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10 Cheap Things To Do in Winnipeg

10 Cheap Things To Do in Winnipeg

Winnipeg is seriously one of the coolest cities we’ve been to—and guess what? You don’t even have to break the bank to have a blast here! 

This city is packed with cheap and fun things to experience. It may be known for its chilly winters, but trust us, the fun here is red-hot all year round. 

Not sure where to start? Don’t sweat it! We’ve got your back with our handpicked list of cheap things to do in Winnipeg that’ll have you exploring the city like a local in no time. Read on!

Explore Assiniboine Park Zoo

Explore Assiniboine Park Zoo's Homepage

Website: http://www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca/   

Address: 2595 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg, MB

Contact details: +1 204-927-6000

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Assiniboine Park Zoo is home to over 200 species including polar bears, tigers, gorillas and reindeer. The zoo has large open areas that recreate the animals’ natural habitats. 

You might even forget you’re in the city! On top of that, admission to the zoo is always free, so you can spend as much or as little time as you like wandering the paths and observing the animals in their enclosures. 

The zoo also frequently hosts fun, family-friendly events too, like Zoo Boo at Halloween and Zoo Lights during the holidays.

Local Tip:  When you visit Assiniboine Park Zoo, make sure to swing by the Journey to Churchill exhibit. It’s a local favourite, and you’ll get an up-close look at the polar bears and other Arctic animals. 

Plus, if you time it right, you might even catch the polar bear feeding show!

Go for a hike in Birds Hill Provincial Park

Go for a hike in Birds Hill Provincial Park's Homepage

Website: https://gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/park-maps-and-locations/central/birds.html  

Address: Oakbank, MB 

Contact details: 1 204-654-6730

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 11 PM

Just a short drive from Winnipeg, Birds Hill Provincial Park is a fantastic spot for hiking and soaking up the beauty of the great outdoors. 

There’s a wide variety of trails to choose from, so whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, you’ll find something that suits your pace.

Some popular trails include the Nimowin Trail, Cedar Bog Trail, and the Chickadee Trail. You’ll encounter picturesque meadows, dense forests, and even some wetlands as you explore the park.

And hey, it’s not just about hiking – Birds Hill Provincial Park also offers other activities like bird watching, cycling, and horseback riding. Plus, if you visit during the summer, you can take a dip in the man-made lake or catch some rays on the sandy beach.

Local Tip: Don’t forget to bring bug spray and sunscreen, as well as plenty of water to stay hydrated during your hike.

Check out the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

Check out the Canadian Museum for Human Rights' Homepage

Website: https://humanrights.ca/  

Address: 85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg, MB

Contact details: +1 877-877-6037

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM

Canadian Museum for Human Rights is not just any museum, it’s seriously one of the coolest and most unique places around. The building itself is like a piece of art, and the exhibits inside are all about promoting human rights—pretty awesome, eh?

Each floor of the museum has its own theme, and you’ll find tons of interactive exhibits that’ll make you think and feel all kinds of emotions. Surely, you’ll leave feeling inspired and more connected to humanity.

And hey, if you’re looking for a chill spot to take a break, the museum has this sweet rooftop garden with an amazing view of the city. It’s the perfect place to relax and soak in all the good vibes from the museum.

Local Tip:  Don’t miss out on the free admission every first Wednesday of the month from 5 pm to 9 pm. It’s a great way to experience the museum without spending a dime! 

Visit the Forks National Historic Site

Visit the Forks National Historic Site's Homepage

Website: https://pc.gc.ca/forks?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=forks    

Address: Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB

Contact details: +1 204-927-7874

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours

Forks National Historic Site is like the heart and soul of the city, and there’s always something happening here. It’s where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, and it’s been a gathering spot for thousands of years—isn’t that just astounding?

Nowadays, the Forks is a super chill spot where you can just hang out, grab a bite to eat, or check out some local shops. And if you’re into art, keep an eye out for the cool murals and sculptures scattered around the site.

