Summer: Things to do in Winnipeg

Visiting Winnipeg this summer? From festivals to beaches, there are so many things to do. 

Below you'll find the most comprehensive list on the web regarding summer events and activities you won't want to miss in and around Winnipeg! 


Hosting a city event and want to be included? Email us at: 

inCredibleCanuck@gmail.com.

Events

1. Summer Music Series at the Lyric Theatre, including Symphony in the Park, Sunday Night Smooth Jazz and Jazz in the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden (every Thursday through Sunday in July) - There are few things better than spending a warm summer evening at Assiniboine Park listening to the melodies and harmonies from the Lyric Theatre mingle with the rustle of the leaves in the breeze.

Photo Credit: Pat Kaniuga/CBC

2. Dancing on the Avenue (Fridays and Saturdays through July/August, 7-10 p.m) - Dine Al Fresco at one of the many patio restaurants then dance under the stars along Corydon Avenue. Face painters, balloon markers and clowns onsite.

Photo Credit: High Profile Band

3. Salsa Sundays (Sundays, 6:30-10:30 p.m. at the Forks) - Head to the canopy for the hot sounds of salsa and dance along with some of the city's finest salsa dancers. Learn to salsa, participate in some cardio salsa and cha-cha and hear some of the best salsa bands in the city.

Photo Credit: Merlin Rancier Photography

4. Folk Fest (early July) - Join thousands of fellow hippies, hipsters and music lovers at the Winnipeg Folk Festival in Birds Hill Provincial Park for a groovy summer dance party at one of North America’s premier outdoor music festivals. More than 70 acts, seven daytime stages, two evening stages, a family area, camping and delicious local and organic food all in a beautiful prairie park setting.

Photo Credit: Chantel Norman

Photo Credit: Leif Norman

Photo Credit: Carleigh Aikins

5. Fringe Festival (mid July) - North America’s second-largest Fringe Festival showcases more than 170 local, national and international theatre companies, offering performances of comedy, drama, improv, dance and more. Festival-goers of all ages are invited to enjoy live entertainment at Old Market Square in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District, where street performers and bands perform from noon to midnight daily on the outdoor stage.

Photo Credit: Sara Calnek

6. Boardwalk Days (mid July) - A huge midway by Wondershows next to the beach, an outdoor craft & vendor market under a tent, pancake breakfast, parade and fireworks.

7. Manitoba Stampede (mid-late July) - A pro-rodeo event on the Canadian Tour circuit, the Manitoba Stampede stars some of the top names in bull riding, bronco-busting, tie down roping, bareback riding, steer wrestling, ladies barrel racing and team roping. 

Photo Credit: BCROBYN

8. Ballet in the Park (late July) - Grab a lawn chair or blanket and head to the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park to enjoy a free summer show of Ballet in the Park by Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

9. Altona Sunflower festival (late July) - A small town festival with a petting zoo, bouncer, outdoor entertainment, farmers market and face painting. 

10. Gimli Film Festival Outdoor Beach Screenings (late July) - Watch movies on the beach. 

11. MTS Centre Concerts/Shows (all year long) - Since Winnipeg is located in the centre of Canada, all the big name bands stop here for shows. Check out which bands are scheduled during your stay.

12. Movies on Memorial (Tuesdays in August) - Sit under the prairie skies and watch a favourite movie with friends and family: Movies on Memorial transforms Memorial Park into an outdoor theatre every Tuesday in August, and often include a variety of free pre-show entertainment options. Pre-movie activities start at 7:00pm, movie begins after dusk.  

13. Movies in the Park (Fridays in August) - Join us on Lyric Lawn ​at Assiniboine Park where we'll be screening your favourite summer blockbusters on a cinema-style outdoor screen. You bring the chair and blanket; we supply the fun!   

14. Kenora Harbour Fest (August Long) - Gathered on Beautiful Lake of the Woods in a harbour town about 2 hours outside of Winnipeg is the picturesque habour town of Kenora. Their annual Habour fest featuring live music performances, ice cream, Chip Truck Fries, classic car shows, sandals, fireworks, food and drink is a summertime must.

