Winnipeg is a surprising city that often receives a bad reputation from Canadians. That’s because most of the people who call Winnipeg “Winterpeg” have never been there. A lot is going on in Manitoba’s capital, from a hot dining scene to lots of outdoor activities to a history that will blow your mind. This is just the beginning. Time has named Winnipeg one of the greatest places in the world in 2021, so you know there’s more to Winnipeg than just a flyover destination. So, let’s dive right into the best things to do in Winnipeg!
The best things to do in Winnipeg
Winnipeg’s best attractions range from botanical gardens to fantastic art galleries. The city is particularly known for its excellent seasonal Festivals; you might even want to plan your entire trip around one. If you come to Winnipeg, you can visit historical buildings, learn about Indigenous culture and maybe even skate on a frozen river.
The Canadian Museum of Human Rights is the only museum of its kind in the country and one of the most popular attractions in Winnipeg. The building is a modernist work of art, while the exhibition inside is stimulating and educational.
The museum aims to raise awareness of the various human rights issues that afflict Canada and the world. With several main and temporary exhibitions, the museum aims to shed light on the rights of people around the world and the importance of protecting them.
Dealing with Indigenous peoples in all regions of the world is a dominant theme in the museum’s exhibition. It is explored extensively in the exhibitions “Canadian Journeys” and “Indigenous Perspectives Gallery” and is also covered in part in most other collections. The museum’s temporary exhibitions were varied, covering everything from the representation of human rights in Star Trek to Nelson Mandela’s struggle against Apartheid.
Other interesting exhibitions include the one dedicated to Viola Desmond, the first black woman on our bill in Canada. The Canadian Museum for Human Rights also presents human rights violations and victories around the world.
2. Discover Local art at the Winnipeg Art Gallery
Add the Winnipeg Art Gallery to your itinerary if you want to explore the art scene of this beautiful city. With an extensive collection of more than 28,000 pieces, it is a place of choice for art lovers in Winnipeg.
The museum focuses mainly on contemporary and Inuit art, but its exhibitions also include European and Canadian art through the centuries and other interesting collections. There are not only paintings hanging on the walls either; the WAG’s collection presents sculptures, textiles, ceramic objects and many other decorative works of art.
3. visit the Assiniboine Park and Zoo
If you are our regular reader, you know that we do not recommend zoos and animal parks unless we are absolutely sure that the animals are treated fairly there. We have been to the Assiniboine Park and Zoo several times and have seen that most of the animals are rescued and rehabilitated here.
Polar bears are usually orphaned cubs that have been rescued in the wild and would never have survived. Once a polar bear was in captivity, he cannot return to the wild because he would not survive. However, looking at their habitat, they don’t seem to care at all.
The enclosures are very spacious and closely imitate their natural habitats. It is a blessing for the animals, but a bit of a curse for the visitors, because it can sometimes be difficult to spot them, especially when they are sleeping. But hey, as long as they are all treated correctly, we have absolutely no complaints.
One of the highlights of the zoo is certainly the underwater exhibition. We had the privilege of seeing a polar bear swimming above a glass alley. He really had the time of his life! In addition, a cute little seal came to greet us. These seals are curious creatures and will come straight to the glass to take a look.
