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Winnipeg - capital and largest city of the province of Manitoba, Canada

Esplanade Riel facing Downtown

Winnipeg is Manitoba's capital and has more people than the rest of Manitoba combined. It stands midway on the Trans-Canada Highway and railway. With 705,000 inhabitants (2016), The Peg dominates the Canadian Prairies and is as diverse as the majority of Canada.

Winnipeg is a "gateway to the West", and can be visited for its architecture, museums, and its broad retail market. Among major attractions are the Royal Canadian Mint, St Boniface Cathedral, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Winnipeg is off the tourist trail for most visitors to Canada, but the visitor will experience an authentic and friendly Canadian Prairie city which leaves many pleasantly surprised.

Understand

History

The name Winnipeg is a transcription of the western Cree word wi-nipe-k meaning "muddy waters"; the general area was populated for thousands of years by First Nations. The confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, nowadays known as The Forks, was a crossroads of canoe routes travelled by Aboriginal peoples prior to European contact. Winnipeg started out at this spot in 1738 as Fort Rouge, a French outpost for the fur trade. After the Seven Years' War, under the Hudson's Bay Company it became Fort Gibraltar and later Fort Garry. Many trails converged on the fort and later became streets, which is evident when you see the city's somewhat haphazard road layout.

In 1869–70, Winnipeg was the site of the Red River Rebellion, a conflict between the local provisional government of Métis, led by Louis Riel, and newcomers from Eastern Canada. This rebellion led to Manitoba's entry into the Canadian Confederation as Canada's fifth province in 1870. On 8 November 1873, Winnipeg was incorporated as a city.

After the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway across Canada, Winnipeg became a major transportation hub and "Gateway to the West". The city experienced a boom during the early 20th century and for a while was Western Canada's major economic centre. Fortunately for the visitor, the economy slowed around the middle of the century, leaving intact a remarkable collection of period architecture, primarily in the city's downtown Exchange District.

People

Winnipeg is generally a very tolerant city and was the first large city in North America to elect an openly gay mayor. Winnipeg has several LGBT bars and a Pride festival every summer.

Winnipeg is a multicultural city. As of the 2011 census, visible minorities make up 21% of Winnipeg's population and Indigenous people 12%. Much of Winnipeg's population is of European descent, notably from Germany, Ukraine, France, Scandinavia and Poland. More than a hundred languages are spoken in Winnipeg. In fact, Winnipeg is home to Canada's largest French-speaking population west of Ontario and the Filipino language Tagalog is the second most prevalent mother tongue in Winnipeg. Nevertheless, 99% of the population speaks English fluently. The city celebrates its diversity with the Folklorama festival, the longest running multicultural event of its kind.

Neighbourhoods

Early skyscrapers in the Exchange District

Corydon Avenue (Little Italy)

Corydon Avenue and its surrounding neighbourhood are one of the city’s hot spots for shopping, dining or an afternoon of people-watching at one of the many sidewalk cafes and restaurants dotting the avenue. Corydon Avenue comes alive during warm summer evenings as crowds of people gather to meet, greet and to have some of the best food, gelati and sushi in the city.

Downtown

Downtown Winnipeg is centred around Portage & Main. Portage Ave is the city's busiest thoroughfare. Winnipeg Square, Canada Life Centre (formerly MTS Centre and Bell MTS Place), Portage Place. On Main St are Winnipeg's City Hall, Union Station, the Manitoba Museum, the Planetarium, the Centennial Concert Hall and the Winnipeg Railway Museum.

Exchange District

The Exchange District is a National Historic Site in the downtown area. The Exchange District today thrives as one of Winnipeg's commercial and cultural centres. Winnipeg's theatre district is also in the Exchange District, home to the Manitoba Theatre Centre and Centennial Concert Hall. Old Market Square is also in the Exchange which hosts the Jazz Winnipeg Festival and the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.

The Forks

The Forks is a historic site and meeting place in downtown Winnipeg at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, and has played an important role in the city's development. The Forks Market contains many specialty food shops, fresh fruit and vegetables, and many ethnic shops and restaurants. There are often buskers in and around the Forks. Attractions include the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, the International Children's Festival, one of the largest skateparks in Canada, the world's longest skating rink (winter only), a well-maintained expanse of riverside park, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights which opened in 2014.

Osborne Village

Osborne Village has evolved into a neighbourhood filled with characters. It is Winnipeg's most densely populated neighbourhood, and is home to one of Winnipeg's most vibrant collection of stores and restaurants with over 175 businesses calling Osborne Village home.

St. Boniface

Covering the southeast part of the city, it is home to the Franco-Manitoban community. It features such landmarks as the Cathédrale de Saint Boniface (St. Boniface Cathedral), boul Provencher, the Provencher Bridge, Esplanade Riel, St. Boniface Hospital and the Université de Saint-Boniface. Every February Le Festival du Voyageur takes place outdoors at Parc Whittier Park and Fort Gibraltar.

West End

A mostly residential area west of Downtown comprised of many small and unique neighbourhoods. The area is very ethnically diverse as is evidenced by the Portuguese, Greek, Vietnamese, Chinese, East Indian and Thai restaurants that line Ellice Ave and Sargent Ave, making it is one of the best areas for real ethnic food. The West End Cultural Centre is a major music venue that is worth a visit. The West End varies widely in wealth, and contains some of the most affluent neighbourhoods, and some of the poorest in the city. The neighbourhood has benefited from major revitalization and urban beautification projects.

Climate

Winter must haves

A lovely Mercury Topaz with block heater cord and plug Winnipeg is cold in the winter and if you plan on spending any time outside between November and April you should consider packing:

  • Toque/knit hat (make sure it covers the ears) or earmuffs
  • Gloves or mittens (or garbage mitts)
  • Scarf (optional, but recommended)
  • Long sleeve shirts
  • Sweaters
  • Winter jacket
  • Long underwear (optional)
  • Ski pants (snow pants)
  • Boots (depending on what you will be doing)

If you are driving in Winnipeg during the winter, be sure your car is outfitted with a block heater and plug it in if leaving it overnight. Alternatively, ensure your CAA/AAA membership is up-to-date and have the phone number ready for when your car won't start.

Winnipeg has a humid continental climate with extremes of hot and cold. The longest day of the year lasts for over 16 hours, and the shortest day of the year lasts for 8 hours.

Winnipeg is ranked as Canada's second sunniest city year-round and second for clearest skies year-round. Summers are typically warm and often humid, particularly in July, with frequent nighttime thunderstorms. On average, Winnipeg has 45 days a year where the humidex (combined effect of heat and humidity) reaches above 30 °C. Winnipeg is also known for its high mosquito population, particularly during early summer. Dusk and dawn are the most active time for mosquitoes. June, late August and September tend to provide the most pleasant environment for summer visitors.

Spring and fall tend to be rather contracted seasons, each averaging a little over six weeks. In general, the weather during these seasons is highly variable and rapidly changing. It is typical for the day to start off quite cold in the morning, but heat up considerably in the afternoon. It can be difficult to judge how to dress during this time, so layers are the best option.

