Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or looking to fall back in love with your own city, Winnipeg shines in all seasons. From world-class museums and iconic architecture to cozy corners and exciting events, there’s no shortage of ways to explore. Here are 10 must-see attractions to check out in Manitoba’s capital city.

1. Assiniboine Park, Zoo & The Leaf

If you're spending time in Winnipeg this fall or winter, the Assiniboine Park & Zoo is an absolute must. Watch the seasons change by walking the trails of the park and admire works of art in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. Then, explore the 30 acres of the outdoor Gardens at The Leaf. The Seasonal Garden shows a collection of perennial plants that peak at different times throughout the year with activities in all four seasons.

At the tail end of The Gardens is an incredible piece of architecture called The Leaf. This beautiful horticultural attraction offers guests the opportunity to explore and learn about flowers, palms, plant life and thousands of trees through four unique biomes. Onsite, Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar offers modern prairie cuisine and culturally expressive dishes.

A trip to the Assiniboine Park Zoo needs to include a few hours (or easily an entire day) dedicated to the many animals who call it home. Stand beneath swimming polar bears and seals in the incredible Journey to Churchill exhibit or meet the goats of Aunt Sally’s Farm.

Once the ice freezes, the Riley Family Duck Pond comes to life with skaters of all ability levels, with hot chocolate and warm comfort food available nearby from the Park Cafe and Cargo Bar (open for select hours in winter). In late November and through to January, the park is illuminated with the glow of thousands of lights at the annual Zoo Lights Festival.

2. The Forks

As a National Historic Site of Canada, The Forks has been a place of significance for over 6,000 years. Its location at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers connected Indigenous people who used the site for transportation, trade and settlement.

Today, this meeting spot remains a vibrant attraction with countless activities. Venture into The Forks Market to find a number of unique vendors and shops as well as an amazing array of eateries at The Forks Market Food Hall. Grab a pastry from Tall Grass Prairie Bakery, one of Manitoba's best homegrown bakeries, or get a taste of Manitoban cuisine with pickerel from Fergie's Fish and Chips. Recent additions to The Forks include BASTA! Filipino Kitchen serving Filipino food in the heart of Winnipeg, where Canada's largest Filipino community calls home. Milksmith recently opened in the Johnston Terminal, serving handcrafted rolled ice cream and Colleen Winnipeg is set to open this fall, offering homemade pasta dishes.

The Forks Market Food Hall is also home to The Common; a trendy bar with both indoor and outdoor service and a curated selection of craft beer and wine on tap.

In the wintertime, The Forks becomes a hub for activity with its famous Nestaweya Skating River Trail (dotted with architectural warming huts along the way).

Other attractions at The Forks include Johnston Terminal (with even more shopping and a coffee shop), Inn at the Fork’s Riverstone Spa, The Children’s Museum, Oodena Circle and many works of public art.

3. Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Located next to The Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights literally can't be missed. Designed by Anthony Predock, the building's curving exterior (known as the Cloud) is made up of 1,335 pieces of glass which mirror the sky and is sure to catch your eye on your visit to Winnipeg.

Inside the building, the museum's architecture is equally as impressive with illuminated Alabaster-clad ramps which lead you on a journey from darkness into light as you move through the museum.

As the only museum in the world dedicated to human rights, this thought-provoking museum recounts tragic and triumphant moments in history and celebrates hope for the future through a number of interactive and innovative galleries. Permanent galleries include Indigenous Perspectives, Canadian Journeys, Examining the Holocaust and Breaking the Silence.

4. Thermea Spa Village

If relaxation is the name of your game, you simply can't pass up an opportunity to have the mind-and-body-melting experience that is Thermea. This serene, outdoor spa practices a number of Nordic traditions: from the hot-cold cycle to the Aufguss ritual.

Spend time unwinding in thermal pools ranging from hot-to-cold, with sessions in the saunas, steam and relaxation rooms in between. Plan to dine at the on-site restaurant known as Restö, where you will be treated to a delicious gourmet meal that perfectly compliments this luxurious experience. Another fun activity is ordering a round of s'mores, which you can roast over the bonfires throughout the spa.

