5 unexpected things you have to do in and around Winnipeg

Winnipeg isn’t a place that most people plan vacations to unless they have family living there. That is doubly true when the seasons change, and Winnipeg becomes Winterpeg. It’s not just a clever play on the city’s name. It gets really cold there.

But during the summer months, the weather is gorgeous, and there’s a lot to do in and around the city. Some destinations are more obvious than others, but they are still more than worth going to. Winnipeg is easily one of the most underrated cities in Canada.

Assiniboine Park Zoo

Assiniboine Park is a fantastic green space in the core of Winnipeg. In addition to all the beautiful greenery, this park is also home to the Assiniboine Park Zoo. It’s not the biggest zoo in the world but it has some amazing enclosures.

The Journey to Churchill exhibit in particular is exceptional. This massive space is home to a variety of northern animals, including Muskox, Arctic Fox, Snowy Owls, Harbor Seals and Polar Bears. Naturally, they don’t all share the same enclosure.

The Forks

If you’re looking for a place where history connects directly with a very modern scene, The Forks in Winnipeg is the place. A National Historic Site of Canada, The Forks is located on the spot where the Red River and the Assiniboine River meet.

Over 6,000 of human activity has been uncovered in the area. That activity continues to this thanks to The Forks Market, a collection of shops and restaurants nearby. It’s also a great place to pick up a river tour, and see the city from a different angle.

Royal Canadian Mint

Have you ever wondered how money is made? Even if you haven’t, going on a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint is still a fascinating experience. The Winnipeg mint one of two places in Canada responsible for the production of Canadian currency.

In addition to the educational aspect of spending time there, the Royal Canadian Mint also has a huge artistic element to it. The designs are creative and interesting. Plus, there’s a store selling some of the mint’s more unique creations.

Winnipeg Art Gallery

Established in 1912, the Winnipeg Art Gallery is host to a permanent collection of 24,000 works of art from a variety of talents. That includes artists from all walks of life and backgrounds from across Canada and beyond.

The various exhibits of the WAG, both touring and permanent, are some of the best in the country. It’s a key artistic venue in the city, if not the entirety of Canada. Stopping there will give visitors a excellent idea of the artistic identity of Winnipeg and Manitoba.

Osborne Village

As one of the most popular neighborhoods in Winnipeg, Osborne Village is a place every visitor to the city should experience. Part of Fort Rouge, this neighborhood was incorporated into Winnipeg in 1882. That demonstrates the history of the area.

Osborne Village is home to an incredible range of restaurants, bars and retail options. On top of that, the village has a several great theatre companies and art galleries. It’s a great place to spend a day, an evening or a weekend.