Winnipeg has the coldest winter temperatures of any city in North America with a population of over 100,000. Winters in Winnipeg are usually dry, and can feel colder due to the often windy conditions. The winters are long and overnight minima average below -15°C with rare extremes going down to near -40°C, though there is still much to enjoy during these months. Be sure to pay attention to the windchill (combined effect of cold and wind) which can drop below -40 °C/F (exposed skin freezes in less than 10 minutes). Snow cover can be expected from mid-November to late March. The city turns on what is arguably Canada's best display of Christmas lights from late November until well into January.

Visitor information

Get in

By plane

Airport

There is one major airport serving Winnipeg:

Destinations

Direct flights to Winnipeg within Canada include from Calgary (2 hours), from Churchill (2.5 hours), from Edmonton (1.75-2 hours), from Hamilton (2.5 hours), from Montreal (3 hours). from Ottawa (2.75 hours), from Regina (1.25 hours), from Saskatoon (1.5 hours), from Thompson (1.75-2 hours), from Thunder Bay (1.5 hours), from Toronto (2.5 hours), from Vancouver (2.75 hours), and from numerous smaller destinations in Manitoba, Northern Ontario and Nunavut. Direct flights to Winnipeg from outside Canada include from Minneapolis–St. Paul (1.5 hours). There is non-stop charter and seasonal service to Phoenix, Palm Springs, Orlando, Mexico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

Airlines

Canadian airlines operating to Winnipeg:

Public transit

Public transport is offered by Winnipeg Transit's Route 15 & Route 20 buses which run every 10 to 25 minutes between about 6AM to 1AM weekdays (Saturdays, Sundays and holidays have their own schedule) and will take you downtown in about 30 minutes.

Other ground transportation

There are usually taxi cabs and limo sedans-for-hire waiting at the airport.

  • Taxi: Expect to pay around $20 plus tip (15–20%) for a taxi (room for about 2–3 people depending on luggage) to central Winnipeg. Maximum fare to anywhere in the city is about $55 depending on traffic.
  • Limo or Shuttle: Limo sedan fares (up to 4 people with luggage) are a flat rate, generally $30 and up. Limos can, on occasion, be cheaper than a taxi.

Car rentals

  • Rental: The Winnipeg airport has five car rental companies on-site: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National. Rental counters are on the main floor of the parkade across from the terminal.

By train

Union Station There is only one passenger train station in the city:

  • Union Station, 123 Main St (corner of Main St & Broadway Ave, downtown), 49.888889°, -97.134167°. It was designed by the same architects behind Grand Central Terminal in New York and is a monument to the Beaux-Arts era. It is definitely worth a visit, and houses a railway museum (below under See) in the summer months. The station is within easy walking distance of The Forks. 2022-04-02 There is one train operator:

VIA Rail Canada. This rail operator offers services that enable travelers to reach Canada's west coast and east coast. 2022-03-31

  • The Canadian up to three trips per week between Toronto and Vancouver with stops in both directions in medium to large cities and tourist destinations such as Sudbury, Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Jasper, and Kamloops. Travel time to Winnipeg from Toronto is 1 day 10.75 hours, from Sudbury is 1 day 3.5 hours, from Portage La Prairie is 2.75 hours, From Saskatoon is 14 hours, from Edmonton is 1 day 1.25 hours, from Jasper is 1 day 8.5 hours, from Kamloops is 1 day 19 hours, and from Vancouver is 2 day 5 hours.
  • The Winnipeg–Churchill completes the 1,700-km journey (over 1,000 mi) to the vast subarctic region of Northern Manitoba in two days. The route travel between Winnipeg and Churchill including stops in Portage la Prairie, Dauphin, Roblin, Kamsack, Canora, Hudson Bay, The Pas, and Thompson. Travel time to Winnipeg from Portage La Prairie is 1.25 hours, from Dauphin is 4.75 hours, from Canora is 8.5 hours, from The Pas is 13.5 hours, from Thompson is 1 day 2.75 hours, and from Churchill is 1 day 21.25 hours. Two trips round trips per week between Winnipeg and Churchill with trips departing from Winnipeg on Tuesdays and Sundays, and trips departing Churchill on Thursdays and Saturdays,

By bus

  • Highway 6 Express, +1 204-997-1099. Passenger service to Winnipeg from Thompson (suspended due to COVID-19). 2021-05-11

  • Kasper Bus, 112 Paramount Rd, +1-807-699-7200. Operates bus service in Northern Ontario and Manitoba. 2022-05-05 Operates the following bus routes multiple days per week to Winnipeg:

    • From Sioux Lookout via Dryden and Kenora. Travel time to Winnipeg from Sioux Lookout is 6 hours, from Dryden is 4.5 hours, and from Kenora is 2.75 hours. Same day connection is available at Sioux Lookout to and from Thunder Bay.
    • From Balmertown via Red Lake and Kenora. Travel time to Winnipeg from Balmertown is 6.25 hours, from Red Lake is 6 hours, and from Kenora is 2.75 hours.

  • Mahikan Bus Lines, +1-204-783-9154. Operates bus routes in Manitoba. Operates the following routes to Winnipeg: 2021-05-11

    • Service to Winnipeg from Flin Flon (11 hours away) and via Portage la Prairie (1.25 hours away), Neepawa (2.25 hours away), Ste. Rose du Lac, Dauphin (4.5 hours away), Swan River (6.75 hours away), and The Pas (9 hours away). Operates three days per week.
    • Service to Winnipeg from Thompson (9.5 hours away) including a stop in Cedar Grove (4.5 hours away). Operates two days per week. Same day transfer at Cedar Grove to and from The Pas and Flin Flon. Travel time to Winnipeg from The Pas is 7.5 hours and from Flin Flon is 9.5 hours.

  • Maple Bus Lines, (bus depot) 936 Sherbrook Street, +1 204-289-4197. Service to Winnipeg from Thompson (9 hours, operating overnight). 2021-05-11

  • Ontario Northland. Operates primarily in Northern Ontario. Routes travel as far west as Winnipeg, as far south as Toronto, and as far east as Ottawa. 2022-04-23

    • Operates the following two routes multiple days per week between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay:
      • Via Kenora and Dryden. Travel time to Winnipeg from Kenora is 2.75 hours, from Dryden is 4.75 hours, and from Thunder Bay is 8.75 hours.
      • Via Kenora and Fort Frances. Travel time to Winnipeg from Kenora is 2.75 hours, from Fort Frances is 6 hours, and from Thunder Bay is 10 hours.
    • Travel to Winnipeg from Toronto (1 day 7.25 hours) and Ottawa (1 day 8.5 hours) involves timed transfers between bus routes at Sudbury, at Sault Ste. Marie, and at Thunder Bay.

