# Connect with nature as you discover sustainable tourism in Winnipeg \- Winnipeg **URL:** [View](https://winnipegdev.dci-test.com/connect-with-nature-as-you-discover-sustainable-tourism-in-winnipeg/) **Last Updated:** 2026-11-05T18:49:46+00:00 **Summary:** Eco experiences and ecological practices shows it’s easy being green in the centre Ensuring tourism is as sustainable as possible is a responsibility everyone must take. Here in Winnipeg, we have one major North American advantage of being at the centre of the continent, which means shorter flight times and fewer emissions getting here. Then, once your group arrives, they’ll see how we pride ourselves on creating experiences that showcase nature’s beauty, making sure conservation is top of mind for all our visitors. These eco-friendly attractions educate, insight, and above all, inspire. ## [The Forks (opens in new window)](https://www.theforks.com/) Manitoba’s most-visited tourism destination is also one of its greenest. Even the bustling Forks Market––where you’ll find authentic culinary options that span the globe––has countless sustainability practices in place, from water conservation to composting and reusable service ware, to turning deep fry oil into biofuel for The Forks’ buggies, ice resurfacer and truck. Both the Market and Johnston Terminal use geothermal heating, the Forks grounds features orchards and bee sanctuaries, while each new initiative is scrutinized under its [Target Zero (opens in new window)](https://www.theforks.com/target-zero) goal of zero garbage, zero water waste and zero carbon emissions. Many of the retail shops also sell eco-friendly products in The Forks Market, with a special mention due to Planet Pantry––a shop dedicated to eliminating plastics, and Tall Grass Prairie––one of North America’s first organic bakeries, a delicious spot that mills local, organic heritage breeds of wheat onsite and labels every farm it works with on a large map of Manitoba. ## [Oak Hammock Marsh (opens in new window)](https://www.oakhammockmarsh.ca/) The mission here is to introduce people to wetlands, which happens almost instantaneously when you look out over the vast marsh from its new Oak Hammock Marsh Wetland Discovery Centre (opening May 2025). Perched above on its observation deck, you’ll hear sounds emanating from upwards of 300 species of birds, countless amphibians, and the dozens of mammals who call this place home, while inside you’ll find [interactive exhibits (opens in new window)](https://www.oakhammockmarsh.ca/exhibits-are-almost-done/) dedicated to the region’s flora and fauna. This globally significant Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA) was designed to be a key migratory habitat and waterfowl-breeding centre–-which you’ll learn all about on its Bird in the Hand Experience. Feel the feathers of a newly banded songbird flutter in the palm of your hand before releasing it into the wild (all part of important migratory research) then head out into the wetlands with your group on canoes or while wearing fishing waders, where the smell of blooming wildflowers and close encounters with colourful birds perched atop cattails are all on the agenda. It’s equal parts adventure and ecology. ## [FortWhyte Alive (opens in new window)](https://www.fortwhyte.org/) The city’s most ecologically friendly attraction is all about “connecting humans with nature,” as FortWhyte Alive’s moto states. Its 660 acres of green space contains several small lakes; marshlands; beautiful aspen walking, snowshoeing and biking trails; stretches of prairie that are home to North America’s largest urban bison herd; a handsome Interpretive Centre with a farm-to-table restaurant and patios overlooking the lakes; and the most impressive toboggan slide you’ve ever seen. Soon, it will also welcome Manitoba’s most climate resilient building, ‘Buffalo Crossing,’ on McGillivray Boulevard. For groups, FortWhyte can offer all manner of eco-tours and ecological based programming. From exciting thematic scavenger hunts throughout its grounds, to canoeing the lakes, learning of the region’s Indigenous history in a Plains Cree tipi, launching an atlatl, and collecting honey and learning about sustainable agriculture practices on its FortWhyte Farms, every experience gives you a new appreciation for the natural world. ## [Assiniboine Park Zoo (opens in new window)](https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/) While our zoo is celebrated for breathtaking experiences like watching polar bears dive and swim right over your head, it’s also a noted conservation and research facility. Locally, Assiniboine Park Zoo participates in Manitoba species conservation including creating habitat for grassland butterflies, helping burrowing owl populations recover, and participating in Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) initiatives. During your visit, groups can take a guided tour of the [Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (opens in new window)](https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/conservation-research-sustainability/polar-bear-care) which is run by veterinary staff, animal husbandry experts and conservation scientists who are often called into action by the Government of Manitoba to bring orphaned bears from the Arctic to the facility. During a tour, one of these experts will also detail how the centre is conducting important research on polar bear denning, polar bear diets, and how many Arctic animals are adapting to an ever-warming environment. ## [The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (opens in new window)](https://humanrights.ca/) The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) takes visitors on a journey through the evolution, celebration and future of human rights––all within an awe-inspiring LEED® Silver certified building with numerous [green features (opens in new window)](https://humanrights.ca/news/green-museum-cmhr-achieves-leed-silver-certification). Rainwater harvesting, multiple living roofs, high-efficiency heating and cooling, and draught resistance grounds brimming with traditional prairie grasses are just a few of the reasons the CMHR has won awards including the Leadership Award for the Advancement of Accessible Environment Design and the Award of Excellent in Accessible Environmental design. Within its galleries several exhibits examine the link between human rights and the environment, with opportunities for thematic group tours to tackle issues like climate justice and Indigenous movements to protect land and water. ## Sustainable fashions Across the city, numerous Winnipeg stores and makers pride themselves on their sustainable fashions using eco-conscious materials. Just south of Osborne Village is where you’ll find [Anne Mulaire (opens in new window)](https://annemulaire.ca/pages/welcome-to-anne-mulaire) Boutique, featuring sustainable and size-inclusive fashions by the local Métis designer. In her own words, Mulaire has “hacked the fashion game to bring you truly circular garments that speak volumes in both looks and principles” all while creating “chic, cool, and zero-waste” collections. All of Mulaire’s eco-friendly designs utilize organic materials like hemp, bamboo and organic cotton. In the Johnston Terminal at The Forks, local designer [Lennard Taylor (opens in new window)](https://lennardtaylor.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopr_YUegthBt2S-v-mQJ_b7xVpY1M4rD-USqtF2OYgMEPE8Ae8U) makes wearable art out of sustainable clothing materials. Using natural fabrics like lyocell, linen, organic cotton, Mirum and dead stock that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill, Taylor also creates circular collections for both men and women, with each garment produced right here in Winnipeg. [Sarah Sue Design (opens in new window)](https://www.sarahsuedesign.com/) offers modern, minimalist clothing in sizes XS-5X, using eco-friendly fabrics like linen, hemp, and bamboo. Committed to zero-waste, Sarah repurposes fabric scraps into new designs or donates them. She also provides garment alterations to prolong longevity of garments and hosts vintage pop-up sales. Designed and produced in Winnipeg, pieces are available online and at markets year-round.