5. Historic Exchange District

Whether you’re staying at a hotel or just visiting it for the day, the Exchange District is one of Winnipeg’s most vibrant and intriguing neighbourhoods.

The neighbourhood maintains its charm with historic turn-of-the-20th-century warehouse buildings that are now home to independent boutiques, restaurants, cocktail bars and more. For this reason, the Exchange is a popular spot for walking tours — check out the Exchange District Biz tours or Square Peg Tours for fall dates. In the wintertime, Old Market Square is transformed into a skating rink with regular curling events.

Exchange District has a lively nightlife scene with nightclubs and bars like Patent 5 Distillery, Nonsuch Brewing Co., Darling Bar, Little Brown Jug, King’s Head Pub and Palomino Club. In the summer, check out Pedal Pub for a downtown tour like no other. The Exchange also is the location for exciting fall and winter events including Hot Beverage Week (December) and New Music Week (January).

6. Manitoba Museum

Another major attraction located within the Exchange District is the Manitoba Museum. This family-friendly destination offers three areas to explore: The Science Gallery (perfect for those with kids), the Planetarium (featuring daily shows all about the universe) and the main gallery space.

The main gallery space showcases captivating stories from the natural world as well as from human history in Manitoba. Highlights include the new Prairies Gallery and the Nonsuch Gallery, where you can step aboard a life-size replica of the 17th century sailing ship that launched the Hudson’s Bay Company.

7. Winnipeg Art Gallery

For the artistically inclined or just those who want to expand their perspective, WAG-Qaumajuq is a must-see attraction in Winnipeg. Home to the world's largest public collection of Inuit art, you can't miss the stunning visible vault that spans multiple levels. Grab a bite to eat from the adjacent Katita Café and enjoy the view.

Other collections housed within the gallery includes remarkable pieces of Canadian art, contemporary art and decorative art.

8. FortWhyte Alive

Get closer to nature without having to leave city limits with the urban oasis that is FortWhyte Alive. With over seven kilometres of trails that wind through prairie, aspen forest and alongside lakes, there are a myriad of ways to enjoy this nature preserve in Winnipeg.

For fall activities, head to FortWhyte Alive for their mesmerizing Sunset Goose Flight experience and see thousands of Canadian geese descend over the lake. In winter, try a number of quintessential activities like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing and ice fishing.

Other events like Alive in the Woods, Storytelling by the Fire and Sod House Homesteaders continue all year long. Check out Buffalo Crossing, a brand new energy-efficient building which houses a new retail space and coffee service at the south end of the FortWhyte Alive property. The building is connected to the existing trails so you can bike or walk from one end to the other.

9. Winnipeg's Art Scene

Winnipeg is home to a stellar performing arts scene and a tight-knit creative community. Visit in the fall or winter to make the most of the arts season.

The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre has an incredible lineup to look forward to, with main stage shows like The Life of Pi, Elf - The Musical, Murder on the Orient Express and Rubaboo - A Métis Cabaret.

Ballet lovers can't miss the chance to see the reputable Royal Winnipeg Ballet. RWB is Canada’s oldest ballet institution, with four performances coming up this season, including holiday favourite The Nutcracker.

For the musically inclined, treat yourself to the classical melodies of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Choose from performances of timeless classics or movie soundtracks.

In addition to performing arts, Culture Days and Nuit Blanche are one of the most vibrant ways to experience Winnipeg’s creative pulse. This city-wide celebration transforms streets, galleries and public spaces with free art installations, pop-up performances and interactive experiences. Held every fall, it’s the perfect time to see just how alive and imaginative Winnipeg’s arts scene truly is.

10. Royal Canadian Mint

Located 20 minutes from downtown Winnipeg, the Royal Canadian Mint is a unique attraction with a major international impact, manufacturing coins for more than 75 countries around the globe.

The best way to learn about the facility is on a 45-minute tour offered regularly throughout the summer and delivered in both English and French. You will have the opportunity to strike your own coin and feel how heavy a pure gold bar worth over $700,000 is. Be sure to stop into the Mint’s gift shop on your way out to browse a wide selection of collector coins!

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