Winnipeg Must-Sees: 10 Essential Attractions You Can't Miss

Winnipeg is a city that surprises visitors with its rich cultural heritage, world-class attractions, and stunning natural beauty. From architectural marvels to immersive museums, from historic meeting places to modern spa experiences, the city offers an incredible array of must-see destinations. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, these 10 essential attractions showcase the very best of what Winnipeg has to offer. Each one tells a story, offers a unique experience, and contributes to understanding why Winnipeg is such a special place to visit.

Assiniboine Park

World-class attractions and gorgeous green spaces abound in Assiniboine Park, one of Winnipeg's most beloved destinations. The park is home to the Assiniboine Park Zoo, which features The Journey to Churchill—an immersive exhibit that astounds visitors with polar bears that swim overhead in the Sea Ice Passage. This remarkable experience brings you face-to-face with one of Canada's most iconic animals in a setting that mimics their natural Arctic habitat.

The Leaf is the park's newest blockbuster attraction, flaunting Canada's tallest indoor waterfall cascading past towering palms in the verdant Tropical Biome. This stunning conservatory also features a Mediterranean Biome, a butterfly garden, and the celebrated restaurant Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar, where you can enjoy exceptional dining surrounded by lush greenery. The Leaf represents a new era of botanical experiences in Winnipeg, combining education, conservation, and breathtaking beauty.

Beyond these major attractions, Assiniboine Park offers countless gardens that change with the seasons, the Park Café for a delightful brunch, the enchanting Children's Playground, and year-round activities including skating and cross-country skiing in winter. The park's 400 acres provide endless opportunities for exploration, relaxation, and connection with nature, making it a destination that visitors return to again and again.

Royal Canadian Mint

One of Winnipeg's most beautiful buildings, the Royal Canadian Mint's reflective glassy exterior is a sight to behold at sundown, glowing under an orange prairie sky. This architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to both modern design and the important role that Winnipeg plays in Canada's economy.

On the inside, you'll find guided tours that will have you holding a $600,000 gold bar—it's really quite heavy, and the experience of holding such value in your hands is unforgettable. The tours also allow you to ogle over the Olympic gold medals that were made for Vancouver 2010, witnessing the craftsmanship and precision that goes into creating these symbols of athletic achievement.

Perhaps most fascinating is watching coins being produced for over 70 different countries. The Mint produces circulation coins for nations around the world, and seeing this process in action is a rare glimpse into an industry that most people never see. From blank discs to finished coins, the transformation happens right before your eyes, showcasing the precision engineering and artistry that makes the Royal Canadian Mint one of the world's leading facilities.

A trip to the Mint is surely worth every penny, offering insights into currency production, Canadian history, and the global economy, all within one of Winnipeg's most striking buildings.

Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq

When the Winnipeg Art Gallery unveiled Qaumajuq, its $65-million Inuit art centre, it was met with rave reviews from publications across the globe for its design, mandate, and showcasing of the world's largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. This remarkable addition to Winnipeg's cultural landscape represents a significant commitment to Indigenous art and culture.

Qaumajuq's striking façade is like a massive snowdrift attached to the WAG's original angular building, creating a visual dialogue between the old and new, the traditional and contemporary. The design pays homage to the Arctic landscape and Inuit culture, while the interior galleries reflect the stark, expansive beauty of the north.

The WAG houses an internationally acclaimed collection of over 27,000 works, spanning the Renaissance to today with an emphasis on contemporary Indigenous artists. This makes it one of Canada's most important art institutions, and Qaumajuq specifically showcases Inuit art in a way that honours its cultural significance while making it accessible to all visitors.

Visiting the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq is not just about viewing art—it's about understanding the stories, traditions, and contemporary expressions of Indigenous peoples, particularly Inuit artists whose work has shaped Canadian art history.

The Manitoba Museum

The region's history is showcased in so many stunning ways at the Manitoba Museum, making it one of Canada's most engaging and comprehensive regional museums. Here, you can see world-class fossils like Cretaceous era pliosaurs that once hunted the inland sea where you now stand—a powerful reminder of the deep geological history of the region.

Journey through the cosmos during Planetarium shows that transport you to distant galaxies and help you understand our place in the universe. The museum's state-of-the-art planetarium offers regular shows that combine education with wonder, making complex astronomical concepts accessible to visitors of all ages.

See numerous life-sized dioramas including the famed Métis bison hunt, which captures a moment in time that was crucial to the development of the Canadian West. These meticulously crafted scenes bring history to life, allowing visitors to step into the past and understand the daily lives of those who came before.