15. Folklorama (early August) - Stop in at any one of the 40-plus Folklorama pavilions for a taste of authentic Indian curry, a swig of Belgian beer, or traditional Ukrainian dancing. Take in a cultural explosion of international performers moving to rhythms from around the world during this annual two-week Festival of global culture - it’s largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world!

16. Icelandic Festival in Gimli (early August) - Manitoba has the largest Icelandic population outside of Iceland. Gimli holds the Icelandic Festival every summer, the longest running festival in the province. 

17. Pioneer Days in Steinbach (early August) - This four-day event is packed with pioneer activities, including steam power, milling, and threshing demonstrations, horse shows, a petting zoo, concerts, drama, good food and more. 

18. China Town Street Festival (August) - The street festival is an open festival, featuring stage shows including musicals, dances, chorus groups and kung fu demonstrations from different cultural groups. 

 19. Bannatyne Carnaval (August) brings the exciting vibe of the Brazilian Carnival to the streets of the East Exchange District. Come and experience a piece of the Brazilian culture with live dancing, music and South American foods!

20. BBQ and Blues Festival (mid August) - Chow down on BBQ, watch pit masters battle in a barbeque competition, and groove to the blues at Shaw Park. 

21. Winkler Harvest Fest (late August) - A celebration of our agricultural heritage and the bounty of harvest time. 

22. Morden Corn & Apple Festival (late August) - Parade, midway plus free corn and cider. 

Activities & Attractions

1. Visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo and check out Journey to Churchill, an internationally-acclaimed, 10-acre Arctic exhibit and the only project of its kind ever undertaken in Canada.

2. Visit Assiniboine Park - Winnipeg’s oldest park.

• Bring little ones to the whimsical Assiniboine Park NaturePlayground where kids can explore slithering slides, a sky-high crow’s nest, willow tree tunnels, basket swings, a giant robin’s nest, net bridges and a children’s garden.

• Contemplate life in the tranquil setting of the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden.

• Stroll the tree-lined walkways, people-watch as people play Frisbee and other outdoor  sports. 

• Feed the ducks.

• Head to the Pavilion Art Gallery, which features the largest collection of works by three renowned Manitoba artists, as well as exhibitions by premier and emerging local artists. On the second floor, check out the Pooh Gallery, which houses a collection of Winnie the Pooh artifacts and memorabilia, and learn about the famous bear named after our city! When you’re done, grab a bite at one of two restaurants.

• Have a picnic.

• Enjoy Summer Music Series (various evenings in late June) or the Leo Mol Jazz Series (Sunday afternoons in June).

Photo Credit: Ken Gillespie

• Lay out a blanket and watch a movie beneath the stars at Lyric Theatre Fridays in August. All movies are family-friendly, and have an early feature at 7:00 p.m. and a late one at 9:15 p.m.

2. Hike Assiniboine Forest - Discover one of Canada’s largest urban nature parks. Hike along wood chip, asphalt and crushed limestone trails inside the 700-acre Assiniboine Forest and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. this looped, one km paved Sagimay Nature Trail takes you through forest and meadow to the Eve Werier Memorial Pond. A six-km system of woodchip trails radiate from the Sagimay Trail.

3. Visit Kildonan Park 

• Stroll or bike the many wood chip strewn trails to marvel at some of Manitoba’s oldest and largest trees.

• Visit Hansel and Gretel’s Witch Hut.

• Rollerblade around the park.

• Take the kids to the playground. 

• Have a picnic. There are plenty of picnic tables and barbeque pits available.

• Stroll through the peaceful gardens.

• Enjoy fresh food on the outdoor patio of Prairie's Edge overlooking Kildonan Park’s duck pond.

• Go swimming at the beach-entry pool or enjoy the sun as the kids play in splash park (open mid-June).

• Grab tickets to an outdoor play/musical at Rainbow Stage, Canada’s longest-running outdoor theatre. 

4. Splash around spray pads and wading pools located in neighbourhoods across the city. Check dates for the Mobile Play Van (they offer free crafts for kids). 

