Exploring Winnipeg: Where City Meets Prairie
By Alejandra Mendoza Garcia - Posted on September 4th, 2026 - Ale Around the World
I want to start this blog by saying that I never expected Manitoba to be so beautiful. Everyone I know who has visited this province has had different opinions, but let me tell you, Manitoba has so much to offer. I’m here to show you just how much fun you can have in this wonderful place.
My husband and I visited during the summer, specifically at the end of August and beginning of September. The weather was lovely, not too hot and not too cold. We did experience a few showers, but nothing that could ruin our vacation. We flew from Vancouver to Winnipeg, and the round trip cost around $470, which I consider a bit pricey for a domestic flight within Canada. However, it’s only about a three-hour journey. As you might already know, I love booking everything in advance. So, I arranged our hotels and car rental through CheapOair months ahead of time to secure better prices.
Upon arriving at Winnipeg airport, we looked for our rental car company, Hertz. We encountered some issues because they wouldn’t accept my credit card since I wasn't listed as the main driver. As a result, we had to pay extra for an additional driver. The car itself was decent and reasonably priced compared to what we’d find in other cities.
We were really excited to start exploring the city! Since we arrived in the evening, we decided to kick off our adventure right away, just don’t forget to snap a picture by the iconic Winnipeg sign as you leave the airport!
Our first stop was Assiniboine Park, a beautiful spot that features a zoo, a conservatory, an outdoor theater, play equipment, and various other attractions. Luckily, parking was free, something we appreciated since we’re used to paying for parking back in Vancouver, which can be quite annoying. The park boasts a beautiful bridge over the Assiniboine River where you can capture stunning photos.
When we arrived, they were screening a Disney movie at the outdoor theater, so the park was bustling with people enjoying their summer day. As we strolled through the park, we discovered restaurants, cafes, a duck pond, picnic areas, and even a kids' garden. Although we didn’t visit the zoo this time around, I’ve heard they have polar bears and other fascinating animals, definitely something to look forward to on our next trip!
After exploring Assiniboine Park, we wrapped up our day at a lovely little spot called Woodsworth Park. It features a charming lagoon that you can walk around, a perfect way to unwind.
We spent two nights in Winnipeg at the Travelodge by Wyndham. The hotel has plenty of amenities including a bar, casino, live music venue, restaurant, and liquor store right across the street. The accommodations were quite comfortable; just make sure to avoid rooms on the second floor where the band plays underneath, unless you’re okay with some late-night noise! We initially got one of those rooms on our first night and thought it wouldn’t be too loud. I was mistaken! We ended up asking for a room change, and they happily gave us another one. Their service deserves a solid 10 out of 10. Our stay included breakfast as well; it was your typical fare of bacon, eggs, toast with tea or coffee, no complaints there! At least we didn’t have to spend extra for breakfast during our stay.
The next day, we set out to explore downtown Winnipeg. The city is small, so don’t expect towering buildings or bustling crowds. Downtown was clean, relatively quiet, and less developed compared to other Canadian cities.
Our first stop was The Forks, Canada’s largest and best urban skate plaza and bowl complex. There’s plenty to do there, you can stroll along the Forks Riverwalk, visit various monuments, check out the skate plaza, browse The Forks Market, and admire the beautiful museum nearby. We didn’t go inside the museum but took photos from outside because its architecture is stunning. You could easily spend a few relaxing hours in this vibrant park.
Next, just a three-minute drive away, we visited the beautiful Saint Boniface Cathedral. Its unique architecture immediately captures your attention and makes for great photo opportunities. Right beside it is the university campus, which also features impressive buildings.
After that, we headed to the Manitoba Legislative Building. This elegant structure offers fantastic photo spots along with lovely gardens where you can take a peaceful walk while enjoying views of the river. All these attractions were free to visit; the only parking fee we paid was at The Forks, $2.50 per hour.
Later, we went to The Leaf at Assiniboine Park, an indoor horticultural attraction that costs $17 for admission. Inside, you’ll find lush gardens, a massive waterfall, and an observation area at the top offering panoramic views of all the gardens below. There’s also a butterfly garden showcasing many species of butterflies. Overall, it’s a beautiful experience. Plus, there’s a cafeteria where you can grab food and coffee before heading outdoors for a free walk around the park. That’s how we wrapped up our day in Winnipeg, full of nature, history, and peaceful city sights.
The next day, we embarked on a four-hour road trip from Winnipeg to Winnipegosis. Along the way, we made several stops to take in the stunning Manitoba prairies. If you're planning a road trip here, be sure to pause and snap some pictures, the scenery is breathtaking!
Our first stop was in the charming town of Portage la Prairie, where we admired the beautiful municipal government building and its famous mural depicting the prairies. We were fortunate enough to catch a kids' hockey game at their recreational center, which added a delightful local touch to our visit. Next, we explored Island Park, where we discovered monuments, beautiful river views, lovely gardens, trails, and even a water park. We also visited the world’s largest Coca-Cola monument, it’s truly massive!
After that, we headed to Sainte Rose du Lac, another quite town where we enjoyed some delicious fried chicken and visited the Ste. Rose Grotto, a large stone replica of the renowned apparition site in Lourdes.
After three hours of driving and exploring those towns, we settled down for the night in Dauphin at the Super 8 by Wyndham hotel. The accommodations were comfortable with a beautiful view of the prairie landscape, plus breakfast was included!
The following day, it took us almost an hour to reach our final destination: Winnipegosis. There, we checked out local museums and enjoyed views of the Mossey River along with time at its beach park. Later on, we returned to Dauphin to visit the rail museum as well as Vermilion Park and Rainbow Provincial Park.
On our last day, we drove for three hours back to Winnipeg Airport before heading home. Overall, Manitoba boasts stunning prairie views and many wonderful places to explore. I highly recommend visiting this region, just maybe not living there! Winters can be brutally cold since they are known for having some of Canada’s harshest winters. However, summer is an ideal time for a visit; you’ll find fewer crowds on the streets or at tourist spots. It’s a quiet province with so much beauty to offer!
