A weekend in Winnipeg: what to do, where to stay, what to eat?
November 30, 2015 8:42 PM Subscribe
We're going to be in Winnipeg for a weekend soon. Most likely aiming to spend some time at the Museum for Human Rights, but otherwise … what's awesome in Winnipeg? Would we need to rent a car, or is the airport easy to get to from downtown hotels?
The airport is a short taxi ride ( 10-15 dollars ) or there is bus number 15 that goes directly downtown via Portage. Winnipegs bus system can be accessed via http://winnipegtransit.com/en/navigo you can also text for the next times and downtown is full of signs explaining what route buses take. 90 percent of buses downtown take either Portage, Main or Grahm just behind Portage.
The Forks is where the museum is and very nice. The walking bridge there has a new restaurant Mon Ami Louie which is apprently good. I haven't been. Thats a 15~ minute walk from most downtown hotels or take the free buses ( Spirit bus 1 through 5 )
I would suggest the exchange district as another walking tour. Lots of good food and cute stores there, much better then getting something t Polo Park mall. A few companies do walking tours and tours of the murals down there too.
Osborne has the Gas Station Theatre that regularly has good cheap or free improv
posted by Liger at 8:58 PM on November 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
The Forks is where the museum is and very nice. The walking bridge there has a new restaurant Mon Ami Louie which is apprently good. I haven't been. Thats a 15~ minute walk from most downtown hotels or take the free buses ( Spirit bus 1 through 5 )
I would suggest the exchange district as another walking tour. Lots of good food and cute stores there, much better then getting something t Polo Park mall. A few companies do walking tours and tours of the murals down there too.
Osborne has the Gas Station Theatre that regularly has good cheap or free improv
posted by Liger at 8:58 PM on November 30, 2015 [1 favorite]
I was just in Winnipeg for work a few months ago - the exchange district had a lot of fun stores, and I got a great sandwich at King and Bannatyne. The Forks, as previously mentioned was a good place to spend a bit of time walking around.
I'd maybe get a car - the rental rates were pretty cheap, and having the flexibility is nice.
posted by Fig at 2:54 AM on December 1, 2015
I'd maybe get a car - the rental rates were pretty cheap, and having the flexibility is nice.
posted by Fig at 2:54 AM on December 1, 2015
Transportation: Depends on your comfort level with the winter/driving in winter. The transit system is pretty good. This is awesome for planning. You could also buy sheets of tickets once you have decided on all the place you want to visit and how to get to them. More here. Cabs should be cheap if you are limited to the downtown area.
Things to do: depends on your interests really. I guess the boat ride on the river is out. Other than that what ever your interests are, you should be able to find something to the effect in Winnipeg. I used to check out this, and definitely this to see what I wanted to do. A lot of the options that come up if you search for "Things to do in Winnipeg" are worth the time but you'll have to see what is available for this time of the year.
If you are visiting the Human Rights Museum its a given you'll be at the Forks. Personally, I'd also check out the zoo, some of the other museums and something from the CBC site to see what's unique for that weekend.
Finally, make sure to not forget your phone charger, if that be the case (you dont want it to run out by the time you go up the Tower of Hope!!)
Have fun!
posted by xm at 4:15 AM on December 1, 2015
Things to do: depends on your interests really. I guess the boat ride on the river is out. Other than that what ever your interests are, you should be able to find something to the effect in Winnipeg. I used to check out this, and definitely this to see what I wanted to do. A lot of the options that come up if you search for "Things to do in Winnipeg" are worth the time but you'll have to see what is available for this time of the year.
If you are visiting the Human Rights Museum its a given you'll be at the Forks. Personally, I'd also check out the zoo, some of the other museums and something from the CBC site to see what's unique for that weekend.
Finally, make sure to not forget your phone charger, if that be the case (you dont want it to run out by the time you go up the Tower of Hope!!)
Have fun!
posted by xm at 4:15 AM on December 1, 2015
The short answer, I guess.
Also, I've heard the food here isn't that great but I know the view is good. Although with the snow, not sure if it matters...
posted by xm at 4:22 AM on December 1, 2015
Also, I've heard the food here isn't that great but I know the view is good. Although with the snow, not sure if it matters...
posted by xm at 4:22 AM on December 1, 2015
I would rent a car, if I were you, but if you don't the airport is a cheap/short cab ride away.
Food-wise, Segovia is probably the best restaurant in town. Hard to be sure that you'll get in, since they don't do reservations, but they do great tapas.
Peasant Cookery is mostly french, and has good cocktails and appetisers, but their mains are unimpressive. Their charcuterie is worth the visit alone.
Deer + Almond are more experimental, and are excellent across the board. They have a safety steak if you need it, but everything they do is tasty.
BMC Market does great tacos, and they're licensed now, so they're definitely worth visiting for lunch.
Winnipeg burgers might be an acquired taste (mustard, onions, chili, pickles), but VJ's and Daly Burger are good places to check.