Oh, and if you’re visiting during the winter, you’re in for a treat! The Forks turns into an awesome outdoor skating rink and has cosy warming huts. It’s the perfect place to embrace the cold and have some fun with fellow Winnipeggers.

Local Tip:  Head to the Forks on a Sunday morning to catch the lively farmers’ market—it’s the best time to score some fresh produce and local goodies!

Explore Manitoba Museum

Explore Manitoba Museum's Homepage

Website: http://www.manitobamuseum.ca/     

Address: 190 Rupert Ave, Winnipeg

Contact details: +1 204-956-2830

Operating hours: 

  • Tuesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 4 PM

The Manitoba Museum is seriously the perfect spot to get the lowdown on the province‘s natural and human history. You’ll find everything from a life-size woolly mammoth replica to some rad vintage vehicles.

One of the coolest parts is the Nonsuch Gallery, where you’ll find the Nonsuch, a 17th-century ship that played a huge role in setting up the Hudson’s Bay Company. Exploring the cabins and deck will make you feel like you’ve time-travelled—no joke!

And hey, the museum’s got a science gallery, an art gallery, and even some temporary exhibits that roll through. Oh, and here’s the best part: admission to the permanent galleries is always free! 

Local Tip: On weekends, the museum offers free guided tours of different galleries. The tours provide an in-depth look at the exhibits and artefacts on display. 

Take a stroll along Kildonan Park

Take a stroll along Kildonan Park's Homepage

Directions

Website: https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parks/kildonan.stm  

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 10 PM

One of the best free things to do in Winnipeg is to spend time enjoying the outdoors at Kildonan Park, a huge urban park that spans over 2,000 acres along the Red River with gardens, trails, and activities for people of all ages.

But wait, there’s more! Kildonan Park isn’t just about scenic beauty; it’s also home to some awesome recreational activities. You can challenge your friends to a game of frisbee golf or gather your family for a friendly picnic on the lush green lawns.

And if you’re feeling more active, lace up your sneakers and hit the walking trails for some exercise. Oh, and keep an eye out for the open-air amphitheatre; it’s the perfect spot to catch a local performance or even a Shakespearean play during the summer months.

Local Tip: Check out the Witch’s Hut, a quirky and fun little spot in the park that’s perfect for a photo op or a quick rest during your walk.

Explore Arctic Glacier Winter Park

Explore Arctic Glacier Winter Park's Homepage

Website: https://www.theforks.com/events/signature-events-attractions-tours/signature-attractions/arctic-glacier-winter-park     

Address: 63 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9 PM

Arctic Glacier Winter Park is like a giant playground carved out of ice and snow, and it’s an absolute blast! Trust me, this place is a must-visit if you want to experience Winnipeg’s winter.

Located at The Forks, it’s jam-packed with fun winter activities like ice skating, tobogganing, and even a wicked snowboard park. You can rent a toboggan on-site or bring your own sled, or even just a crazy carpet—it’s that icy!

And if you’re into ice sculptures, you’re in for a treat—the park hosts an annual ice-carving competition that’ll blow your mind with some seriously cool creations.

But hey, even if you just want to take a leisurely winter stroll, Arctic Glacier Winter Park is still your best bet.

Local Tip: Don’t miss the Great Ice Show, an epic display of ice sculptures and illuminated art installations that usually takes place in January or February.

Take a bike ride at Back Alley Arctic

Take a bike ride at Back Alley Arctic's Homepage

If you’re looking for another fun, budget-friendly activity, rent a bike and go for a ride along the Back Alley Arctic. To find it, head to the corner of Canora Street and Westminster Avenue, right between Wolseley and Westminster Avenues. 

The alley goes from Canora Street all the way to Ethelbert Street. If you need something familiar to punch into your GPS, try “Westminster Tot Lot” or “St. Margaret’s Anglican Church.” 

As you pedal through the alleys, you’ll come across incredible paintings of polar bears, narwhals, and other Arctic animals—it’s like an urban safari on two wheels!

