Key Takeaways:
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Winnipeg offers an exciting mix of outdoor adventure, world-class museums, and cultural festivals that thrive in every season.
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From snowy river skating trails to summertime food markets and Indigenous art, the city shines with authenticity and warmth.
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Whether you’re seeking nature, history, or food, Winnipeg makes it easy to explore Canadian culture at its core year-round.
Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, is a city of extremes—in the best way. Known for its bold winters, sunny summers, and rich cultural fabric, this prairie city sits at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. With a history that spans Indigenous roots, fur trading, French and Métis culture, and modern arts, Winnipeg has become a surprising and beloved Canadian destination.
Locals and visitors alike are drawn to Winnipeg for its welcoming community, creative energy, and outdoorsy spirit. Whether you’re paddling the river in July, walking through snow-carved ice trails in January, or catching a fringe play downtown, there’s always something unique happening. The city embraces all four seasons with festivals, food, and unexpected charm that make it worth visiting anytime.
Table of Contents
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Skate the Nestaweya River Trail in Winter
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Explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
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Wander The Forks Market and Boardwalk
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Attend Folklorama Multicultural Festival
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Hike the Trails at FortWhyte Alive
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Tour the Historic Exchange District
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Relax at Assiniboine Park and Zoo
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Experience Nuit Blanche and Local Art Walks
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Paddle the Red River in Summer
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Try Local Cuisine on a Downtown Food Tour
1. Skate the Nestaweya River Trail in Winter
Winnipeg’s winters may be cold, but the city turns ice into adventure with the Nestaweya River Trail—one of the longest naturally frozen skating trails in the world. Stretching along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, the trail includes warming huts designed by international artists, pop-up snack stands, and incredible city views from the ice. Locals lace up their skates here every winter to commute, exercise, or simply have fun.
Even if you’re not into skating, walking the trail or watching others glide by is an experience in itself. The unique warming huts often serve as both functional rest stops and art installations. The trail typically opens in January and stays operational through February, depending on the weather. It’s a magical winter experience that showcases Winnipeg’s creativity and resilience.
2. Explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is not only an architectural marvel but also one of the country’s most powerful cultural institutions. Located near The Forks, this museum offers immersive and emotional exhibits exploring the global struggle for human rights. Stories of Indigenous resilience, civil movements, and personal courage are told through multimedia installations and powerful artifacts.
Its spiraling interior design leads you upward through each gallery until you reach the Tower of Hope, offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. Open year-round, the museum invites meaningful reflection and conversation, making it ideal for travelers interested in learning about Canada’s social evolution. It’s an unforgettable experience that resonates long after your visit ends.
3. Wander The Forks Market and Boardwalk
The Forks is Winnipeg’s central gathering place—where food, history, shopping, and entertainment come together in one vibrant riverside location. The market is filled with local vendors offering everything from global street eats and artisan cheese to craft beer and handmade goods. Just outside, you’ll find a scenic boardwalk along the river, often animated with street performers or community events.
The Forks is active every season, with fire pits and light installations in winter and bike rentals and patios in summer. Whether you’re people-watching with coffee or tasting perogies after a skate, there’s always something happening here. It’s a perfect place to start your Winnipeg adventure and feel the local rhythm.
4. Attend Folklorama Multicultural Festival
Folklorama is one of the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festivals, celebrating the global roots of Winnipeg’s diverse communities. Held every August, the event features dozens of cultural pavilions across the city where you can experience traditional dances, live music, global cuisine, and cultural storytelling. Each pavilion is run by the local community it represents, offering genuine hospitality and authentic performances.
Visitors can watch a Caribbean steel drum performance, learn Ukrainian dance steps, or feast on Ethiopian injera—all in one day. The festival highlights the city’s inclusive spirit and showcases the rich heritage of Indigenous, immigrant, and settler communities alike. It’s a must-visit if you’re in town during summer and want to travel the world without leaving Winnipeg.
5. Hike the Trails at FortWhyte Alive
For those craving nature within the city, FortWhyte Alive offers an escape into prairie wilderness and wildlife. This 660-acre environmental center features forest trails, floating boardwalks, and interpretive exhibits that explore Manitoba’s natural and ecological history. It’s home to bison herds, birdwatching stations, and seasonal activities like snowshoeing, canoeing, and maple tapping.
The center runs outdoor programs year-round, making it a great place for both solo exploration and family outings. Winter visitors can rent snowshoes and walk across frozen marshes, while summer guests enjoy guided hikes and bison safaris. It’s where city meets nature—and it’s only a 20-minute drive from downtown.
