As we become more comfortable with returning to the world of travel, what better time to become reacquainted with the diverse destinations Canada has to offer.
I recently spent a weekend in Winnipeg and while not my first time there, it was my most memorable. Their food scene is one of the best in the country, the attractions are abundant and there’s an approachable and exciting vibe that rings around the city.
Here’s how you can have a wonderful weekend in Winnipeg, from someone with first-hand experience!

What to do

To get acquainted with the city, the most comprehensive route is via the experts at Wonderful Winnipeg City Tours. Lifelong Winnipegger Carolyn Preston and her team will take you on a two-hour jaunt throughout town and share nifty knowledge about various parts of the city, historical pieces, quirky facts and a friendly atmosphere all while providing an engaging conversation with you. The two-hour tour spans historic St. Boniface, the Cultural District, the Exchange District and much more. She made me feel at home and easily answered all my questions.
Connect with Carolyn at wonderfulwinnipegcitytours.com

Located on the ancestral lands of Treaty 1 Territory, is the renowned Canadian Museum For Human Rights, the site of a meeting place for thousands of years. With 47,000 square feet of exhibit space, the clever design of the building starts in lower light on the main floor and as you ascend, it becomes brighter, mirroring the hope and optimism for human rights education. 

Their mandate: As the world's first museum dedicated to human rights, we are centred around the idea that respect and understanding of human rights can serve as a positive force for change in the world.
There’s a lot to absorb and incredibly heavy and crucial subject matter throughout. While it’s not all easy to take in, it’s paramount to learn about the history of human rights.
All exhibits are presented with raw beauty, there are helpful staff along the way and the top floor features a gorgeous view of the city.
Learn more at humanrights.ca

The Exchange District is a modern, stylish and exciting part of Winnipeg’s core. This arts and culture hub blends a variety of food and drink, over 40 unique retailers and a buzz of excitement. Spanning 20 square blocks, everything is a 10-ish minute walk, making it convenient and approachable. There are live events, an enticing common area and interestingly, it’s a National Historic Site, oozing with character and charisma.
Learn more at exchangedistrict.org

20 minutes west of the city is the Assiniboine Park Zoo, which is a terrific way to spend a couple of hours. There’s a large exhibit dedicated to polar bears (fitting as Churchill, MB is the polar bear capital of the world) along with a new dinosaur exhibit, animals of Asia, a butterfly garden, a grasslands and Boreal forest area, and much more.
Get your daily steps in or use the free tram.
Learn more at assiniboinepark.ca/zoo

The Manitoba Museum’s planetarium and excellent exhibits are worth the visit. A new dinosaur exhibit runs this summer, the science gallery is exceptional, along with all the collections.
Learn more at manitobamuseum.ca 

Every strong city has an art gallery and the Winnipeg Art Gallery is simply wonderful. Housing over 24,000 works, this tapestry of collections blends indoor space with a sculpture garden and a spectacular three-storey glass vault filled with thousands of Inuit carvings.
Learn more at wag.ca

The south end of Winnipeg houses the height of relaxation and rejuvenation through Thermea, a blissful Nordic Spa. Once inside, you’d never know there was a busting city around you as Thermea has crafted the height of serenity with tall trees, a quiet environment and the atmosphere to recharge. Using hot and cold pools, a steam room, saunas, massage options and body treatments, you’ll leave feeling like a new person without an ounce of stress.
Book your zen time at thermea.ca

The Forks, one of the brightest gems in Winnipeg, boasts nearly 30 attractions, including the historic port, a riverwalk, rail cars, a prairie garden, CN Stage and field, skate park, The Children’s Museum, an inn, a plethora of green walking space, the aforementioned Human Rights museum, and much more.
There are several shops, fantastic food options, events  and more awaiting you.
Find out more at theforks.com 

Where to eat

Hargrave Street Market is conveniently  located in the Exchange District and the food choices are plentiful! Winnipeg has a fantastic food scene and adds the exclamation point to it.
With nearly 10 different options, I opted for Yard Burger and loved the 314 chicken burger and an order of hot wings.
Other restaurants include Gusto’s North, The Good Fight Tacos, Saburo (ramen and donburi,) Fools & Horses coffee, Miss Browns Brunch Cafe, Rose Bar (craft cocktail heaven,) and Lake of the Woods Brewing Company.
There are zero bad options here - check them out at hargravestmarket.com 

For breakfast, also in the Exchange District, Clementine Cafe was my favourite spot. Based on the lineup when I got there, it’s a lot of peoples favourite spot! Don’t let the long line deter you as there’s a quick table turnover. The open concept spot is brimming with atmosphere and their simple menu is full of pleasers. I indulged in the fabulous fried chicken on toast and a side of fabulous fried potatoes and the pictures barely do it justice.
Peruse their menu at clementinewinnipeg.com

The Forks Market, which has been a meeting place for over 6,000 years, boasts nearly 30 dining options. This former abandoned railyard where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet is now a prime spot for food and fun.
As I love puns, that’s how I chose my lunch spot; Weinerpeg, home of the natural ingredient hot dog, house-made soda and fresh fries.
Wrapping up lunch brought me to the Neon Cone ice cream shop, where I made quick work of my peanut butter flurry.

A solid dinner option comes via Nonsuch Brewing, where they create Belgian style beer with spring water. Boasting a variety of flavours, there’s something for most peoples tastes and on the food side, their charcuterie board is a must-have, along with their house-made bread and mouthwatering hand-made chips.

See what they’re brewing at nonsuch.beer

Patent 5 Distillery is around the corner from Nonsuch and it’s the prime spot for a nightcap, and yes, they do have small selection of food if you’re peckish.
Their premium spirits and craft cocktails are impressive and award-winning, and made from locally-sourced materials. I opted for the flight of classic gins, which was a tasty way to wrap up my evening.
Check out their website, patent5.ca

A quick 10 minute drive south brings you to Oxbow, a new hotspot specializing in local ingredients and natural wines. With a menu planted in shareable plates, my dinner guest and I made all the right choices, which included oysters, Brussel sprouts, cavatelli, and the flank steak, with the dark chocolate tart for dessert.
Their wine and spirits selection are wide, and the service is top notch, with our waiter being knowledgeable and helpful to get us exactly what we wanted drink-wise.
For more, visit oxbowwpg.ca

Where to stay

On the banks of winding Red River is the boutique Mere Hotel, both upscale and inviting. Ask for the King River View room and you’ll wake up to hazy sunrises in a truly comfortable king sized bed. The spacious room features a rainfall shower head, ample space and with its three floors, whether you take the elevator or stairs, it’s not long getting in and out.
Book your room at merehotel.com 

To start creating memories and experiencing wonderful Winnipeg, visit tourismwinnipeg.com