Hop aboard the Nonsuch ketch where your imagination will set sail. This full-scale replica of the 17th-century ship that played a crucial role in the Hudson's Bay Company's founding allows you to experience what life was like for early traders and explorers. The attention to detail is remarkable, and stepping onto the deck feels like stepping back in time.

Artifacts, immersive galleries, and countless stories are all contained in this one-of-a-kind museum that fascinates people of all ages. Whether you're interested in natural history, human history, or the cosmos, the Manitoba Museum offers something to spark your curiosity.

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

This stunning new facility at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport is home to more than 20 aircraft, with 17 exhibits that showcase Western Canada's history of flight. The museum tells the story of how aviation shaped and connected our vast land, from early bush pilots to modern commercial aviation.

See artifacts that shaped and connected our land along with whacky creations that never really took flight—reminders that innovation often comes with trial and error. The collection includes everything from historic aircraft to experimental designs, each with its own story to tell.

Immerse yourself in inspiring stories of pioneering aviators and heroes who braved the unknown to connect remote communities and open up the Canadian West. Board several planes and experience state-of-the-art audio-visual displays that bring these stories to life. The interactive exhibits make aviation history accessible and engaging, whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about how flight transformed Canada.

There's an Observation Lounge for real planespotting of the runways, where you can watch modern aircraft take off and land while learning about the history of flight. Plus, little ones are guaranteed to land in the far-out Galaxy Exploration Zone, an interactive space designed to inspire the next generation of aviators and explorers.

The Forks

A meeting place for more than 6,000 years, The Forks marks the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine rivers—a location that has been central to human activity for millennia. This historic significance is matched by the vibrant, modern experiences that await visitors today.

Across 54 beautiful acres, you'll find a bustling central market where local vendors offer everything from fresh produce to artisanal crafts. The market is a hub of activity, reflecting Winnipeg's diverse community and entrepreneurial spirit. Exceptional dining and accommodations round out the experience, making The Forks a destination where you can spend an entire day or even stay overnight.

Vast treelined paths overlook all the bends in the riverbank, offering stunning views and peaceful walks. A world-class skate park, a children's play area and water park, and all the best things a Winnipeg winter has to offer—like skate rentals and access to one of the world's longest frozen, groomed recreation trails—make The Forks a year-round destination.

You can also embark on Indigenous-led walking tours, boat tours, and self-guided bike tours (rentals onsite), each offering a different perspective on this historic site. Check our discounted tours and experiences page for exclusive deals on tours at The Forks and throughout Winnipeg. In summer, The Forks also boasts one of Western Canada's largest patios that is serviced by an impressive outdoor and indoor bar called The Common, where you can relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

The Forks represents the best of Winnipeg: a place where history meets modernity, where natural beauty is preserved alongside urban development, and where community gathers to celebrate, relax, and connect.

FortWhyte Alive

Six hundred-forty acres of pristine prairie beauty are waiting to welcome you at this oasis just south of the city. FortWhyte Alive offers a natural escape that showcases the beauty of the Manitoba landscape while providing countless opportunities for outdoor recreation and education.

In summer, feel the wind in your hair canoeing or sailing on one of FortWhyte's lakes. The peaceful waters reflect the prairie sky, creating a serene environment for paddling or sailing. In fall, sip a locally brewed beer on their restaurant patio while migrating birds fill the sky and waterfowl descend on the lakes at sunset—a spectacle that draws birdwatchers from across the continent.

In winter, go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on its many trails, or take the kids out for a ridiculously fun day of sliding on the Richardson Rrrun Toboggan slide. The winter landscape transforms FortWhyte into a snowy wonderland, perfect for embracing the season.

No matter what the season, there is always an adventure to be had at FortWhyte Alive, including getting up close to North America's largest urban bison herd. These magnificent animals represent the prairie ecosystem and offer a connection to the region's natural heritage that is both powerful and humbling.

FortWhyte Alive demonstrates how urban areas can preserve and celebrate natural spaces, offering city dwellers and visitors alike a chance to experience the prairie landscape in all its seasonal beauty.

The Exchange District National Historic Site

One of Canada's architectural marvels, this 20-block district boasts North America's most extensive (and handsome!) turn-of-the-20th-century buildings. The Exchange District represents Winnipeg's golden age, when the city was one of the fastest-growing in North America and architectural ambition matched economic prosperity.

While walking its charming streets, you'll find some of the city's trendiest boutiques and a number of excellent eateries—including a few of Canada's best. The district has become a hub for creative businesses, independent shops, and innovative restaurants that have transformed historic buildings into modern destinations.

