays that educate visitors on safety precautions.

Entry is free for children below five; for others, entry is $5/person. The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, from 1 pm to 4 pm, throughout the year.

19. Grand Prix Amusements

Offering all kinds of fun things to do in Winnipeg, this amusement park has activities for kids all ages. Entry is free, but there is a cost for certain activities. Go-Karting is the top attraction, along with mini-golf. You'll also find Bumper Boats and batting cages. The amusement park is open only during the Spring through Fall.

[ Read: Amusement Parks in Canada ]

20. The Exchange Districts

Travel back in time to the 1880s by exploring the Exchange Districts. Terracotta buildings and stone warehouses line the narrow streets of these historical areas. Called the "Chicago of the North," learn its history by taking a guided tour of the Exchange Districts. Guided walking tours last approximately one and a half hours. You can also enjoy shopping, eating and drinking at the various businesses in the Exchange Districts.

21. Leo Mol Sculpture Garden

Leo Mol Sculpture Garden is unique among the attractions at Assiniboine Park. Leo Mol was a master sculptor whose aesthetic works are displayed in the garden in a natural setting. Located on the park's northwest side, numerous events are organized in the garden. The sculpture garden is open from 9 am to dusk every day, all-year round.

Where to Stay in Winnipeg?

For people visiting Winnipeg, you have numerous staying options to choose from. Hotels are available for all budget ranges in downtown Winnipeg. Some top tourist favourites are Hotel Fairmont Winnipeg across from Union Station, Hyatt House Winnipeg South Outlet Collection, Delta Hotels, Inn at the Forks, and many more.

Famous Food In Winnipeg

Winnipeg is also known for its delicious and diverse cuisine. Here are some of the must-try restaurants and their most recommended dishes.

• Falafel Place: Try out some Winnipeg-style home-cooked food at Falafel Place. They also serve an extensive vegan and vegetarian menu.
  Location: 1101 Corydon Avenue
  Must-try: Falafel breakfast, French toast, and Beef brisket sandwich
• Pauline Bistro: Enjoy authentic and delicious French Canadian food. They serve an excellent breakfast and brunch from 8 am to 2 pm.
  Location: 112 Marrion Street
  Must-try: Brioche cinnamon bun french toast, avocado tartine, and fire-grilled greek salad
• Chosabi: Asian fusion at its best.
  Location: 100 King Street A, 520 Portage Avenue, 1194 Taylor Avenue
  Must-try: Sushi burrito or poke bowl.