Is Winnipeg, Manitoba Worth a Visit? (Canada's prairie capital at the center of North America!) 🇨🇦

After returning from my whale and beluga safari in Churchill, I focused my attention on exploring Manitoba's bustling capital city of Winnipeg. With a population of 750,000, Winnipeg is central Canada's largest city and the home of 55% of the province's citizens.
My sightseeing took me through the heart of the city, from the neoclassical century-old Manitoba Legislature to the charming market district of The Forks. From there, I crossed the Louis Riel Esplanade to the quaint French district of St. Boniface, where I visited the city's stunning French basilica, the Cathédrale de Saint-Boniface.
I ended my day by admiring the rustic, century-old architecture of the Exchange District, Winnipeg's most historic neighbourhood.
Vlog Number 36 | Canada | #Manitoba #Winnipeg | Filmed August 2020
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Vegas by Onda Norte
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Bottai by Ooyy
Paper Chasing by Lvly
The Happy Frenchman by Sight of Wonders
The Wave by Onda Norte
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[@sajateacher]

If it’s good enough for Michael Scott, then it’s good enough for anyone.

[@DrifterDave]

This gets the pin, sir 😂😂😂 “A concierge...is the Winnipeg equivalent of a Geisha” - loved that episode 👍

[@waynejones5635]

Absolutely love Winnipeg. During the summer it is such a treat to live in Winnipeg, with all the outdoor patios and venues in the city and the many lakes and beautiful beaches just outside the city. You gave a good sample of downtown, but there is so much more to see. The Exchange District (beyond Main Street), Assiniboine Park, Osborne Village and amazing restaurants. 12:12 Fun fact: Building on the left (Union Bank Tower) was the tallest building in the Commonwealth when it was constructed. Is now a part of the Red River Polytechnic campus in the Exchange District.

[@DrifterDave]

Thank you for this useful info! I agree that Winnipeg is completely underrated, and I look forward to discovering more of the city with each visit! Thanks for these local tips 😀

[@DrifterDave]

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[@southpark6757]

Very , very underated city. Exchange District, Osborne Village, The Forks and all the summer/fall festivals, surrounding lakes (Grand Beach, Winnipeg Beach, Falcon Lake ect). Excellent restaurants and many different cultural foods.

[@DrifterDave]

Totally agree! 😎

[@victoriaagius8389]

Beautiful and friendly city

[@fc1984fc]

Plus, the Jets!

[@truth4u2kid]

If it wasn't for them darn long brutal winters, I'd still be living there. 6 months of below freezing is too much for this ol man.

[@southpark6757]

@@truth4u2kid absolutely, which is why I left 25+ years ago but still love visiting in the summers.

[@ferny.]

Great job! Winnipeg gets such a bad Rep but I love it! Sure it has some negatives but there's also so much to explore that residents take for granted and instead focus on the bad.

[@DrifterDave]

I totally agree! 😎

[@DoBap_]

I’m from Toronto and visited over the summer, and its a beautiful city. Just gotta get that crime under control.

[@serges.7115]

Just to make note that you were touring downtown Winnipeg , I 'd like to add that there's also a hockey arena for the jets and a baseball stadium for the goldeyes for added entertainment .

[@DrifterDave]

Good to know! I'm not a huge sports fan so this is often overlooked but definitely important to mention.

[@grahammcmillan573]

Great video - you served us well here and picked what looks like a perfect day to enjoy it all.

[@DrifterDave]

Thanks 👍 I had a wonderful day exploring the city. I will be back!

[@miransong9514]

Your videos deserve more views! Keep up the good work :)

[@DrifterDave]

Slowly but surely! Thank you for checking out my channel! 😎

[@BRPRASHANTH]

Great job again!

[@DrifterDave]

Thanks again! 😎

[@BC250]

Thanks for sharing your experience in Winnipeg. I wished that I did the same while I was there this past summer. I didn't get a chance to visit the attractions due to a funeral, but I'm sure I'll be back again.

[@DrifterDave]

Sorry for your loss. I hope you're able to explore the city under different circumstances in the future. Thank you for watching! 😎

[@abdulhayyee8783]

Cool place to visit. Good job friend !

[@DrifterDave]

Thanks a lot! 😎

[@victorrenanleitao5438]

I simply LOVE WINNIPEG! I would never out of here to any other major cities such as Toronto or Vancouver. So many things to do and I’m out and about in a beautiful lake in about 1hr from the city core. Besides, it has one of the best fishing spots in the country! You missed showing the Assiniboine Zoo. But you made me cry featuring my vieux quartier de Saint Boniface. thank you so much for the video!

