Winnipeg

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Eco-friendly travel guide to Winnipeg advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to explore the attractions in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

A view of downtown Winnipeg from the Forks


  • Air quality: 3.75 / 5
  • Exploring by foot: 2.8 / 5
  • Exploring by bicycle: 3 / 5
  • Public transportation: 3.5 / 5
  • Parks: 3.95 / 5
  • Outdoor activities: 3.7 / 5
  • Locals' English level: 4.5 / 5
  • Safety: 3.5 / 5
  • Accommodation: US$20 - $1,200
  • Budget per day: US$80 - $1,300

Responsible Travel

Winnipeg is a place you'll definitely enjoy visiting! There's a bursting dining and nightlife scene you'll be treated to at night and you can take in a gallery show or stroll historic neighborhoods during the day. Winnipeg is a regional business and arts center as it's the capital of the province of Manitoba and its cheap prices for apartments has made it to be very popular among immigrants. Having grown into a center of industry and tourism and a modern megalopolis, Winnipeg today boasts several cultural centers, and it's a very diverse environment for you'll hear Russian, Ukrainian, French, and English languages as you take a walk on the streets of the city. Traveling to Winnipeg can be so exciting and intriguing and to travel responsibly in a unique city like Winnipeg, you don't need to do too much but be mindful of a couple of things.

As you'll be traveling around, one important thing you must put into cognizance is your safety. An important tip for staying safe is common sense; as always, but you must take some precautions when visiting this Canadian city even though Winnipeg is a fairly safe place to visit. As a result of this, take safe modes of transportation and make sure to remain in lighted areas if staying with a group is not an option. Generally speaking, Canada has a relatively low rate of petty theft, vandalism, and street crime but never fail to blend into the crowd, rather than sticking out because drawing attention to yourself is never a good idea. Don't be flashy, avoid wearing expensive jewelry, and don't carry around large amounts of money.

There are some areas in the city you should try avoiding because some particular sections of the city have a concentrated rate of street crime. The North and West Ends of the city are areas to be avoided at night but there are regular police patrols at the Exchange District which makes it a safe area. Nevertheless, nothing should disturb your day and night strolls at places like the Assinaboine Park and Forest, North and South Tuxedo, River Heights, Wellington Crescent North and South, and The Gates; for these are beautiful areas to walk through night or day. Plus, don't forget to dial 986-6222 for non-emergency situations and you can as well dial 911 from any phone to contact the local police department in case of an emergency.

Taking the city's public transport is a great way to move around and if you'll be in the city for a month, you can take advantage of the monthly transport pass which will cost you about $100 CAD per month or thereabout. With a pretty comprehensive bus service, Winnipeg transit system offers mouthwatering passes, and if you choose not to use public transport in the city, you should know you're missing out on a few things. Nevertheless, it's worthy to point out that Winnipeggers tend to opt for a car before the bus because of the somewhat-spread-out nature of the city and the cold winters of the city. Winnipeg is not renowned for its public transport system, just as it's common with most Canadian Prairie cities, but this doesn't mean it's not a great option one can go for.

However, it does get better with the city's extensive bike path network covering large sections of Winnipeg and you will definitely be pleased to know this if you are a cycling enthusiast. Biking poses to be a great way to move around the city and there are no calf-crippling climbs, neither should there be any difficulty in navigating a tricky area because of the so much flatland in the city. How about walking? Well, walking is pretty enjoyable too but taking safety precautions is pertinent. Do not go for a walk in remote areas of the city late at night and considering the fact that the level of pickpocketing is rather high in some parts of the city, never forget to monitor your personal items closely, especially when you're in transit, in major shopping centers, and taking a leisurely walk in public places.

Nevertheless, the central part of the city is a great place to stroll both during the day and at night because of the area's consistent traffic of people but you shouldn't be denied an opportunity of enjoying wonderful walks and strolls in this city because the situation in the streets of the city is quite safe. Just take precautions, apply common sense, and you'll do just fine.