5. Take a Winnipeg Trolley Company’s sightseeing tour, where you’ll learn why Winnipeg was once called the “wickedest city in Canada,” about our shocking connection to the world’s most famous spy–James Bond–as well as touring Canada’s Greatest Neighbourhood (Osborne Village), stately mansions, the grandeur of Assiniboine Park, the Exchange District Historic Site, the world’s only human rights museum and more. 

6. Take in an action-packed baseball game and watch the Winnipeg Goldeyes step up to home plate at Shaw Park. 

7. Visit Fort Whyte, an award-winning 640-acre nature preserve - Experience a close encounter with a bison heard on a bison safari, trek seven km of trails and lakes, go fishing, canoeing, hiking and take in the wild life!

8. Take the children to Tinkertown, a Kids amusement park with over 20 rides and attractions, including a miniature train, Ferris wheel and carousel. Enjoy a picnic, or cool off with Water Wars on a hot day! 

9. Board the Prairie Dog Central vintage steam train and enjoy a scenic ride into the Manitoba countryside (check out the Great Train Robbery event)! 

10. Get an ice cream at the famous Bridge Drive In. 

11. Visit the Forks.

• Stroll along the peaceful Riverwalk at The Forks for picture-perfect views of the city’s landscape.

• Photograph city icons such as the Esplanade Riel and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

• Let the kids run around and learn about Manitoba’s history at the Variety Heritage Adventure Park, an interactive playground.

• Browse boutiques, pick up a piece of prairie art, and try different ethnic foods at the Forks' indoor market.

12. Visit the Manitoba Museum, an award-winning heritage and edutainment centre.

13. Visit the Children’s Museum and perform experiments in the Splash Lab and test your perception in the Illusion Tunnel.

14. Visit the Canadian Museum for Human Rights - Canada's only national museum outside of the National Capital Region (FREE admission on the first Wednesday of every month, 4-7pm) 

15. Get a legendary Fat Boy burger at VJs Drive Inn.

16. Rollerblade or go for a drive down River Road. 

17. Visit old Market Square

• Live like a real Canadian and grab a poutine (fries, cheese, and other delicious toppings) at Smoke Poutinerie.

• Go during Jazz festival and enjoy some music while you munch.

18. Spend the afternoon shopping the unique shops of Osborne Village shops and then eat one of the many diverse restaurants or cafes located in the area. Visit here on Canada Day when the block is closed for a street festival. The two-day festival features live music states, food vendors, artisan booths and kids' activities.

19. Dine al fresco and people-watch along the packed patios in summertime on Corydon Avenue. 

20. Grab a drink at appies at Tavern United’s roof top and enjoy the views of downtown or play some pool.

21. Hit the links and go golfing at one of Manitoba’s many beautiful groomed expansive prairie courses. 

22. Stroll around the Exchange District, shop or take a guided tour and lose yourself in the 1900s (it has something for everybody, including speciality shops, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres and galleries). 

23. Talk a walk around King’s Park, just south of the University of Manitoba on the banks of the Red River. This city park winds its way through fields, over hills, along the riverbend and into the woods.

• Visit the Chinese Pagoda Gardens. 

• Follow the path of the Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth. 

24. Skim the water with heart-pumping cable wakeboarding, scale great heights on the high ropes course, play a game of Beach Volleyball or at Adrenaline Adventures. 

25. Visit St. Boniface – Winnipeg’s French Quarter. 

• Pass over the Esplanade Riel Bridge, take a picture, grab a bite to eat at Mon Amis Louis (the only restaurant in North America situated on a bridge). 

• Stroll along Provencher Boulevard, while stopping at boutiques and quaint cafes along the way. 

• Take pictures of the Saint Boniface Cathedral. Talk a walking tour. Search for hidden geocaches stashed around the neighbourhood of St. Boniface with the aid of GPS packages available through Tourisme Riel.

• See a French performance at Le Cercle Moliere.

26. Bet on a horse race at Assiniboia Downs.

27. Get swept up in the roar of the crowd and cheer on the Winnipeg Blue Bombers football team (June through November).

28. Enjoy a unique experience in the heart of nature at Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature.  Unwind and re-energize in thermal baths and waterfalls or the Finnish sauna. Revitalize your senses with a massage and a healthy meal at the on-site restaurant. 

