Written by Alexander Kopp, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans
01/08/2025
Tom Kowalsky, Pexels
Winnipeg, a Canadian city situated at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, offers a blend of historical depth, vibrant cultural experiences, and diverse natural attractions. Visitors can explore world-class museums, extensive parks, and distinct architectural districts, finding activities suitable for all seasons.
For socializing, Winnipeg provides several vibrant areas. The Forks Market is a popular spot with diverse dining and shopping options. The Exchange District offers a lively cultural scene with shows, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Osborne Village and Corydon are recognized as trendy districts featuring shops, eateries, and a variety of nightlife, including live music venues and dance clubs.
Top 7 Things to do in Winnipeg
Winnipeg offers a diverse range of experiences, from exploring world-class museums and historical sites to engaging with wildlife and enjoying relaxing spa treatments.
1. Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR)
This national museum is dedicated to exploring human rights with a focus on Canada, aiming to enhance public understanding and promote respect. Its distinctive architecture is a visual landmark in the city. Visitors can explore powerful exhibits and inspiring stories. It is recommended to plan your visit to focus on areas of particular interest. Free guided tours may also be available.
Cost: Adult general admission is $22. The museum offers free admission on Sundays.
Transport: The CMHR is located at The Forks, downtown. Winnipeg Transit offers numerous bus routes servicing The Forks and the museum directly. Stops are available on Main Street, William Stephenson Way, and Israel Asper Way. A bus ride from downtown can take approximately 4 minutes and costs around $3.25. A taxi from the city center is about 2.2 km, takes approximately 3 minutes, and costs between $8 and $11.
2. The Forks National Historic Site
Situated at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, The Forks is a historical gathering place transformed into a vibrant hub. It features a bustling central market with diverse food vendors and unique shops, extensive pathways, and a children's play area. It serves as a year-round destination for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Cost: Access to The Forks public areas is free. Individual shops and food vendors within The Forks Market have varying prices. Parking is available hourly.
Transport: Located in downtown Winnipeg, The Forks is easily accessible by public transit, with numerous Winnipeg Transit routes connecting directly or to nearby major stops like Union Station, Main Street, and Broadway, which are a short walk away. A typical taxi ride within downtown Winnipeg, including to The Forks, can cost between $15 and $25.
3. Assiniboine Park and Zoo (Journey to Churchill and The Leaf)
Assiniboine Park is a large urban park featuring several attractions. The Assiniboine Park Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals, with a special emphasis on northern species in the 'Journey to Churchill' exhibit, where visitors can observe polar bears and other Arctic animals in expansive habitats, including through underwater viewing tunnels. 'The Leaf', a horticultural center, opened in December 2022 and boasts Canada's tallest indoor waterfall, along with various biomes and a butterfly garden.
Cost: Adult admission to the Assiniboine Park Zoo is $25.20 (or $22.90 when purchased online in advance). Seniors (60+) and students (with valid ID) pay $22.05 ($20.05 online), and children (3-17 years) are $14.30 ($13.00 online). Children 2 and under enter for free. Tickets are valid for 90 days from purchase and are non-refundable.
Transport: Assiniboine Park and Zoo can be reached by Winnipeg Transit. Specific routes are available, and information can be found on the Winnipeg Transit website or app.
4. Exchange District National Historic Site
This 20-block area in downtown Winnipeg is a National Historic Site, known for its exceptional collection of turn-of-the-century architecture. Visitors can explore cobblestone streets, discovering numerous galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and coffee shops. Various guided walking tours are available, covering themes like historic architecture, the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, or even ghost stories.
Cost: Historic walking tours generally cost $10 per person, with discounted rates of $8 for students (with ID) and $6 for those under 18. Ghost walks are around $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and youth. Food and drink tours have separate pricing.
Transport: The Exchange District is in the heart of downtown Winnipeg and is highly walkable. Many major Winnipeg Transit bus routes service the area, making it very accessible by public transport. A bus ride from other parts of downtown can be as short as 4-6 minutes and costs approximately $3.25. A taxi ride within downtown Winnipeg to the Exchange District is about 2.4 km, takes around 4 minutes, and costs between $9 and $12.
5. Manitoba Museum
The Manitoba Museum focuses on the province's human and natural history, offering nine permanent galleries that showcase its diverse past. Highlights include a 95-million-year-old Pliosaur fossil, a recreated Hudson Bay fur trading post, and a full-size replica of the 17th-century ketch, Nonsuch. The museum also features an interactive Science Gallery and a Planetarium for exploring the cosmos.
Cost: Adult admission is $24, seniors (65+) are $21, and students (24+ with ID) are $18. From June 20 to September 2, 2025, children aged 0-17 receive free admission, and young adults aged 18-24 receive a 50% discount as part of the Canada Strong Pass initiative. Indigenous peoples also receive free general admission.
Transport: The Manitoba Museum is located downtown. It is well-served by Winnipeg Transit bus routes.
6. FortWhyte Alive
FortWhyte Alive is an environmental education and recreation center located just outside Winnipeg. It offers opportunities to connect with nature, observe wildlife such as a herd of bison, and participate in various outdoor activities throughout the year. Visitors can explore trails and learn about local ecology and history.
Cost: Adult admission is $13, older adults (65+) pay $12, and students (with ID) and children (3-17) pay $11. Children 0-2 are free. Admission is complimentary for Indigenous peoples. Those who walk or cycle to the site also receive free admission.
Transport: FortWhyte Alive is located in southwest Winnipeg. While it's outside the immediate downtown area, walking or cycling to the site provides free admission. Public transport options may vary; a taxi would be an option for direct travel from downtown. A taxi ride for a distance of approximately 10 miles (around 16 km) could cost about $27.
7. Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature
This Scandinavian-inspired Nordic spa offers a unique thermal experience, guiding visitors through a cycle of hot saunas, cold or temperate pools, and relaxation areas. It is an ideal place for rest and rejuvenation, available year-round. Treatments like massages and body care are also offered.
Cost: The thermal experience (including bathrobe, towel, and locker rental) costs $86. Massages and body care treatments are an additional cost, with classic massages starting around $155 for 60 minutes and other treatments ranging from $139 to $175.
Transport: Thermëa is located in Fort Garry, approximately 15 minutes south of downtown Winnipeg. Free onsite parking is available. A taxi from downtown to Thermëa would be a convenient option. A 5-mile (approx. 8km) taxi trip could cost around $16-$20.
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