We have a lot of couples traveling from far to get married in Winnipeg, or their family are coming into this lovely city of ours and spending the weekend.
Tourist Manitoba put together a seriously steller list of things to do here in our fine city. We share this list with whoever we can, because there are so many great ideas on it, so we thought why not share it here too?
1. Listen to indie bands and performers play at intimate venues, including Park Theatre Café, Le Garage Café and Pyramid Cabaret.
2. Cheer on Canada’s top curlers as they sweep to victory at Roar of the Rings (December 1-8).
3. Rent skates and glide along 1.2 km of groomed skating at Arctic Glacier Winter Park located at The Forks.
4. Celebrate the days of the fur trade through music, traditional food, snow sculptures and other family fun activities at Festival du Voyageur.
5. Root for the Canadian Football League’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers on their new home turf at Investors Group Field.
6. Watch the classic novel Jane Eyre come to life on stage at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre (January 9-February 1).
7. Admire sparkling decorations and twinkling lights on trimmed trees at the Festival of Trees and Lights (November 26 – December 8).
8. See the works of Kenojuak Ashevak and other Inuit artists at the Winnipeg Art Gallery exhibition In Memoriam: Inuit Artists Remember.
9. Shop for hunting, fishing and camping gear in the new decked out location of Cabela’s off Kenaston Boulevard.
10. Be moved by the powerful choreography of Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s world premiere of The Handmaid’s Tale, based on the novel by Margaret Atwood.
11. Get active in winter with ice skating, tobogganing, cross-country skiing and broomball at Harbour View Recreation Complex.
12. Take the kids to see quality family entertainment, including Dora the Explorer (September 22), Sesame Street Live (October 8 & 9) and Disney on Ice (Feb 20-23).
13. Learn about Canada’s aviation history and view one-of-a-kind aircraft at the Western Canada Aviation Museum.
14. Ring in 2014 with a dazzling fireworks display during Scotiabank Family New Year’s Eve at The Forks (December 31).
15. Stop by many of Winnipeg’s main attractions on a guided city bus tour with O Tours every Monday, Thursday and Saturday.
16. Browse for unique goods at The Forks Market from made-in-Manitoba food products to souvenirs to glass art and more.
17. Slide down the colourful illusion tunnel with your little ones at The Children’s Museum.
18. Chow down on double cheese nachos and watch a hot ticket game at new sports bar, The Shark Club.
19. Play a wall-sized icicle xylophone at Assiniboine Park Zoo’s new Polar Playground.
20. Sample cabernets and chardonnays during the outdoor wine festival, one of the many events taking place as part of Manyfest downtown (September).
21. Challenge friends and family to a foosball or air hockey game at indoor play centre Kid City, which recently opened a second location.
22. Sway to the sounds of smooth jazz tunes performed by the Winnipeg Jazz Orchestra.
23. Dine on fine cuts of steak and contemporary sushi at sophisticated eatery Lobby on York.
24. Work on your upper body strength at indoor wall climbing facility Vertical Adventures.
25. Drive through a dazzling display of holiday lights as part of Canad Inns Winter Wonderland.
26. Go back in time to the roaring ‘20s and explore what Winnipeg looked like in a replica town at The Manitoba Museum.
27. Enjoy a modern spin on a classic tale in Jack and the Bean at Manitoba Theatre for Young People.
28. Collect colourful beads and dance to high-energy Zydeco music during Mardi Gras at RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg.
29. Keep warm from the winter chill inside one of the many warming huts designed by architects dotting the River Trail.
30. See a shows at MTS Centre.
31. Photograph the magnificent bird migration that takes place at Oak Hammock Marsh each fall.
32. Tap your feet along to the electrifying fiddling of Natalie MacMaster as she performs with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.
33. Check out the numerous touring stage shows participating in the 11th annual FemFest: Revelation and Revolution, celebrating female playwrights.
34. Join the roar of the crowd as the National Hockey League’s Winnipeg Jets face off against the competition at MTS Centre.
35. Twirl on skates to piped-in music under the canopy ice rink at The Forks Market Plaza.
36. Power shop at big box stores along Kenaston Boulevard, including Tommy Hilfiger, Urban Barn, Nygard and IKEA.
37. Pick up a piece of locally made art at one of the many galleries along Corydon Avenue.
38. Find out how coins from around the world are made at the Royal Canadian Mint.
39. Knock off some names on your Christmas gift list by picking up handmade goods at Signatures Craft Show.
40. Dress up as your favourite sci-fi, fantasy or comic book hero for Central Canada Comic Con.
41. Attend a dazzling performance of Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancersat Rachel Browne Theatre.
42. Plan for your big day and get inspired to tie the knot at the Wonderful Wedding Show.
43. Laugh, eat, drink and be entertained with a four-course meal and show at Celebrations Dinner Theatre
44. Develop your child’s interest in movies by attending the Freeze Frame International Film Festival for Kids of All Ages.
45. Aim for a hole-in-one among black-lit dinosaurs and creatures from under the sea at U-Puttz Black Light Miniature Golf.
46. Head to Assiniboine Park’s Pavilion Gallery Museum to view the famous painting of “Winnie the Pooh and the Honey Pot.”