Air Quality and Pollution

Winnipeg does not enjoy much of a good reputation in terms of its air quality but of recent, its air pollution has been reported to pose little or no risk and the air quality is considered satisfactory. Winnipeg has also been featured on the list of “Top Ten Canadian "Clean Air" Cities” by AirGenius and this goes further to validate the clean air that pervades a good part of the city. Speaking of the climatic in Winnipeg, Winnipeg has a windy climate, which is due to its prairie location. Still, the residents of this city enjoy much sunny weather all year round and the city's skies which are among the clearest in Canada, even with its cold weather. With a short, very warm summer and a long, cold winter, Winnipeg features a cold continental climate, and this clearly explains why the locals in this country from other provinces tend to jokingly call Winnipeg “Winterpeg”. Enduring very cold and occasionally rather brutal winter temperatures, Winnipeg, situated in Southern Manitoba, remains to be a favorite of its inhabitants who believe that the damper cold in Toronto is way worse than Winnipeg's dry winter cold.


Respect the Culture

Winnipeg is renowned for the friendliness of its native people and its diversity of local culture. There are several ethnic groups calling this city home and with this, it's evident that you'll meet people of different colors from different parts of the world with their respective beliefs and values. In this city, there's a place called the French district, there is a quarter called "Little Italy", and you'll as well find Chinatown. Being a multicultural city, you've got a good opportunity of experiencing different cultures here in this city and tourists with a fondness for cultures will have a lot to explore and enjoy in the respective inexpressible atmosphere of some of the unique areas in the city. Thus, respecting the culture in this city can be quite broad; looking at its diversity, but there's no cause for alarm because you'll definitely be pleased by the friendliness that can be seen in absolutely everything; the friendly attitude and hospitality of the locals, which is enough to make you have a good day.


Top 10 Places to Visit

Winnipeg has grown to be a fascinating destination in its own right in recent years and it's at the forefront of its identity for it's a place where culture and art are valued. Winnipeg really has it all; from the historic melting pot at The Forks and a proud First Nations heritage to the picturesque scenery on its outskirts and world-leading museums. Winnipeg is one of the most underrated cities in Canada and even with all hint of up-and-coming flair, it remains to be picturesque, cultural, vibrant, and, of course, bustling. People crossing the length of Canada has always been taking advantage of Winnipeg which has long been a stopover point as it's situated in the heart of the country.

However, you'll acknowledge that Winnipeg is worth more than just a drive-by if you've ever experienced what this Manitoba’s capital has in stock. I mean, shall we speak of the plenty of things to do outside, the delicious food, the friendly residents, or the shining sun? No matter the season, Winnipeg never disappoints its visitors with its offerings because there's so much to do come winter or summer. And, if you're taking a trip to this underrated gem in Canada looking for the best attractions to visit, please yourself with our top recommendations compiled just for you.

