I haven’t lived in Winnipeg since 1982 (I spent 25 years living on an acreage by Birds Hill Provincial Park and have lived in Matlock, a small lakeside community one hour north of Winnipeg since 2007.) But Winnipeg is my hometown and I still possess a strong affection for the city and write about it at every opportunity.
5 great things about winnipeg
In the spirit of the “Take 5” concept developed by John MacIntyre, creator of the Book of Everything series (I was a contributor to the Manitoba Book of Everything), I’d like to share my own list of 5 special places in Winnipeg:
1) The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden at Assiniboine Park:
The sculpture garden features an amazing selection of works by renowned sculptor, Leo Mol, whose bronze works provide me with peace and inspiration. Assiniboine Park was opened in 1909 and has many great attractions to take in, so plan to spend a day there.
2) The Forks:
This is the place where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet. Aboriginals have been meeting here for thousands of years and today, most Winnipeggers have met at The Forks to shop, people watch, or enjoy a great meal or some merrymaking.
This historic property boasts Winnipeg’s most romantic ambience and the city’s best Sunday Brunch. The Palm Room (lounge and dining room) has architecture reminiscent of a European masterpiece and the hotel is said to have a resident ghost.
winnipeg highlights
4) Shaw Park (formerly Canwest Global Park):
We’ve got former Mayor Sam Katz to thank for this fantastic facility–home to the award-winning Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team of the Northern League. Enjoying a sunny afternoon or warm summer evening watching Goldeyes baseball from comfortable seats complete with drink holders and entertainment in the stands is a wonderful Winnipeg activity to enjoy. Unfortunately, the 2020 season has been interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But hopefully, life–and Goldeyes baseball will soon return to normal.
Winnipeg is a big sports city with highly enthusiastic fans, whether for baseball, football (the Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League) hockey (the Winnipeg Jets NHL team and the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League) or soccer with the brand new Valour FC of the Canadian Premier League.
5) Great street art :
Winnipeg has an incredible amount of street art and murals to explore. According to the Murals of Winnipeg site, Winnipeg is home to 3,900 murals of original works of street art. You can take a self-guided tour of the city by following Bob Buchanan’s website via the link above. Below is the amazing mural you’ll see adorning three walls of the New West Hotel on Main Street in Winnipeg.
There is something about Winnipeg that inspires friendliness, beauty, and creativity. I guarantee that if you take my suggestions and take in the above highlights, you will come away with a greater appreciation of this fantastic city–full of art, culture and joie de vivre.
And for more on the best cultural attractions in the city, please check out this post.
The murals and the forks would be my favorite great things about Winnipeg. It must have been fun living in such a vibrant city. It’s obvious you loved it as it shows through on your post. Thanks for sharing
It’s amazing what you can find in the places you grew up when you look at it from an outsiders perspective. Looks like there is a lot of fun things to do in Winnipeg. It’s been on my list of a while of places to visit.
I’ve spent a lot of time in Canada, but never made it to Winnipeg. Looks like I’m missing a wonderful city. How amazing to be able to claim over 600 street art murals. Has anyone ever done a book on them?
Not to my knowledge Alison. That’s a great idea about writing a book on the Murals of Winnipeg.
Honestly, Winnipeg has never been on my travel radar but you just changed that. I’d love to check out The Forks and many of the other attractions. Looks like a fun destination.
That’s a nice list of reasons to head north on a really long road trip! I’d love to see all the murals. Pittsburgh has a handful, but lots of space for more.
If I ever get to Winnipeg, I’ll make sure to check out that sculpture garden at Assiniboine Park! I can see why it would be calming!
I am not sure where the Common is. If it is the food service area on the main floor, yes I have enjoyed having lunch there.
Hi Bev. Yes, the Common is the reincarnation of the former food court. It has provided The Forks with a complete transformation of a formerly drab space.
Your post about Winnipeg brought back many memories. I especially like having lunch at the Forks.
