Best Tours in Winnipeg: Complete Guide to Guided & Self-Guided Experiences

Winnipeg offers an incredible variety of tours that showcase the city's rich history, vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and diverse neighbourhoods. Whether you prefer guided experiences with expert storytellers or self-guided adventures at your own pace, there's a tour perfect for discovering what makes Winnipeg special.

From walking tours through historic districts to boat tours on the Red River, from food tours celebrating local cuisine to architecture tours highlighting Winnipeg's unique buildings, this comprehensive guide covers the best tour experiences available in Manitoba's capital city.

Discounted Tours & Experiences Available

Through our partnership with trusted tour providers, we offer exclusive discounts on a wide variety of Winnipeg tours and experiences. Visit our discounted tours page to browse and book these offerings at special rates:

City & Walking Tours

• Private City Tours: Personalized guided tours of Winnipeg tailored to your interests
• Private Walking Tours with Locals: Experience Winnipeg through the eyes of a local guide
• Smartphone Audio Walking Tours: Self-guided tours you can explore at your own pace, including:
  • Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings tour
  • Wonderful Winnipeg: 3 Smartphone Audio Guided Walking Tours
  • The Sights of South Winnipeg

Historical & Cultural Site Tours

• The Forks Historic Site: Smartphone audio tour of Winnipeg's most important meeting place
• Manitoba Legislative Grounds: Explore the statues and monuments with an audio tour
• Assiniboine Park: Discover the park's history and attractions with a smartphone audio tour

Themed Tours & Interactive Experiences

• Ghost Tours: Winnipeg's Most Haunted smartphone audio ghost tour
• Scavenger Hunts: Self-guided scavenger hunts including:
  • Self-Guided Winnipeg Scavenger Hunt: At The Heart of Canada
  • Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Winnipeg by Wacky Walks
  • Explore Winnipeg with a Unique Scavenger Hunt by Zombie Scavengers
• Murder Mystery Detective Experience: Solve a mystery while exploring Winnipeg
• Interactive Games: Outdoor Secret Agent audio experience, escape games, and clue-gathering challenges

Sports & Entertainment

• Winnipeg Jets Ice Hockey Games: Experience the excitement of an NHL game at Canada Life Centre

Adventure & Unique Experiences

• Churchill Adventures: Beluga Whales & Polar Bears experiences, and Aurora (Northern Lights) adventures

Transportation Services

• Private Airport Transfers: Convenient one-way and round-trip transfers between Winnipeg Airport (YWG) and your accommodation

Walking Tours: Explore Winnipeg on Foot

Winnipeg Trolley Company - Heart of the Nation Tour

Winnipeg's #1 tour on TripAdvisor, the Winnipeg Trolley Company offers a comprehensive 2-2.5 hour city tour that takes you through the heart of Winnipeg. Hop aboard their charming trolley and discover the city's major landmarks, historic sites, and cultural attractions. The tour provides an excellent overview for first-time visitors and covers everything from The Forks to the Exchange District, Saint-Boniface, and beyond. Contact them at 204-226-TOUR (8687) or visit winnipegtrolley.ca.

Exchange District Tours

The Exchange District Business Improvement Zone offers guided walking tours through Winnipeg's historic warehouse district from May to September, Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. These tours showcase the stunning early 20th-century architecture that makes the Exchange District a National Historic Site. At just $10 per person (with student discounts available), these tours offer exceptional value. Visit their website to see all current tour offerings and book your spot.

West End Mural Tour

This award-winning 2-hour walking tour takes participants through the West End's stunning outdoor gallery of murals. The murals portray stories about the West End, its unique character, and the diverse communities that call it home. The tour celebrates public art and neighbourhood identity, offering a colourful and engaging way to explore one of Winnipeg's most vibrant areas.

Architecture Tour of the West End

Winnipeg's West End started to grow and be developed in the late 1800s, and because of that this area is rich in architectural history. This 2-hour guided walking tour explores the architectural gems that tell the story of the neighbourhood's development, from Victorian homes to early 20th-century commercial buildings.

SquarePeg Tours

For a unique and entertaining experience, SquarePeg Tours offers 45-minute costumed character tours where guides walk the streets downtown telling tales of the rise and fall of the richest city in Canada. These theatrical tours bring Winnipeg's history to life in a fun and memorable way. Contact them at 204-898-4678 or visit squarepegtours.com.