  • Assiniboine Park: It features a collection of bronze sculptures amidst colorful blooms, free-flowing flowerbeds and winding paths at an English garden, a fine formal garden, and tropical plants at its conservatory and gardens. Here, you'll have an amazing opportunity to get fit and play, take trips to the zoo, explore beautiful gardens, and enjoy a series of outdoor activities. It's a gathering place for outdoor lovers in Winnipeg and it's situated in central Winnipeg. With cross-country ski trails, tobogganing hills, and an outdoor skating rink, this park becomes a wonderland in winter plus there's a variety of stage performances and bandshell concerts to be enjoyed here. There's a crow's nest, net bridges, tunnels, sand play, and water at the nature playground for children. There are breakfast and lunch available at affordable prices at its café and park tours for all ages are provided by a mini steam train here.
  • Royal Canadian Mint: The production of coins for seventy-five other countries of the world and all Canadian coins, especially, is the function of the Winnipeg branch of the Royal Canadian mint. Reservations are recommended and tours are offered in both English and French. If you would love to catch a stunning view of the high-tech production of Canadian coins, this place has its doors open for all year-round, and if you desire to purchase freshly minted Canadian coins, there's a gift shop available for that. Through the interactive displays in the visitor's hall, you can learn more about coins and overlook the production line through an upper window.
  • Winnipeg Art Gallery: It houses a massive collection of Inuit art, particularly sculptures. Paintings by renowned Canadian artist Emily Carr, works by The Group of Seven, and Canadian abstract art by Prairie Artists are what it focuses particularly on. It's home to collections of Canadian historic art and it was founded in 1912. There's a summer art camp, art classes, family programs, and guided tours offered here. Canadian decorative arts in glass, metal, textiles, and ceramics can be found here plus there's a significant Canadian photography collection this gallery is building. Tapestry and panel paintings are here too, and that's not all, there are also pieces from 15th and 16th century Europe contained in its international collection.
  • The Forks National Historic Site: You can't speak of the top 10 attractions in Winnipeg without mentioning the Forks. It has been a gathering place for thousands of years and it's the junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. Today, it boasts shopping, restaurants, sculptures, gardens, and parks as a National Historic Site.
  • The Manitoba Museum: From fossils of Ice Age mammals to the Ordovacian period 445-450 million years ago, it's renowned for having a large collection of fossils. It focuses on the effects of climate on varied plant and animal species growing in such an environment and it closely examines the natural history of Manitoba. It takes an insightful examination into the history of the animals, plants, and peoples of the province. This museum welcomes school groups and has tours, summer camps, and outreach programs. It covers 12,000 years of the province's anthropological past and, the archeology and ethnology of Manitoba's people is what it emphasizes.
  • The Assiniboine Park Zoo: There are bright blooms and multi-colored butterflies coexisting at the butterfly garden and you can enjoy marveling at the Boreal Forest exhibit, Arctic foxes in the Grasslands, harbor seals, Canadian lynx, and American bison as a visitor here. This zoo focuses on North American wildlife, polar bears in particular, and it houses over 200 animal species from different parts of the world. There are adults and children's programs, school programs, and summer camps offered at this zoo. You'll find a variety of amphibians and reptiles, bats, and meerkats housed in the Discovery Centre, a place where kids have an opportunity for hands-on learning. The Australian Walkabout exhibit contains Emus and a family of red kangaroos. Bactrian camels, Snow leopards, and endangered Amur tigers are the Asian exhibit's major highlights.
  • Fort Whyte: Situated within the boundaries of Winnipeg, it is now a wildlife preserve and outdoor center because this site was never a fort. To have a fine knowledge of the ecological system and the interesting aspects of the park, you can take advantage of its exploration kits that are offered to family groups. This place is also brimming with fun and enjoyable activities for there are rentals available for binoculars, fishing equipment, Nordic walking poles, snowshoes, canoes, and rowboats. Fort Whyte also boasts a gift shop, a café, a large freshwater aquarium, and a nature interpretation center.
  • The Royal Aviation Museum of Western: Many old planes are being restored in the museum hangar, all thanks to the assistance of volunteers. In the early years of far northern exploration in Canada, distinct colossal floatplanes that were used for cargo shipment during this period can be found here. The Canadian innovation in aircraft and engine design is one of the focal points of this museum and the value of Manitoba pilots in the history of aviation is what this museum underscores. In addition, tours are available here for those who desire to learn more and better and, be informed that programs for family and school groups change seasonally. In the whole of Canada, it hosts the largest aviation library and archives.
  • The Centennial Concert Hall: It is the impressive 253,014 sq.ft. venue it is today with all thanks to several donations and fundraising it benefited from. Both locals and visitors in Winnipeg love this popular entertainment venue and you might want to check it out. The Book Of Mormon, River Dance, and Les Miserables are some of the successful shows that have been hosted here and popular names like Neil Young and Tony Bennett have graced this entertainment venue as well. The Centennial Concert Hall boasts a seating capacity of 2,305.
  • The Canadian Museum for Human Rights: With its interactive displays and videos, it makes its introduction for the concept of human rights. It affirms that everyone has the potential to positively affect social change and it poses questions about human rights. It's a thought-provoking and inspirational museum that observes how each museum visitor views human rights and it as well looks at the future. The lack of human rights as contributed by secrecy and the denial of human atrocities and Canada's own experiences with anti-Semitism and the Holocaust are what its One Gallery is dedicated to. From a historical and legal standpoint, its focus is on the history of human rights in Canada.
A view from the lookout deck of Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park


Explore

Throughout the years, Winnipeg has gained more attraction and recognition. This city has it all on offer from opera and concerts to ballet and drama for it has a very active cultural life. The residents of this city who are known for their warm reception are fondly referred to as "Peggers," and they'll not hesitate to help you have a great time during your visit to this city.