[@DrifterDave]

Not a problem! I am glad to have showcased a city that deserves much more positive attention. Thank you for your comment and for checking out my channel 🙏

[@frankdenardo8684]

I always used Winnipeg to get out of something. "I have to catch a flight to Winnipeg"

[@DrifterDave]

Funny!

[@FreenInGreen]

It's nice to see the city through fresh eyes like this. Nice work. Lots of little things residents don't really notice because they've become normal after living here for so long.

[@DrifterDave]

Thank you for the kind words! I enjoyed my day in Winnipeg!

[@arashchauhan6313]

Thanks for exploring Winnipeg city I’m going on next week

[@DrifterDave]

Enjoy your trip! 🇨🇦🍁

[@PamilyangPinoy-TV]

Winnipeg’s the best!! 🇨🇦❤️

[@DrifterDave]

It is a great city!

[@den8863]

Just a historic note. The cathedral was lost to a fire in the late 1960’s. All that is left is the front facade. The new cathedral is found behind the ruins. It was designed by architect etienne gaboury, who also designed the mint in Winnipeg and the pedestrian suspension bridge that you showed in your video.

[@DrifterDave]

Thank you for the explanation - very interesting!

[@cameronashton6987]

I like you videos, Dave. I feel like I'm traveling whilst in the comfort of my bed. Hehe.

[@DrifterDave]

Glad you like them! 🙏😎

[@chrissangany8106]

Sweet !

[@DrifterDave]

Yes it was!

[@oliviawenke]

I had planned to travel back to Winnipeg last year but the covid stopped me. Thx for sharing the moments in Winnipeg, the city where I had both good&bad memory as a student 10 years ago.

[@DrifterDave]

I hope you get a chance to return to the city someday! Covid needs to end very soon. Thank you for watching 🙏

[@goldmaple4360]

Winnipeg is worth visiting. Some things to see in Winnipeg: the Forks Market, the Canadian Human Rights Museum, the Royal Canadian Mint, the Manitoba Legislative Building. The pace of life is slower than the hustle and bustle of other Canadian cities like Toronto, Calgary, Montreal and Vancouver.

[@DrifterDave]

I agree! Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@kathhebreo]

Thank you for featuring Winnipeg - I am from here!

[@DrifterDave]

It's an incredible city (especially in summer) and deserves much more exposure and publicity. I really enjoyed my day there! 😎

[@shanescarlife]

Short answer, Yes. Long answer, also yes, but know where to avoid. Lol

[@DrifterDave]

Good answer 😂😂🙏

[@pettepinkie1008]

You did a nice presentation. I'm applying as immigrant and i'm inspired by your video. Thanks. thumbs up!

[@DrifterDave]

Glad it was helpful! I hope your application to Canada goes smoothly!

[@pettepinkie1008]

@@DrifterDave thank you :)

[@jamesli7969]

Sir, a fan from China. I’m admitted to U of Toronto, Waterloo, and UBC. (And possibly McMaster) But also schools in the US. Your traveling videos made me want to come to Canada for college despite the fact that I’m a huge NBA, NFL, and MLB fan!! Could you please do a series of travel vlogs to Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, or the three provinces in northern Canada? Appreciate the good work!!

[@DrifterDave]

Great to have you check out my channel! I hope you get the chance to relocate to Canada. I’ve not been able to make any vlogs of the Maritime provinces due to their strict COVID restrictions but I plan to visit there after they settle down a bit more. I live in Nunavut territory in northern Canada, so expect to see a lot of content from there in the coming months! The Yukon & NWT will take a while (again due to covid restrictions). Thank you for watching 🙏

[@jamesli7969]

@@DrifterDave can't wait to explore Nunavut by watching your videos! Thanks again and stay safe and healthy traveling🙏!!

[@RIANDOA]

Taste of Sri Lanaka is by far my favourite place to eat at The Forks, pretty much tradition for me - if I'm at The Forks, I'm eating Sri Lankan. If you're ever here again, you absolutely have to try it.

[@DrifterDave]

Sounds great! I saw that place but wasn’t sure of the food or what would be good. What dish(es) would you most recommend? I’ll be in Winnipeg again in the coming months and will try it!

[@RIANDOA]

@@DrifterDave Anything really! I don't like eggplant at all, but theirs is ridiculously good. Whatever sauce or spices used, it's fantastic. Eggplant curry on savoury rice with butter chicken. SO GOOD!

[@DrifterDave]

I'll definitely plan to check it out! 😃

[@lennyt-man4229]

Dave I'm from here. That part of Main St was known as Bankers Row think 14. The walking bridge, used to be the old road one, was damaged from the 97 flood and replaced by the new one beside it. Nutty Club building was built in 1905. U did a nice job showing part of the downtown area.

