Best things to do in Winnipeg

Come and see the animals at Assiniboine Park Zoo, just minutes from the downtown area. Opened in 1904, the zoo boasts a collection of more than 1,500 animals and birds of nearly 200 species. Stroll along the many scenic walking routes to explore the recreated natural habitats and their residents--from the bear enclosures and the North American Plains area, to the aviary and the butterfly garden. The zoo encourages education through interaction, and provides a wealth of information to benefit visitors of all ages.

Take a tour of Manitoba Legislative Building by yourself or with a guide, and learn about the history of the building and the province. Admire the imposing 75 m (253 ft) tall neoclassical structure, built in 1920 and designed by Frank Worthington Simon. Perched on the dome you'll notice the Hermes-like statue, known locally as the "Golden Boy." Step inside to see the grand staircase guarded by bison sculptures, a symbol of Manitoba province, and visit the legislative chamber where the 57 members of the assembly meet.

Opened in 2014, Canadian Museum for Human Rights is becoming a major city attraction. The museum stands as an imposing modern building, boasting a massive glass facade styled to look like wings of a dove wrapping around each other. Roam the museum's spacious galleries dedicated to the subject of human rights, both in Canada and internationally. See exhibitions about the rights of indigenous Canadians, historical events related to human rights, displays examining genocides throughout the times, and many more.

Learn the human and natural history of the region at Manitoba Museum, a cultural institution boasting a large variety of artifacts, exhibits, and activities. Established in 1965 in a building designed by esteemed local architect Herbert Henry Gatenby Moody, the museum's collection centers on topics as diverse as marine mammals of Hudson's Bay during the Ordovician period, and the founding of the Hudson's Bay Company in the late 1600s. Designed to appeal to visitors of all ages, the museum captures the imagination with a variety of engaging displays, such as dioramas and audio-visual experiences.

Winnipeg Art Gallery represents a public art gallery in the heart of the city; it claims the title of sixth largest gallery in Canada. The grey façade adopts a minimalist and contemporary design, forming a triangle from a bird’s-eye view. Inside you'll have the opportunity to view a permanent collection of nearly 24,000 works, emphasising Manitoban and Canadian art. The gallery also holds the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. Visit the extensive in-house art library, home to more than 24,000 books. Finish with a meal on the penthouse level; the restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired food.

Set on a large piece of wilderness encompassing prairies, lakes, forests, and wetlands, Fort Whyte Alive makes the perfect getaway for outdoor lovers. The education and recreation center includes miles of nature trails, floating boardwalks, a tree house, and a bison prairie with related exhibits. During summer, you can try your hand at fishing and canoeing on the lakes, or if you go in the winter, consider ice fishing, skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing instead. Check out Manitoba's largest outdoor aquarium, as well as a greenhouse and museum. If you care to stay a little longer, ask about the area's seminars or volunteer programs.

We’ve been a meeting place for over 6,000 years. Early Aboriginal peoples traded at The Forks, followed by European fur traders, Métis buffalo hunters, Scottish settlers, riverboat workers, railway pioneers and tens of thousands of immigrants.

Today, The Forks is an exquisite riverside attraction in the heart of downtown featuring a wonderfully eclectic market and a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment opportunities.

Named after the "Stone Sioux" people who lived in the area originally, Assiniboine Park harbors a plethora of attractions to appreciate. The park was founded over 100 years ago and now features indoor botanical gardens, which are home to 8000 species of plants, a theater, a sculpture garden, and a zoo, home to 300 animal species. Feed the ducks at the pond, or take the kids to the nature playground. During the summer you can take part in frequent events and activities, so make sure you check out what's on when you’re in town.

Due to its constant evolution of form through expansion and multiple fires, Basilique-Cathedrale de Saint Boniface combines both traditional and contemporary architecture. Take a stroll around the picturesque, well tended cemetery and visit the graves of historical figures and memorials to war. Look out for the cathedral's giant solar disc, left adorning its impressive original facade. A guided tour sheds light on this huge building's evolution, destruction and eventual rebirth into a functioning ceremonial house.

Visit The Forks National Historic Site represents the site where two rivers meet, a place of commerce for aboriginals 6,000 years ago. The area was also used by fur trappers, and now welcomes contemporary Canadians. Explore the 9 acre (3.6 ha) riverside park, taking in interactive exhibits, sculptures, and hiking trails. Take children to the themed park, depicting the eras of cultural meetings, or hire a tour guide if you'd like a deeper understanding of the 6,000-year history of the area. Beyond the historical site, you'll discover a myriad of things to do including shopping, dining, and museums.

Get the scoop on those Canadian coins in your wallet at Royal Canadian Mint. Opened in 1976 as a sister branch of the historical Ottawa Mint, this facility produces every single Canadian coin in circulation, as well as serving 75 other countries in their coin production. Dramatic triangular architecture leads to the entrance, where a tour will take you through an interactive display room. Learn how billions of coins a year are pressed from giant strips of metal at a rate of 1,000 coins per second. Collectors have the chance to pick up a new piece or simply browse the various mint memorabilia on offer. Displays and tours are available in French and English.