29. Walk The Loop - a 9.5 km, 3.5 hour historic walk around the city to explore Winnipeg’s unique architectural, cultural and contemporary landmarks.

30. Spend the afternoon at Harbour View Golf Course and Recreation Complex – Have a picnic, go for a walk, play mini golf and play at the playground. 

31. Slide down 10 rushing water slides, take in a round of mini golf, splash around on the bumper boats or try your hand at zip-lining at Fun Mountain Waterslide Park.

32. Sit under the prairie skies and watch a favourite movie with friends and family: Movies on Memorial transforms Memorial Park into an outdoor theatre every Tuesday in August, and often include a variety of free pre-show entertainment options. 

33. Listen to live jazz musicians on the gorgeous rooftop sculpture garden at the Winnipeg Art Gallery while taking in a beautiful prairie sunset during Live on the Rooftop. (Hosted on our stunning rooftop sculpture garden, Live is the perfect summer evening, offering warm breezes, the Winnipeg skyline and great local entertainers. From Jazz to Blues to Soul, there is music for everyone). 

34. Relax with a guided tour along the Assiniboine and Red rivers with Splash Dash River Tours. 

35. Round up the kiddies for nature activities at Living Prairie Museum, a 30-acre tall grass prairie preserve home to over 160 species of prairie plants and an array of prairie wildlife. Explore this endangered ecosystem with “Naturalist Knapsacks,” which are full of fun equipment and free to borrow while on the site.

36. Have a picnic or strap on a pair of rollerblades and blaze a trail at St.Vital Park. 

37. Discover Winnipeg by foot and take part in a hiking adventure with Prairie Pathfinders. This urban walking club organizes more than 100 city walks throughout the year at the city’s diverse neighbourhoods and parks, and welcome non-members as guests. 

38. Make plans for lunch down Broadway, where street food vendors line the road dishing up everything from waffles to BBQ to poutine. 

39. If you enjoy history, check out one of Muddy Water Tours’ walking tours. Take your pick from Murder, Mystery and Mayhem, Wicked Winnipeg, Boom and Bust, Symbols, Secrets and Sacrifices under the Golden Boy and more! (April-September). 

40. Meet the producers and artisans behind the fresh produce, baking, meats, crafts and other goods for sale at the popular Farmers’ Market in St. Norbert. While you’re there, check out the Trappist Monastery and make a stop at the St. Norbert Heritage Park to explore homes of the province’s settlers. In June, check out Shakespeare in the Ruins.

Nearby Winnipeg

41. Go for a picnic, walk, or swim at Birds Hill Provincial Park. Featuring hills and ridges formed by ancient glaciers, this 35-square kilometre park has a lake, oak and aspen forests, native prairie wildflowers, deer, waterfowl and songbirds. 

• Camp at the Birds Hill campground where wild turkeys walk right through your camp site.

• Go swimming at Birds Hill beach and grab a hot dog from the beach concession.

• Enjoy over 30 km of trails for walking and cross-country skiing and 7.2 km of paved bicycle and roller blading trails.

• Have a picnic.

• Visit Pine Ridge Hollow, a quaint restaurant and gift shop with petting zoo, nestled amongst acres of gardens, ponds, flowers and peaceful property for you to roam and enjoy. 

• Enjoy a BBQ and go Horseback Riding at Birds Hill Ranch. While on a guided trail ride you may see deer, owls and various other wildlife. They also offer barbeques, sleigh and wagon rides.

• 42. Visit Riding Mountain National Park - Just a short drive away from Winnipeg, Riding Mountain National Park offers 3,000 sq. km. of boreal forests, aspen parkland and prairie grass and is home to bison, wolves, bears and countless other species. The area is so unique it was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO.

• 43. Visit Oak Hammock Marsh - Trek nature trails or take a guided tour of the marsh to view wildlife. Paddle amongst the plants and animals in a large voyageur canoe.

