Winnipeg in Winter – a Travel Guide to Winterpeg, a winter wonderland!
Winterpeg, aka Winnipeg in winter is such an underrated place to enjoy a winter getaway! Not only can you find seasonal winter events (oh, Canada we really do love and appreciate how much you embrace and celebrate the coldest of days!), but you can find all kinds of fun winter activities in Winnipeg to make a whole getaway out of!
Whether you’re just coming to enjoy a weekend winter getaway or you have more time to enjoy a whole winter trip in Manitoba, we got you! See our full guide to add on a few great things to do in addition to Winnipeg, or make a whole winter getaway out while staying around Winnipeg – either way, you can’t go wrong!
What’s Winter like in Winnipeg?
Winter in Winnipeg is the real deal! Temperatures can be extreme, typically ranging from 5°F to -20°F (-15°C to -29°C), with wind chills making it feel even colder.
However, Winnipeg’s dry cold is surprisingly manageable compared to damp, bone-chilling weather (looking at you, New York City!). After visiting Winterpeg in a cold weather advisory and returning to NYC, we actually felt colder here because of the wind and humidity!
Snowfall in Winterpeg is plentiful, with the city averaging around 40 to 50 inches (100 to 125 cm) each season, transforming it into a true winter wonderland.
Despite the frigid temps, proper layering makes winter in Winnipeg not just bearable, but incredible—we spent hours outside, even in extreme lows, and stayed comfortable. Those moments that we were cold, it was easy to take a break and escape it for a bit – we will recommend a few indoor activities for those moments here too!
Getting Around Winnipeg
Some of the winter activities in Winnipeg are within walking distance. We recommend basing your stay in Winnipeg at the Inn at the Forks as it’s located conveniently and is a lovely, boutique hotel at The Forks!
This gives you plenty of options to walk to plenty of the attractions, easy to find parking near the hotel with a car, or easily hail a local cab or call an Uber.
Speaking of, if you need a ride it’s easy to call an Uber or you can use the local taxi. ou will want to download and register your Unicity Taxi App on your phone to help ordering a taxi when you need it a breeze or call the taxi line when you need a ride.
You could do this trip completely car-free, but we liked having the flexibility of having a car to enjoy a few sites just outside the city with our own freedom to do so, like the World’s Largest Snow Maze!
We also did a larger trip with our friends, Chris and Bri and added on Riding Mountain National Park at the end of our Winnipeg winter getaway, which was great and if it interests you – check out our winter in Manitoba itinerary which has a suggested itinerary for visiting both Winnipeg and Riding Mountain National Park.
Consider planning your trip around mid February to enjoy a few of the best winter events in Winnipeg featured on this guide including the Festival du Voyageur – Western Canada’s largest winter festival and Raw:Almond, a 22-day temporary winter culinary experience on the frozen riverbanks in Winnipeg.
If you can’t make it in that period, don’t worry, there are still plenty of fun things to do in Winnipeg beyond those two wonderful events!
What to do During Winter in Winnipeg
Assiniboine Park Zoo
The Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg is a fantastic place for a winter visit! One thing I really like about the Assiniboine Zoo is its commitment to polar bear conservation through the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Center.
Many animals here are native to Manitoba’s Arctic and subarctic regions, making the winter experience even more authentic. The Journey to Churchill exhibit is a highlight, featuring polar bears, Arctic foxes, and seals in environments designed to reflect their natural habitats.
The zoo follows strict ethical policies, only housing polar bears that cannot survive in the wild. Many of the bears in Journey to Churchill were orphaned cubs found in the wild, making the zoo their only safe refuge. They do not breed polar bears in captivity or remove them from the wild unless for rescue purposes.
The Gateway to the Arctic exhibit offers an incredible underwater viewing tunnel where you can watch polar bears swim overhead. Other highlights include the Grassland and Boreal Forest exhibits, showcasing Manitoba’s bison, lynx, and other cold-climate animals thriving in the snow.
The Leaf
After checking out the Assiniboine Park Zoo, pay a visit to The Leaf, which is also in the Assiniboine Zoo Park complex. The Leaf offers a warm escape from the winter cold inside this breathtaking glass-enclosed botanical garden.
We visited at night and it felt so magical this time of day! The Leaf features four distinct biomes: Tropical, Mediterranean, Babs Asper Display House, and the Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden.
You’ll also get to see Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall, cascading 60 feet into a koi pond—where all the fish have Star Wars-themed names like Obi Koi Wan and Sea-3PO!
The tropical plants and warm temps inside was a great break from an outdoor activity.
