Winnipeg is definitely one of the most under-rated cities in Canada. Before I went, I’ll admit that I didn’t really have much interest in going because I didn’t know what it had to offer.
I am SO glad I went.
The historic architecture, artsy vibe and abundance of culture is what makes Winnipeg so, so amazing. There are sooo many beautiful outdoor parks to explore, a zoo (with polar bears!), an abundance of museums and historic architecture, AND a Nordic Thermal Spa (to name a few). I already want to go back!
If you are planning a trip to Canada, Winnipeg should definitely be on your list of places to go. If you are already planning a trip there, or trying to decide if you should go there or not, then check out how you can spend two days there.
Day 1
Explore The Forks
This is an absolutely beautiful and historic area by the Red River and Assiniboine River. You can eat and go shopping in the Forks Market, and walk around the pathways along the river and also across the bridge. I could have spent an entire morning there exploring.
Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The architecture of this museum is stunning, and the museum’s content is so important. At the top level, there are amazing views of Winnipeg which are worth checking out. What surprised me though was how the museum is laid out. To get to each level you will need to walk up lots of ramps. While you’re walking on the ramps, the only thing to look at is the architecture of the building since there are no exhibits. The floor space gets smaller and smaller the higher you go up. The content is dark and heavy at the beginning, and gets more light and inspiring by the top level which I really liked.
Walk around the Exchange District
The Exchange District is a National Historic Site with an artsy vibe and incredible architecture. It covers 20 city blocks and is a great place to walk around, window shop and admire the historic buildings. To really learn the history and appreciate the buildings, go on a walking tour. They are 1.5 hours long, and cost $10.
Evening Activities
There are so many evening activites you can do, whether it be having a drink at a restaurant or seeing a live show. A few things you can do are:
- Royal Winnipeg Ballet Watch a ballet performance at the longest operating ballet company in North America.
- Winnipeg Symphony Listen to a musical performance by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. They have concerts that play a variety of music from classical to popular (one of them was all about Harry Potter – sign me up!!). Their season runs from September to May. I went in June, so I unfortunately didn’t get the chance to go. (That’s for my next visit!)
- Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre Watch a theatre performance! Their season is also from September to May.
- Burton Cummings Theatre If you’re coming in the summer, then the “The Burt” is the place to go! They have theatre performances and live music that range from classical, pop and rock.
Day 2
Assiniboine Park
Make sure to go here in the morning, since the majority of activities and places you can do here close in the evening (at around 5pm). You could spend an entire day here, there is so much to do! You can walk around the lovely English Gardens, The Conservatory (a botanical garden with thousands of plants, towers, and trees), visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo, and go to the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden.
Thermal Spa
Head over to Thermea Spa and spend the rest of the evening relaxing and experiencing their heat treatment therapy and massages. They have saunas, outdoor baths (hot and cold!!), relaxation rooms, and a fire pit. Ever since I went to Iceland (read about it here), I am obsessed with thermal spas. Thermea is 20 minutes from Downtown Winnipeg, and closes at 10pm, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to spend here! I mean look at how gorgeous this spa looks. Can I just go there now?
Where to Stay
I stayed in the Delta Hotels by Marriott, which is right in the middle of downtown Winnipeg. It isn’t the cheapest hotel in Winnipeg, but it is within a short walking distance to most of the places in downtown Winnipeg.
Getting Around
Rent a Car: Driving around Winnipeg is really easy. On your first day there, you won’t need a car to get to each destination since downtown Winnipeg is a walkable city. However, on your second day you will definitely need a car since the destinations are a 15 minute drive outside of the city.
Taxi: You can also take a taxi to get to each destination with Unicity Taxi. They have an app you can download which makes it even easier to get a ride!
Hopefully all of these recommendations have inspired you to visit Winnipeg! My short itinerary is just the tip of the Iceberg. You could definitely spend more than just 2 days here (even in the winter!) to visit the abundance of museums that they have, and experiencing the culture that this beautiful city has to offer.
Have you been to Winnipeg? If so, what would you recommend? Let me know in the comments below!
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I totally agree, Winnipeg is an awesome city. I am from the US, about a 6-hour drive away, and was able to spend two days there in October. I loved Assinborne Park and the Fork. I recommend “Kevin’s” for some food (great vegan options) and live piano!