Winnipeg Architecture Foundation Tours

The Winnipeg Architecture Foundation offers QR code-based tours that allow you to discover Winnipeg's significant architectural projects and designed landscapes at your own pace. These self-guided tours are perfect for architecture enthusiasts who want to explore the city's built heritage. Contact them at 204-960-8097 or visit winnipegarchitecture.ca/tours.

Winnipeg Public Art Tours

Presented by the Winnipeg Arts Council, these guided public art tours range from 1-3 hours and get you outside exploring Winnipeg's impressive collection of public art installations. From sculptures to murals, these tours showcase the city's commitment to art in public spaces. Contact them at 204-943-7668 or visit winnipegarts.ca/guidedpublicarttours.

Transcona Museum Community Walking Tours

Explore historic downtown Transcona on this 1.5-hour walking tour that covers over 100 years of history. Learn about how the railway helped put Transcona on the map and discover the stories of this unique Winnipeg community. Perfect for those interested in local history and community development.

Food Tours: Taste Your Way Through Winnipeg

Around the World in a Few Blocks - West End Restaurant Tours

Discover your new favourite restaurant in Winnipeg's unofficial dining district. This 2.5-hour tour takes participants to some of the most charming, locally-owned restaurants in the West End, showcasing the neighbourhood's incredible culinary diversity. From authentic ethnic cuisine to hidden gems, this tour celebrates Winnipeg's multicultural food scene.

South Osborne Guided Restaurant Tour

This comprehensive 4-hour guided restaurant and walking tour of South Osborne takes you through the neighbourhood to enjoy the architecture, history, and green spaces while sampling delicious food from local establishments. It's a perfect way to experience one of Winnipeg's up-and-coming neighbourhoods while indulging in great food.

Boat Tours: See Winnipeg from the Water

Winnipeg Waterways Tours & Transit

Depart from The Forks Market and see Winnipeg from the seat of a boat. Winnipeg Waterways offers scenic river boat tours where your captain shares stories about all the major landmarks in the heart of Winnipeg. Discover the city's captivating history, architecture, and natural beauty while cruising the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The expert guides reveal the city's iconic landmarks and their stories, blending Indigenous history with modern Winnipeg.

Splash Dash River Tour

Take an interesting and informative tour of south Winnipeg as seen from the Red River. Splash Dash Boat Tours provides colourful commentary on many points of interest along the river, offering a unique perspective on the city's geography and history. These tours are perfect for families and provide a relaxing way to see Winnipeg from a different angle.

Historical & Cultural Tours

Saint-Boniface Tours: La P'tit Visite & La Grande Visite

Explore Saint-Boniface, Manitoba's Francophone capital, through two exceptional tour experiences. La P'tit Visite invites you to explore Saint-Boniface through the places, people, and events that have shaped its history. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of this historic neighbourhood.

La Grande Visite offers an expanded journey through Saint-Boniface, combining a guided walking tour with award-winning augmented reality experiences. This comprehensive tour provides deeper insights into the community's French-Canadian and Métis heritage.

Histoire cachée In Plain Sight

This award-winning, multilingual augmented reality audio tour can be explored year-round. Rent an iPad at the starting location and discover hidden histories throughout Saint-Boniface. The tour brings the neighbourhood's past to life through innovative technology, making history accessible and engaging for visitors of all ages.

Le Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum Outdoor Walking Tours

The Musée de Saint-Boniface Museum offers the Moccasin Walk, a 1-hour outdoor walking tour. Like many Indigenous languages, Michif is a descriptive language, and this tour explores the connections between language, culture, and place in Saint-Boniface.

Magical Musical History Tour

Discover Winnipeg's illustrious 1960s rock 'n' roll history from Neil Young to The Guess Who, to Bachman Turner Overdrive, and more. Local music historian John Einarson takes you through the places where these legendary musicians lived, performed, and created their iconic music. This tour is a must for music lovers and anyone interested in Winnipeg's cultural history.