47. Sit back and watch the Manitoba Opera’s hilarious wild west production of Don Pasquale.
48. Hit a bucket of golf balls at The Golf Dome, Winnipeg’s only indoor driving range.
49. Whizz down the tobobggan slides found at many Winnipeg parks, including Kildonan Park and St. Vital Park.
50. Immerse yourself in the works of Chekov, during the Master Playwright Festival’s ChekovFest.
51. Lose yourself among the planted maze of tall, rustling corn stalks at A Maze in Corn.
52. Pack your shopping bags full of trendy fashions, giftware, electronics, cosmetics, books and more at St. Vital Centre, Polo Park and Kildonan Place Shopping Centre.
53. Unwind with a relaxing couples massage at one of Winnipeg spas, including Urban Oasis, Riverstone Spa and Ten Spa.
54. Relax to classical music performed by the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra.
55. Strap on a pair of rented cross-country skis and go along groomed trails at Windsor Park Nordic Centre.
56. Nibble on Spanish-inspired small plates for sharing at hip eatery Deseo Bistro.
57. Dream up ideas for home renovation at the Kitchen, Bath and Renovation Show
58. Grab a pint at one of Winnipeg’s pubs, including Tavern United,Shannon’s Irish Pub, King’s Head and Toad in the Hole.
59. Make a date with lady luck and experience the modern gaming atMcPhillips Station Casino and Club Regent Casino.
60. Cozy up inside Prairie Theatre Exchange for an inspired performance.
61. Lace up a pair of skates and grab a hockey stick for a pick-up game on the frozen duck pond at Assiniboine Park.
62. Snowshoe through gorgeous nature trails or bait your lucky hook for ice fishing at Fort Whyte Alive.
63. Bend, stretch and flex in challenging yoga classes at Canada’s largest yoga studio, Yoga Public.
64. Smell the lush beautiful blooms on display at the Conservatory, located in Assiniboine Park.
65. Stroll the scenic Riverwalk and snap picture-perfect views of the city with your camera.
66. Welcome old St. Nick to town as he rides in the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade.
67. Zoom around an action-packed track in a zippy go-kart at Speed World Indoor Cart Track.
68. Wander through St. Boniface Museum, which depicts the history and lives of the French and Metis people in the area.
69. Put pen to paper or take in a reading during the Winnipeg International Writers’ Festival.
70. Spend the evening watching the Black Hole Theatre Company perform plays, showcasing the University of Manitoba’s theatre program.
71. Stargaze under the magnificent dome of the Planetarium while taking in a show.
72. Walk through the Manitoba Legislative Building on a self-guided tour and admire its breathtaking architecture.
73. Have a blast at the Big Fun Festival, exploring Winnipeg’s diverse arts and music scene (January).
74. Embrace the holidays with a visit to the Manitoba Electrical Museum’s annual lighting exhibit, All That Glows, showcasing Christmas lighting from the 1880s to today.
75. Round up the tots for toys, games and the latest in parenting at the Baby & Kids Show.
76. Carve or ski down 10 ski trails, a terrain park, a half pipe and moguls at Springhill Winter Park.
77. Discover Manitoba’s rich sporting history at the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame and see memorabilia from the Winnipeg Jets and Olympic athlete Cindy Klassen.
78. Buy fresh fruit and vegetables straight from the land at St. Norbert Farmer’s Market.
79. Feel the rush of wind as you try cable snowboarding at Adrenaline Adventures.
80. Chill out at Cinematheque movie theatre while watching an art house, world or Canadian flick.
81. Dip into warm and cold Nordic baths at Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, a new spa set in nature.
82. Chuckle at timely jokes by top comedians on stage at Rumor’s Comedy Club.
83. Board a vintage locomotive and go on a scenic adventure into the country with Prairie Dog Central Railway.
84. Tour the stunning Dalnavert Museum, a restored 1895 home of Sir John Macdonald, the Premier of Manitoba in 1900 and son of Canada’s first prime minister.
85. Marvel at circus acts, magicians and entertainers at Festival of Fools at The Forks.
86. Educate yourself on Ukrainian culture, heritage and its ties to Winnipeg at the Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Centre.
87. Blast your opponents using futuristic lasers at the new Lasertopia.
88. Make your way to the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s New Music Festival, featuring innovative performers and new works.
89. Drive to the neighbourhood of Transcona and learn about this area’s link to the railway at the Transcona Historical Museum.
90. Breathe in the rich aroma of brewed-to-order coffee and get a caffeine fix at Parlour Coffee.
91. Dine inside a restored railcar at romantic French eatery Resto Gare.
92. Savour specialty tea and coffee brews available to take home from Cornelia Bean on posh Academy Road.
93. Read the latest book releases and magazines for sale at McNally Robinson Booksellers.
94. Meet wine experts at Banville & Jones, who can help you select the perfect bottle of vino to take home.
95. Gaze at paintings by top Canadian artists housed at Mayberry Fine Art.
96. Experience a show performed by North America’s longest-running theatre company in any language at French theatre Le Cercle Moliere.
97. Choose a premium scotch in the lounge at Bailey’s, home to the city’s largest collection of scotches.
98. Munch on popcorn and watch Hollywood blockbusters on the IMAX screen at Silver City Polo Park.
99. Enter the Winnipeg Railway Museum to see the first steam locomotive on the Canadian Prairies, The Countess of Dufferin.
100. Dress up an outfit with sparkling bling and gorgeous custom jewellery from Bijou Treasures.
101. Scoop up fresh French pastries, bread and other goodies at North End bakery l’Epi de Ble.
