Winnipeg may not be the largest city in Canada, but it still has tons to see and do.  On a short stopover on my way to Edmonton, I had the chance to visit the city for the first time and here are my recommendations for what to check out:

1. Canadian Museum for Human Rights: This brand new interactive museum explores the meaning of what are basic rights all humans are entitled to, and highlights what happens when those rights are violated.  I was impressed to see them address some of the lesser known cases not only in Canada but internationally and include examples of change and hope for the future.

2. The Legislative Building: Not only is it a beautiful building, but it is also home to one of the best tours you can take called the Hermetic Code.  This tour unveils some of the architectural secrets that the designer built into the property,  however plan ahead because the tours only run on Wednesdays.

3. Winnipeg Art Gallery: Renowned for their Inuit collection, it has the largest number of art pieces in the world with approximately 13000 pieces.

4. The Forks Market:  The Forks is a historic meeting location along the river that features a number of attractions including the Forks Market.  Inside you can find tons of yummy food and some neat shops featuring local artisans.  

5. The Children’s Museum: If you are travelling as a family, than this is the place to go.  It has 12 permanent exhibitions that are designed to engage children, as well as a diesel locomotive and pullman coach.   There is even a toddler-only space so it accommodates all ages.

6. Osborne Village: This is a trendy and hip area of Winnipeg with tons of original restaurants, outdoor terraces, and shops to keep you entertained and appreciate local flavour.  Feel free to spend an afternoon walking the area and stop at Bakes Expectations for a sweet treat.

7. Saint Boniface Cathedral: This turned out to be my favourite site in my touring of the city.  The cathedral was originally built in 1906, but suffered a fire in 1968 and all that was left was the facade and side walls.  Since then they have rebuilt a church behind the facade, but the ruins remain.  It’s an amazing structure to discover in a beautiful setting by the river.

8. The Manitoba Museum: This museum features a planetarium and science exhibits, which in my books is always a must-visit for some good times with kids are just among adults.

9. Esplanade Riel:  This bridge is an iconic site in Winnipeg and it is the bridge in the world that also features a restaurant.  A cool place to look out over the Red River or to grab something to eat.

10. Fort Garry Hotel & Provincial Park: Not afraid of ghosts? Than this hotel is the one for you.  Known to be haunted by patrons past, don’t reserve here if you get spooked easily.  Just down Broadway street, you can find Upper Fort Garry Provincial Heritage Park with a reconstruction of a portion of the Fort.

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