  • Rider Express. Operates bus service between Winnipeg and Regina with stops at Portage la Prairie, Brandon, Virden, Moosomin, and Whitewood. Travel time to Winnipeg from Regina is 7.25 hours, from Brandon is 3 hours, and from Portage la Prairie is 1.5 hours. Operates one day per week, only as a overnight trip. Offers connecting routes that enable passengers to travel from as far west as Vancouver. 2021-03-19

  • Thompson Bus, +1 204 939-3991. Overnight bus to Winnipeg from Thompson (9.25 hours, $75). 2021-05-11

By car

Highways serving Winnipeg:

  • Provincial Trunk Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway)
    • From the west, the Highway 1 leads directly to Winnipeg from Regina, becoming Provincial Trunk Highway 1, once it enters Manitoba. Winnipeg is 3 hr 20 min from the Manitoba-Saskatchewan border.
    • From the east, Ontario Highway 17 becomes Provincial Trunk Highway 1 at the Manitoba border (at which time it becomes a 4-lane divided highway). The journey from the Ontario border to Winnipeg's outside "Perimeter Highway" is about 1 hr 30 min and about another 30–45 min to downtown, depending on traffic.
  • Provincial Trunk Highway 75
    • From the south, take U.S. Interstate 29, which then becomes Provincial Trunk Highway 75, and Pembina Hwy once inside Winnipeg's city limits. Winnipeg is 1 hour from the Canada–U.S. border and 2 hr 30 min from Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Approximate driving times from nearby cities to Winnipeg are about 8 hours from Saskatoon, 6 hours from Regina, 2 hr 45 min from Kenora, 8 hours from Thunder Bay, 3½ hours from Fargo, 6 hours from Bismarck and 7 hours from Sioux Falls or Minneapolis. It is 14 hours from Edmonton, Calgary or Chicago. Travel from Saskatoon and Edmonton is via Highway 16 and Provincial Trunk Highway 16, until just before Portage la Prairie. Highway 16 and Provincial Trunk Highway 16 are part of the Yellowhead Highway.

Get around

Winnipeg is a large, spread-out city and it can take a while to get around. Unlike most North American cities this size, there is no urban freeway network in the city. Public transportation service is adequate to good in the inner part of the city and on main suburban roads, but only fair to poor in outer suburban areas and some bus routes run only infrequently during the evening or on weekends. Traffic jams, particularly in the downtown area, are common during the rush hour periods which are generally from 7:30–9AM and 3:30–5:30PM Monday to Friday. Much of Winnipeg's downtown real estate is devoted to parking, with ubiquitous and cheap surface lots continuing for multi-block stretches. It is worth considering renting a car, especially if any excursions outside of the city are planned.

Highways: Winnipeg is one of the first Canadian cities of its size to have a ring road (the Perimeter Highway) which provides a by-pass for travellers on the Trans-Canada Highway. Within the city, the Trans-Canada Highway follows regular city streets.

Street names: All streets in Winnipeg have names. Major routes will have both names and route numbers, but will almost always be called by the name. A notable exception is Route 90, which is commonly called Kenaston in the southern half of the city and Route 90 in the northern half. Many streets change names as they wind through the city, which can be extremely confusing, even to locals. The most known example is Route 62, which starts as Salter in the north end of the city, but as it goes south becomes Isabel, Balmoral, Colony, Memorial, Osborne, Dunkirk, and finally Dakota in the south end, with no clear indication when it changes.

One-way streets: Many downtown streets are one-way, which can make navigating downtown quite confusing. One-way streets are rare outside of downtown, except around Polo Park.

No left turns: Many busy streets limit left-hand turns, particularly during rush hour. This is especially prevalent downtown, but is common in the rest of the city as well. In many cases, though, a left turn from a one-way to a one-way is allowed.

Confusion corner: This intersection is mainly where Osborne St and Pembina Hwy (Routes 62 and 42) meet, but other streets connect as well, and there are bus-only lanes. There are many lanes going different directions, and it can be very confusing to know which lane you need to be in, which has given the intersection the name "confusion corner".

North End: The area of the city just north of downtown is known as the North End. This is the poorest part of the city and extra precautions should be taken when travelling through here, especially at night (though most crime is gang-related, rarely involving innocent bystanders). There is a very noticeable drop in the quality of infrastructure when you cross from downtown into the North End, but it is also a very sudden change so it is important to be mindful of your surroundings.

By bus

Winnipeg Transit bus The city operates a bus service with routes running throughout the city, including one bus rapid transit (BRT) line:

The cash fare is $3.05 for adults, or $2.55 for youth 6–16 and seniors (65 years or older), for which identification is required (as of May 2021). Children 11 and under are free with a fare-paying adult. Drivers will only accept exact change in cash. A transfer can be requested when you pay your fare, which entitles you to ride as many buses as you like within the following 60 minutes. You may also purchase paper passes at a reduced rate of $2.70 ($1.91 for youth and $1.35 for seniors), in strips of 5 or 10, at almost any convenience store. These fares also apply to reloadable electronic peggo card.

There are a variety of passes available, which provide discounts of 22-38%. They can be purchased at any convenience store. The Max 5 pass, available only for adult fares, can be used Monday to Friday, and the Superpass can be used from Monday to Sunday.

Special services

  • Bomber FanFare allows you to ride Transit from the stadium for free by showing your valid game day ticket after Bomber home games. Transit also operates shuttle services to the Bomber stadium.
  • Bike and Bus offers bike racks on the 60, 160 and 162 buses during the summer free of charge. St. Vital Shopping Centre and Osborne Junction have bike lockers.
  • DART provides request bus service to residents living in selected areas of South and South East Winnipeg.
  • Park & Ride allows you to park in designated areas and then catch a Transit bus.
  • Shuttle services are offered for occasions such as the Folk Festival and the Red River Ex.

By taxi

Taxis are licensed in Winnipeg and every driver must have their identification visible. For security purposes, taxi drivers are protected by a shield and have video surveillance. By law, fares are non-negotiable and determined by a meter. Smoking and open alcohol are not allowed. The most common taxi model is the smaller Toyota Prius.

Winnipeg Taxicab Tariff: Starting fee (as of May 2021): $3.75 with 100 m, then $0.16 for each additional 100 m + $0.16 for each 18.4 seconds of time. Whenever the taxi stops, there's a "waiting time charge" of $0.16 for each 18.4 seconds of metered waiting time. A tip of 15–20% is customary, but sales taxes are included. A 10-km ride would cost $20.95 plus tip.

By ride hailing

By car

Driving is the easiest way to get around Winnipeg. On-street parking, which ranges from $1–2/hr can usually be found in popular areas if you are willing to search. During rush hour, most of these spaces will turn into no stopping zones in order to facilitate traffic flow. If these are unavailable, there are parkades or parking lots which will provide a variety of hourly rates. These are roughly twice as expensive as street parking, but they are all over the downtown area. If visiting The Forks, there is a large parkade and two lots which provide free parking for visitors.

Auto theft is a serious problem in Winnipeg. Anti-theft devices are strongly recommended, especially immobilizers. Never leave your vehicle running and never leave any objects visible inside, especially aftermarket stereo equipment.

By bicycle

Cycling Rules

  • Cyclists must ride on and obey the laws of the road.
  • From 30 minutes before sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise, bicycles must have a white front light and a red or amber rear light or reflector.
  • Cyclists must use hand signals to indicate a turn.
  • Cyclists are prohibited from wearing earphones.
  • Cyclists are prohibited from riding while intoxicated.
  • Children riding in a bike-mounted baby seat must wear a helmet.
  • Helmets are mandatory for children under 18.

