What to See in the Canadian City of Winnipeg

The Canadian city of Winnipeg is a cultural marvel, famous for its art galleries, museums, festivals and historic sites. Along with shopping and dining, the capital of Manitoba province is also perfectly placed for outdoor activities – with the splendour of Canada’s natural beauty right on the doorstep.

If you’re lucky enough to be visiting wonderful Winnipeg any time soon, we’ve put together a roundup of must-see attractions in the city. There are lots to choose from, so your itinerary will be packed!

The Forks is a bustling complex of shops and entertainment venues spread across a number of beautiful historic buildings. At its heart is the Forks Market, boasting fresh produce and street food vendors across two levels. There’s even a lookout tower you can climb to enjoy amazing panoramic views across the river.

The city is surrounded by enormous lakes, including the majestic Lake Winnipeg. It’s known for its sandy shores, and some of its best white sand beaches are only a 40-minute drive away from the city. So if you fancy a beach holiday along with your city break, this is the perfect place to go. Visit in winter and you can even try the popular sport of snowkiting on the lake itself.

Widely considered one of the best museums in Canada, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is well worth a visit for its architecture alone. The building is stunning, and the exhibits and story-telling within the museum even better.

You’ll be guided through fascinating multi-sensory exhibits exploring international and Canadian human rights issues and challenges, finishing at the Tower of Hope with its incredible views.

Save at least an afternoon to explore the idyllic Assiniboine Park and Zoo, an ideal Winnipeg attraction for families. There are 80 acres of zoo to explore, and polar bears, Arctic foxes, wolves and other global and Manitoban species to meet. Make sure to check out the award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit, along with the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, miniature steam train and McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre elsewhere in the park.

This is a brilliant urban green space on the outskirts of Winnipeg, offering wildlife, lakes, a nature centre and much more. Fort Whyte Alive is spread over 259 wonderfully wild acres, which are home to bison herds, prairie dogs and burrowing owls. This is an ideal spot for outdoor adventures, including paddleboarding on the small lakes, bird spotting as you stroll along the bog boardwalks and over 7km of cycling trails.

Still have time left during your trip? Make sure to check out:

• The Manitoba Children’s Museum
• The Royal Canadian Mint
• St. Boniface Cathedral
• The Exchange District National Historic Site
• Winnipeg Art Gallery
• The neoclassical Legislative Building.

Plan your tailor-made trip to Winnipeg with Blank Canvas, where you’ll get your own personal travel expert to craft an unforgettable itinerary just for you. Get in touch to start planning!