• 44. Make a day trip to Steep Rock (cliffs and caves) - Swim and explore a string of sea caves. The bluffs overlooking the lake, carved by tens of thousands of years of erosion, are simply breathtaking. The cliffs are made of limestone and over thousands of years wave action has molded them into sheer drops, caves and other unusual geological formations. The sandy beach a little ways away offers a recreational break. The Beachside Cafe with a deck overlooking the lake offers full meals or just ice cream, soda and other snacks. Walking trails are abundant. On the way home, stop at Lundar and visit Fundars for ice-cream and a photo opp at the giant Canada goose (bring some money if you would like to buy fresh homemade bread, cookies, clusters, brownies and more).

• 45.  Go camping at West Hawk - West Hawk Lake is the only crater lake in Canada accessible by road. Unlike all the other lakes in the area, which were formed by glacier action, West Hawk Lake was created a hundred million years ago by the impact of a meteor that blasted a 110-metre deep hole. It is a favorite diving spot because of its' depth and clear water. The townsite at West Hawk is a picturesque collection of log buildings housing restaurants, resorts, stores and a Museum of Geological History at the campground. Nearyby Falcon Lake is also known as one of the more renowned UFO sightings in the province. Consider hiking Hunt Lake, White Pine, or Bear Lake trail!

• 46. Take a beach day at Grand Beach - Considered one of Canada’s best beaches, Grand Beach has kilometres of soft powdery white sand and a lively boardwalk full of shops and restaurants.

• 47. Do a Beach day at Winnipeg Beach. Go during Boardwalk Days and hit up the midway after swimming.

• 48. Take another beach day at Gimli. Go late July to check out the Gimli Film Festival or early August for the Icelandic Festival.

• 49. Go Strawberry/Raspberry picking at Boonstra farms.

• 50. Do a Fossil Dig at the Canadian Fossil Centre in Morden.

• 51. Go Ziplining in Pembina Valley

• 52. Visit Hecla - A series of islands between the east and west shores of Lake Winnipeg, Hecla is a place where stories of sunken ships and magical islands are told, where the water and fishing is a way of life. It's a place where endless days of outdoor adventure await. With names like Black Island and Drumming Point, this park is cloaked in mystery from the ways of the Anishinabe (Ojibwe) medicine men. Hecla Island is the hub of activity in this year-round natural playground. Set your sites on seeing a spectrum of birds and wildlife. Play on the beaches and walk the limestone cobbled shores. Listen to the waves as you tee up for your next shot on Gull Harbour's superb 18-hole course. Follow the beacon of the Hecla lighthouse to the safe and well-serviced moorage of Gull Harbour. Here it's easy to be busy, but even easier to relax. Cross over the causeway and leave the mainland behind. 

• 53. Participate in an Aboriginal Sweat Lodge and see the Petraforms. 

• 54. Go River Tubing down the Brokenhead River 

• 55. Join a Wolf Howl at McGillivray Falls Trail

• 56. Visit Pinawa Dam.

Photo Credit Maximilian Münch (@muenchmax)

• 57. Visit Lower Fort Gary, where costumed staff recreates the 1850s in the Red River Valley inside this restored 19th century stone fort. Experience the ring of a hammer against metal, the aroma of bannock drifting from an Aboriginal campfire or the feel of gnarled fur on a bison hide.

• 58. Check out the Souris swinging bridge

• 59. Bike to Lockport along River Road, stop for ice cream float, banana split or cheese dog and dine 50s-style at Half Moon or Skinners.

• 60. Visit Amaze in Corn (open late summer to late fall) for hayrides, zip lines and of course a corn maze.

• 61. Visit Rushing River - Just a couple hours from Winnipeg, Rushing River cascades over rock gouged by glaciers in a series of rapids. It is a family-favourite camping destination for locals offering beaches, playgrounds, interpretive programs, hiking trails and endless opportunities for exploring. Books soon. These spots go fast!  

• 62. Check out the Spirit Sands desert - One of the only deserts in Canada, the Spirit Sands of Manitoba were formed  over 20,000 years when a blanket of glacial ice more than 2 km thick thawed creating a wide melt stream into the ancient Lake Agassiz leaving behind sand deposits over 6500 square km up to 200 feet deep!

• 63. Visit a local farm like Morning Sound or Deer Meadows or Boonstra Farm.

• 64. Go camping and experience the Canadian outdoors at one of Manitoba's many stunning provincial parks, like Nutimik or Spruce Woods.