If there’s anything I’ve mastered, it’s squeezing the most out my trips, especially a work trip! So, when a recent assignment took me to Canada’s West Coast, I couldn’t resist tacking on a little extra adventure; this time to one of the country’s most underrated gems: Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Winnipeg has been dubbed Canada’s middle child. Stuck between bigger siblings like Toronto and Vancouver, it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. But, like any overlooked middle kid, Winnipeg has a way of surprising you! It’s a city buzzing with culture, a food scene that could rival any big metropolis, and experiences you’d never expect in the prairies.

If you’ve ever thought of Winnipeg as a “flyover city,” or better yet, never considered visiting there at all, here are five reasons why it deserves a spot on your travel list.

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1. Explore Winnipeg’s Arts and Culture

Winnipeg might get called “underrated,” but its cultural scene is anything but. Take the iconic Exchange District with its heritage buildings, cobblestone streets, and buzzing theaters that come alive during the Winnipeg Fringe Festival (the second largest in North America). It makes it easy to go from sipping a latte to stumbling on a street performance or a surprise gallery pop-up. Then there’s the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the first and only museum in the world dedicated solely to human rights stories. I’ll admit, walking through exhibitions like Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge hit me hard. The exhibition shines a light on 2SLGBTQI+ stories that were nearly erased. Museums can be heavy, but this one truly makes you feel, reflect, and remember.

Add the Winnipeg Art Gallery–Qaumajuq, home to the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art, and it’s impossible not to be moved. For me, wandering these spaces allowed me to connect with stories, people, and histories that undoubtedly have a lasting impact.

2. A Food Scene Worth Traveling For

Winnipeg proves that incredible food doesn’t need a Michelin star; though honestly, someone should call the inspectors and put this city on their radar — stat! Start with deer + almond, where Chef Mandel Hitzer fuses global flavors into dishes that are as inventive as they are delicious. The grilled baby grey zucchini is one of the best dishes I’ve ever had in my entire life. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t miss his pop-up RAW:almond — yes, on the frozen river — and yes, it’s every bit as bucket-list worthy as it sounds.

For something cozy with a creative twist, Oxbow pairs natural wines with locally inspired plates (do not miss the burrata topped with orange and hot honey; trust me on this), while while Gather Kitchen & Bar has dishes that are inspired by the natural world and plants at the Leaf, located right next door.

Nola, helmed by a Top Chef Canada alum, Chef Emily Butcher, serves up small plates that are absolutely incredible! The Japanese karaage fried chicken is a must! Breakfast isn’t basic here either: spots like Modern Electric Lunch turn the morning meal into a reason to get out of bed.

And for a sweet finish, locals will tell you to hit Bridge Drive-In (BDI). At BDI, they’ve been perfecting cones since the ’50s, dishing out a side of nostalgia with every scoop of some of the most delicious soft serve!

3. Unexpected & Unique Experiences in Winnipeg

This is where Winnipeg really flexes its “middle child” energy; you don’t expect it, but suddenly it’s stealing the spotlight. Case in point: Thermëa Spa Village. Just a short drive from downtown, this Scandinavian-inspired spa has you hopping between saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges, all while tucked in nature. It’s the perfect reset button.

Then there’s FortWhyte Alive, a nature reserve where you can paddle, hike, or join a Baby Bison Walk. But, don’t be fooled by the title (like I was), you don’t actually walk with baby bison, you take a stroll along a trail and can see bison and their young grazing in the prairies.

Don’t skip The Leaf in Assiniboine Park, a massive horticultural attraction where you can wander through lush biomes, stand in awe of Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall, and even immerse yourself in a butterfly garden. Winnipeg may not scream “jungle vibes,” but The Leaf will make you feel like you are right in the thick of one. If you thought prairie life was just flat fields, think again.

4. Winnipeg’s History & Heritage

Winnipeg wears its history on its sleeve. Nowhere is that more evident than The Forks, a gathering place for over 6,000 years. Once a trading hub, today it’s a vibrant mix of food stalls, public art, and riverfront trails — basically, all my favorite things in one place. You can feel the layers of history while sipping craft beer or browsing local makers’ goods.

Another landmark with stories to tell is the Fort Garry Hotel, a century-old icon that feels equal parts historic and cinematic. In fact, it’s been the backdrop for countless Hallmark movies, and, fun fact, there’s a strong chance John Travolta was staying there at the same time I was (cues every song and dance from one of my all-time faves, Grease).

Over in Saint-Boniface, you’ll step into the heart of French Manitoba. With its bistros, boutiques, and the striking ruins of the Saint Boniface Cathedral, the neighborhood feels like a slice of Europe in the prairies. This is also where you’ll learn about Louis Riel, the Métis leader who played a major role in shaping Manitoba’s identity. I first learned about him during a trip to Saskatchewan.

5. Winnipeg’s Welcoming Vibe

There’s something about the city’s come-as-you-are spirit that makes visitors feel instantly at welcome. Maybe it’s the way locals rally around summer festivals, or how even the coolest cocktail bars still feel unpretentious — hello, Amsterdam Tea Room with its tea-inspired cocktails. It could also be the city’s diversity, which shows up in everything from its food to its art to its communities. Grab a pint at Good Neighbour Brewing Co., Manitoba’s first all-female and 2SLGBTQ+-owned brewery, and you’ll see exactly what I mean.

Winnipeg doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It’s not chasing trends or trying to compete with flashier Canadian cities. Instead, it leans into being itself; welcoming, creative, and quietly cool.

From world-class museums to cozy bistros, outdoor spas to bison treks, Winnipeg is full of surprises waiting to be discovered. Next time you’re planning a Canadian getaway, don’t sleep on Winnipeg! Trust me, this “underrated” city will give you more than you bargained for, in the very best way.

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Disclosure: This post is in partnership with Tourism Winnipeg and Explore Manitoba. However, as always, all opinions are my own.