You've picked an unfortunate time of year...most of the tourist stuff here happens in the summer, or the dead of winter with Festival. Are you hockey people? Depending on who's in town, Jets tickets can be had, and you can always get Moose tickets.
posted by Kreiger at 9:25 AM on December 1, 2015
Food-wise, Segovia is probably the best restaurant in town. Hard to be sure that you'll get in, since they don't do reservations, but they do great tapas.
Peasant Cookery is mostly french, and has good cocktails and appetisers, but their mains are unimpressive. Their charcuterie is worth the visit alone.
Deer + Almond are more experimental, and are excellent across the board. They have a safety steak if you need it, but everything they do is tasty.
BMC Market does great tacos, and they're licensed now, so they're definitely worth visiting for lunch.
Winnipeg burgers might be an acquired taste (mustard, onions, chili, pickles), but VJ's and Daly Burger are good places to check.
You've picked an unfortunate time of year...most of the tourist stuff here happens in the summer, or the dead of winter with Festival. Are you hockey people? Depending on who's in town, Jets tickets can be had, and you can always get Moose tickets.
posted by Kreiger at 9:25 AM on December 1, 2015
I lived in Winnipeg for 3 years and didn't have a car. Between a small downtown and pretty decent transit to the places you want to go a car isn't really necessary, but it depends on how willing you'll be to brave really cold weather.
If you're going to the forks you should definitely do some ice skating on the river.
The Museum of Manitoba is quite neat. It is a general museum but it ties everything to Manitoba, so there will be dinosaur bones, but of local dinosaurs.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:39 AM on December 1, 2015
If you're going to the forks you should definitely do some ice skating on the river.
The Museum of Manitoba is quite neat. It is a general museum but it ties everything to Manitoba, so there will be dinosaur bones, but of local dinosaurs.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 11:39 AM on December 1, 2015
The weather has been unseasonably "warm" lately so hopefully you're coming soon! A walk around the Exchange District is definitely a must. Grab a coffee at Parlour and a doughnut at Bronuts and check out the shops - in particular Tiny Feast, Toad Hall Toys, and Antiques and Funk.
The Forks is an okay place to spend a couple of hours. Osborne Village has some neat shops and restaurants. The Legislative Building is amazing and worth taking a peek inside. You might also be interested in the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
Some of my favourite places for food include: Deseo (upscale tapas), Falafel Place (all day diner, highly recommend the falafel breakfast), Mercadito Latino (South American, casual), Baraka (middle eastern, casual), Bernstein's (classic Jewish deli), and Vera (pizza).
Transit is so-so, and if it's really cold, you definitely do not want to spend any time waiting for a bus. A car would give you more flexibility and allow you to see more of the city. However, if you're staying downtown and plan to centre your sightseeing around there, you could definitely get away with not having one.
posted by toby_ann at 12:51 PM on December 1, 2015
The Forks is an okay place to spend a couple of hours. Osborne Village has some neat shops and restaurants. The Legislative Building is amazing and worth taking a peek inside. You might also be interested in the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
Some of my favourite places for food include: Deseo (upscale tapas), Falafel Place (all day diner, highly recommend the falafel breakfast), Mercadito Latino (South American, casual), Baraka (middle eastern, casual), Bernstein's (classic Jewish deli), and Vera (pizza).
Transit is so-so, and if it's really cold, you definitely do not want to spend any time waiting for a bus. A car would give you more flexibility and allow you to see more of the city. However, if you're staying downtown and plan to centre your sightseeing around there, you could definitely get away with not having one.
posted by toby_ann at 12:51 PM on December 1, 2015
Best answer: Have a great time! There are some fantastic ideas in this thread already. Here are a few more thoughts:
Where to Stay
-The Inn at the Forks is nice and central for seeing the Forks, the Human Rights Museum, downtown, and Saint Boniface.
-If you like heritage hotels, the Hotel Fort Garry is a former railway hotel, very centrally located for the Forks/downtown as well. They also have one of the nicest spas in the city, and the Palm Room is worth stopping in for a drink and live music.
Where to Eat
-Stella's is a local restaurant with a handful of locations (including one at the airport). Best for brunch, but also open for late night dinner, desserts, etc. Some good vegan/vegetarian options, if that's a concern.
-For carnivores, Carnaval is a Brazilian BBQ restaurant that makes for a fun evening out.
-The Allen Restaurant at the Metropolitan is worth going to just for the atmosphere. It's in a restored 1919 cinema building, quite grand.
-VJ's Drive Inn is a Winnipeg icon. However, it's a walk-up format: you'll need to eat your burger and fries on a picnic bench outside or in your car.
What to Do
-The Manitoba Museum has extensive galleries, and is definitely worth a visit. The Nonsuch Gallery (a replica 17th century ship + waterfront town) and Urban Gallery (full-scale early 1920s boomtown Winnipeg) are highlights.
-Dalnavert Museum is a hidden gem of a museum that was recently saved from closure. It's a fully-furnished Victorian home with plenty of detail and character.
-The Winnipeg Art Gallery has a touring exhibit of classical antiquities on right now (Olympus).
