Things to do in Winnipeg
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A
Alycia's
One of those must-visit places without any real draw except that it's Winnipeg's favorite Ukrainian restaurant. Everything is deliciously bad for you and daily made pierogi has a tendency to sell out.
reviewed
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B
VJ's Drive-In
Across from Union Station, VJ's is a fave for take-out grease fixes. There may be a lineup at lunchtime, but overstuffed chili dogs, greasy cheeseburgers and fries consistently voted the best in Winnipeg won't disappoint.
reviewed
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C
Dandelion Eatery
Open a funky orange-green restaurant next to an organic grocer and you get this popular eatery. Extensively inventive menus for any meal: grilled apple and cheese sandwiches for lunch, coffee-rubbed elk for dinner.
reviewed
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D
Forks National Historic Site
The Forks National Historic Site attracts people for recreation, transportation, trade, culture and ceremonies. In a beautiful riverside setting, modern amenities for performances and interpretive exhibits outline the area's history. Maintained footpaths line the riverbank with plaques in English, French and Cree. The Market Building and Johnston Terminal buzz with shoppers at produce stands, international art and craft shops, multiethnic food stalls and restaurants.
reviewed
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E
Manitoba Legislative Building
Designed during Winnipeg's optimistic boom of the early 1900s, the Manitoba Legislative Building flaunts neoclassical beaux-arts design, limestone construction and governmental importance. Surrounded by impeccable gardens, ancient gods and contemporary heroes are immortalized here, including the Louis Riel monument facing St Boniface. 'Eternal Youth and the Spirit of Enterprise' - aka Golden Boy - shines his 23½-carat gold-covered splendor atop the copper dome.
reviewed
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F
Manitoba Museum
This is hands down one of the best locally focused museums on the continent; if you're not going elsewhere in the province, definitely visit the provincial Manitoba Museum. Nature trips through the sub-Arctic, history trips into 1920s Winnipeg, cultural journeys covering the past 12,000 years - if it happened in Manitoba, it's here.
reviewed
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G
St Boniface Museum
Next door to the St Boniface Basilica, a mid-19th-century convent is the St Boniface Museum, Winnipeg's oldest building and the largest oak-log construction on the continent. It focuses on the establishment of St Boniface, the birth of the Métis nation, and the Grey Nuns' 3000km journey.
reviewed
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H
Salisbury House Esplanade Riel
Sal's is an expanding local diner chain part-owned by Burton Cummings, with signature dishes 'Nip' (spiced beef patty with fried onions) and 'Winni' (grilled hot dogs). This location, literally over the Red River, is the latest installment with views more memorable than the food.
reviewed
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I
Chez Sophie
A neighborhood fixture for decades - corner store, launderette - has become a neighborhood favorite bistro. It's cozy, meaning few tables, with an authentic French menu, meaning crêpes and tartes(pies), and a definite bargain considering portions and quality.
reviewed
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J
St Boniface Basilica
Mostly destroyed by fire in 1968, the original facade still stands as a 100-year, imposing, God-fearing reminder of the St Boniface Basilica , that once stood here. A more current structure was rebuilt on the ruins and Louis Riel rests in the cemetery.
reviewed
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Royal Canadian Mint
Got around C$19 in change dragging your pocket? Thank the Royal Canadian Mint. The pyramid-shaped glass facility offers tours showing how it makes every single Canadian coin, as well as pieces for other countries, at a rate of 15 million per day.
reviewed
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L
Graffiti Gallery
Street artists need a place to showcase their work and the Exchange's vibrancy provides a natural fit. Inner-city Graffiti Gallery teaches development by taking young artists away from tagging buildings and focusing their energy on creativity.
reviewed
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M
The Lineup
You want it? You got it. This place is guaranteed to satisfy everyone. Choose from worldwide take-out with authentic packaging, from fish and chips to deep-dish pizza to Chinese, and enjoy it on the huge outdoor patio or at Old Market Square.
reviewed
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N
Fort Gibraltar
Behind the wooden walls sits this re-created 1809 fur trade fort, Fort Gibraltar. Inspired interpreters, real clothes, tools, furs, bunks, bannock and blacksmith shops re-create 1810 life at The Forks, the fort's original location.
reviewed
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O
Dalnavert Museum
Restored to its original Queen Anne Revival architectural style, the Dalnavert Museum is the former home of Sir Hugh John MacDonald, son of Canada's first prime minister. It has been refurnished with original pieces.
reviewed
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P
Upper Fort Garry Gate
Under threat from development, the original oak, stone and mortar at this small site of the Upper Fort Garry Gate stoically and bravely stands, where four different forts have stood since 1738, amid modern Winnipeg.
reviewed
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Q
Bistro Dansk
This locally owned, intimate Danish café is known for European comfort food, especially the daily hearty and delicious soups. Vinyl chairs and wood paneled walls add charm, while imported beer adds experience.
reviewed
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R
Step 'N Out
Cluttered but quaint, including the outdoor terrace, this romantic place has an ever-changing menu handwritten daily. The eclectic food mixes Asian and Western cuisines taking advantage of seasonal produce.
reviewed
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S
Manitoba Children's Museum
Kids learn by doing at Manitoba Children's Museum, where 'hands off' is not part of the program. The colorful, interactive exhibits encourage tykes to act as train conductors, astronauts and TV producers.
reviewed
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T
Underground Café
Funky, crowded, underground and healthy, artists and executives jam this place at lunchtime. Everything on the menu is homemade and none of it is unhealthy, especially the Fabulous Sun (veggie) Burger.
reviewed
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U
Wagon Wheel
Small, basic and a Winnipeg institution: there are no frills and lots of Formica at this downtown diner. The turkey is roasted daily for the knockout club sandwiches and the soups are delicious.
reviewed
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V
Glutton's
In a tiny bistro, one of Canada's hottest chefs brings his daring east-west style to a prix fixe menu. Seafood and beef dominate the selections and knowledgeable staff help you decide.
reviewed
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W
Wasabi's
New-school inventive and colorful rolls and creative dishes, such as mango prawns, are served in this old-school Victorian. Enjoy casual outdoor verandah seating or hip and pretty indoor style.
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X
Brio Restaurant
Royal-blue linen and lots of windows adorn this semiformal restaurant above the art gallery. The lunchtime-only menu varies, as do the colorful food presentations. Coffee is served till 16:30.
reviewed
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Y
Fort Whyte
Fort Whyte teaches sustainable living and how to lower carbon footprints. In addition to spotting bison, deer and other wildlife, visitors can learn about sod houses and rent activity gear.
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