Recognized internationally as the home of the Winnipeg Jets, Winnipeg has plenty of things to satisfy both its visitors and locals and the range of things to do in Winnipeg varies by season due to the extreme climate of hot summers and cold winters in the city. Winnipeg is the heart of central Canada; it's at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, and situated equidistant from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. It houses great museums, historical attractions, important monuments, beautiful parks, and it's a green cityanother reason why you'll love visiting this city as a green traveler.

Promising a range of exciting experiences, activities, and things to do, it features four distinct seasons, diverse communities, an in-depth history, and a mix of landscapes. Winnipeg does boast a wide array of family-friendly attractions which include the Royal Canadian Mint, the Assiniboine Park Zoo, the close-by Tinkertown Family Fun Park, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, and the Manitoba Museum. And, whether you're visiting the city alone or coming with your family, you'll never get bored of outdoor adventures because there are tons of lovely places to check out in this city.


City Parks

Parks are a great place to catch a beautiful dose of sunshine and here are some of the best ones you'll find around in Winnipeg;

  • Kildonan Park: Outdoor equipment is available here and there's wheelchair access. There's a Witch's Hut, BBQ pits, 27,000 square meters of pathways, and a Wooden bridge near the south garden for pictures provided by the park here. It has a pool that is excellent for individuals of all ages, it boasts a beach, and it has three 1-meter diving boards. During the winter, the toboggan slides and skating pond are open. During the summer, there's plenty of picnic tables available, barbeque pits, and an Olympic-size swimming pool to dazzle the guests. Featuring Rainbow Stage and the Peguis Pavilion, it takes pride in being Winnipeg's largest public park.
  • St. Vital Park: It's a fine spot for large open fields for sports beautiful duck pond and it's an excellent place for pokemon. Older and younger children can enjoy playing at the two playgrounds here and there's a boat launch, children's play structure, cross country ski trails (winter), winter skating on the pond, fitness trails, a totem pole, a Rock garden, and sand volleyball here. It's a special place for occasions like picnics and weddings, and it offers a nice atmosphere for recreational sports and family get-togethers. This 100 acres park is worth the while.
  • Assiniboine Park: It's one of the best parks you'll find in the city. It has a steam train, a garden, a restaurant, a nature playground, and art on the lawn. All visitors can enjoy the picnic shelter here. There are several attractions hosted here and a few of what you'll find here include conservatory play equipment, an outdoor theatre, and a zoo. Offering four seasons of family fun, it's a destination for discovery adventure and, you'll have an amazing opportunity to get fit and play, take trips to the zoo, explore beautiful gardens, and enjoy a series of outdoor activities. It's a gathering place for outdoor lovers in Winnipeg and it's situated in central Winnipeg. With cross-country ski trails, tobogganing hills, and an outdoor skating rink, this park becomes a wonderland in winter plus there's a variety of stage performances and bandshell concerts to be enjoyed here.
Kildonan Park, Winnipeg


National Parks

Wapusk National Park and Riding Mountain National Park are the two national parks established within Manitoba.

Wapusk National Park


Beaches

Although beaches are not common in Winnipeg, the city does share a very close proximity to some of Manitoba's finest beaches, and why not indulge in this adventure that makes you explore a bit beyond the city?

If you're up for this adventure, a top choice to go for is the Grand Beach. It's not very far at all; it's called “Manitoba’s little paradise on the prairie” by the locals, it sits near Grand Marais, and you can get there in about an hour north of Winnipeg. Winter activities include snowshoeing and you can explore nature trails here if you're into hiking. Windsurfing, a few other water sports, and boating are offered by the busy resort area here. If you're tired of walking along the beach boardwalk, you can just enjoy sunbathing on the white sand, or perhaps, wade in the shallow water and swim; in summers. Framed by 30-foot-high sand dunes, it extends for almost two miles along the waterfront, and it's the most popular beach in the region.

