How to Spend a Day in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Introduction
Winnipeg, Manitoba, and the surrounding area have a rich and fascinating history. From the Peace Gardens to the Human Rights Museum and the Forks, a weekend can be easily spent exploring the city. The opportunity to learn and the beautiful and delicious products of local markets makes for a great travel destination. Continue reading to learn about the places you must visit when in Winnipeg.
The Forks National Historic Sight
A well-known destination in Winnipeg is the Forks National Historic Sight. Filled with vendors, Canadian merchandise, and history, the Forks are a fun and exciting location to visit if you find yourself in the prairie city of Winnipeg. Keep reading to learn about vendors and activities you don’t want to miss when visiting the Forks.
The Forks: Hisorical Boat Tour
Multiple times per day the Splash Dash River Boat Tours takes passengers along the Assiniboine River and educates them about the history of the area. The tour usually lasts thirty minutes. From the boat, you can see and learn about the Human Rights Museum, The St. Boniface French Quarter, and the Manitoba Legislative Building. You get on and off the boat tour at a dock in the Forks National Historic Sight with tours running every fifteen minutes throughout the day during the warmer months. This boat tour is fun for all and provides you with a better understanding of the area.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Forks: Restaurants
When you walk into the Forks you are met with the sweet aromas of freshly baked goods. These smells are courtesy of the amazing bakeries and shops. Fresh bread, tarts, cinnamon buns, scones, and more! In addition to baked goods, several local restaurants are serving delicious food such as fresh fish and chips. Once you complete your lunch, there are numerous ice cream and candy shops where you can find delicious desserts. Overall, the Forks is a fantastic place to stop for lunch and the wide variety of restaurants allows everyone in the family to order what they prefer. A win-win!
Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Forks: The Vendors
Many vendors line the halls of the repurposed rail yard now referred to as the Forks. From Canadian merchandise to coffee and trinkets, the Forks offers something for everyone. A few of my favorite local vendors are Retro Roasters and Coal and Canary Candle Company. Retro Roasters offers delicious coffee blends referencing some of your favorite 80s classics. I couldn’t help but buy a couple of bags for my family and they all loved the coffee as well as the 80s references. Secondly, Coal and Canary Candle Company makes delightful candles with a variety of smells. Their wood-wick-burning candles are my favorite as they sound like you are in front of a fireplace and offer a warm and comforting feel. These vendors are just a few of the many fantastic local businesses that offer great products. I encourage you to check them out when you have a chance!
National Human Rights Museum
A unique but important location to visit is the National Human Rights Museum. Located on the side of the Red River near the Forks, the Human Rights Museum is a short distance away from other popular Winnipeg attractions. The National Human Rights Museum is the first museum with the sole purpose of the evolution and celebration of Human Rights. The museum focuses on human rights in Canada but also discusses human rights across the world to provide visitors with a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
In addition to the museum, there is a beautiful park with green hills and stone walking paths. This park is referred to as Peace Park and it offers a lovely location for a stroll while you look at local artwork located in the park. Overall, Peace Park and the Human Rights Museum offer the opportunity to learn about and reflect on important historical events.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Conclusion
From the National Human Rights Museum to the Forks National Historic Sight, Winnipeg has plenty of learning opportunities and enjoyable experiences for visitors. There are activities and delicious foods for the entire family. I highly recommend visiting this area of Winnipeg and soaking in all of the opportunities to learn and expand your knowledge. Comment below if you’ve visited Winnipeg and tell me the areas or attractions you most enjoyed!
Disclaimer: I can only attest to my personal experience and I am therefore not liable for any negative experiences you may encounter.