Why Go to Winnipeg
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Winnipeg is a friendly, cultural city in the heart of the Canadian Prairies. Manitoba's capital sits where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, at The Forks, a gathering place for Indigenous peoples for thousands of years and today a lively market and riverside hub.
Visit the striking Canadian Museum for Human Rights, with its soaring glass architecture and powerful exhibits, and explore the historic brick warehouses of the Exchange District, a national historic site filled with shops, galleries and restaurants. Watch polar bears swim overhead at the Journey to Churchill exhibit at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, and stroll the park's gardens. Learn about Indigenous art and culture at Qaumajuq, the Inuit art center at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. In winter, embrace the cold at Festival du Voyageur, a celebration of French-Canadian heritage, and skate on the river trail at The Forks.
Winnipeg has nonstop flights from Minneapolis, Chicago and other cities, and it's the gateway to Churchill, the Polar Bear Capital of the World. Bring your passport. I'll plan your stay and a polar bear or beluga whale adventure in Churchill.
BEST FOR
Culture lovers, families, festival-goers and winter adventurers
BEST MONTHS
June to August
EXPLORE
- Downtown: Hotels and attractions.
- The Forks: Markets and trails.
- Exchange District: Historic buildings and restaurants.
- St. Boniface: The French Quarter.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Winnipeg
North America › Prairies › Canada › Manitoba
A landmark human rights museum, historic riverside markets and a festival-filled prairie city.
Museums
Winter
History
Parks
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Visit Assiniboine Park Zoo's Journey to Churchill exhibit to see polar bears swimming overhead in an underwater tunnel.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Allow at least three hours.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
A striking museum exploring human rights stories from around the world.
Skate the river trail in winter.
The Forks
A historic meeting place with a market, restaurants and riverside trails.
Visit the polar bears at feeding time.
Assiniboine Park Zoo
A zoo featuring the Journey to Churchill polar bear exhibit.
Visit in winter for a unique experience.
Thermëa
A Nordic spa with outdoor pools and saunas.
Book a guided tour.
Royal Canadian Mint
Tour the facility that produces Canada's coins.
A luxury hotel at the city's famous Portage and Main intersection.
Fairmont Winnipeg
Downtown
Hotel Tags
A historic château-style hotel with a spa.
The Fort Garry Hotel
Downtown
Hotel Tags
A boutique hotel with a spa and riverside location.
Inn at the Forks
The Forks
Hotel Tags
A modern hotel overlooking the Red River.
Mere Hotel
Downtown waterfront
Hotel Tags
A stylish, modern hotel near the arena.
Alt Hotel Winnipeg
Sports, Hospitality & Entertainment District
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Winnipeg
High 30°F · Low 15°F · Rain 1 in
Polar bear season peaks in Churchill.
The best time to visit Winnipeg is June through August, when the weather is warm and festivals fill the city. Winters are very cold, but festivals and skating make it fun.
Best Times to Visit Winnipeg
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Winnipeg's dining scene reflects its diverse heritage.
- Ukrainian heritage: Try perogies and other Ukrainian dishes.
- Local favorites: Enjoy a Winnipeg-style goldeye or a fat boy burger.
- Must-try: Perogies, smoked goldeye, Jeanne's Cake and local craft beer.
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Trains
VIA Rail connects Winnipeg with Churchill and other cities.
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Walking
Downtown and The Forks are easy to explore on foot.
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Driving
A car is useful for exploring the region.
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Taxis & Rideshares
Taxis and rideshare apps are available.
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Buses
Winnipeg Transit operates city buses.
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Flying In
Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG) is about 20 minutes from downtown.
Most travelers fly into Winnipeg. Once you're here, buses, taxis and walking make it easy to get around.
Getting Around Winnipeg