Another option you might also want to go for is the Winnipeg Beach. A boardwalk, bike lanes, artist tour, soccer field, and a tennis court are some of its many amenities. You can sit at the on-site picnic tables and bring your own lunch or perhaps, save yourself the stress and treat yourself to the local restaurants within walking distance. Nevertheless, be informed that there are no lifeguards on duty; if you'll be coming with kids and you would love to swim. You can enjoy grooving here for there's live music and, activities like fishing and boating make this place more fun. This beach has almost everything you could want and it's just 45 minutes north of Winnipeg.

Care to keep your options more open? Patricia Beach is a fine option to consider too. Washrooms are on-site and you can stay at the north end of the beach which is clothing optional. Sounds fun? You can spot many creatures here and there are plenty of cool birds such as salamanders and the Piping Plover housed in the marsh. It has a picnic area but don’t forget a big umbrella because there isn’t much shade on the beach. This beach has lots of sand for your little one to dig in and it seems to be never-ending. It's situated on Lake Winnipeg in Balsam Bay.

Winnipeg Beach on Lake Winnipeg in Manitoba


Landmarks

Winnipeg is famous for a lot of things and its landmarks are one of them!

  • Manitoba Legislative Building: Without paying a dime, you can enjoy the architecture, visit the building's extensive collections, explore the park surrounding the building and the gardens, and even learn the stories of Winnipeg. Designed to replicate an ancient temple from 600 BC, it has painted works worth exploring, a multitude of gorgeous sculptures, and stunning architecture. It has a strong reputation for its Golden Boy stonework and this historical building was designed by Henry Boddington and Frank Worthington Simon. It's Winnipeg's meeting place of the Legislative Assembly.
  • Seven Oaks House Museum: It offers several activities for the convenience of its visitors and it's home to plentiful antique artifacts. This historic house draws the lifestyles of people during the 19th Century in the Red River Settlement. It was donated for use as a park and museum to the City of Winnipeg and built in a Vernacular Georgian style is the Museum's nine-room. Situated in downtown Winnipeg, it's an established civic museum.
  • The Forks National Historic Site: It's not just a popular landmark in the city, it's one of the top attractions in Winnipeg you wouldn't want to miss out on. It has been a gathering place for thousands of years and it's the junction of the Assiniboine and Red Rivers.
Manitoba Legislative Building


Museums

Here are some of the best museums in Winnipeg;

  • The Canadian Museum for Human Rights: With its interactive displays and videos, it makes its introduction for the concept of human rights. It affirms that everyone has the potential to positively affect social change and it poses questions about human rights. It's a thought-provoking and inspirational museum that observes how each museum visitor views human rights and it as well looks at the future. The lack of human rights as contributed by secrecy and the denial of human atrocities and Canada's own experiences with anti-Semitism and the Holocaust are what its One Gallery is dedicated to. From a historical and legal standpoint, its focus is on the history of human rights in Canada.
  • The Royal Aviation Museum of Western: Many old planes are being restored in the museum hangar, all thanks to the assistance of volunteers. In the early years of far northern exploration in Canada, distinct colossal floatplanes that were used for cargo shipment during this period can be found here. The Canadian innovation in aircraft and engine design is one of the focal points of this museum and the value of Manitoba pilots in the history of aviation is what this museum underscores. In addition, tours are available here for those who desire to learn more and better and, be informed that programs for family and school groups change seasonally. In the whole of Canada, it hosts the largest aviation library and archives.
  • The Manitoba Museum: From fossils of Ice Age mammals to the Ordovacian period 445-450 million years ago, it's renowned for having a large collection of fossils. It focuses on the effects of climate on varied plant and animal species growing in such an environment and it closely examines the natural history of Manitoba. It takes an insightful examination into the history of the animals, plants, and peoples of the province. This museum welcomes school groups and has tours, summer camps, and outreach programs. It covers 12,000 years of the province's anthropological past and, the archeology and ethnology of Manitoba's people is what it emphasizes.
The Manitoba Museum


