Aaniin, boozhoo, tansi, hello and bonjour!
Winnipeg is the quirky, friendly city that’s at the centre of it all, literally (well, North America at least). We’re all about providing world-class attractions within a setting that includes handsome architecture, elm-canopied streets, winding rivers, and so much creativity and culture.
We’re home to North America’s oldest professional ballet company, a zoo where polar bears swim right over your head, Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall, which cascades over a tropical biome, and an art institution that has been celebrated by esteemed publications the world over.
This city is rooted in 6,000 years of Indigenous history that continues to blossom.
From Métis leader Louis Riel, the father of the province, to new Indigenous-led projects like Niizhoziibean—The Gathering Place at The Forks, to Manito Ahbee—one of the largest gatherings of Nations on Turtle Island, Indigenous culture is both our past and promising future in Winnipeg.
We’re officially home to some of the best restaurants in Canada (something locals already knew), as our culinary scene continues to entice with distilleries, breweries, wine bars and the most joyous tree-covered patios.
More than 100 languages are spoken here and you’re sure to find a local and a location that speaks to you.
That’s us, Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Plan your adventure at tourismwinnipeg.com.
1. In 1914, First World War veterinary officer Harry Colebourn took a black bear cub to England as his regiment’s mascot. When Colebourn shipped out for France he donated “Winnie” the bear (named after his hometown) to the London Zoo. A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin loved Winnie the Bear so much, Milne crafted the much-adored stories about his boy and the bear that we still enjoy today: Winnie-the-Pooh.
2. The world’s most famous spy, James Bond, was inspired by born-and-bred Winnipegger Sir William Stephenson. Throughout the First World War, he operated a high-tech lab that would inspire people like Ian Fleming, who trained under Stephenson. After the war, Stephenson and Fleming became friends and neighbours in Jamaica, where Fleming’s spy series took shape.
3. The Nestaweya River Trail is one of the world’s longest naturally frozen skating trails. It made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008 when it was 8.54 kilometres long. In 2017, the river trail was extended even further to over 10 km.
4. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is Canada’s oldest ballet company and the longest continuously running ballet company in North America. In 1953, the company received its royal title, the first granted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
5. Premier Wab Kinew is Canada’s first First Nations premier, elected in 2023. Winnipeg itself has Canada’s largest urban Indigenous population.
The zoo is home to the Journey to Churchill exhibit, where polar bears will swim over your head in a 270-degree tunnel. Interactive exhibits, Arctic species and an International Polar Bear Conservation Centre educate on issues like global warming.
2. Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Experience how powerful personal stories, new media technologies and astounding architecture combine to underscore the importance of rights for all. Specialized tours include the Explore the Galleries Tour, where the museum’s ethos is illuminated through its architecture and exhibits.
The motto of FortWhyte Alive is “connecting humans with nature,” which is immediately evident as you enter past North America’s largest urban bison herd. Experiences at this four-season attraction include canoeing and sailing on its lakes, ice fishing, snowshoeing, hiking and biking.
4. The Leaf
The Leaf is an astounding horticultural attraction flaunting tropical and Mediterranean biomes and Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall, all set within an eye-catching all-glass building that is surrounded by 30 acres of thematic gardens.
Renowned for its portrayal of Manitoba’s rich and diverse natural history, the museum is home to more than 2.6 million artifacts and specimens. The Hudson Bay Company Collection, featuring more than 26,000 items, includes artifacts from First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities that run from the pre-contact era through to the fur trade.
6. Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada
The museum is dedicated to showcasing Canada’s remarkable aviation history and the wonder behind the science of flight, while inspiring future aviators and explorers of the sky.
More than 5.5 billion coins for more than 75 countries have been produced in this state-of-the-art facility. Go globetrotting on informative tours while seeing the mechanics behind currency production.
Saint Boniface is the “Francophone capital of Western Canada.” Experience all the French flavour by taking a culinary or historic tour that introduces you to notable spots, passionate people and scenic locations.
This National Historic Site is home to some of the city’s trendiest cafes, shops, galleries and restaurants. Walking tours will showcase the fascinating history behind its elegant terracotta-clad buildings, which often stand in for New York and Chicago during Hollywood productions. The district is home to the Winnipeg International Jazz Festival, Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival, Soca Reggae Festival and Nuit Blanche.
10. The Forks
This junction of our two major rivers has been a meeting place for more than 6,000 years, which dates back to the area’s Indigenous significance. This four-season destination offers fat bike, ice skating and cross-country ski rentals as well as fun, insightful tours guided by Parks Canada. The impressive Forks Market features local merchants, all manner of food kiosks from some of the city’s top chefs and The Common, a wine and craft beer bar that includes a 200+ seat patio overlooking the rivers.
11. Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq
The world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art is displayed within Qaumajuq (kow-ma-yourk), the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s breath-taking addition. Meaning, “It is
bright, it is lit” in the Indigenous language Inuktitut, Qaumajuq’s 14,000-plus works, curatorial team and design have been celebrated by the likes of The New York Times,
Forbes and Smithsonian.