You’re right, Bev. The Forks is great. Have you had lunch at The Common? I loved having sushi and a lovely cocktail there. So different than the food court they used to have.
Even before this article, I had a soft spot for Winnipeg but now, after reading this, I’m so close to getting on the first flight out there! Hopefully the Fort Garry Hotel’s ghost is a friendly one!
Hi Lois. Yes, I think it’s all safe and good at the Hotel Fort Garry. I’ve loved staying there over the years, and have never heard any stories of any ghosts causing havoc.
Let me know if you make it out here. Would love to meet up!
I haven’t been to Winnipeg (yet). Seems like a fun place to visit but I suspect that springtime or autumn would be best?
Hi irene. Summer is definitely the best time to visit Winnipeg. So many great festivals & events during July & August. But the shoulder seasons of spring & fall can be lovely, too.
What I remember from my own visit to Winnipeg long ago is a wonderful department store where I bought a fabulous flannel nightie and some lambswool flip flops that I still wear! Would love to go back and see that sculpture garden.
Hi Carole. I hate to disappoint u buf the shopping scene has changed in Winnipeg. No more Eaton’s, no more Sears. The Bay still exists, but in a truly modified way. Not sure where u had shopped. We still had great shopping options, but they have changed.
What? They have murals in Winnipeg? Now I have to go there.
You’d be quite amazed, Carol. The Murals of Winnipeg are infused with aboriginal art and are really quite breathtaking.
HI Doreen: As usual, this is wonderful ! I’ve always appreciated living in Winnipeg.. We have what the big cities have, but everything is more easily accessible . I enjoy rubbing it in to our “big city” friends that you can drive through the heart of the City from perimeter to perimeter in less than an hour; and that it’s about a 20 minute trip for me to the James Richardson International Airport, in the “Heart of the Continent.”
Right on, Linda! Winnipeg certainly has some wonderful qualities. My only problem with it is the long cold winters. Belize here I come!
600 pieces of street art! That is simply amazing. I have Filipino friends in Winnipeg. Time to visit!
Right on, Carol. There are indeed a large number of Filipinos living in Winnipeg. If you make it here, be sure to let me know so that we can plan a visit.
We haven’t traveled to Canada, but are considering adding it soon. Winnipeg looks like a great place to start. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Hi Jeff and Crystal. Winnipeg is heart in the centre of Canada, so a great place to visit if you are driving across the country, or heading up north to see the polar bears, belugas, or aurora.
Honestly, Doreen, I didn’t know anything about Winnipeg, except for your hockey team. The locations you chose look wonderful.
Thanks so much, Jeannette. Yes, Winnipeg is an understated destination that few people outside of Canada are aware of. But it’s definitely worth a visit for anyone who enjoys culture and multiculturalism.
Winnipeg is on the list of places to visit and you’ve given me five more reasons it should be. Super guide to what we should be seeing when and if we get there!
Thanks for your comment, Jackie. Winnipeg is indeed a great and very multi-cultural city.
Like my hometown of Philadelphia, I suspect that Winnipeg is underappreciated by the tourism world although I admit I’d probably want to make my visit during the late spring, summer, or early fall. Winnipeg and Philly apparently have another thing in common — murals. Philadelphia has more than 3,600 murals commissioned by Mural Arts Philadelphia.
OMG, Suzanne! I had no idea that Philly has so many murals! I shall have to get there. And you are right! A visit to Winnipeg is best planned for April through October. Winter is not for the faint of heart.
Winnipeg looks a fun and lively place to visit. As one who loves street art, I think time exploring the murals would definitely be one of the 5 (or more) things I’d like to do in Winnipeg
Thx for your comment, Jo. Yes, the street murals of Winnipeg are amazing! I hope you get to visit soon.
I didn’t know you were originally from Winnipeg! We have a trip to Manitoba pending for later this year. Hope to visit the Museum of Human Rights, too. Thanks for the tips!
Fabulous! If your trip comes through, let me know and I can meet you in Winnipeg for lunch or a drink.