-If you're a book lover, McNally Robinson is a two-floor, local independent bookstore with an in-store cafe/bistro serving regional food.
-Thermëa is a Nordic-style outdoor spa complex with hot/cold baths, waterfalls, and sauna. They also have massages and a restaurant.
-There are two plays on right now at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre-- Wiesenthal and Alice Through the Looking-Glass.
-The Zoo makes for a fun day out (you might see the two new polar bear cubs).
Neighbourhoods to Explore
-The Exchange District
-Osborne Village
-Corydon Avenue
-Academy Road
I'd vote for renting a car. Transit is fine, but the weekend bus schedules could cramp your style if you want to see as much as possible.
posted by misspettigrew at 9:17 PM on December 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
Where to Stay
-The Inn at the Forks is nice and central for seeing the Forks, the Human Rights Museum, downtown, and Saint Boniface.
-If you like heritage hotels, the Hotel Fort Garry is a former railway hotel, very centrally located for the Forks/downtown as well. They also have one of the nicest spas in the city, and the Palm Room is worth stopping in for a drink and live music.
Where to Eat
-Stella's is a local restaurant with a handful of locations (including one at the airport). Best for brunch, but also open for late night dinner, desserts, etc. Some good vegan/vegetarian options, if that's a concern.
-For carnivores, Carnaval is a Brazilian BBQ restaurant that makes for a fun evening out.
-The Allen Restaurant at the Metropolitan is worth going to just for the atmosphere. It's in a restored 1919 cinema building, quite grand.
-VJ's Drive Inn is a Winnipeg icon. However, it's a walk-up format: you'll need to eat your burger and fries on a picnic bench outside or in your car.
What to Do
-The Manitoba Museum has extensive galleries, and is definitely worth a visit. The Nonsuch Gallery (a replica 17th century ship + waterfront town) and Urban Gallery (full-scale early 1920s boomtown Winnipeg) are highlights.
-Dalnavert Museum is a hidden gem of a museum that was recently saved from closure. It's a fully-furnished Victorian home with plenty of detail and character.
-The Winnipeg Art Gallery has a touring exhibit of classical antiquities on right now (Olympus).
-If you're a book lover, McNally Robinson is a two-floor, local independent bookstore with an in-store cafe/bistro serving regional food.
-Thermëa is a Nordic-style outdoor spa complex with hot/cold baths, waterfalls, and sauna. They also have massages and a restaurant.
-There are two plays on right now at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre-- Wiesenthal and Alice Through the Looking-Glass.
-The Zoo makes for a fun day out (you might see the two new polar bear cubs).
Neighbourhoods to Explore
-The Exchange District
-Osborne Village
-Corydon Avenue
-Academy Road
I'd vote for renting a car. Transit is fine, but the weekend bus schedules could cramp your style if you want to see as much as possible.
posted by misspettigrew at 9:17 PM on December 1, 2015 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Thank you all!
Didn't manage to get in to either the Inn at the Forks or the Fort Garry: both are full.
posted by scruss at 5:00 AM on December 2, 2015
Didn't manage to get in to either the Inn at the Forks or the Fort Garry: both are full.
posted by scruss at 5:00 AM on December 2, 2015
Response by poster: Okay, so - sat in the airport waiting to go back. This is what we did:
Stella's is stellar. Did everything possible to have brunch there twice. Winnipeg Art Gallery is truly great.
The Exchange District is fun. Parlour Café has a great coffee, and the junk/antique store at Main & Bannatyne is useful. There's no store anywhere quite like Toad Hall Toys.
The Human Rights Museum is awe-inspiring. Great and thoughts provoking displays. It's a heavy trip, so expect to be challenged.
One area we didn't do great was dinner. Seems that Winnipeg has an earlier dinner crowd, so places were jumping by 6:30 with long waits. So yeah, we ended up at Shawarma Khan, and it delivered something that wouldn't be out of place on Lawrence East.
Thanks all for the recommendations. We had the best time!
posted by scruss at 3:41 PM on December 6, 2015 [1 favorite]
Stella's is stellar. Did everything possible to have brunch there twice. Winnipeg Art Gallery is truly great.
The Exchange District is fun. Parlour Café has a great coffee, and the junk/antique store at Main & Bannatyne is useful. There's no store anywhere quite like Toad Hall Toys.
The Human Rights Museum is awe-inspiring. Great and thoughts provoking displays. It's a heavy trip, so expect to be challenged.
One area we didn't do great was dinner. Seems that Winnipeg has an earlier dinner crowd, so places were jumping by 6:30 with long waits. So yeah, we ended up at Shawarma Khan, and it delivered something that wouldn't be out of place on Lawrence East.
Thanks all for the recommendations. We had the best time!
posted by scruss at 3:41 PM on December 6, 2015 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
I wouldn't bother to rent a car, as the bus system is reliable (15-20 minute ride downtown) and cabs are easy to get a hold of.
posted by kinoeye at 8:50 PM on November 30, 2015 [1 favorite]