Eat

Winnipeg does cater to every taste and budget with its amazing set of restaurants and there's no denial to the fact that Winnipeg loves food. All thanks to Winnipeg's diverse cultures, the city has a choice of global cuisines and a vibrant dining scene. From munching pierogies and cabbage rolls in a corner café and chomping into bison burgers in a local diner to dining on Manitoba beef in an upscale eatery, you'll be treated to an array of sumptuous eats when you're in Winnipeg. And, some of what you'll find in the city's cuisine include fresh pickerel filets and cheeks, Winnipeg-style cream cheese, Winnipeg-style rye bread, Winnipeg goldeye, Chili Burgers, Mennonite farmer's sausage, and Kubasa or kielbasa.


Traditional Local Restaurants

Traditional local restaurants are in good quantity and quality in Winnipeg:

  • Rae & Jerry's Steak House
  • Peasant Cookery
  • Wild Wing
  • The Keg Steakhouse + Bar - Garry Street
  • Clementine
  • VJ's Drive Inn
  • Saperavi Restaurant
  • Enoteca
  • Deer + Almond


Vegetarian and Vegan

Here are some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Winnipeg;

  • Acorn Cafe: It sells vegan cheeses by local producer Vegan Fromagerie & Seitan and a few food items like soup, salads, hummus wraps, and daily lunch are some of what it has on offer. With a choice of smoothies, adaptogenic lattes, and plant milk, it serves vegan coffee and tea beverages.
  • Affinity Vegetarian Garden: It has a carte menu in the evening and the weekend lunch buffet is from 11-2. It's reported to be full vegan and it uses faux meats made from soy protein. Buffet style set up for lunch, paid for by weight. And, it serves Chinese food for its a Chinese restaurant.
  • Al Tanour: It serves Turkish coffee and offers several vegan items which include spinach triangles, pita, grape leaf rolls, biryani, lentil soup, split pea soup, baba ghanouj, tabouli, hummus, and falafel. This restaurant serves meat with vegan options available.
  • Beaurivage Bistro: Lentil-rice pilaf, okra, lentil soup, various salads, sautéed spinach, baba ghanouj, stuffed grape leaves, cauliflower rosettes with tahini sauce, and hummus are some of what it has on offers for its guests. Its menu is clear about which options are vegan. Although this Lebanese restaurant has tons of vegan options available, it serves meat.
  • Earls Kitchen + Bar: Bibimbap, curry, stir fry, tofu bowl, avocado toast, spicy tofu tacos, green salad, quinoa avocado bowl, green dragon roll, and beyond or impossible burger are some of the options it presents for its guests. Be informed that its food may vary from region to region and you can see his menu online to catch a glimpse of its offered several vegan dinners. It added a “plant-based” section to the menu in 2019, it boasts extensive menus of fusion and American fare, and it features a contemporary-trendy setting. It's a Canada-based restaurant chain with plenty of vegan options and it serves meat too.


Street Food

If you seek to experience some of the city's best street food, here are Winnipeg's food trucks you can trust:

  • Bridge Drive-In
  • A Little Pizza Heaven
  • Denise's Blue Moon Food Truck
  • Chaeban Ice Cream
  • Desi Pizza and Curries
  • Blue Haze Barbecue
  • Smoke's Poutinerie Regent


Drink

Those who want to enjoy drinking in Winnipeg should note that buses run infrequently at night and stop running before 2 a.m, taxis are common at poplar nightspots, the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving is 0.05, residences and licensed establishments are the only legal places to consume alcohol (it's not accepted in public), and the legal drinking age in Manitoba is 18 years. More so, All alcohol is sold through the MLCC's Liquor Marts which the city uses to regulate the sales of alcohol.


Tap-water

Winnipeg is renowned to have some of the cleanest tap water in the world and the city's tap water is considered safe to drink.