Where Our Stories Meet - The Forks

At The Forks National Historic Site, this 1-hour tour invites you to hear the oral histories of the First Nations, Métis, and European peoples who have gathered at this meeting place for over 6,000 years. Contact Parks Canada at 204-785-6050 or visit parks.canada.ca/forks for more information.

The Trolley of Terror Ghost Tour

Join the Midnight Conductor as he shares some of the creepiest stories from Winnipeg's darkened streets. This ghost tour takes you inside Winnipeg's most famous haunted mansion, its oldest—and most haunted—cemetery, and other spooky locations. Perfect for those who enjoy a good ghost story and want to explore Winnipeg's darker history.

Special Interest Tours

Royal Canadian Mint Tours

Join a 45-minute guided tour of The Royal Canadian Mint, where ALL Canadian circulation coins are made, as well as coins for over 80 other countries around the world. The special family rate is just $30, making this an affordable and fascinating experience for all ages. Reserve your spot by calling 204-984-1144 or visiting their website.

Manitoba Legislative Building Tours

Explore the seat of Manitoba's democracy! From early provincial history to renowned architectural symbols and beyond, this tour examines our legislative heritage and the stunning architecture of one of Winnipeg's most iconic buildings. The Manitoba Legislative Building is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts architecture, and guided tours reveal its many secrets and symbols.

Bison Bus Tours

Get up close with a herd of Plains Bison in their natural habitat and admire their cutest new arrivals from only metres away! Bison Bus Tours takes you through our prairie past where you'll learn more about how bison have shaped Canada's history. This unique experience connects you with Manitoba's natural heritage and the importance of bison to Indigenous cultures and Canadian history.

Leaf and Zoo Tours

Enrich your experience at Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf with a guided tour! Guided by their knowledgeable education team, these tours are designed for individuals, families, and small groups who want to dive deeper into the exhibits. Learn about the animals, plants, and conservation efforts that make these attractions special.

Explore Winnipeg by Bike

Bike Winnipeg offers a number of guided bike tours between May and October each year, as well as a few select winter rides. These tours are interpreted by lively and knowledgeable experts and provide a great way to see more of the city while getting some exercise. Perfect for active travellers who want to cover more ground than walking tours allow.

Pedal Pub Winnipeg

This vibrant, fun-filled 2-hour tour for 8-15 people flaunts Winnipeg's most scenic views. Pedal Pub Winnipeg offers a unique way to explore the Exchange District while pedalling a mobile pub. It's a social experience that combines sightseeing with fun, perfect for groups celebrating special occasions or just looking for a memorable way to see the city.

Self-Guided Tours: Explore at Your Own Pace

The Loop: Winnipeg's Urban Walking Trail

Discover urban Winnipeg's historic, cultural, architectural, and modern-day gems on this self-guided walking tour. This 9.5-km trail winds through downtown, the Exchange District, and Saint-Boniface, connecting many of the city's most significant sites. Perfect for those who prefer to explore independently, the trail is well-marked and can be completed in sections or as a full loop.

The Forks Self-Guided Walking Tour

Grab your headphones, download the audio tour file, and head outside to the Canopy to begin an immersive journey narrated by the engaging and knowledgeable Niigaan Sinclair, Curator of Indigenous Content. This self-guided audio tour allows you to explore The Forks at your own pace while learning about its 6,000-year history as a meeting place.

On This Spot Mobile App

This free smartphone app allows visitors to create and compare "now and then" photos on two historical walking tours. Examine the city's boomtown period from 1870 to 1912 or explore other historical periods through augmented reality. The app brings Winnipeg's history to life by showing how locations have changed over time.

Saint-Boniface Historical App Tour

Discover the sites and institutions that contributed to the development of Manitoba's and Western Canada's French-Canadian and Métis communities on this GPS self-guided historical tour. The app provides detailed information about each location, allowing you to explore Saint-Boniface's rich heritage at your own pace.

Winnipeg in the Limelight

This GPS-guided walking tour explores Winnipeg's exciting theatrical history. See film sets from movies starring Philip Seymour Hoffman and Brad Pitt, learn about the city's role in Canadian film and television production, and discover why Winnipeg has earned the nickname "Hollywood North."

