Visit Winnipeg | Tailor-made Luxury Canada Holidays

Why visit Winnipeg

For the vast majority of travellers, Winnipeg is the gateway to Churchill – but it’s far more than a stopover. This prairie city has a compelling spirit all its own, shaped by Indigenous heritage, immigration and a deep connection to the land and rivers that surround it.

Begin at The Forks, a historic meeting place for over 6,000 years, now transformed into a lively hub of markets, local eateries and public art. Just a short walk away is the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the first of its kind in the world, offering thought-provoking exhibits in a striking architectural space.

Winnipeg’s Exchange District, with its handsome early 20th-century buildings, is now a centre of creativity, home to galleries, independent shops and some of the city’s best dining. In summer, the city pulses with festivals celebrating everything from jazz and theatre to global cultures and food.

There’s a sense of resilience and authenticity here, a place that embraces its seasons, tells its stories with honesty, and welcomes you with genuine warmth. Whether you’re on your way to the polar bears of Churchill or simply exploring a lesser-known corner of Canada, Winnipeg is worth your time and your curiosity.

White whales

Every summer, around 60,000 beluga whales gather in the waters of Hudson Bay to raise their calves in the mixture of fresh and salt water at the mouth of the Hudson River.

The place to meet

Winnipeg sits at the historic meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, known as The Forks – a gathering place for over 6,000 years. Today, it’s a vibrant hub of markets, museums and riverside trails.

Highlights of Winnipeg

The Forks: A historic meeting place where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. Today, it’s a lively riverside district filled with local food stalls, artisan shops, open-air art and scenic walking trails.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights: The first museum of its kind in the world, this striking glass-and-stone building explores powerful stories of global and Canadian human rights through interactive, immersive exhibits.

Exchange District: One of Canada’s best-preserved historic neighbourhoods, with handsome early 20th-century warehouses now housing art galleries, design studios, independent shops and some of Winnipeg’s most exciting restaurants.

Assiniboine Park: A leafy retreat with botanical gardens, sculpture trails and the Leaf, a state-of-the-art biocultural conservatory. It’s also home to Assiniboine Park Zoo, known for its polar bear rescue programme.

Festival du Voyageur: Western Canada’s largest winter festival celebrates French-Canadian culture with traditional music, maple taffy, snow sculptures and hearty fare – all in the spirit of warmth and community.

The VIA Rail Line to Churchill: One of Canada’s most remarkable train journeys. This two-day route travels north from Winnipeg through boreal forest and tundra to reach the subarctic town of Churchill, a true slow-travel adventure.

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Manitoba, and therefore Winnipeg, is known as the Three Season Province for good reason. In summer, thousands of beluga whales gather in Hudson Bay, offering rare, close-up encounters in Churchill’s clear waters. Come autumn, polar bears roam the tundra waiting for the ice to return – one of the world’s most extraordinary wildlife experiences. In winter, the northern skies ignite with the aurora borealis, dancing vividly overhead. Each season brings something rare, raw and unforgettable – a true natural spectacle.

Winnipeg

Why visit Winnipeg

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Fort Garry, Winnipeg

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Getting to Winnipeg

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