Bicycles are allowed on all Winnipeg roads, though drivers encountered may feel differently. The City of Winnipeg provides a cycling map which is available online or at one of many bicycle shops. Some roads have bicycle lanes (shared with buses) and sharrows. Suggested cycling routes are marked by road signs, but may venture into residential areas with many stop signs. Riding on sidewalks is illegal, but this law is rarely enforced. The most problematic areas are typically bridges where no bicycle infrastructure exists, such as the Midtown Bridge and the Louise Bridge. Cyclists may be better off walking their bikes on the sidewalk on these bridges during rush hours. Bicycle theft is common throughout all areas of the city. Seats and wheels should be secured with a sturdy lock.

Some dedicated active transportation paths exist. Many of these will follow along Winnipeg's rivers, making for a very scenic, but meandering, ride. Spring flooding may affect the conditions on routes near the rivers. The Forks makes an excellent starting/stopping point for scenic bike rides—many paths begin and end there, and there are many restaurants and patios to relax in before and after rides. Some suggested scenic routes are:

  • Along the Assiniboine River, between The Forks and Assiniboine Park (approximately 20 km round-trip). The north side of the river will take cyclists starting from The Forks past the Legislature, through Wolseley, and near Polo Park mall. The south side of the river will take cyclists starting from Assiniboine Park along Wellington Cres (one of the richest areas of the city) and through Osborne Village.
  • Along the Red River, between The Forks and the Bridge Drive-In (a locally famous ice cream shop) (approximately 15 km round-trip). This path is almost entirely on active transportation paths, going through natural areas and recreation parks in the Riverview area.
  • From The Forks to Whittier Park (approximately 5 km round-trip). This route will go over Esplanade Riel to Whittier Park in St. Boniface, which contains the reconstructed Fort Gibraltar. This route can be extended by following Tache Ave south to Marion St, which will take cyclists past the St. Boniface Cathedral and the St. Boniface Museum.
  • The Duff Roblin Parkway Trail (approximately 50 km one-way). Starting in the south of the city, this trail follows the Red River Floodway around the east side of the city to Birds Hill Provincial Park, 24 km north of the city. This trail is a peaceful gravel path through the prairie with no intersections. There are no amenities along this trail until you enter the park.
  • In January and February, the River Trail is available and can be ridden on bicycle (it has an ice trail for skaters and a packed snow trail for walkers and cyclists).

Many of the paths beside the river will also include "monkey trails"—unofficial trails that offer some challenge to mountain bikers. Due to frequent flooding and erosion, these may include muddy sections, fallen trees, and steep drop-offs into the river.

In the winter, snow and ice on roads can make cycling treacherous. Major routes, especially downtown, will be cleared quickly and will have sand applied, which will help with safety but also make for a messy ride. These conditions will generally last from December to March. Bike paths and lanes may take much longer to be cleared, if they are cleared at all. The right-hand lane is often the iciest, and frostbite is a reality for the poorly equipped rider.

In springtime (March and April), melting snow can create very large puddles and potholes and render off-road trails unusable.

Rentals

Woodcock Cycleworks, 433 St. Mary's Road, +1 204-253-5896. M-F 10AM-8PM; Sa 10AM-5PM; Su 11AM-5PM. Rentals can be booked online or in-store. Mountain bikes, road bikes, fat bikes and hybrids available. $30-50

On foot

Winnipeg is generally not a very walkable city. Because municipal law mandates that all new buildings must contain a lot of parking between the sidewalk and the building, pedestrians will be confronted with a morass of cars in all directions. Winnipeg's main arteries all have boulevards and are extremely wide by world standards, with Main St having ten lanes where it meets Portage Ave downtown. However, this pedestrian-unfriendliness is primarily perceived rather than real. Virtually all streets contain sidewalks on both sides running for the street's entire length and stoplight crossings are frequent even on highways.

Walking across Portage & Main is prohibited and physically impeded by concrete barricades. Pedestrians must cross this famous intersection through an underground concourse, which has a variety of entry points in or near the office towers on all four corners. Downtown from Esplanade Riel Walking distance from Portage & Main to:

  • The Forks: 10–15 minutes.
  • St. Boniface: 15–20 minutes.
  • Osborne Village: 20 minutes.
  • Corydon Ave: 30 minutes.

Interesting walks in central Winnipeg:

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

Winnipeg Skywalk

As it can get very cold during Winnipeg's winters, the downtown area has a network of tunnels and skywalks. The Skywalk is a system of 14 skyways and 7 tunnels connecting 38 buildings and allowing for a maximum protected walk of 2 km. As far east as the Fairmont Hotel east of Main St all the way west to One Canada Centre on Portage Ave (across from The Bay), it connects you to all of the buildings around Portage & Main, Winnipeg Square, Cityplace and Portage Place malls, the Millennium Library (Winnipeg's central library branch) and the MTS Centre arena. It has many shops along the way, making travelling during the winter a lot easier.

