How to spend 48 hours in Winnipeg during summer

Winnipeg Art Gallery

The capital city of Winnipeg in Canada's central province of Manitoba comes alive during the summer months, with unparalleled urban, cultural and wildlife adventures beckoning Aussie travellers of all ages.

Read on to explore six of Winnipeg's new and iconic urban and outdoor offerings:

1. Qaumajuq and the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)

Featured within the renowned Winnipeg Art Gallery, Inuit art museum Qaumajuq is home to the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. Visitors to Qaumajuq can immerse themselves in the creative expressions of Inuit artists, discovering the intricate stories and traditions behind each piece.

This first-of-its-kind centre is an innovative cultural campus and architectural masterpiece designed to represent the openness and transparency of Indigenous cultures. Qaumajuq (pronounced KOW-ma-yourk) encourages cultural exchange and dialogue between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. Visitors are greeted by a three-storey vault in the lobby, displaying a catalogue of 5000 stone carvings from the WAG's impressive collection.

2. Canadian Museum for Human Rights

 Canadian Museum for Human Rights

One of Canada's most famous buildings, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is celebrating its 10th anniversary in September 2024. Considered an architectural marvel, constructed from curved steel and glass, the museum features ten interactive galleries dedicated to human rights awareness, with exhibits ranging from Canadian Indigenous experiences to global genocides, all of which inspire wonder, tears, and hope for a better future.

Highlighting the power of music, upcoming exhibition, Beyond the Beat: Music of Resistance and Change is set to be a significant focus of the Museum's anniversary year.

3. Assiniboine Park Conservancy

The Assiniboine Park Conservancy is a not-to-be-missed destination for visitors seeking nature and wildlife experiences.

Home to an array of wildlife, the Assiniboine Park Zoo houses iconic Canadian and exotic creatures, from majestic tigers and inquisitive penguins. Set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024, Journey to Churchill is an award-winning exhibit that offers close encounters with polar bears, seals and Arctic wildlife in a habitat that mimics the northern landscape. Prepare to be awestruck as you poise your camera while frolicking polar bears swim overhead an acrylic tunnel.

The latest attraction at Assiniboine Park Conservancy, The Leaf is a magnificent, indoor/outdoor horticultural display, and one of the most visually stunning gardens of its kind in Canada. The outdoor gardens feature six unique domains - Indigenous Peoples Garden, Kitchen Garden, Sensory Garden, Performance Garden, Seasonal Garden, and The Grove. Inside, visitors can explore four spectacular worlds: the Tropical Biome, Mediterranean Biome, Babs Asper Display House and Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden.

During summer, the Park's outdoor amphitheatre becomes a hub for cultural events, including 'Ballet in the Park', allowing visitors to enjoy enchanting performances by the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company in a magical, natural setting.

4. The Forks

Overlooking the convergence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers and adorned with murals and sculptures created by Indigenous artists, The Forks boasts some of the most picturesque views in Winnipeg. This vibrant hub blends a rich heritage with modern eateries, craft breweries, boutique shopping, and pop-up attractions. Enjoy lunch around a communal table at The Common and soak up the sunshine on a River Boat Tour.

The Forks is steeped in history that dates back thousands of years, having served as a meeting place for First Nations and Métis peoples long before the arrival of European settlers. Visitors can explore the Oodena Celebration Circle, a sacred gathering space, and learn about the site's historical significance through interpretive signs and installations.

5. FortWhyte Alive

Bison

Get up close with magnificent bison, North America's largest land mammal, at Fort Whyte Alive, a nature preserve on the edge of Winnipeg. Get to know how these magnificent prairie beasts helped shape Canada's history and why the bison is the symbol for 'respect' in the Seven Sacred teachings of the local First Nations Anishinaabe People.

Bison summer safaris are a favourite bucket-list experience for Australian visitors looking for a quintessential Manitoba experience, with kayak and bike rentals available at Kendricks Outdoors.

6. The Exchange District

A historical walking tour through Winnipeg's Exchange District reveals stories of power struggles, corruption and heroism dating back to the late 1800s. Discover the dark secrets that made Winnipeg the 'wickedest city in the dominion' during the Death and Debauchery tour. We're talking corrupt mayors, murder most foul and the biggest unsolved robbery in western Canadian history.

During the History of the Exchange tour, marvel at the carefully maintained heritage buildings as you stroll the cobblestone lanes of this 20-block region, from imposing stone warehouses to terracotta-clad buildings. Learn about Newspaper Row, old-school banks and the famous and unsung characters who made Winnipeg the dynamic city it is today.

The Exchange District is Winnipeg's indie neighbourhood, with many of these historic buildings now housing independent restaurants, boutiques, galleries and design studios.

GETTING THERE

Air Canada offers daily direct flights to Vancouver from Sydney and direct flights between Brisbane and Vancouver four times per week. Direct flights from Sydney to Vancouver are also available on Qantas. Daily connecting flights are available from Vancouver to Winnipeg, in addition to the VIA Rail train service.
* Destination Canada https://media.destinationcanada.com/en-CA amd www.travelmanitoba.com
* Philippa Macken at pip@pipmacken.id.au