This quick-and-easy guide will let you know what you need to plan for a fun and unforgettable weekend in Winnipeg.
Winnipeg is emerging as a must-visit Canadian destination with its lively local culture, great food, and most importantly, cheap flight deals. If you’re thinking about adding Manitoba’s capital city to your 2020 destinations list, then this handy little weekend guide to Winnipeg will help you plan your trip.
Things to Do in Winnipeg
Looking for the best things to do in Winnipeg? Read on for the top attractions and sights, some of the best restaurants in the city, when to visit, and more in this weekend guide to Winnipeg.
Visit the Canadian Museum of Human Rights
The Canadian Museum of Human Rights is one of Winnipeg’s newest and most exquisite attractions, having just opened its doors in 2014. This world-class museum was created to help you expand your mind and stimulate learning, with exhibits on workplace rights, and truth and reconciliation.
There’s a lot to learn and explore here at the Museum of Human Rights, whether you’re a local or tourist. Make sure to check out their Friday Night Rights promotion where you can get discount tickets.
Food, fun, and friends at The Forks Market
Winnipeg’s The Forks Market is a popular hotspot that’s beloved by locals, making it one of the top places to visit in Winnipeg. As part of the Forks development, it offers delicious food options, local art and crafts and a bunch of experiences and other attractions within walking distance (like the Canadian Museum of Human Rights).
You can eat, play, and even stay at The Forks Market. You won’t want to miss the great shopping, the must-see attractions, and all the delicious food. You could probably book a room and stay here the whole weekend, but if you can’t do that you’ll at least want to stop by!
Take the kids to the Winnipeg Zoo
Assiniboine Park Zoo is one of the most family-friendly things to do in Winnipeg. Winnipeg’s main zoo is home to 80 acres of exhibits and almost 200 different species. It’s plenty for you and the cherubs to spend an afternoon exploring. You can bring them to the Nature Park on-site, and go for a ride on the popular Steam Train if you’re there during the warmer months. Plus, they have guided tours for groups and children’s programs.
One of the most cherished exhibits at the Assiniboine Park Zoo is the Journey to Churchill, where you can see the polar bears and other Arctic creatures like the snowy owl and the Arctic Fox. You can easily spend hours at this award-winning exhibit, as you learn about conservation, biodiversity, and taking action to help with the preservation of our Arctic.
Spend a night out in Winnipeg
Winnipeg has a lively nightlife which can vary based on your personal preferences. For those itching to hit up a club or spend the evening dancing, you’ll want to set your sights in the direction of Fame Nightclub Winnipeg.
If you’re looking for something more low-key to participate in you can hit up Celebrations Dinner Theatre for a lively evening of performance and laughs. Or if you want something more unique, check out DIY Craft Bar to get your craft on! Classes and workshops available for all ages.
Winnipeg Special Events
Winnipeg has some great yearly events for visitors and locals alike. Here are some special events in Winnipeg that you might want to add to your calendar:
Festival du Voyageur: While this has just passed, it’s time to start planning your trip for next year’s which is most likely to take place in February of 2021. It’s a winter music festival where you can enjoy yourself some French-Canadian food and participate in family-oriented events.
Red River Ex: The Red River Ex takes place every summer in Winnipeg with this year’s 10-day event taking place from June 12 to 21, 2020. Experience free concerts, local artwork, community performances, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Winnipeg Folk Festival: Winnipeg’s folk festival takes place from July 9 to 12, 2020. It’s here that you’ll get a chance to experience musical acts, unique local foods, artwork, family activities and you can even camp. The acts for this year’s lineup haven’t been released yet, but you can start planning anyway.
Best Winnipeg Restaurants
If you’re going to travel to a new place, you need to pre-plan some delicious places to eat. If you’re looking for boring and typical, this is definitely the wrong Winnipeg guide for you, but if you’re up for a food-related adventure we’ve got a few suggestions for what to eat in Winnipeg:
Hit up the Secretive Sous Sol
Ready for a meal you won’t soon forget? Then you’ll want to consider hitting up the speakeasy-style Sous Sol. They’re open Tuesday to Saturday 5 p.m. to midnight, and there’s no sign for you to find it—literally you’re looking for a plain black door located at “Confusion Corner” at 22-222 Osborne St.
But don’t worry; once you find this hidden Winnipeg restaurant, you’ll be amazed! They’re a French-style bistro, so while you’re there you can try dishes like their frog legs, or Bánh Mì Pâté. They have half-price bottles of wine on Tuesday and you can bring your own dessert.
Design your own pizza at Za Bistro
If you’re looking for the best Winnipeg restaurants, you’ll definitely want to consider hitting up Za Pizza Bistro where you can make your own delicious pizza. They make custom pizzas that are fired fast!
Here you can choose everything that goes on your pizza, from the dough and toppings to the cheese and sauce. They have different specials throughout the week, so make sure you check in before you go!
Eat something European at Bistro Dansk
If you were hoping for a trip to Denmark but could only make it as far as Winnipeg, then we have the restaurant for you: Bistro Dansk. Serving up the best of Danish and European food on this guide to Winnipeg, you’re bound to find something different to eat at this Winnipeg restaurant.
At this popular Winnipeg bistro, you can try some chicken schnitzel, their dish of Hakkebøf (minced beef steak) or grab yourself a plate of Frikadeller (Danish meat patties). They’re open Tuesday to Saturday for lunch and dinner.
Getting Around Winnipeg
Part of visiting a new city is figuring out how to get around, especially if you only have a short time there (like a weekend). Luckily, Winnipeg has the typical transit options: city transit, taxi, and car rental.
Winnipeg has its own ride-sharing systems, ReRyde and TappCar, so there’s no Uber or Lyft. If you’re visiting during warmer weather and are able to bike around, consider renting a bicycle to explore Winnipeg. The downtown core and surrounding areas of Winnipeg have plenty of bike routes you can follow. Not only will you get a little extra exercise and save money, but you’ll cut down on your emissions.