See

Galleries

Museums

  • Airforce Heritage Museum and Air Park, 186 Sharp Blvd (along Air Force Way (Sharp Blvd), north of Ness Ave, to the south of Winnipeg airport (CYWG)), 49.889506°, -97.236648°, +1 204-833-2500 ext 4180. Air park uncontrolled, museum by appointment only. Enjoy the largest air park in Canada, where many historic aircraft are mounted throughout a grassy park, many dramatically in action poses. The nearby museum, inside nearby Canadian Forces buildings, contains many outstanding exhibits of national significance. Free Canadian Museum for Human Rights
  • Canadian Museum for Human Rights (Musée canadien pour les droits de la personne), 85 Israel Asper Way (At the Forks in Downtown Winnipeg), 49.8908°, -97.130997°, +1 204-289-2000, info@humanrights.ca. Tu-Sa 10AM-5PM. The first museum solely dedicated to the evolution, celebration and future of human rights. Its aim is to engage Canadians and international visitors in an immersive, interactive experience that offers the inspiration and tools to make a difference in the lives of others. This is the first national museum to be built in nearly half a century, and the first outside the National Capital Region. Adult $13.50, senior or student $10.50, youth 7-17 $6, child free; 25% discount for online advance purchase 2021-09-15
  • Costume Museum of Canada, 301-250 McDermot Avenue, 49.9004°, -97.1344°, +1 204-989-0072, costumemuseumcanada@gmail.com. This museum gallery is closed to the public, but it organizes pop-up exhibits, travelling exhibitions, heritage fashion reviews, and educational programs.
  • Dalnavert Museum, 61 Carlton St (downtown), 49.88603°, -97.14181°, +1 204-943-2835, dalnavert@mhs.mb.ca. W–F 11AM–4PM (Jul–Aug: 10AM–5PM), Sa 11AM–6PM, Su noon–4PM. The former home of Premier Sir Hugh John Macdonald, Dalnavert has been designated a National Historic Site.
  • Fire Fighters Museum of Winnipeg, 56 Maple St (in the Exchange District), 49.9037°, -97.1318°, +1 204-942-4817, firemuseum@gatewest.net. Su 9AM–2PM. This beautifully maintained fire hall built in 1903 features stained glass windows and displays hand and horse-drawn, steam and early motorized fire apparatus, artifacts, photographs and records dating back to the 1880s. 2021-05-10
  • Manitoba Children's Museum, 45 Forks Market Rd (at The Forks), 49.88758°, -97.12828°, +1 204-924-4000, general@childrensmuseum.com. Summer (Jul & Aug): 9:30AM–6PM; winter: Su–Th 9:30AM–4:30PM, F Sa 9:30AM–6PM. The Manitoba Children’s Museum is home to several hands-on galleries, offering plenty of family fun. Be a TV anchor, visit the land of fairy tales or climb aboard a fully refurbished locomotive and passenger train car. In November and December, you can take a magical stroll through the Santa Village and perhaps even meet the man in the red suit himself. $6.25–7 (senior, adult and group discounts available)
  • Manitoba Electrical Museum, 680 Harrow St, 49.85593°, -97.15513°, +1 204-360-7905. Tu-Sa 1–4PM. A small but interesting museum, very kid friendly. Features electric street car, robot made of household electronics and consumer products through the ages. Free
  • Manitoba Museum, 190 Rupert Ave (downtown), 49.90010°, -97.13642°, +1 204-956-2830, info@manitobamuseum.ca. Summer (mid May–early Sep): 10AM–5PM; winter: museum Th-Su 11AM–5PM, Planetarium Sa Su 11AM–5PM. You can explore a vivid portrayal of Manitoba’s rich and colourful history through nine galleries that total approximately 68,000 square feet of exciting exploration (approximately 4 football fields). All regions of Manitoba are represented in the galleries, including the Grasslands, the Boreal Forest, the Arctic/Subarctic, the Hudson Bay Company Collections Gallery and the Parklands/Mixed Woods Gallery, which is the largest and most interactive of the galleries, and moving dinosaurs. Frequent shows in the Planetarium. Museum: adult $15, senior $13, youth 3-17 $9; planetarium: $6-8 2021-09-15
  • Le musée de Saint-Boniface, 494 av Taché (in Old St. Boniface), 49.88780°, -97.12310°, +1 204-237-4500, info@msbm.mb.ca. Stand within the oldest building in Winnipeg and the largest oak structure in North America, depicting the lives of the French and Métis people.
  • Riel House, 330 River Road, St. Vital, +1 204-983-6757. Summer only. A National Historic Site commemorating the life of the Métis politician, activist and founder of Manitoba, Louis Riel, as well as the daily life of Métis families in the Red River settlements. Adult $4.25, senior $3.75, under 18 free 2022-03-19
  • Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (formerly Western Canada Aviation Museum), 958 Ferry Rd (on the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport campus), 49.9012°, -97.2257°, +1 204-786-5503, info@RoyalAviationMuseum.com. 10AM–5PM. The museum has a collection of 22 aircraft used in Canada and displays of artifacts with a focus on Indigenous aviation history. Adults $15, seniors(65+) & students(13-17) $12, youth(3-12) $9 2022-05-30
  • Winnipeg Railway Museum, 123 Broadway (in Union Station, tracks One and Two), 49.8885°, -97.1334°, +1 204-942-3632, wpgrail@mts.net. Daily 11AM–4PM (winter), longer hours in summer. A wonderful collection of actual locomotives and rolling stock from over a century of railway in Winnipeg. Includes the "Countess of Dufferin", an 1872 steam 4-4-0 locomotive, plus two others with steam, three with diesel, and an electric locomotive. Also has 11 boxcars, baggage cars, cabooses, snowploughs, and maintenance cars. $7 adults, $6 seniors and older students, $5 children 2020-03-27

Parks

  • Assiniboine Park, 2355 Corydon Ave (in Tuxedo), 49.85965°, -97.24076°. If you are looking for a great summer outing at the park with a frisbee, this is the place to go. There is a zoo and all of its amenities on site for those wanting an attraction. Explore over 153 ha (378 acres) along the Assiniboine River. The Zoo, Conservatory, English Garden, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, Tudor-style pavilion, and a fine example of a French formal garden are a few of the features found in the park. Picnic areas and cycling and walking trails are popular with visitors. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing, tobogganing and skating on the Duck Pond. All public areas are wheelchair accessible. The main entrance is on Corydon Ave one mile west of Kenaston Blvd. The park may also be accessed from Portage Ave via a footbridge over the Assiniboine River.
  • Located within Assiniboine Park:
    • Assiniboine Park Conservatory.
    • Assiniboine Park Zoo: daily 9AM-5PM; adult $21.50, 60+ or student $18.75, child 3-17 $12 (Sep 2021). Polar bears, red pandas, kangaroos, bison, a very rare white bison, and many other animals, birds and amphibians.
    • Leo Mol Sculpture Garden.
    • Lyric Theatre.
    • The Pavilion Gallery Museum.
    • Winnie the Bear statue.
  • FortWhyte Alive, 1961 McCreary Rd (in Tuxedo), 49.82961°, -97.22398°, +1 204-989-8355, info@fortwhyte.org. M–F 9AM–5PM, Sa Su 10AM–5PM, extended summer and fall. 640-acre nature centre showcasing a 30-head bison prairie herd, 5 lakes, 7 km of trails, bird feeding stations, tipi encampment and more.
  • Harbour View Recreation Complex, 1867 Springfield Rd (in Transcona, 2.5 km east of Hwy 59), 49.93549°, -97.01705°, +1 204-222-2751, hv@lakelandgolfmanagement.com. Enjoy a day of play with a nine-hole par 27 golf course, mini golf, driving range, lawn bowling, tennis, horseshoes, shuffleboard, sand volleyball and paddleboats. During the winter, enjoy ice skating on the lake, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and broomball. Professional golf and cross-country ski instruction and rental equipment are available.
  • Kildonan Park, 2015 Main St (in West Kildonan), 49.94609°, -97.10422°, 311. North on Main, this park is a favourite, especially Sunday night "Cruise Nights". You will find many interesting new and vintage cars cruising through the park and meeting up with friends. As most parks, they also have BBQ/picnic designated areas, a pool, play structures, and some interesting landscaping.
  • King's Park, King's Drive and Kilkenny Drive (in Fort Garry, south of University of Manitoba), 49.79744°, -97.12162°, 311. Bordering on the Red River, King’s Park has many pathways (gravel and paved) to enjoy some of which lead to marshland. In the centre of the park you will find the beautiful Pagoda Gardens. The Park also has a soccer field, two baseball diamonds and an off-leash dog park area.
  • St. Vital Park, on River Rd, north of Bishop Grandin Blvd, 49.82836°, -97.14188°, +1 204-986-7623. Situated on the Red River, this park is the perfect place for family get-togethers and recreational sports. In winter, the duck pond becomes a skating rink. 2020-09-24