Winnipeg's Wealthy Beginnings

This GPS-guided audio walking tour explores a fascinating chapter in Winnipeg's history. In 1912, records show Winnipeg as the richest city in Canada. There was once a very desirable and exclusive section of the city's downtown known as the Hudson's Bay Company Reserve. This tour takes you through what remains of this opulent era.

The Sights of South Winnipeg

This GPS-guided audio driving and walking tour is a half-day signature experience. You'll embark on a narrated driving tour with turn-by-turn directions and explore significant sites throughout south Winnipeg. Perfect for those who want to see more of the city but prefer the comfort of their own vehicle.

Statues of the Manitoba Legislative Grounds

This GPS-guided walking tour explores the incredible grounds of the Manitoba Legislative Building, making the statues and monuments come to life. Hear about the historical figures and events commemorated throughout the grounds, and learn the stories behind these impressive works of public art.

Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park - CanNect App

Discover on-site points of interest and hear stories about major events that shaped Manitoba's history at Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park. The CanNect app provides an interactive experience that brings the history of this important site to life. Contact them at 204-987-4351 or visit upperfortgarry.com for more information.

Bois-des-Esprits

This 117-acre urban forest contains five different ecosystems—riverbottom, wetland, oak forest, aspen forest, and grassland—and is considered a vital part of the 27 km Seine River Greenway. Self-guided trails allow you to explore this natural oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.

Seasonal Considerations

Many tours in Winnipeg operate seasonally, with peak season typically running from May through September. However, several tours are available year-round, and some operators offer special winter experiences. Here's what to know:

• Summer (May-September): Most walking tours, boat tours, and outdoor experiences operate during these months. This is the busiest season, so book in advance.
• Winter: Some tours adapt for winter conditions, and indoor tours (like the Royal Canadian Mint and Manitoba Legislative Building) operate year-round. The Trolley of Terror Ghost Tour offers a particularly atmospheric experience during winter months.
• Year-Round: Self-guided app tours, museum tours, and indoor experiences are available throughout the year, making them perfect options for winter visitors.

Planning Your Tour Experience

Booking Tips

• Book in advance: Popular tours, especially food tours and boat tours, often sell out quickly during peak season.
• Save with discounts: Visit our discounted tours and experiences page to find exclusive deals on many of the tours mentioned in this guide. We've partnered with trusted providers to offer special rates on guided tours, food tours, boat tours, and more.
• Check weather: Outdoor tours are weather-dependent. Have a backup plan for rainy days.
• Group sizes: Some tours have minimum or maximum group sizes. Check requirements when booking.
• Accessibility: Contact tour operators directly if you have mobility concerns or accessibility needs.
• Combination tours: Consider combining a morning walking tour with an afternoon boat tour or museum visit to make the most of your day.

What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes (essential for walking tours)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (Winnipeg weather can change quickly)
• Water bottle (especially for longer tours)
• Sunscreen and hat (for summer outdoor tours)
• Camera or smartphone (most tours encourage photography)
• Fully charged phone (for self-guided app tours)
• Cash or card (some tours may have optional tips or additional purchases)

Tours and Your Winnipeg Stay

Many of Winnipeg's best tours start or pass through areas easily accessible from Corydon Cute & Stylish in the Crescentwood neighbourhood. The Exchange District, The Forks, and Saint-Boniface are all within easy reach via transit, bike, or a pleasant walk.

Final Thoughts: Discovering Winnipeg Through Tours

Winnipeg's diverse tour offerings provide something for every interest, budget, and travel style. Whether you're fascinated by architecture, passionate about food, interested in history, or simply want to see the city from a different perspective, there's a tour experience waiting for you.

From the award-winning guided experiences that bring Winnipeg's stories to life to the innovative self-guided tours that let you explore at your own pace, these tours offer deeper insights into what makes Manitoba's capital city special. They connect you with local guides, hidden stories, and neighbourhoods you might not discover on your own.

As you plan your Winnipeg visit, consider incorporating one or more of these tours into your itinerary. They're not just ways to see the city—they're opportunities to understand Winnipeg's history, appreciate its architecture, taste its culture, and connect with the people and stories that have shaped this remarkable city.

Whether you choose a comprehensive city tour, a specialized food experience, a historical walking tour, or a self-guided adventure, you'll leave with a deeper appreciation for Winnipeg and memories that will last long after your visit ends.