From breathtaking parks to buzzy cultural districts, here is every reason to visit Winnipeg this year
Winnipeg is a small but mighty city. Don’t underestimate it because of its size. Rather, it shines as a culturally diverse and innovative Canadian capital, with a food and art scene that has only grown over recent years. Now, it’s a cultural hotspot in its own right, helped partly by the opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which drew a lot of attention to the city.
But that’s not the only thing to shout about here. Assiniboine Park and the rivers are truly something to behold, and the trendy bars that have opened up in some of Winnipeg’s coolest districts have created a buzz around the city. But whether you’re looking to dive into some history, try some new food or hit the town for a night out, you’ll find something for you in Winnipeg. Read on for the best things to do in the city.
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What is it: The Exchange District is a buzzy 20-block area full of cool restaurants, boutique stores and galleries. It’s also a recognized national historic site, and certainly among the most well-preserved in Manitoba, possibly even in Canada.
Why go: Grab a coffee and wander around for hours, admiring more than 150 heritage buildings and some seriously nice architecture. Some of the city’s best restaurants are here, so leave some room for food.
What is it: This museum delves into the topic of human rights in Canada and across the globe through innovative exhibits, sensitively tackling the atrocities of the past while aiming to inspire future social change.
Why go: It’s the first national museum found outside the Canadian capital of Ottawa and the only one dedicated to human rights awareness in the world. A striking contemporary design that weaves human rights symbolism with nods to the Canadian landscape, along with impressive interactive and multimedia displays, make this a cultural landmark.
What is it: VJ’s is an iconic local burger joint that dates back to 1958 and is best known for the VJ special, an indulgent burger smothered in chili sauce.
Why go: This no-frills spot is widely agreed to serve the best burger in the city. You haven’t really experienced Winnipeg until you’ve lined up for one of VJ’s burgers. There’s no indoor seating or table service, so order a delicacy from the walk-up window, find a spot at one of the patio tables outside and try in vain not to make a mess.
What is it: The Forks Market is a long-standing food and goods market, set in a pair of revamped early 20th-century rail stables. The ground floor is chock-full of food stalls, while the upper level features handmade products.
Why go: The market is an excellent introduction to Winnipeg’s food scene, home to notable spots like Passero, a restaurant from famed local chef Scott Bagshaw. Grab a meal downstairs and head upstairs to look at artwork and handcrafted objects while you digest.
What is it: Located on the east side of the Red River, St. Boniface is Winnipeg’s French district and home to one of the largest francophone communities west of Quebec.
Why go: The neighbourhood offers an absorbing perspective on Winnipeg’s French heritage. It encompasses must-see attractions like the St. Boniface Museum, which is set in the city’s oldest building, and the beautiful stone ruins of St. Boniface Cathedral. There are over 35 designated historic sites to see here, plus charming boutiques and cafes to explore.
What is it: This 14,864-square-meter production facility and museum produces every Canadian coin in circulation, along with currency used in dozens of other countries around the world.
Why go: Coin production might not seem sexy initially, but the mint’s high-tech facilities are impressive, with its 50-ton presses churning out over 1,000 coins per second. Plus, it’s cool to consider that one in four people in the world are said to carry a coin minted in Winnipeg at any given time.
What is it: This eclectic restaurant helmed by chef Mandel Hitzer is regularly ranked among the city’s best. If you visit in the winter, try to snag a table at his acclaimed pop up series RAW:almond, which brings together chefs from around the world for a dining experience on the frozen Red and Assiniboine rivers.
Why go: Chef Hitzer is creating some of the city’s most incredible cuisine and a meal at either of his “almond” iterations will give you a literal taste of Winnipeg’s thriving culinary scene.
What is it: Dating back to 1904, this 4.5 square-kilometre park is Winnipeg’s green heart and a popular community gathering place.
Why go: The park offers outdoor activities year-round, from walking and biking in the summer to cross-country skiing and skating in the winter. It’s also home to the Assiniboine Park Zoo and its Sea Ice Passage, which features fascinating underwater views of swimming polar bears and seals. The city’s highly-anticipated biodome, Canada’s Diversity Gardens, is set to open here in the summer of 2020.
What is it: This retro dinner and dessert parlour has been ensuring Winnipeggers get their sweet fix for over 30 years. A popular spot for celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions, many locals have a soft spot for this Osborne Village institution.
Why go: Baked Expectations does light, cafe-style savoury meals, but most come for the decadent tortes, cakes and pies. Order the shmoo, angel food cake loaded with pecans, whipped cream and caramel sauce, a fan favourite that’s been on the menu since the cafe first opened.
What is it: Winnipeg’s West End is home to more than 90 works of outdoor art inspired by the city’s culture and history. West End BIZ offers seasonal guided tours of the neighbourhood. You can also opt to consult the mural map on their site to explore West End independently.
Why go: With subjects ranging from beloved neighbourhood figure Walter Zielke Ruesch to the 100th anniversary of Manitoba women achieving the right to vote, the murals provide insight into the stories of the neighbourhood and province as a whole.
What is it: Billing itself as a honky tonk, this hole-in-the-wall bar is one of the city’s most well-loved live music venues, hosting an eclectic line-up of country, rock, blues and root performers.
Why go: You’re always guaranteed a good time at this quirky spot. Its 85-seat interior is cozy and fun, decked out with hodgepodge objects ranging from old posters to bathrobes. It draws a lively crowd and some of the city’s top musical talent.
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