Landmarks

Historical Buildings are common in Winnipeg

  • Esplanade Riel, 49.89073°, -97.12704°. Connecting The Forks to St. Boniface, this bridge has become one of the most photographed sights in Winnipeg.
  • The Forks, 49.89033°, -97.13073°, +1 204-942-6302. A tourist attraction on the Red River. The Forks Market offers fresh and specialty foods, and more than 50 unique shops housed in an eclectic and historic building that was built to be a horse stable. The market has an excellent food court with various ethnic food options. Head to the hayloft for handicrafts and one-of-a-kind items including clothing, artisan-inspired gifts, jewellery and toys. In the winter you can rent ice skates and go skating down the Red River. In the summer, there are special events and outdoor entertainment almost daily, some fantastic patios and outdoor bars.
  • Fort Gibraltar, 866 St. Joseph St (in St. Boniface), 49.89932°, -97.12566°, +1 204-237-7692, info@festivalvoyageur.mb.ca. Living history museum, educational guided tours about the fur trade era and costumed interpreters reliving life in 1815. During February, it is at the heart of the Festival du Voyageur.
  • Manitoba Legislative Building, 450 Broadway, 49.88445°, -97.14684°, +1 204-945-5813. Visit Manitoba’s beloved Golden Boy, who is perched atop the Provincial Legislative building. The Golden Boy, a magnificently gilded 5.25-m (17.2-ft) figure sculpted by Charles Gardet of Paris, and cast in 1918 at the Barbidienne foundry in France, is probably Manitoba's best-known symbol. Embodying the spirit of enterprise and eternal youth, he is poised atop the dome of the building. He faces the north, with its mineral resources, fish, forest, furs, hydroelectric power and seaport, where his province's future lies. The foundry was partially destroyed by bombs during the First World War, but the Golden Boy emerged unharmed. Go inside the building to see the exquisite grand staircase and rotunda. Guided tours available. Royal Canadian Mint in East Winnipeg
  • The Royal Canadian Mint, 520 Lagimodiere Blvd (at the junction of Highways 1 and 59), 49.85258°, -97.05474°, +1 204-983-6429, reservationswinnipeg@mint.ca. Offering virtual tours on Tu-Sa. The Royal Canadian Mint’s facility in Winnipeg, designed by local architect Etienne Gaboury, produces billions of coins each year. This is where all Canadian circulation coins are made, as well as those for more than 60 governments all around the world. A fascinating guided tour includes the viewing of a 5-minute video in the theatre area followed by a 40-minute walking tour overlooking the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility where the precise art, craft, and science of coin-making is revealed. Open year-round, the on-site Boutique offers beautiful collector coins, an exclusive line of Royal Canadian Mint clothing, and an exciting collection of souvenirs and gift ideas. The adjacent interactive coin museum involves the visitor in unique learning activities including the ability to make your own souvenir coin and the opportunity to lift and hold a 99.99% pure gold bar worth over $200,000. $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6.50 for students (5-17) 2022-05-13
  • St. Boniface Cathedral, 190 av de la Cathédrale, 49.88934°, -97.12151°, +1 204-233-7304. Tours during Jul & Aug: W–F 2PM & 7PM; Sa Su 2PM, 4PM & 7PM. The original cathedral, built in 1908, was destroyed by fire in 1968. The remaining walls were incorporated into the design of the new church, creating a dramatic facade facing west across the Red River towards downtown Winnipeg: the clouds wheeling behind the hollow rosary window frame are like a Tyrell art installation. The cathedral is a beautiful testament to Winnipeg's history. 2017-06-16
  • Uptown Theatre (Uptown Lofts), 394 Academy Rd, 49.8736°, -97.1829°. The former Uptown Theatre (now the Uptown Lofts) was a movie theatre opened in 1931. The heritage building's restored façade features a fanciful mix of Spanish, Moorish and art deco design with many ornamental details, making the building an attractive landmark. Its interior might not be open to the public, but its façade can be viewed from the other side of the street. 2021-07-24

Do

Activities

Public 18-hole golf courses

Sports

  • Assiniboia Downs Racetrack, 3975 Portage Ave (just west of the Perimeter Hwy), 49.88537°, -97.33631°, +1 204-885-3330, info@assiniboiadowns.com. May–Sep. Featuring live thoroughbred racing. Year-round simulcast wagering on races from around the globe.

  • Winnipeg Blue Bombers, IG Field, 315 Chancellor Matheson Rd (at the University of Manitoba), 49.80789°, -97.14287°. Jun–Nov. Football (Canadian Football League): The Blue Bombers have a long history of support in the city. The Bombers have made it to the league finals 26 times since 1937. After a long Grey Cup drought dating to 1990, they won the trophy in 2019, and repeated as champions in 2021. Winnipeg hosted the Grey Cup in 2015. Tickets range from $20–75

  • Winnipeg Goldeyes, Shaw Park, 1 Portage Ave E (north of The Forks), 49.89377°, -97.13284°. May–Sep. Baseball (American Association): Since returning to Winnipeg in 1994, the team has frequently finished first in their division and won championships in 1994 and 2012. Shaw Park, constructed in 1999, is considered one of the nicest minor league baseball parks in North America. Tickets range from $5–25 Ice hockey is a big sport in Canada and Winnipeg is no exception; here fans celebrate the re-establishment of the Winnipeg Jets as an NHL team in 2011

  • Winnipeg Jets, Canada Life Centre, Portage Ave & Donald St (downtown), 49.89268°, -97.14376°. Oct–mid Apr, Stanley Cup playoffs run into Jun. Hockey (National Hockey League): In 2011, Winnipeg again became home to an NHL team after a Winnipeg-based group purchased the Atlanta Thrashers. The team resurrected the Jets name that had been used by two other Winnipeg-based hockey teams, most notably the city's former NHL franchise. The Jets play at Canada Life Centre, built in 2004 and a first-class venue for hockey games and concerts, though small by NHL standards. Single-game tickets are available, but can be hard to come across for key matchups; 13,000 of the arena's 15,000 seats were dedicated to season tickets.

  • Manitoba Moose, 300 Portage Ave (downtown, between Hargrave St and Donald St), 49.89268°, -97.14376°. Season runs between October and April - may extend into May and June for playoffs. Hockey (American Hockey League). The Manitoba Moose are the professional farm team of the Winnipeg Jets, and play at least 38 regular season games at Canada Life Centre. The AHL is a developmental league where NHL draft picks, prospects, and ex-NHL veterans regularly play. Compared to the NHL, AHL hockey is more affordable and tickets are readily available. AHL games are generally more family friendly as a result. The Manitoba Moose play at the same arena as the Winnipeg Jets, which makes for a comfortable and enjoyable fan experience. Ticket prices vary between $30 and $40 2021-05-10

  • Valour FC, IG Field, 315 Chancellor Matheson Rd. Soccer team in the Canadian Premier League, which made its debut in 2019. Owned by the Blue Bombers, Valour also plays at IG Field.

  • Winnipeg ICE, 109 Sydney Smith Street (on the University of Manitoba Fort Garry Campus), 49.8083°, -97.1394°, +1 204 928-8150, info@50below.ca. Hockey (Western Hockey League) - The city's newest hockey team is the Winnipeg ICE of the Western Hockey League (WHL). The WHL is a longstanding junior hockey league for players aged 16-21, and is one of the main sources of talent for professional leagues. The ICE are playing at the Wayne Fleming Arena on the University of Manitoba campus until a permanent arena is built. While a WHL game may lack the star power of the pros, it is a glimpse at the essence of Canadian hockey as hungry teenagers give it their all in front of a passionate crowd. 2020-10-01

Casinos

Theatre

Film

Plays and musicals

Entrance to the Manitoba Theatre Centre

Opera and ballet

Orchestra

Events

Red River Exhibition The city is home to several events.

