Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top attractions in Winnipeg for first-time visitors?

Winnipeg offers a mix of history, culture and outdoor experiences. The Forks is a must-visit destination with an indoor market, a variety of food options and riverfront trails. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights will move you with its powerful exhibits on global human rights issues in a stunning architectural space. Visit Assiniboine Park and Zoo for the beautiful gardens, a unique tropical biome display and the Journey to Churchill exhibit. For a stroll in an historic architectural setting, local art exhibits and world-class dining, stop by the Exchange District. And if you are a sports or music fan, grab tickets to watch a game or a concert at Canada Life Centre.

Why is The Forks a must-visit destination?

The Forks is Winnipeg’s most famous gathering place and is named due to its location at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. A cultural and trade hub for over 6,000 years, the place was first used by Indigenous peoples and later by settlers and traders. Today, The Forks is an atmospheric destination with a vibrant market, local shops, restaurants and year-round festivals and events.

What cultural experiences are unique to Winnipeg?

From Indigenous heritage to world-class arts, you will find diverse cultural experiences in Winnipeg.

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a global landmark celebrating the history, present and future of human rights in Canada and internationally, while Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq holds the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art, containing close to 14,000 pieces of stone carvings, prints, drawings, textiles and new media.

Folklorama is the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival that represents arts and culinary heritage of more than 20 cultures. Festival du Voyageur is a celebration of the French-Canadian and Métis culture through music, food and ice sculptures.

Founded in 1939, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet is one of the oldest ballet companies in North America. Having functioned for almost nine decades, RWB is the longest continuously operated ballet company on the continent.

What can I do with kids in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg is loved for its variety of family-friendly attractions. Assiniboine Park Zoo features the Journey to Churchill exhibit, home to polar bears and arctic wildlife. The Manitoba Children’s Museum provides interactive exhibits designed to immerse children in experiential learning. You can also enjoy outdoor activities at The Forks like skating in winter and biking in summer.

FortWhyte Alive is an urban wildlife preserve with nature trails, bison safaris and water-based activities like paddling and fishing.

A wide choice of hotels with pools, splash parks, playgrounds and kid-friendly festivals make Winnipeg a treat for all ages.

Where can I explore Indigenous culture in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg is home to rich Indigenous history and culture. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights highlights Indigenous rights and history, while WAG-Qaumajuq showcases the richness of Inuit art. For a celebration of Indigenous music, dance and art, check out Manito Ahbee Festival and stop by The Forks for Indigenous-led walking tours and storytelling events.

Take a self-guided or guided tour at the Agowiidiinan Centre at The Forks. This is a place of learning about the First Nations, their laws, culture and customs on a mission to help everyone understand why Treaties exist and what the Treaties do.

Visit the Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, which hosts over 14,000 books, videos and audio recordings as well as a vast collection of artifacts educating about cultures and languages in Manitoba.

Stop by Urban Shaman art gallery, one of the leading platforms for Aboriginal art in Canada that provides a space for contemporary Aboriginal artists to express themselves in all disciplines.

Learn about Manitoba’s founder Lous Riel at Riel House National Historic Site, see his statue at the Manitoba Legislative Building and walk down the iconic Esplanade Riel Footbridge. Build your route with our detailed overview of Louis Riel sites across the city.

Browse exhibits on Indigenous history, including artifacts and reconstructions of early Indigenous life, at the Manitoba Museum.

How many sunny days does Winnipeg get a year?

Winnipeg gets an average of 316 days of sunshine a year, one of the most in Canada. The UV index in Winnipeg reaches levels 1-2 (low) on winter days so you won’t need sunscreen but can climb as high as 7-8 (high to very high) in the summer months when you’ll want to protect the skin with clothing, shade and sunscreen.

What is the climate like in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg has humid continental climate with distinct four seasons. Located in the northern hemisphere, Winnipeg’s winter falls from December to late March and summer lasts from June to September. Winnipeg has colder average temperatures than Toronto and Vancouver, more snow and a longer frost season.

Having a continental climate means Winnipeg is no stranger to temperature extremes. The highest temperature recorded in Winnipeg was 42.2 °C (108.0 °F) on July 11, 1936. In 2025, Winnipeg briefly became the hottest city in the world with the temperature of 36.4°C (97.52 °F) recorded on May 13.

Lovingly referred to as Winterpeg, Winnipeg is also known for breaking cold weather records. In 2019, the city was the coldest major city in Canada at -39.8 °C (-39.64 °F), -52 °C (-61.6 °F) with wind chill. And in 2013, Winnipeg recorded temperatures colder than the surface of Mars at the time, at -31 °C (-23.8 °F).

Is Winnipeg flat?

Winnipeg has a flat prairie landscape with plenty of green space and is home to the largest urban population of American elm trees in North America. The city is so flat that one of the city’s landmarks, the Royal Canadian Mint, was designed by Étienne Gaboury to resemble a mountain to stand out against the city’s uniform landscape.

Winnipeg is approximately 239 metres (784 feet) above sea level. One upside of the city’s location is that Winnipeg lies in a low seismic-hazard region, so noticeable earthquakes are uncommon.

How long does it take to cross Winnipeg?

Winnipeg is more than 70% of the land size of heavily populated cities like Toronto and Chicago, but with the population size of just under 900,000, the traffic is fairly light. It takes only about half an hour to 45 minutes to get to most places in the city by car or taxi.

How to pick a hotel in Winnipeg?

Winnipeg offers a wide variety of destinations, from luxury urban escapes to modern boutique accommodations. For the best sightseeing access, Inn at the Forks is right at The Forks, a historic site with quick access to water tours, the iconic Nestaweya River Trail for skating, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Children’s Museum and Esplanade Riel Footbridge. Stay close to key business spots at The Radisson next door to Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District. The Grand Winnipeg Airport Hotel, Wyndham Garden Winnipeg Airport and Courtyard by Marriott are great options if you need a stay right by the airport.

Which cities have direct flights to Winnipeg?

Major Canadian cities, including Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, Thunder Bay, Saskatoon, Edmonton and Regina, have direct connection to Winnipeg. U.S. locations with direct flights to Winnipeg include Las Vegas, Chicago, Minneapolis, Denver, Orlando. Some direct flights, including Halifax, St. John’s, Atlanta, Phoenix and Palm Springs, are seasonal.