Organic Cafés

Some of the best organic cafés and restaurants in Winnipeg are:

  • Kevin's Bistro
  • Rae & Jerry's Steakhouse
  • Moxie's Grill & Bar - Kenaston
  • Original Joe's Restaurant & Bar - St. Vital


Breweries

There’s surely a Winnipeg brewery for you whether you seek just a simple lager for a hot day, unique ingredients in your stout, or you’re after hoppy IPAs. Winnipeg has made the afternoon and evening more pleasantly enjoyable with its abundance of brewery and as someone who loves beer, you'll be fascinated to hear that there's been an influx of breweries in the city.

  • Nonsuch Brewing Co.
  • Barn Hammer Brewing Co.
  • Sookram’s Brewing Co.
  • Kilter Brewing Co.
  • One Great City Brewing Co.
  • Half Pints Brewing Co.
  • Fort Garry Brewing Co.


Activities

There are lots of things to do outdoors in Winnipeg!

  • Stroll the riverside trails
  • Go bird and bison watching at FortWhyte Alive
  • Kayak one of Winnipeg’s two rivers
  • Explore the neighborhoods by bike
  • Grab a cold one at The Forks Market
  • Admire the wildlife at Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre
  • Take a city walking tour
  • Go to Folk Fest (or another amazing festival)
  • Wind down in a thermal cycle at Thermea Spa
  • Go for a day trip to a nearby provincial park or beach
  • See the polar bears at the Assiniboine Park Zoo
  • Tour the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
  • Walk through the Forks National Historic Site
  • Eat and Dance Away at Manyfest
  • Skate the Red River Mutual Trail
  • Visit the Winnipeg Art Gallery
  • Witness the Wonder of Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
  • Witness the Beauty of the Northern Lights
  • Simply Explore Winnipeg's Awesome Streets


Yoga and Retreats

You can trust any of these places for your yoga and retreats in Winnipeg:

  • Yoga Centre Winnipeg
  • Yoga Public
  • Aromansse Meditation & Healing Studio
  • The Yoga Barre
  • Oxygen Yoga and Fitness Linden Ridge
  • Yoga On Corydon
  • Omniji Yoga Therapy
  • Yoga North
  • Modo Yoga Winnipeg On Waverley


Accommodation

Accommodation options are plentiful in Winnipeg. From hostels and hostels to vacation homes, you'll find plenty of options you can choose from; depending on your taste and budget.


Green Hotels

Looking for the best green hotels in Winnipeg? You can check out any of these:

  • Inn at the Forks
  • Hampton Inn by Hilton Winnipeg Airport/Polo Park
  • The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel by Lakeview
  • Mere Hotel
  • Fairmont Winnipeg
  • Courtyard by Marriott Winnipeg Airport


Hostels and Guest Houses

Hostels and guest houses are great accommodation options to opt-in for in Winnipeg, especially if you don't have much cash to bust on luxurious hotels. Shall we speak of their affordability, convenience, or the special kind of vibe they exude? Well, if it's still in your interest to oblige to one, you can choose from any of these;

  • Winnipeg Holiday
  • UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel
  • Borusun's House (Bed and Breakfast)
  • The Columns Bed & Breakfast
  • Norwood Bed & Breakfast
  • River Gate Inn
  • La Cabane Guesthouse


Apartments

When it comes to getting an apartment in Winnipeg, Airbnb poses to be a more convenient option one should go for. However, take note that you could be spending up to $1,027 CAD per month or more if you're planning to stay in a bedroom apartment in downtown.


Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a great way to experience Winnipeg's authentic vibe. Since you'll be staying with a local, you'll have valuable access to needful information. And, you might be lucky to find a host easily in this city because of the general friendliness of the locals.


Camping

There are lots of nice places where you can enjoy camping in Winnipeg and they include:

  • Duff Roblin Provincial Park
  • Northgate Trailer Park Ltd
  • Frontenac Park
  • Blue Lake Park
  • St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park
  • Jinnah Park
  • Beaumont Park


How to Get There

Depending on your proximity to the city, there are a handful of options you can explore to get into Winnipeg.


Air

The major airport serving the city is Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport. It offers daily non-stop flights from many large cities in Canada and the United States of America and numerous smaller destinations in Nunavut, Northern Ontario, and Manitoba also enjoy its services.

Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport


Bus

Greyhound Canada and Grey Goose have routes extending throughout the province of Manitoba and they provide service to Winnipeg from across the continent.

