15 Amazing Places to Visit in Winnipeg 2026: Ultimate Travel Guide

1. The Forks National Historic Site

When exploring places to visit in Winnipeg, The Forks should be at the top of your list. This historic meeting place at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers has been a gathering spot for over 6,000 years. Today, it’s Winnipeg’s premier destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The Forks Market features local artisans, unique boutiques, and diverse food vendors offering everything from international cuisine to Manitoba specialties. During summer, the riverside promenade comes alive with street performers, outdoor patios, and boat tours. In winter, the River Trail becomes the world’s longest naturally frozen skating trail, stretching over 8 kilometers.

Don’t miss the Canadian Museum for Human Rights tower visible from The Forks, offering spectacular city views. The area also hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, making it one of the most dynamic places to visit in Winnipeg regardless of the season.

2. Assiniboine Park and Zoo

Assiniboine Park stands as one of the most beloved places to visit in Winnipeg, spanning over 1,100 acres of beautifully maintained green space in the heart of the city. This urban oasis offers something for every visitor, from nature lovers to families with children.

Assiniboine Park Zoo

The zoo is home to over 200 species from around the world. The Journey to Churchill exhibit is particularly impressive, featuring polar bears, Arctic foxes, and other northern wildlife in habitats that closely mimic their natural environments. The Tundra Grill restaurant offers the unique opportunity to dine while watching polar bears swim overhead.

In 2026, visitors can explore the newly enhanced Diversity of Life gallery and participate in interactive conservation programs. The zoo’s commitment to wildlife preservation makes it not just entertaining but educational as well.

English Garden and Leo Mol Sculpture Garden

For a more tranquil experience among places to visit in Winnipeg, stroll through the formal English Garden with its perfectly manicured hedges and seasonal blooms. The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden showcases bronze sculptures amid beautiful landscaping, providing a peaceful retreat within the park.

3. Canadian Museum for Human Rights

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is among the most architecturally stunning places to visit in Winnipeg. This national museum, the first of its kind dedicated solely to human rights, features a remarkable alabaster and glass design that has become an iconic part of Winnipeg’s skyline.

Inside, eleven galleries explore human rights issues through powerful exhibits, personal stories, and interactive displays. The journey culminates at the Tower of Hope, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Winnipeg from 100 meters above ground. The museum’s thought-provoking exhibitions change regularly, ensuring that repeat visits offer fresh perspectives.

4. Exchange District

The Exchange District represents one of the most historically significant places to visit in Winnipeg. This 20-block area features North America’s most extensive collection of turn-of-the-century terracotta and cut-stone architecture, earning it designation as a National Historic Site of Canada.

Today, this vibrant neighborhood blends heritage preservation with contemporary culture. Independent boutiques, art galleries, trendy restaurants, and craft breweries occupy restored warehouses and historic buildings. The area comes alive during First Fridays events, when galleries open their doors for extended hours and the streets fill with art enthusiasts.

Walking tours of the Exchange District provide fascinating insights into Winnipeg’s commercial history and architectural heritage. Don’t miss the Old Market Square, which hosts concerts, markets, and cultural events throughout the year.

5. Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

Aviation enthusiasts will find the Royal Aviation Museum among their favorite places to visit in Winnipeg. Located near the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, this museum houses one of Canada’s finest collections of civilian and military aircraft.

The collection includes over 90 aircraft and helicopters spanning a century of aviation history. Highlights include vintage biplanes, military fighters, and commercial aircraft. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to explore cockpits, learn about Manitoba’s aviation pioneers, and understand the science of flight.

6. FortWhyte Alive

FortWhyte Alive offers one of the most unique outdoor places to visit in Winnipeg. This 660-acre environmental education center sits on a former limestone quarry that has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem of lakes, prairies, and forests.

Year-round activities include hiking and biking trails, canoeing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The resident bison herd provides an authentic prairie experience, while interpretive programs educate visitors about Manitoba’s natural heritage and sustainability.

In winter, FortWhyte transforms into a winter wonderland with snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and the popular ice fishing experience. The on-site restaurant, Prairie’s Edge, serves locally sourced cuisine with views overlooking the lakes.

7. Manitoba Legislative Building

The Manitoba Legislative Building ranks among the most impressive places to visit in Winnipeg for architecture and history enthusiasts. Completed in 1920, this neoclassical masterpiece sits on the banks of the Assiniboine River, surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds.

The building is renowned for its Golden Boy statue, which stands atop the dome holding a torch and sheaf of wheat, symbolizing Manitoba’s spirit of enterprise and eternal youth. Free guided tours reveal fascinating details about the building’s architecture, including hidden Masonic symbolism and mathematical precision in its design.

The grounds feature monuments, statues, and seasonal gardens that make for pleasant walks. In summer, the lawns host outdoor concerts and festivals, while winter sees the area transform with festive lighting.

8. Winnipeg Art Gallery

Art lovers will appreciate the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) as one of the premier cultural places to visit in Winnipeg. As Canada’s oldest civic gallery, the WAG houses an impressive collection of over 27,000 works spanning 3,000 years of art history.