  • Le Festival du Voyageur (Saison Voyageur), St. Boniface. Western Canada's largest winter festival. For 10 days in February, this fur-trade-themed celebration lights up Saint Boniface, Winnipeg's French Quarter.
  • Folklorama, venues throughout the city (guides available), +1 204-982-6210, info@folklorama.ca. beginning of Aug. The largest and longest running multicultural event of its kind in the world. Cultural pavilions are spread out at various locations throughout the city for two weeks in August, with a wonderful variety of music, dancing and food showcasing the city's amazing ethnic diversity.
  • ManyFest. Sep. Taking place on a closed-off Broadway over the course of a weekend, ManyFest (as you could guess) is a combination of many festivals into one: cycling events, a farmer's market, a dance party, a running race, and more. Free
  • Pride Winnipeg Festival. beginning of Jun. Pride in Winnipeg has been celebrated annually since 1987 and has evolved from a one-day event into a 10-day festival filled with pride, confidence, fun, colour, music, laughter, optimism and activism. Winnipeg Pride is the Pride of the Prairies—the largest celebration of LGBTTQ culture between Toronto and Vancouver.
  • Canada Day. every July 1. Canada's national birthday is celebrated at The Forks..
  • Red River Exhibition (The Ex), Exhibition Park, Assiniboia Downs (Portage Ave west past Perimeter Hwy), 49.88921°, -97.33120°. Late Jun. The largest annual fair in Manitoba.
  • TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival (Jazz Fest), venues throughout the city, +1 204-989-4656, info@jazzwinnipeg.com. Late Jun to early Jul. With performers in multiple venues around town. $15
  • Winnipeg Comedy Festival, venues throughout the city. April. Stand-up, improv, and sketch comedy from local, national, and international comics.
  • Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival (The Fringe), Old Market Square (Exchange District), 49.89866°, -97.14004°, +1 204-942-6537, info@winnipegfringe.com. Jul. North America's second largest Fringe Festival, offering over 150 different indoor plays and free outdoor entertainment. $5–10, passes available

Buy

Provincial Sales Tax (PST) in Manitoba is 7% and Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Canada is 5%. Prices generally do not include tax, so expect your purchases to cost an additional 12%.

It is customary in Winnipeg that all prices are set by a price tag and it is uncommon for retailers to bargain.

It is common for smaller shops to close at 6PM, while large stores and malls will close around 9PM on weekdays. Weekends have reduced shopping hours, especially Sundays. Stores are only allowed to open at 9AM on Sundays and must close by 6PM, with certain exceptions (such as convenience stores). There are a few large chain stores that are open 24 hours or until midnight, such as Walmart, Shopper's Drug Mart and Superstore.

Markets

  • Downtown Winnipeg Farmer's Market, Edmonton St & Graham Ave (Manitoba Hydro Place Plaza), 49.89150°, -97.14620°, +1 204-958-4626, susan@downtownwinnipegbiz.com. Jul–early Sep: 11:30AM–5:30PM. Similar to the St. Norbert Farmer's Market (many of the same vendors). Started in 2013.
  • St. Norbert Farmer's Market, 3514 Pembina Hwy (in St. Norbert, south of the Perimeter), 49.76719°, -97.15457°. Jun–Sep: Sa 8AM–3PM, W 11AM–4PM; Oct Sa 8AM–3PM. Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and cookies, crafts including: wooden toys, leather purses, outdoor furniture, creative metal works and fine jewellery. Everything is made in Manitoba.
  • Ten Thousand Villages, 134 Plaza Dr (near the intersection of Pembina Hwy & Bishop Grandin Blvd), 49.82349°, -97.14800°, +1 204-261-0566. M–Sa 10AM–5:30PM. A fair-trade store run by the Mennonite Central Committee. The store offers various hand-made gifts and crafts created by artisans from around the world. All merchandise is bought from the artisans at a fair price to help provide income for struggling families in the developing world.

Shopping malls

Shopping streets and districts

20+ varieties of Santa suits (and prescription eye wear, apparently) on Osborne St at the onset of a blizzard

  • Academy Rd, 49.8739°, -97.1851°. Academy Rd offers the finest shops and services catering to the discriminating shopper, with designer-original fashions, toy and gift shops, bakeries, a specialty grocery store, coffee houses and restaurants, gourmet catered fare, a chocolatier, a gourmet food and wine store and more.
  • Corydon Ave, 49.8702°, -97.155°. You’ll find a mix of fashion boutiques, restaurants, curio and antique shops, jewellery, furniture, gift stores, a book and plant store, upscale second-hand boutiques and more.
  • Downtown, 49.8943°, -97.1388°. Filled with shops large and small. The Skywalk connects the large centres, protecting you in the winter. Most shops close around 6PM.
  • The Exchange District, 49.8976°, -97.1372°. Antiques, book stores, gift shops, clothing and furniture boutiques make this neighbourhood a unique shopping destination.
  • The Forks Market, 49.8876°, -97.1317°. Featuring Indigenous and ethnic art and crafts, souvenirs, and a variety of dining choices.
    • Johnston Terminal. Hours vary. There is a huge antiques shop in the basement, and a variety of independent clothing, craft and art shops on the ground floor and upper level. 2021-09-14
  • Osborne St, 49.8759°, -97.1431°. Merchants offer a variety of goods from coffee to cookware, books to home furnishings, giftware to gold, music to pottery. Contemporary fashions suited to every style are offered in many fine stores.

Eat

Winnipeg residents love food. There is an amazing array of restaurants catering to every taste and budget. Tipping is customary in Winnipeg and is not included in the price of the food. Some restaurants may automatically add a gratuity charge for large groups. Tips typically range from 10–20% Kielbasa is part of the Polish cuisine, and outside Poland it can be found in places with a history of Polish immigration, like the Canadian Prairie provinces Local cuisine includes:

  • Winnipeg goldeye, a smoked fish available at most grocery stores and fish markets.
  • Winnipeg-style rye bread, best bought unsliced directly from the bakery.
  • Winnipeg-style cream cheese is a good accompaniment for Gunn's bagels.
  • Fresh pickerel filets and cheeks.
  • Russian mints
  • Manitoba maple syrup
  • Kubasa or kielbasa, a ready-to-eat Eastern European pork garlic sausage smoked daily.
  • Mennonite farmer's sausage (for frying or barbecuing).
  • Chili Burgers
  • Tourtière, a Québécois meat pie.
  • Québécois desserts like sucre à la crême (similar to fudge) and tarte à sucre (like pecan pie, minus pecans).
  • Indigenous foods like elk, bison, and bannock.
  • Honey dill dipping sauce for things like chicken fingers and fries. Can be ordered at almost any restaurant in Winnipeg or bought in some stores.

Budget

Mid-range

Restaurants and shops in the Winnipeg Square mall

Splurge

Drink

Inside The Hole In the Toad Pub The sale of alcohol is regulated by the Government of Manitoba through the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC, or the "LC"). All alcohol is sold through the MLCC's Liquor Marts. Beer and wine can be sold through beer vendors or wine markets. Any establishment selling alcohol must be licensed and follow MLCC rules, such as minimum drink prices and last call at 2AM.