A bus in Manitoba


Train

You can arrive at Union Station downtown which is not far from The Forks. On behalf of the Government of Canada, the national passenger rail service is operated by Via Rail.

Train in Manitoba


Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is technically legal in Winnipeg.


Others

Winnipeg is on the Trans-Canada Highway and it's accessible to many cities by car.


Moving Around

If you'll be planning any excursions outside of the city, you should consider renting a car. There are tons of parking spaces in the city and most of Winnipeg's downtown real estate is devoted to parking. On Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 09:00 and 15:30 to 17:30 which is considered to be rush hour, traffic jams are the order of the day, particularly in the downtown area. Public transportation service is adequate in the city but there is no urban freeway network in the city, unlike most North American cities this size. And, take note that it can take a while to get around because Winnipeg is a large, spread-out city.


Walk

Winnipeg is generally not a walking-centric city. In fact, walking is prohibited in some parts of the city.

However, you can still enjoy taking a walk in Central Winnipeg;

  • Osborne St from River to Pembina.
  • Exchange District, all around.
  • Broadway from Osborne to Main
  • Tache and Provencher Avenues in St. Boniface
  • Esplanade Riel from The Forks to St.Boniface
  • Assiniboine Rivers (notably from the Legislature to The Forks)
  • River Walks along the Red


Bicycle

Bicycle theft is common throughout all areas of the city, the drivers in the city can be very impatient and reckless, and it's important that you take caution riding anywhere in this city because Winnipeg is not a very cycle-friendly city. If you're a visiting cyclist, there are several rules you'll have to follow, and do well to adhere to them.


Electronic Vehicles

Electronic vehicles should be available for pick up at one of the car rental companies around.


Public Bus

Winnipeg Transit has bus routes running throughout the city and there's also the Handi-Transit which is available for disabled persons. There are a variety of passes available. Fare is $2.45 for seniors, high school students, and children aged 6–16, while it's $2.95 for adults.


Tram, Train and Subway

Getting around Winnipeg by tram, train, or subway isn't common.


Sustainable Shopping

Shopping sustainably in Winnipeg has been made easy with the plenty of eco-friendly stores teeming In the different parts of the city.


Food Markets

South Osborne Farmers' Market, River Heights Farmers’ Market, and Bronx Park Farmer's Market are some of the best food markets you'll find in Winnipeg and they're top destinations for many seeking to shop in a food market.


Flea Markets

Some of the best flea markets you'll find around in Winnipeg are;

  • Le Market
  • Thirsty's Flea Market
  • Bon Des Barras
  • Winnipeg Flea Market
  • Craft & Flea Market
  • Mulvey Flea Market


Second Hand Stores

Second-hand stores are plentiful in Winnipeg;

  • Value Village
  • Kildonan MCC Thrift Shop
  • Thrive Thrift Shop
  • Selkirk Ave MCC Furniture & Thrift Shop in Winnipeg
  • Ellice Buy & Sell
  • Mission Thrift Store
  • Sargent MCC Thrift Shop
  • Vintage Glory


Eco-Fashion

Amidst several stores you can trust for your environmental-friendly, sustainable clothing, Anne Mulaire Boutique remains a top choice you can trust for your eco-fashion in Winnipeg.


Recycling

Winnipeg has its recycling poster, offers residential recycling cart collection, and there are as well community recycling depots for recyclables.


Waste

Winnipeg uses automated and semi-automated collection services to collect garbage, it charges a daily waste diversion fee, and there are automated collection trucks taking people's carts on collection day.


Work and Study Abroad

Winnipeg may be one of the most underrated cities in Canada but it remains to be a hotspot for work and study abroad because of its plentiful prestigious universities like the University of Winnipeg, University of Manitoba, and several others.


Exchange Student

It's not surprising that most of the institutions in Europe offer student exchange programs because the essence is to promote intercultural growth.


Au Pair

There's a good chance of finding opportunities as an au pair in Winnipeg.


Volunteering

Volunteering opportunities abound in Winnipeg. You can go online for more info or ask the locals around you.


See Also