Canadian Museum of Human Rights
If you only have time for one museum, the Canadian Museum of Human Rights should be it! The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is an absolute must when visiting Winnipeg in winter because you also get to be indoors for a bit.
You can’t miss its striking, one-of-a-kind design, and the experience inside is just as powerful.
The museum’s architecture is symbolic—its winding staircases represent the ongoing, non-linear journey toward justice, gradually leading visitors upward toward progress.
Inside, interactive exhibits explore global and Canadian human rights stories, from the Underground Railroad to Indigenous perspectives and genocides like the Holocaust.
Temporary exhibits add even more depth.
It’s such an impactful way to spend a few hours indoors in winter—and it’s even featured on Canada’s $10 bill! Just plan your visit keeping in mind their closing time of 5 PM.
Winnipeg Art Gallery
The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) is a must-visit, especially for art lovers—it’s home to the world’s largest public collection of Inuit art. And it’s an indoor activity to combine in with some outdoor wintery fun!
The gallery showcases an incredible mix of historic and contemporary Canadian, Indigenous, and international works, but the highlight is Qaumajuq, the Inuit Art Center. Its three-story visible vault holds over 5,000 breathtaking Inuit carvings, alongside prints and textiles from the Arctic.
Beyond that, you’ll find European masterpieces, Prairie art, and fascinating temporary exhibitions.
Plan for at least 90 minutes (or more) to really take it all in—there’s so much to see!
Manitoba Museum
The Manitoba Museum is also a great choice for history and science lovers, offering an immersive journey through Manitoba’s natural and human history.
The highlight? The full-scale replica of the Nonsuch, a 17th-century fur-trading ship. This pays homage to the original ship that set voyage in 1668, leading to the founding of the Hudson Bay Company.
There’s also a brewery in Winnipeg named after Nonsuch that has great brews too!
The museum also features dioramas showcasing Manitoba’s diverse landscapes, from the prairie grasslands to the icy Arctic.
You’ll also find engaging Indigenous history exhibits, dinosaur fossils, and a planetarium with stunning space shows.
There’s also a planetarium here! On our first visit to Winnipeg we got to see a cool Queen laser show synched to their music. I was told on our most recent visit that they haven’t had this programming in awhile, it’s a shame because it was really fun, and maybe with more people asking about it they may bring it back?! One can only hope.
Ice Biking at The Forks
This is hands down one of the coolest winter activities to try out while you’re in Winnipeg! We couldn’t stop laughing and were having the best time during our hour on the ice bike, or icycle!
Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures rents out ice bikes, giving you the opportunity to glide down the frozen Nestaweya River Trail on the Assiniboine and Red Rivers in downtown Winnipeg on a bicycle that’s modified to fit a skate blade!
These bikes are super sturdy, nearly impossible to tip over, and an absolute blast to ride. Be sure to book in advance, as they’re popular!
Along the way, soak in the gorgeous Winterpeg views and stop by the Warming Huts, creative art installations that double as windbreaks. Each year different artists participate in designing these structures and they are really fun works of art along the trail!
Prefer skating? You can also rent ice skates from Iceland Skate Rentals at The Forks Market Atrium!
The Raw:Almond Dining Experience
If you’re visiting Winnipeg during RAW:almond, this is an absolute must—especially if you love unique culinary experiences.
For 22 days, this pop-up dining event brings together world-class chefs to serve multi-course meals in a beautifully designed temporary structure sitting right on the frozen river—where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet. If the ice isn’t thick enough, the restaurant is set up along the riverbank instead, which happened during our visit – but it was still just as magical!
The structure the pop up restaurant is set in is different every year and also a cool design!
Co-founded by Chef Mandel Hitzer (of Deer + Almond) and Joe Kalturnyk, this event blends culinary excellence with architectural innovation, making for an unforgettable, intimate dining experience.
Festival du Voyageur
If you’re visiting Winnipeg in February (or can plan your trip around this timeframe) check out Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada’s largest winter festival!
Held in Saint-Boniface, the French Quarter of Winnipeg, at Whittier Park. This lively event celebrates French-Canadian, Métis, and First Nations culture, as well as the voyageurs—the fur traders who navigated Canada’s wilderness in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Expect massive snow sculptures, live music, fiddling contests, historic reenactments at Fort Gibraltar, and tons of winter fun.
Warm up with Caribou (a sweet red wine drink, sometimes served in an ice glass) and be sure to find Canadian treats like maple taffy. The heated entertainment tents keep the party going!
