Winnipeg, Canada: travel guide
Prairie crossroads at The Forks with museums and an arts scene
Cultural heart of the prairies at the forks of two rivers, home to the Human Rights Museum and a strong arts scene.
About Winnipeg
Winnipeg lies in the centre of the continent, on the flat prairie at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. That meeting point, known as The Forks, has been a gathering place for centuries and is now a riverside district of markets, paths and public space.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the city's striking modern landmark, and the Manitoba Museum and the historic buildings of the Exchange District add depth. Assiniboine Park and its zoo give a green escape, and the city has a well-regarded arts and theatre scene.
Winnipeg suits culture-minded travellers and those exploring the prairie provinces. Summer is warm and lively with festivals, while winters are long and very cold, so plan accordingly.
- Country
- Canada
- Currency
- CAD
- Time zone
- America/Winnipeg
- Nearest airport
- YWG
Last updated
Top places to visit in Winnipeg
Manitoba Legislative Building
government-building · 4.6 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
A grand 1920 neoclassical building topped by the gilded Golden Boy statue. Famed for its Beaux-Arts design and the "Hermetic Code" symbolism explored on guided tours.
Assiniboine Park & Zoo
zoo-park · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
Sprawling urban park with the Assiniboine Park Zoo, home to the Journey to Churchill exhibit featuring polar bears, seals and northern species, plus gardens and conservatory.
Esplanade Riel
pedestrian-bridge · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A striking cable-stayed pedestrian bridge over the Red River linking The Forks with St. Boniface, unusual for housing a restaurant on its deck. A favourite spot for skyline views.
Winnipeg Art Gallery — Qaumajuq
art-gallery · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The WAG houses the world's largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art, showcased in Qaumajuq, a luminous purpose-built centre with a visible glass vault of carvings.
Exchange District
historic-district · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A National Historic Site of 20 city blocks of well-preserved early-1900s warehouse and terra-cotta architecture, now full of boutiques, galleries, restaurants and theatres.
FortWhyte Alive
nature-reserve · 4.7 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
A 660-acre nature reserve with lakes, trails, a bison prairie herd, interpretive centre and seasonal activities like canoeing and snowshoeing on the city's edge.
The Forks
historic-site · 4.6 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Historic meeting place at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers. A national historic site with a bustling market, riverwalk, shops, eateries and seasonal festivals.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
national-museum · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate
The first museum in the world solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. Its striking Antoine Predock-designed building at The Forks features a glowing alabaster Tower of Hope.
Manitoba Museum
heritage-science · 4.5 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Manitoba's largest heritage and science centre, with nine permanent galleries, a planetarium and science gallery. Highlights include the full-size replica of the 17th-century ship Nonsuch.
St. Boniface Cathedral
cathedral-ruins · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Iconic ruins of the 1908 basilica fronting a modern cathedral, in the heart of Winnipeg's historic French quarter. The adjacent cemetery holds the grave of Métis leader Louis Riel.
Royal Canadian Mint
industrial-tour · 4.4 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
The high-tech plant that produces all of Canada's circulation coins as well as coinage for dozens of countries. Guided tours show the minting process and a collection of coins.
Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
sculpture-garden · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
A tranquil garden within Assiniboine Park displaying more than 300 bronze sculptures, paintings and drawings donated by Ukrainian-Canadian artist Leo Mol.
Things to do
- Canadian Museum for Human Rights Guided Tour Cultural · 1.5 h · from CAD 30 per person
- Assiniboine Park Zoo & Journey to Churchill Wildlife · 3 h · from CAD 22 per person
- FortWhyte Alive Bison Safari & Nature Walk Nature · 2.5 h · from CAD 25 per person
- Manitoba Legislature Hermetic Code Tour Cultural · 2 h · from CAD 25 per person
- Exchange District Walking Tour Cultural · 1.5 h · from CAD 20 per person
- Red River Sightseeing River Cruise Sightseeing · 1.5 h · from CAD 35 per person
- Royal Canadian Mint Guided Tour Cultural · 1 h · from CAD 8 per person
- The Forks Red River Mutual Trail Skating (Winter) Outdoor · 1.5 h
Day trips and tours
- Winnipeg City Highlights Full-Day Tour 8 h · from CAD 130
- Nature & Wildlife Day: Assiniboine Zoo + FortWhyte Alive 7 h · from CAD 110
Where to stay in Winnipeg
- Downtown / The Forks about CAD 200 per night
Central and walkable, putting you steps from The Forks market, the Human Rights museum and the riverwalk, with downtown hotels and dining.
- Exchange District about CAD 170 per night
Historic heart of Winnipeg full of warehouse-era architecture, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, theatres and nightlife.
- Osborne Village about CAD 150 per night
Trendy, walkable neighbourhood just south of downtown known for cafés, bars, indie shops and a lively young crowd.
Hotels
- Inn at The Forks 4-star · CAD 200 to CAD 320 per night
- Fort Garry Hotel 4-star · CAD 180 to CAD 350 per night
- Fairmont Winnipeg 4-star · CAD 220 to CAD 380 per night
- Alt Hotel Winnipeg 3.5-star · CAD 150 to CAD 210 per night
- Mere Hotel 3.5-star · CAD 150 to CAD 230 per night
- Humphry Inn & Suites 3-star · CAD 110 to CAD 160 per night
Where to eat
- VJ's Drive Inn Burgers, Diner, American · about CAD 15 per person
- Clementine Brunch, Contemporary, Cafe · about CAD 28 per person
- Kum Koon Garden Chinese, Dim Sum, Cantonese · about CAD 22 per person
- Deer + Almond Contemporary, Canadian, Small Plates · about CAD 55 per person
- Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company Bakery, Cafe · about CAD 12 per person
- Passero Italian, Contemporary · about CAD 70 per person
- Feast Café Bistro Indigenous, Canadian, Contemporary · about CAD 30 per person
- Sushi Gozen Japanese, Sushi · about CAD 30 per person
Getting to Winnipeg
Airport: Winnipeg (YWG)
Getting around
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Ride Hail
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Aggressive panhandling downtown
Downtown core, Portage Avenue, around transit stops
Some panhandlers near downtown intersections and bus stops can be persistent or follow tourists asking for money.
How to avoid it: A polite, firm "no" works; keep walking and do not display cash. Use ATMs inside banks or malls.
Unofficial parking attendants
Near The Forks and event venues during festivals
During busy events, individuals may direct you to "paid" parking that is unofficial or wave you into private lots and demand cash.
How to avoid it: Use marked official lots and pay at the machine or app. Ignore anyone flagging you down for cash parking.
More in Canada
Frequently asked questions about Winnipeg
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Winnipeg?
- The highest-rated places in our Winnipeg guide are FortWhyte Alive, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, Manitoba Legislative Building, Assiniboine Park & Zoo, Esplanade Riel.
- Where should I stay in Winnipeg?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Winnipeg: Downtown / The Forks, Exchange District, Osborne Village.
- How do I get around Winnipeg?
- Ways to get around Winnipeg covered in our guide: City bus, Self-drive car, Ride-hailing app, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Winnipeg?
- Scams reported to us for Winnipeg include Aggressive panhandling downtown; Unofficial parking attendants. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- Which airport is nearest to Winnipeg?
- The nearest airport to Winnipeg has the code YWG.