A Weekend in Winnipeg
Whatever type of getaway you’re looking for, you’ll find it this summer in Winnipeg. Manitoba’s capital city is a buzzing metropolis that is home to so much culture and history, award winning restaurants and breathtaking architecture surrounded by nature, making it a perfect destination for a summer weekend staycation or vacation.
Friday Night
Dinner and Drinks
After a long week, there’s no better way to unwind and kick off your weekend than with an evening on one of Winnipeg’s patios, such as the Sunset Terrace + Bar, located at the Fort Garry Hotel in downtown Winnipeg. Relax with a cocktail, a local beer or a glass of wine from their extensive drink menu, and indulge in a delicious meal on Broadway. The dinner menu offers everything from sharing plates, to oysters, nourishing salads, bistro entrees and dinners for two – and don’t forget to leave room for dessert!
Saturday
Image courtesy of Travel Manitoba
A Morning at the Forks
In July and August, Winnipeg enjoys long sunny summer days, so start the day early and take in the sights at The Forks Historic Port and Riverwalk. An historical site where the Assiniboine River flows into the Red River, the Forks has been a meeting place for thousands of years, and today remains a popular spot for people to gather to enjoy celebrations, arts, culture and the market. In addition to a variety of shops selling unique often locally sourced and made goods, there are also many vendors selling delicious food to satisfy any craving. Grab a coffee and breakfast to-go and enjoy the river views on a beautiful morning walk in downtown Winnipeg.
An Afternoon Walking Tour
There are so many things to see and do in downtown Winnipeg and it can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, the hard work has been done and a thoughtfully curated walking tour identifying more than 50 points of interest between downtown, The Exchange District and Old St. Boniface is already planned for you. The Loop is a self-guided walking tour that explores some of Winnipeg’s most notable and historic sites, including the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge, the Vaughan Street Jail, the Manitoba Legislature Building and The Fort Garry Hotel, one of Winnipeg’s architectural landmarks.
Image courtesy of Travel Manitoba
Along your way, you’ll also come across some of the more than 40 museums and cultural centres that are located in Winnipeg. Although museums are currently closed due to COVID-19 restrictions, many are offering virtual tours and visits, which you can experience either during your visit or later as an extension of your Winnipeg weekend. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is the only National museum in Canada that is located outside of Ottawa and tells the stories of human rights around the world. The Manitoba Museum, which predominantly explores natural history, is home to a Science Gallery and Planetarium and is currently offering weekly Dome@Home Experiences.
Image courtesy of Travel Manitoba
Where to Eat
With all of the walking and exploring you’ll enjoy during your weekend in Winnipeg, you’re bound to work up an appetite. The culinary scene in Winnipeg is much like the city itself: robust, diverse and a sure-fire crowd pleaser. Clementine Café serves up delectable brunch dishes in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere, while 529 Wellington Steakhouse prides itself on being “Equally Rare and Well Done”, offering the best in Canadian beef and a wine cellar boasting more than 17,000 bottles. Café Carlo, in Winnipeg’s Little Italy, has been a favourite since first opening in 1989, and serves up a variety of dishes to delight your tastebuds. Cibo Waterfront Café will also delight with both their menu of much loved dishes and ambience; light pours in from giant windows and the patio boasts riverfront views which perfectly complement your meal. There are so many incredible, award-winning restaurants in Winnipeg, so whatever you’re in the mood for, you’ll find it here.
Sunday
JP Media Works-Courtesy of Travel Manitoba
Assiniboine Park and Zoo
Flowers and polar bears and dinosaurs, oh my! These are just a few of the things that await you at Assiniboine Park, where acres of green space, gardens and nature sit just south of the Assiniboine River, all just a short drive from downtown Winnipeg. Also located within the park grounds is the Assiniboine Zoo, which is home to several different exhibits and hundreds of different animals. Say hello to the polar bears, arctic foxes and harbour seals at the Journey to Churchill exhibit, go underwater with the fish at the Kinsmen Discovery Centre and feel at home on the range with Llamas, Pronghorns and Red Kangaroo. For a limited time this summer, take a journey to the prehistoric age with Dinosaurs Uncovered, which features almost 20 life-size animatronic dinos that you’ll encounter along a trail within the park.
This summer you can get a shot at even more out of your time in Winnipeg. When you book a stay between July 1st and September 6th at a participating hotel downtown, you’ll be entered to win one of three amazing prizes, valued in total at more than $7000. How’s that for a vacation that gives back?
Looking for even more ways to enjoy Winnipeg? Explore some of Manitoba’s incredible Provincial Parks on a short road trip away from the city or learn about the mystery and history of one of Winnipeg’s most iconic hotels, the Fort Garry Hotel.
Always follow Canada and local health authority COVID-19 guidelines for travelling or visiting attractions. Learn more about current restrictions and travelling within Canada.