6. Tour the Historic Exchange District
The Exchange District is Winnipeg’s cultural and architectural gem, home to over 150 heritage buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Once the financial heart of Western Canada, today the area is filled with galleries, cafes, boutiques, and event spaces. Walking tours are available year-round, sharing stories about the district’s role in Winnipeg’s economic rise, the 1919 General Strike, and its transformation into a creative hub.
You can also explore on your own, stopping by vintage stores, bookshops, or the Manitoba Museum nearby. During summer, the area hosts outdoor concerts, art festivals, and night markets. Winter brings cozy vibes, pop-up exhibits, and beautiful holiday lighting across cobblestone streets. It’s an essential stop for anyone looking to discover Winnipeg’s soul and creative spirit.
7. Relax at Assiniboine Park and Zoo
Assiniboine Park is one of Canada’s premier urban parks, offering botanical gardens, a sculpture garden, wide green spaces, and access to the Assiniboine Park Zoo. The park is open every season, offering scenic walking paths in spring, summer festivals, fiery fall colors, and snowy serenity in winter. Families and solo travelers alike can enjoy everything from yoga in the park to art exhibits at the nearby Pavilion Gallery Museum.
The Assiniboine Park Zoo is a year-round highlight, featuring Journey to Churchill—a world-class Arctic exhibit that includes polar bears, seals, and tundra landscapes. Winter visits are especially magical when the animals are most active. Between the park’s natural beauty and the zoo’s immersive experiences, this area is a full-day outing that appeals to all ages.
8. Experience Nuit Blanche and Local Art Walks
Nuit Blanche is Winnipeg’s late-night celebration of contemporary art, transforming downtown into a city-wide gallery filled with light installations, pop-up performances, and interactive exhibits. Held annually in the fall, the event draws thousands of residents and visitors to explore creativity after dark. It’s free, open to all, and full of surprises with live music, artist talks, and digital displays.
Outside of this signature event, Winnipeg also offers First Fridays in the Exchange—monthly art walks where local galleries and studios stay open late. These nights highlight emerging and established artists while offering snacks, wine, and great conversation. If you’re looking for cultural inspiration or simply want to explore Winnipeg’s artistic side, these events are a must.
9. Paddle the Red River in Summer
While winter brings skates to the river, summer turns Winnipeg’s waterways into paddling paradise. Rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard and explore the Red and Assiniboine Rivers from a new perspective. Several launch points around The Forks and St. Vital make it easy to get started.
The cityscape looks different from the water, with bridges overhead, peaceful tree-lined banks, and maybe even a heron or two. Guided river tours are available and often share the city’s Indigenous and settler history along the shoreline. It’s a calm, refreshing way to explore Winnipeg when the weather warms up.
10. Try Local Cuisine on a Downtown Food Tour
Winnipeg’s culinary scene is a delicious fusion of cultures, creativity, and prairie ingredients. Downtown food tours introduce you to local favorites like bannock tacos, pierogies, smoked pickerel, and Winnipeg-style rye bread. You’ll stop at hidden gems, historic cafes, and modern hotspots, often meeting the chefs behind the flavors.
These tours run year-round, with special winter editions offering comfort foods and hot drinks as you walk between stops. Whether you’re a foodie or just hungry for something new, a guided taste of the city is one of the best ways to understand Winnipeg’s identity. Be sure to come with an empty stomach and an open mind.
What to do if you have kids?
Winnipeg is a fantastic city for families, with hands-on attractions like the Manitoba Children’s Museum, Assiniboine Park Zoo, and the snow slides at FortWhyte Alive. Kids will love skating the river trail in winter or exploring the splash pad at The Forks in summer. The city is stroller-friendly, and most parks have kid-friendly facilities year-round. Look for family programming at museums, libraries, and festivals—there’s almost always something happening to engage young minds and keep them entertained outdoors or indoors, rain or shine.
Where can I find free events in Winnipeg Canada taking place this weekend?
To discover the best free things to do in Winnipeg this weekend—whether it’s cultural festivals, community yoga, art installations, or live music—visit PlanMyWeekend.ai. Our real-time event platform curates local happenings across the city so you can build a weekend full of experiences without spending a dime. Whether you’re new to Winnipeg or a longtime resident looking for hidden gems, PlanMyWeekend.ai makes it easy to find fun, meaningful events at zero cost.
Final Thoughts
Winnipeg may be Canada’s most underestimated city, but those who visit quickly realize it’s full of passion, creativity, and community. Whether you’re skating the rivers in winter, exploring diverse cuisines, or getting lost in art and history, the city offers something extraordinary in every season. With its resilient spirit and rich culture, Winnipeg doesn’t just host events—it lives them. Plan a trip here with curiosity and leave with a deeper appreciation for this warm-hearted prairie capital.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