Enjoy the Winnipeg Craft Beverage Scene
One thing is for certain, Winnipeg has a great craft beverage scene! Here are a few we really enjoyed and recommend!
- Nonsuch Brewing Co. serves up excellent craft brews, specializing in Belgian-style beers. It’s named after the Nonsuch ship, whose 1668 voyage led to the founding of the Hudson’s Bay Company. You can even see a replica of the ship at the Manitoba Museum!
- Little Brown Jug is a must-visit brewery in the Exchange District, known for its crisp, refreshing beers.
- Amsterdam Tea Room & Bar crafts unique tea-infused cocktails and serves up delicious stroopwafels—or you can stop by just for tea!
- Patent 5 Distillery is a stylish craft distillery in the Exchange District, offering top-notch cocktails and spirit tastings.
Shop & Dine at The Forks
The Market at The Forks is a must-visit! Named after the confluence point of the Red River and Assiniboine River, this lively market has a food hall with global cuisine, The Common bar serving craft brews on tap, and plenty of local shops to explore.
It’s a great lunch spot—we couldn’t resist Weinerpeg (how could we say no to that name?) and paired it with a local craft beer from The Common.
For snacks and gourmet finds, head to The Forks Trading Company— we found all kinds of fun kitchen items that we actually brought back home with us. If the Butter Tart Lady is there, don’t leave without trying a classic Canadian butter tart—our friends introduced us to these, and they’re absolutely delicious!
Before you leave, take a stroll through the upper and main levels to browse local boutiques and artisan shops—you’ll find some amazing local makers here!
Enjoy Winnipeg’s Culinary Scene
One of our favorite parts about visiting Winnipeg? The incredible food scene! Meal after meal, we were completely blown away. Here are some of our top foodie finds:
- Deer + Almond: a must in our humble opinion. The menu is always changing, but everything we tried was fantastic. Don’t skip their signature cocktails! A fun touch? They bring out a different infused popcorn flavor to snack on each night. And they are the minds behind RAW:almond!
- The Smith: located within Inn at the Forks and a great option for breakfast for brunch. They do have dinner too – we’ve only had the early day dining here though!
- Nola: Perhaps my favorite lunch spot. This culinary gem in St. Boniface features hearty yet healthy dishes, perfect for a satisfying midday meal.
- Pizzeria Gusto: Wood-fired pizzas, delicious pastas, a great wine list. Need I say more? Great dinner option in a cozy setting.
- Kevin’s Bistro: Comfort food including great mac n cheese options!
- Clementine: THE best brunch spot in Winnipeg located in the heart of the Exchange District. Love that they also project old-school cartoons here too. Don’t miss their boozy breakfast drinks either.
Thermea Nordik Spa
I can’t think of a better activity to include on your Winnipeg winter getaway! We love a good spa day, so you don’t want to miss Thermea by Nordik Spa Nature.
You could easily spend a day here, but plan for at least a few hours to enjoy a few sessions of the Nordic spa cycle. If you’re unfamiliar, it consists of warming your body up in the spa or sauna for 15 minutes, plunging in cold water, then hanging out in a heated pool for three cycles.
Now you might be thinking no way to the cold plunge if you haven’t done it before, but it’s really refreshing and you only have to do it for a moment! When the air is colder than the water it also makes it easier in my opinion! I was always scared to do this at first and now it’s one of my favorite things about spa days as you really do feel great afterwards.
There are many benefits to doing this cycle including boosting the immune system, alleviating fatigue & stress, soothing muscular pains, eliminating toxins, purifying the skin, and improving circulation to name a few.
The facility has beautiful woodsy log cabins surrounded by fire pits and lounge areas in between cycles.
They also have a great bistro on-site if you want to plan a meal here. We didn’t expect such good food to be served at a spa, but the meal really did impress us when we visited!
The World’s Larget Snow Maze
If there’s one activity you book a rental car for, let this be it! Winter in Winnipeg isn’t complete without visiting the World’s Largest Snow Maze located in St. Adolphe, around a 30 minute drive from downtown Winnipeg!
Wander through the labyrinth of snow walls and find your way to the snow castle and the four other snow rooms all with unique snow sculptures inside! My favorite was the one with snow yetis carved in them!
The snow maze is really cool, but that’s not all! They also have a small hill for tubing, horse drawn sleigh rides, and the Snow Bar!
Adjacent to The Snow Bar, which is made of snow and ice, is The Den, a restaurant inside the snow structure you can dine at!
This was one of our favorite activities we did and highly recommend making it a priority during your wintery Winnipeg getaway!
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