I’d never realised there was so much in Winnipeg. I love the Winnie the Pooh sculpture!
Hi Karen. did you know that the Winnie the Pooh stories were penned after a bear cub that lived at the Winnipeg Zoo? There is an interesting book about the connection.
No I didn’t know that! I always thought WTP was archetypally English…
What a perfectly curated list for the first-time visitor to Winnipeg! Glad you mentioned hockey, too:-)
Thanks, Irene! I just heard that Winnipeg is getting a soccer team next year, too!
We really need to get to Winnipeg someday. . .and this post just pushed it higher on the ‘must see’ list!
Terrific! Thx, Jackie!
It sounds as though I need a return visit back to Winnipeg! I don’t think there were any murals when I lived there and now there are 600? That must be something amazing to see and would really brighten the street scene in the winter
Absolutely, Michele. The street art that really brought life to Winnipeg. When did you live here (or I should say, when did you leave)?
Hi Michele. when did you leave Winnipeg? the street art has been growing over the past 20 years, and is really now quite special.
I left in 1997 so it’s definitely been awhile! Time for a return trip!
For sure! A lot has changed in Winnipeg over the past 20 years. the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a must see. Let me know if you’re coming and have enough time to drive up to the Interlake. Would love to see you!
Always good to hear from someone as enthusiastic about their hometown as you, Doreen! I visited Winnipeg just once, for a conference, but did not have much time to explore. I would really like to see all those murals!
Hi Anita and thanks for your comment. Yes, isn’t it a shame when we are in a destination or city that we really don’t get to see because we’re too busy with a conference? I hope you get to visit Winnipeg again soon.
I too love my Winnipeg home and all the city has to offer. I love the murals but didn’t know about Bob Buchanan’s website. That might just be sending me off on a whole bunch of adventures seeking out murals I haven’t yet seen.
Hi Donna. Yes, it’s really amazing how Bob has been on the journey of sharing the Murals of Winnipeg with the world. I will definitely do a post on that in the coming months.
Hi Doreen. I visited Winnipeg in the early 90’s. I was exhibiting at a conference, so I didn’t have much free time. I do remember eating at a lovely French restaurant across the river. I’d like to go back sometime and be a tourist.
Hi Nancie. Yes, that’s the trouble when we don’t add leisure time to business travel. We’ve been a place, but just what did we see? I hope you get to return to Winnipeg sometime soon.
The murals and the forks would be my favorite great things about Winnipeg. It must have been fun living in such a vibrant city. It’s obvious you loved it as it shows through on your post. Thanks for sharing.
Hi Kemkem and thx for your comment. I only live one hour from Winnipeg now, so I still am in the city weekly, and take advantage of the many great things there are to see and do there.
Winnipeg sounds and looks like a wonderful city to be part of. I’d especially love to see the murals and those historical locations. Just beautiful.
Thx for your comment, Elaine. I really do have to get my camera out and give myself an hour or two to get some new photos of some of the murals of Winnipeg. Most of the ones I’ve taken in the past are not in digital format.
I definitely would love to do all of these especially checking out those murals and then having a nice long brunch in that lovely dining spot
Hi Noel. I think that with your photographic eye, you would truly appreciate Winnipeg!
600 murals or street art! Whoa, that’s a lot!!! Someday I I will visit your hometown where some Filipino friends live!
I hope so, Carol. I can’t wait to meet you!
It can’t come soon enough for me, Bo. It’s been a VERY long time coming!
Nice post. There is a lot to like about Winnipeg, especially with the new Canadian Museum for Human Rights coming soon.
Right on, Bo! I know you’re a big promoter of Winnipeg. Have you visited the Canadian Museum for Human Rights? What did you like most about it?
Thanks, Laura. Let me know when you’re coming!
Fun post about the ‘Peg, Doreen! Your love for the city shines through. I’ve got to get back there someday–haven’t been in many years. I’ll have to check out the murals. I’m a sucker for city murals, and I didn’t realize Winnipeg had more than 500.