Things to do in Winnipeg

Winnipeg, Manitoba might just be the most under-rated city in North America. It actually reminds me a lot of Minneapolis, and it’s only 7 hours north! I was so surprised with all the things to do in Winnipeg, and I’ve highlighted my favorites for you below – there’s something for everyone! And if you’re looking for the best food to try in Winnipeg, check out my article here!

My trip to Winnipeg was part of a sponsored trip, but all opinions are my own 🙂

For the hassle-free tourist

Want to see Winnipeg in the easiest way possible? Hop on the Winnipeg Trolley to get a great overview of everything Winnipeg has to offer. See all the Winnipeg highlights, including Saint Boniface, the exchange district, Assiniboine park, and the legislative building. Our guide, Gary, knew everything there is to know about the city and made it fun by asking trivia questions throughout the tour! Tours are typically 2 hours and are $27.25 per person. They also offer brewery tours!

For the lover of all things unique

Want to do something that you can’t do anywhere else in the world? Take the Hermetic Code Tour of the Manitoba Legislative Building. Sounds super fun right?? Trust me, this will be one of the coolest tours you’ll take in your life! You feel like you’re in the movie National Treasure as Frank, the academic who has been studying the building since 2001, takes you on an adventure to uncover the mysteries of the building, which was designed by an architect who was a member of the Free Masons. There should seriously be a documentary made about this. There were surprises around every corner – it was a trip highlight for sure! Tours run every Wednesday evening from April – October. Tickets are $41.80 per person.

For the animal lover

Manitoba is home to the polar bear capital of the world. 1,000 polar bears reside in Churchill, Manitoba, so to reflect that, the Winnipeg Zoo has an exhibit titled Journey to Churchill that makes you feel like you’re a real life polar bear researcher. We took a behind the scenes tour of the zoo, called the Canadian Signature Experience tour, where I saw muskox for the first time, and learned all about the interworking’s of the zoo from zookeepers, lab technicians, and tour guides. Make sure to visit the Gateway to the Arctic to see the polar bears swim right above you! Tours are 90 minutes and cost $54.50 per person.

For the local shopaholic

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Fun, local shops are always a must when I visit a new spot. For the best shops in Winnipeg, head to the Exchange District! My favorite was the Tara Davis Studio Boutique that features 125 local Canadian artists – I could have bought everything! So cute. I also loved the Into the Music Record Shop, Tiny Feast, Wilder Goods, and Old Hat. The last two shops I mentioned are located in an old warehouse where a bunch of other artists are selling their goods – definitely check them out!

For the calm seeker

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One of my favorite things to do in Winnipeg was Thermëa. Thermëa offers relaxing thermotherapy experience through their saunas and pools. I could have easily spent an entire day here! We spent our time in essential-oil infused steam rooms, experienced the sauna meister ritual in the saunas, jumped into the polar pools and hot tubs, relaxed on the warm stone chairs, ate some great food, and capped off the night by making s’mores by the fire. Thermëa is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced – Minneapolis needs one stat! It’s open everyday from 9 am – 10 pm (even in the winter!) and costs $48 Monday – Thursday and $55 Friday – Sunday. Bring your own robe if you don’t want to rent one for an additional $12!

For the Architecture snob

Winnipeg is such a historic city and there’s no better area to see this firsthand than the Exchange District. We took an exchange district walking tour one afternoon to learn all about the area! This city is so historically accurate, that it is used as Chicago in many films, and if you’re a Hallmark movie fan, you will no doubt recognize some of the streets! If you don’t have time for a tour, download their app that outlines all the heritage buildings in the area. Tours are 90 minutes and cost $10 per person.

For the museum-goer

You can’t visit Winnipeg without seeing the incredible Canadian Museum for Human Rights building. The museum is a National Canadian Museum and was just finished in 2014. Take a guided tour or spend time walking through the museum at your own pace. Either way, as you walk through the 112 galleries on 7 floors, you will learn to focus on what human rights means to you, and that every person involved can make a difference. Once you reach the end, make sure to make a trip to the top for a great view of Winnipeg, and stop for some food at their in-house restaurant, ECO. Tours are usually 90 minutes and cost $5.

For the adventure seeker

Looking for something a little more wild? What about a speeding pontoon down the Red River? I’m not kidding. Getting out on the water can provide you with a different perspective of the city, so when I saw Splash Dash pontoons zipping (seriously, they really go!) around on the river I had to try it! You can get on the boat at the Forks and there is no need to make a reservation, just ask for the next available time at the kiosk. It’s a fun experience that is perfect if you’re on a budget! You can also rent kayaks! Boat tours are $11.50 and leave from the dock every 15 minutes.

For the history freak

Where’s my other history freaks at? I LOVE anything that takes me back in time, and the 6,000 years in 60 minutes tour does just that! This walking tour covers 6,000 years of history at the Forks, which has served as the meeting place in Winnipeg for centuries (and still is today! Even if you don’t do this tour, make sure to check out this area!). The tour takes you around the Forks and is hands-on which would be perfect for kids and adults alike. While you’re there make sure to check out the Forks Market! Tour is $3.90 per person.

For the foodie

I don’t think I need to say much more than these photos, but check out my article on the best restaurants in Winnipeg for the cutest trendy restaurants and most delicious treats in the area. Winnipeg is quickly becoming a foodie destination – and for good reason! If you only have time to stop at one place, definitely check out the Forks Market!