The legal drinking age in Manitoba is 18. Alcohol can only be consumed in residences or licensed establishments, not in public. The legal blood alcohol contact (BAC) limit for driving is 0.05. Taxis are common at popular night spots. Buses run infrequently at night and stop running before 2AM.

Winnipeg is home to some local breweries:

Nightspots

Parking will be difficult in the popular areas, especially Saturday nights.

  • Corydon Ave. Packed patios during the summer, the place for late night eats and drinks all year round.
  • Osborne Village. Home of the underground scene and late night food and drinks.
  • Exchange District. The main dance clubs in Winnipeg can be found in the Exchange District.

Bars

Pubs and lounges

  • King's Head Pub, 120 King St (in the Exchange District), 49.8988°, -97.141°, +1 204-957-7710, kingshead@kingshead.ca. M–Th 11AM–midnight, F Sa 11AM–2AM, Su noon–midnight. A British-style pub with great British and Indian food, it's also a great place to go for a large selection of beers on tap. Occasional live music upstairs. 2021-05-11
  • Shannon's Irish Pub, 175 Carlton St (east side of the Winnipeg Convention Centre), 49.8895°, -97.1441°, +1 204-943-2302. W–Sa 4–10:30PM, closed Su–Tu (additional hours for hockey games). Irish-themed pub. Live music every night. Large selection of beer on tap and whisky. 2021-05-11
  • Toad in the Hole Pub (The Toad Pub), 112 Osborne St (in Osborne Village), 49.8773°, -97.1446°, +1 204-284-7201. M–Th noon–10PM, F–Su 10AM–10PM. Great place to go for beer, some darts, pool or a nice meal. Reasonably priced. New Whiskey Bar features 160 whiskies from around the world. Live music in the basement (The Cavern). 2021-05-10

Dance clubs

Most clubs and bars will insist on seeing identification for every patron, partly for security purposes.

Gay & lesbian nightclubs

Sleep

Winnipeg Downtown

All major chain hotels have properties in Winnipeg. As well as in the downtown area, there are numerous hotels near the airport, near Polo Park Shopping Centre, and on Pembina Hwy South. Cheap motels can be found throughout the city. The older hotels on Main St should be avoided at all costs.

Budget

  • UWinnipeg Downtown Hostel, 370 Langside St, 49.88968°, -97.15651°, +1 204-786-9139, hostel@uwinnipeg.ca. This hostel operates out of the McFeetors Hall Student Residence at the University of Winnipeg's Furby-Langside Campus. Availability depends on how many students are occupying the residence hall at any given time. The hall is generally almost entirely open to travellers during the summer season; availability during the regular school year can be fairly limited or nonexistent. From $65 2018-03-14

Mid-range

Splurge

Stay safe

Winnipeg has a moderately high crime rate by Canadian standards, but low violent crime by American or global standards. Much crime is gang or alcohol related and rarely involves tourists who exercise the same degree of caution they would in any other urban centre. Areas where higher degree of caution is advised at night include areas north of City Hall on Main St and the area surrounding Central Park.

Panhandlers are less numerous in Winnipeg compared to cities like Vancouver and Victoria, BC and they are very seldom aggressive, however displays of obvious wealth such as jewellery and expensive digital cameras should be kept to a minimum. It is best to kindly refuse panhandlers and keep walking.

As in any city, common sense should prevail. Never leave a vehicle unlocked and under no circumstances should any object be left in the car interior where it can be seen, no matter what the value (includes gloves, clothing, tools, etc.) Keep all items in the trunk. Most importantly, never leave any coins, no matter what the amount in your ashtray or console. An individual with drugs or alcohol dependency will not hesitate to smash a car window even for less than $1.

If you rent a vehicle, ensure with your rental agency that it is equipped with an immobilizer. If you drive your own vehicle here, Manitoba Public Insurance offers a most-at-risk vehicle assessment. While this is aimed at those intending to register vehicles in Manitoba, tourists may use this to consider if their vehicle is at an elevated risk for theft. Out of province tourists may also consult with their automobile insurance agent.

Cope

Consulates

Nearby

Autumn in Birds Hill Provincial Park

Birds Hill Provincial Park

Featuring hills and ridges formed by ancient glaciers, this 35km² park 24km northeast of Winnipeg on Hwy 59 has a lake, oak and aspen forests, native prairie wildflowers, deer, waterfowl and songbirds. Facilities include camping, swimming, picnic sites, a riding stable, a restaurant, a beach concession and a convenience store. There are 30 km of trails for walking and cross-country skiing and 7.2 km of paved bicycle and roller blading trails. Every July the park hosts the Winnipeg Folk Festival.

  • Winnipeg Folk Festival (Folk Fest), Birds Hill Provincial Park (20 min north on Hwy 59), +1 204-231-0096, info@winnipegfolkfestival.ca. Jul. One of North America's premier outdoor music festivals. Features music performances, a folk school, programs for young performers and young visual artists, over 100 artisans, children’s programming, a visual art exhibition, and a food village that encourages the use of local, organic and fair trade ingredients. Cancelled for 2021.

Go next

Winnipeg is a great starting point to begin exploring the province of Manitoba. Manitoba has many recreational opportunities, including canoeing, fishing, cycling, and cross-country skiing.

  • Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site of Canada, 15 min north of Winnipeg
  • Oak Hammock Marsh, 20 min north of Winnipeg
  • Flights and trains to Churchill, a favourite Manitoba oceanfront spot for polar bears, are available from Winnipeg. There is no road.
  • The Gimli Icelandic Festival (Islendingadagurinn) in Gimli (Manitoba) (1 hr north on Hwy 8, first weekend of August) is the second oldest continuous ethnic festival in North America. It includes contests and a parade.
  • Grand Beach Provincial Park (100 km northeast on Hwy 59) is famous for its beautiful white sand fresh water beaches.
  • Whiteshell Provincial Park (90 minutes east of Winnipeg via Highway 1 or Highway 44, or VIA Rail Service to Brereton Lake) offers great camping, hiking, and boating.
  • The Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach (1 hour southeast of Winnipeg) is representative of Mennonite villages found throughout Southern Manitoba at the turn of the century, recounting the pioneer stories of Russian Mennonites and their migration to Canada. The north side illustrates early settlement buildings while the south side shows the gradual shift to various business enterprises.
  • Winnipeg/St. Andrews Airport, 19 km north of the city on Highway 8, has scheduled service to the Manitoba settlements Berens River, Bloodvein River, Garden Hill, Gods Lake Narrows, Gods Lake, Little Grand Rapids, Oxford House, Red Sucker Lake, and St. Theresa Point, and the Northern Ontario settlements Deer Lake, Sandy Lake, and Poplar Hill. Many of these places are home to various fishing lodges.

Winnipeg

winnipeg.ca
Postal code:R2CDate Time:Please wait...Timezone:America/WinnipegPopulation:753,700Coordinates:49.88, -97.15

Manitoba

Primary administrative division

Canada

canada.ca
Population:37.1 MDial code:+1Currency:Dollar (CAD)Voltage:120 V, 240 V, 60 Hz
NEMA 14-30NEMA 14-50