1. Assiniboine Park + Zoo

If you're spending time in Winnipeg this summer, the Assiniboine Park Zoo is an absolute must. Start by exploring the Park's pathways with a rental from Bee-2-Gether Bikes, then grab some food to enjoy by the duck pond from the Park Café or the pop-up Cargo Bar.

Next, take a stroll through the vibrant English Garden and admire works of art in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. For an even bigger botanical attraction, explore the Gardens at The Leaf, made up of almost 30 acres of blooms and outdoor green space with five themed areas.

At the tail end of the gardens is an incredible piece of architecture called The Leaf - Canada's Diversity Gardens. 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. On-site, Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar offers modern prairie cuisine and a range of innovative dishes.

Finally, 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.

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 Peoples who used the site for transportation, trade and settlement.

Today, this meeting spot remains a vibrant attraction with countless activities. Try to find all of the public artworks around the site, take a self-guided audio tour of the area or join one of the Indigenous-led summer walking tours of The Forks through Turtle Tours.

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. Feast on pancit bihon from BASTA! Filipino Kitchen, enjoy a seasonal charcuterie board from Indigenous-owned Sharecuterie or try traditional Icelandic flavours from SKYR.

The Forks Market Food Hall is also home to The Common, a trendy bar offering both indoor and outdoor service that has a curated selection of craft beer and wine on tap. Grab a spot on the patio to enjoy views of the Red and Assiniboine, and then wrap up your time at The Forks with a stroll down the River Walk.

Other attractions at The Forks include Johnston Terminal (with even more shopping and food), Inn at the Fork’s Riverstone Spa, The Children’s Museum and the Oodena Circle. Also keep your eye out for the wide range of events and live music throughout the summer.

3. Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Located next to The Forks, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights can't be missed… literally, thanks to its eye-catching design. Designed by Anthony Predock, the building's curved exterior is made up of 1,335 pieces of glass, which mirror the sky.

Inside the building, the museum's architecture is equally impressive. Illuminated alabaster ramps lead you on a journey from darkness into light as you move through the museum, while the Israel Asper Tower of Hope contains a viewing platform that showcases a stunning panorama of Winnipeg.

As the only museum in the world dedicated to human rights, this thought-provoking museum recounts both tragic and triumphant moments in history, and it 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. Opening in June 2026, visit the exhibit Palestine Uprooted: Nakba Past and Present.

4. Thermëa 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 Spa Village. This serene, outdoor spa practices a number of Nordic traditions, from the hot-cold thermal cycle to the village rituals.

Spend time unwinding in thermal pools ranging in temperature, with sessions in the saunas, steam and relaxation rooms in between. During the summer, the lower beach level also opens up with the Biergarden and plenty of loungers to lie back on. There’s also the on-site restaurant, Le Resto, where you will be treated to a delicious farm-to-table gourmet meal that perfectly complements this luxurious experience.

5. Historic Exchange District

Whether you’re staying at a hotel within its limits 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, Downtown Biz and Square Peg Tours for summer dates.

The Exchange is the location for many events that you could easily centre your visit on: The Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival (July 15 - 26, 2026) and the TD Winnipeg International Jazz Festival (June 16 - 21, 2026) being among the largest. You may also find yourself in the neighbourhood for a bite to eat before a performance at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Burton Cummings Theatre or the Centennial Concert Hall.

The Exchange District also has a lively nightlife scene with bars and pubs such as Patent 5, Nonsuch Brewing Co., Little Brown Jug, Yellow Dog Tavern, King’s Head Pub, Amsterdam Tea Room and Rosé Coffee and Wine.

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 (great for all ages).

The main gallery space showcases captivating stories from human history and the natural world. Highlights include the 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. WAG-Qaumajuq

For the artistically inclined or those who just want to expand their perspective, the WAG-Qaumajuq is an illustrious attraction and home to the world's largest public collection of Inuit art.

Other collections housed within the gallery include remarkable pieces of Canadian art, contemporary art and decorative art. During the summer, the gallery’s rooftop is transformed into an urban retreat where you can take in views of the sculpture garden or visit for a pop-up event.

8. FortWhyte Alive

FortWhyte Alive allows you to get closer to nature without leaving the city limits. The urban oasis has over seven kilometres of trails that wind through prairie, aspen forest and alongside lakes, perfect for hiking. FortWhyte Alive is also home to Bison Butte, a legacy mountain biking venue from the 2017 Canada Summer Games.

Many rentals are available on-site, including cruiser bikes, children’s wagons, fishing gear, binoculars and Nordic walking poles. FortWhyte Alive is also home to the largest urban bison herd in the world, so take time to spot these magnificent creatures from a safe distance. For a guided experience, tours offered include Baby Bison Walks (May through June), Wild Edibles Walk, Habitat Secrets and Bison Bus Tours.

9. Rainbow Stage

One of Manitoba’s best theatrical experiences happens every summer at Rainbow Stage. Tucked into scenic Kildonan Park (which is also home to a great public pool for kids), Rainbow Stage wows audiences with two to three musical productions every summer. The 2026 season will feature two musicals: Jesus Christ Superstar from June 25 to July 12, and Legally Blonde: The Musical from August 13-30.

Before the show, reserve a table at Prairie's Edge for great food and a beautiful patio.

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 80 countries worldwide.

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.

Be sure to stop into the Mint’s gift shop on your way out to browse a wide selection of collector coins!

11. Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada

The Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada is a family-friendly attraction that’s a fun few hours for aviators and non-aviators alike. Take a journey through time to discover how aviation has shaped Canada, from the golden age of aviation in the 1920s and 1930s all the way until the present day.

Highlights of the museum include 14 immersive galleries featuring 22 aircraft and a viewing deck to watch the planes take off and land on the nearby Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. There’s also a kids’ zone, and, in the warmer months, an outdoor space where children can enjoy their very own ride-on airplane.