The gallery is particularly renowned for its Inuit art collection, the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. The new Qaumajuq building, which opened in 2021, provides a stunning architectural home for this collection with Indigenous design elements and innovative display spaces.

Rotating exhibitions feature international artists alongside Canadian talent. The gallery also offers educational programs, artist talks, and a gift shop featuring work by local artisans.

9. Saint-Boniface Cathedral and Museum

For those interested in French-Canadian heritage, Saint-Boniface offers unique places to visit in Winnipeg. The Saint-Boniface Cathedral, with its iconic facade preserved from the original 1908 building, stands as a poignant reminder of the area’s history. A devastating fire in 1968 destroyed much of the structure, but the facade remains incorporated into the modern cathedral.

The adjacent Saint-Boniface Museum, housed in the oldest building in Winnipeg, chronicles the history of French-speaking communities in Western Canada. The museum’s collection includes artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that bring this history to life.

The neighborhood itself retains its French character with bistros, bakeries, and cultural centers. A walk along Boulevard Provencher offers glimpses into this distinctive community that makes Winnipeg uniquely bilingual.

10. Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature

Among the most relaxing places to visit in Winnipeg, Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature offers a European-style spa experience unlike any other in Manitoba. This outdoor thermal spa features hot and cold pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas set in a serene natural environment.

The experience follows the Nordic spa tradition of alternating between hot and cold water therapy, promoting relaxation and wellness. Multiple pools range in temperature, while saunas and steam baths offer different therapeutic benefits. Quiet rest areas with fireplaces provide perfect spots for contemplation.

The on-site bistro serves healthy, locally inspired cuisine. Whether you visit in summer or winter, the outdoor pools steaming in cold prairie air create a magical atmosphere that rejuvenates both body and mind.

11. Festival du Voyageur

If you’re planning places to visit in Winnipeg in February 2026, don’t miss Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada’s largest winter festival. This celebration of French-Canadian heritage transforms the Saint-Boniface neighborhood into a winter party with over ten days of music, entertainment, and cultural activities.

The festival recreates the fur trade era with costumed interpreters, traditional music, and historic demonstrations. Visitors can enjoy snow sculptures, winter activities, live performances on multiple stages, and traditional French-Canadian cuisine including tourtière and maple taffy.

Warming stations offer respite from the cold while serving hot chocolate and other treats. The festival’s party atmosphere makes Winnipeg’s cold winters not just bearable but genuinely enjoyable.

12. Leo Mol Sculpture Garden

Nestled within Assiniboine Park, the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden deserves special mention among places to visit in Winnipeg. This peaceful garden showcases the work of renowned Ukrainian-Canadian sculptor Leo Mol, featuring bronze sculptures displayed among flower beds, water features, and tranquil pathways.

The adjacent Leo Mol Gallery houses more of the artist’s work, including drawings, paintings, and smaller sculptures. The garden provides a serene escape where art and nature harmoniously blend, making it perfect for quiet contemplation or romantic strolls.

Seasonal plantings ensure the garden looks beautiful from spring through fall, with different flowers complementing the permanent bronze sculptures throughout the growing season.

13. Manitoba Museum

The Manitoba Museum stands among the most educational places to visit in Winnipeg, offering comprehensive insights into the province’s natural and human history. The museum’s galleries take visitors on a journey through time, from prehistoric creatures to modern Manitoba.

Highlights include the Nonsuch Gallery, featuring a full-scale replica of a 17th-century ketch that sailed into Hudson Bay, and the Urban Gallery, which recreates 1920s Winnipeg streets complete with storefronts and vehicles. The Planetarium offers shows about astronomy and space exploration, while the Science Gallery features hands-on exhibits perfect for families.

The museum’s collections include over 400,000 artifacts and specimens. Regular special exhibitions ensure there’s always something new to discover at this cornerstone of places to visit in Winnipeg.

14. Osborne Village

Osborne Village represents one of the hippest places to visit in Winnipeg for those seeking eclectic shops, diverse restaurants, and vibrant nightlife. This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood along Osborne Street offers an alternative vibe with independent businesses, vintage clothing stores, record shops, and bookstores.

The dining scene ranges from casual cafes to upscale restaurants representing cuisines from around the world. Late-night eateries and bars keep the neighborhood lively after dark. Street art and murals add visual interest, while the community’s progressive spirit makes it a hub for local culture.

Summer brings outdoor patios to life, while any season is perfect for browsing the unique shops that give Osborne Village its distinctive character among places to visit in Winnipeg.

15. Winnipeg Winter Market and Summer Events

Rounding out our list of places to visit in Winnipeg, the city’s market culture deserves recognition. The Winnipeg Winter Market, held at The Forks from November through April, brings together local vendors selling handcrafted goods, artisanal foods, and unique gifts in a warm indoor setting.

During summer months, various farmers markets pop up throughout the city. The St. Norbert Farmers’ Market is particularly popular, offering fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts from local producers. These markets provide authentic connections to Manitoba’s agricultural heritage and contemporary food scene.

Special events throughout the year, including food truck festivals, beer festivals, and cultural celebrations, make Winnipeg’s event calendar diverse and exciting. Check Tourism Winnipeg’s events calendar when planning your visit to coincide with festivals and special happenings.