The trail is mostly flat, making it perfect for riders of all skill levels. Back Alley Arctic also offers bikes with training wheels for little ones, tandem bikes for two, and bikes with child seats or trailers to tow the kids along.

Local Tip: After your ride, you can even grab a snack from one of the food vendors at the Forks Market or Railside. With the money you saved on bike rentals and admission fees to attractions, you’ll have plenty left over to treat yourself!

Visit the Gardens at The Leaf

Visit the Gardens at The Leaf's Homepage

Website: https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/leaf 

Address: 145 Locomotive Dr, Winnipeg

Contact details: +1 204-927-6000

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM

Tucked away in the iconic Qualico Family Centre, you’ll find this magical garden that’ll totally blow your mind with its amazing display of plants and critters. The best part? The gardens are open every day from May to October, and you can get in for free!

There’s a bunch of different gardens to check out, like the Indigenous Peoples Garden, the Kitchen Garden, and the Sensory Garden. Each one’s got its own unique vibe and is seriously beautiful.

And hey, The Leaf is also home to all sorts of birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. If you swing by in the summer, you might catch Monarch butterflies flitting around or birds singing their hearts out up in the trees.

Local Tip: If you’re visiting during the summer months, keep an eye out for special events and workshops happening at the gardens; they’re a great way to learn more about plants and gardening while having fun!

Watch a Manitoba Moose Game

Watch a Manitoba Moose Game's Homepage

Website: https://www.canadalifecentre.ca/     

Address: 300 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB

Contact Details: +1 204-987-7825

Another one of the most entertaining and cheap things to do in Winnipeg is catch a Manitoba Moose hockey game at the Canada Life Centre. Tickets start at just $15, so you can enjoy an exciting night out without breaking the bank.

The Moose are Winnipeg’s American Hockey League team, so you’ll see up-and-coming players trying to make it to the NHL. The atmosphere is electric, and the fans are super passionate—you’ll definitely feel the excitement in the air!

Oh, and how can I forget about Mick E. Moose, the team’s mascot? This goofball will have you in stitches with his hilarious antics and dance moves.

Dine at 529 Wellington Steakhouse

Dine at 529 Wellington Steakhouse's Homepage

Website: http://529wellington.ca/  

Address: 529 Wellington Crescent, Winnipeg, MB 

Contact details: +1 204-487-8325

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 2 PM, 4:30 PM to 10 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday – 4:30 PM to 10PM

529 Wellington Steakhouse is located in a beautifully restored historic mansion, offering intimate dining in elegantly appointed rooms. They also have a stunning 2-tiered riverside terrace for alfresco dining when the weather’s nice.

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the steak! 529 Wellington serves up some of the juiciest and thinnest cuts. 

And don’t worry if you’re not a steak aficionado; their menu offers a variety of other delectable options like fresh seafood and mouth watering sides that will leave you in culinary bliss. 

In fact, they have been setting the standard for fine dining and excellent taste for almost 20 years!

Local Tip: Make sure to save room for dessert! 529 Wellington has an impressive selection of sweet treats that are the perfect finale to your dining experience. 

Explore the Exchange District

Explore the Exchange District's Homepage

Website: http://www.exchangedistrict.org/   

Address: 492 Main St, Winnipeg, MB

Contact details: +1 204-942-6716

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Another way to immerse yourself in Winnipeg’s rich history and vibrant culture is by exploring the Exchange District. This National Historic Site is loaded with gorgeous old buildings, one-of-a-kind shops, and a super lively arts scene.

As you walk down the cobblestone streets, you’ll be amazed by the stunning architecture—some are from the early 1900s, and they’ve been kept in great shape. 

This place used to be the centre of Winnipeg’s business and industry, so you can really feel the history as you wander around. But it’s not just about the past; the Exchange District is also a hotspot for creativity and innovation. 

Oh, and if you’re in town during the summer, you might stumble upon one of its many festivals like the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival or the Jazz Winnipeg Festival.

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