There are also established galleries, vintage and antique shops, and some of the best the city has to offer in coffee and café culture. The Exchange District has become a centre for arts and culture, with galleries showcasing local and international artists, and cafes that serve as gathering places for the creative community.

You just may see a movie being filmed too, as The Exchange often stands in for New York and Chicago in Hollywood and Hallmark productions. The district's historic architecture and authentic period details make it a favourite location for filmmakers, and you might catch a glimpse of a production in progress during your visit.

The Exchange District is a living museum, where history is preserved not behind glass but in active use. Every building tells a story, and every street corner offers a glimpse into Winnipeg's past while showcasing its vibrant present.

Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg

This oh-so tranquil outdoor spa brings a bit of Scandinavia to the heart of Canada. Thermea Spa Village offers a unique wellness experience that combines the best of Nordic spa traditions with the beauty of the Canadian landscape.

Let the stress soak out of you in thermal pools situated amongst the pines, where the natural setting enhances the relaxation experience. The outdoor pools are heated to various temperatures, allowing you to move between warm and cool waters in a practice known as hydrotherapy. Then sweat it out in a massive Finnish sauna before taking an icy plunge under a waterfall—the contrast between heat and cold is invigorating and has been practiced in Nordic cultures for centuries.

Treat yourself to the best in body treatments and massage therapy indoors, where skilled therapists offer a range of services designed to rejuvenate body and mind. Then dine in your robe in its most excellent Restö, where the relaxed atmosphere extends to the dining experience.

With steam rooms, heated hammocks, relaxation chambers, a misty beach, and more, we're certain you've never relaxed this hard. Thermea Spa Village represents a new approach to wellness tourism in Winnipeg, offering visitors a chance to truly unwind and recharge in a setting that feels both luxurious and natural.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Designed by the late great architect Antoine Predock, the city's most eye-catching attraction draws one's eye from every angle—whether it's the southwest glass cloud that represents the wings of a dove, or the northeast side with its mountain of limestone. The building itself is a work of art, designed to inspire and provoke thought before you even step inside.

Inside, an immersive experience awaits with 11 powerful, interactive, and awe-inspiring exhibits gradually climbing from darkness to light, culminating in the Tower of Hope (which provides a stunning view of the city). This journey from darkness to light is both literal and metaphorical, representing humanity's ongoing struggle for human rights and the hope that progress brings.

An ambitious museum meant to foster dialogue and promote change for a better world, the CMHR provides a stirring account of the human experience in the face of oppression. The exhibits are challenging, thought-provoking, and ultimately inspiring, encouraging visitors to reflect on both historical and contemporary human rights issues.

The museum doesn't shy away from difficult topics, including Canada's own history with residential schools, the Holocaust, and other human rights violations. But it also celebrates the progress that has been made and the individuals and movements that have fought for justice and equality.

Visiting the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a profound experience that stays with you long after you leave. It's a reminder of both the capacity for human cruelty and the power of human resilience, courage, and hope. The museum challenges visitors to think critically about human rights, both globally and in their own communities, and to consider how they can contribute to a more just world.

Planning Your Winnipeg Visit

These 10 must-see attractions represent the very best of Winnipeg, but they're just the beginning of what the city has to offer. Each one tells a different story about Winnipeg's history, culture, and identity, and together they create a comprehensive picture of a city that is both deeply rooted in its past and boldly looking toward the future.

For visitors staying at our Airbnb in Crescentwood, many of these attractions are easily accessible. The Exchange District, The Forks, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights are all within a short drive or transit ride from our location. Assiniboine Park, FortWhyte Alive, and the Royal Aviation Museum are also easily reachable, making it convenient to explore multiple attractions during your stay.

We recommend planning your visit to allow time to fully experience each attraction. Many of these destinations can easily fill half a day or more, and rushing through them would mean missing the depth of experience they offer. Consider combining visits—for example, The Forks and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights are close to each other, as are the Winnipeg Art Gallery and The Manitoba Museum.

Winnipeg's must-see attractions showcase a city that values culture, history, nature, and innovation. From the architectural beauty of the Royal Canadian Mint to the natural wonder of Assiniboine Park, from the historic significance of The Forks to the contemporary vision of Qaumajuq, these destinations reflect Winnipeg's unique character and its place as one of Canada's most culturally rich cities.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to explore more deeply, these 10 essential attractions offer experiences that will stay with you long after you leave. They represent the heart of what makes Winnipeg special, and visiting them is the best way to understand and appreciate this remarkable city.