Summer must sees in the middle

While Winnipeg is full of can’t-miss experiences, our Big 10 bring that extra bit of wonder – from showstopping polar bears to lush biomes, awe-inspiring museums and galleries, and sublime settings that are just so darn Winnipeg.

Canadian Museum for Human Right (opens in new window)

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a striking landmark with its glass cloud and limestone mountain facade and labyrinth-like alabaster ramps within. Its 11 immersive galleries climb from darkness to light, culminating in the Tower of Hope, with human rights stories presented across history.

Assiniboine Park Zoo (opens in new window)

Watch majestic polar bears as they dive and swim above you, along with playful harbour seals. The world’s most comprehensive Arctic exhibit of its kind, the Journey to Churchill also features muskox, wolves, Arctic fox and snowy owls. The zoo itself is home to more than 200 species of animals including Amur tigers, gibbons and snow leopards.

The Forks (opens in new window)

Set at the meeting of two rivers, The Forks offers markets, dining, patios, The Children’s Museum, green spaces and walking trails. Explore Indigenous art, let kids splash in the water park, catch a boat tour, or simply relax in one of Winnipeg’s most vibrant gathering spots.

FortWhyte Alive (opens in new window)

Six hundred-forty acres of reclaimed prairie make FortWhyte Alive a summer oasis in the city. Canoe or sail across sparkling lakes, go fishing, join a bison bus tour and explore scenic trails by bike or on foot.

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada (opens in new window)

This state-of-the-art museum features more than 20 aircraft and 17 interactive exhibits that showcase Western Canada’s history of flight. Board real planes, explore stories of pioneering aviators and watch live aircraft from the Observation Lounge. Kids will surely land in its Galaxy Exploration Zone.

Manitoba Museum (opens in new window)

Catch a Planetarium show, board the Nonsuch ship, test the laws of science at the Science Gallery and explore the nine permanent galleries of this award-winning heritage and edu-tainment centre. Kids and adults alike love the life-sized dioramas, while the 90-million-year-old pliosaur fossil is world-class.

Winnipeg Art Gallery – Qaumajuq (opens in new window)

WAG-Qaumajuq is Canada’s oldest civic art gallery and home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art. Explore thousands of carvings representing nearly every Arctic community alongside major works by iconic Canadian and international artists across centuries and mediums.

Exchange District (opens in new window)

This 30-block district boasts North America’s most extensive (and handsome!) collection of turn-of-the-20th-century buildings, trendy restaurants, galleries, breweries, boutiques and cafes. Often used as a film set for New York and Chicago, the Exchange blends historic charm with modern culture and nightlife.

Royal Canadian Mint (opens in new window)

The Royal Canadian Mint offers guided tours that are always on the money. See the 2010 Olympic medals that they made and watch coins being produced for over 70 countries. With its all-glass mountain-like exterior, it’s one of Winnipeg’s most beautiful buildings too.

Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg (opens in new window)

Relax in this Scandinavian-style open-air spa featuring thermal pools, cold plunges, steam rooms and Aufguss sauna rituals. With fire pits, quiet relaxation areas, a beach bar and robe-recommended dining, Thermea turns tranquility and wellness into an art form.