[@DrifterDave]

Thanks for sharing these local insights! You live in a great city 👍

[@lennyt-man4229]

Your welcome and yes it is. I don't like city life after 47 year's here, grew up on farm just north of city and its alot quiter.

[@DrifterDave]

@@lennyt-man4229 I’m a country guy myself - it’s never too late to leave the city. Best thing I ever did.

[@lennyt-man4229]

Cool and I'm dealing with health problems. Couldn't afford it on my disability anyways and plus need to be near a hospital too.

[@DrifterDave]

@@lennyt-man4229 Those are very good reasons 🙏 I hope you enjoy your summer in Winnipeg

[@BlacqueJacqueShellacque_]

When I visited (just for an afternoon), I went in with low expectations (due to it's reputation of being "boring") and I was pleasantly surprised. While it's no where near as nice as Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver, it's worth spending a day there for sure. I'd like to go again some day.

[@DrifterDave]

Check out my hometown of Calgary sometime - it’s very liveable! “Pleasantly surprised” is a good way to summarize Winnipeg 😎👍

[@cameronashton6987]

Be sure to explore the Exchange District, Osborne Village areas. Lots of quaint little shops and cafes to enjoy.

[@cameronashton6987]

In one other's video vlog I heard this guy complaining that there was no night life in Winnipeg. But, he probably didn't venture out to really find out that, yes, there is an abundance of night life. Tons of places to enjoy the evening...nightclubs of all kinds, karaoke lounges, sidewalk cafes...night time is beautiful in Winnipeg. :-)

[@DrifterDave]

One of my vlogs, or someone else? I only have one vlog of Winnipeg 🙃

[@cameronashton6987]

No...another vlogger.

[@DrifterDave]

Understood! I agree that Winnipeg has way more to offer than its reputation suggests👍

[@winnjc9154]

If you avoid North Main and the Northend of the city then you should mostly be fine.

[@DrifterDave]

North Main was definitely sketchy! But the rest of the city is pretty tame, I completely agree 👍

[@bobstupak8605]

• BEST AREA TO VISIT IN WINNIPEG IS THE NORTH END.

[@DrifterDave]

Good to know!

[@user-mrfrog]

Winnipeg seams like a city with a lot of potential! Too bad for the crime though! ☹ Et un petit "salut" à tous les franco-manitobains!

[@DrifterDave]

Definitely a lot of potential there! I enjoyed my brief visit there but I can agree that the crime rate is concerning.

[@ahmedshakarom5655]

are you from Manitoba right

[@DrifterDave]

No, I'm from Calgary, Alberta.

[@Senski11]

I’m from Winnipeg Manitoba

[@DrifterDave]

You live in a great city! 😎

[@neosayien]

I would like to visit Winnipeg but just curious if it's diversified enough for asian people like myself lol

[@DrifterDave]

Winnipeg is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada!

[@alexandraroels7137]

Winnipeg is extremely danger roads and too many homeless! ( be careful).

[@DrifterDave]

Thank you for sharing your perspective on the city 🙏

[@amanlizamasha1937]

Winnipeg has more turn of the century buildings in North America.

[@DrifterDave]

It's a beautiful historic center, for sure! 👍

[@amanlizamasha1937]

@@DrifterDave an architect I met in Seattle told me that , I now live in Calgary.

[@DrifterDave]

@@amanlizamasha1937 Always great to meet another Calgarian! 😎 Thank you for checking out my channel 🙏

[@jckhammer]

The exchange district is a national historic site.

[@ZozO10312k]

Its a meh here, i live here in the peg but nothing special. One thing i'd say if you were gonna visit winnipeg, downtown area is the scariest part as their is so much bad people, anywhere outside is fine unless your gonna watch the jets hockey game. But due to the virus, maybe not the best time

[@DrifterDave]

Thanks for your feedback! And yes - downtown Winnipeg is definitely sketchy after sunset 😂

[@ndv135]

@@DrifterDave Just saying, that spot you were saying had a lot of aggressive homeless people is odd in just how many there are there, you literally could not have chosen a more unusual spot to judge the downtown on. Also as I Winnipeger I can tell you that most Winnipegers are irrationally afraid of many parts of our city, often without very good reason. Even the most dangerous places are not a dangerous as people think. Those blocks around Portage and Main are some of the worst parts of downtown though.

[@DrifterDave]

@@ndv135 Very good to know! I'll be returning to Winnipeg in the future, so any local tips that you might have to offer on what else to see and do would be greatly appreciated! 😎

[@ndv135]

@@DrifterDave During a normal years there are a LOT of festivals in the summer, including one of the largest fringe theatre festivals in North America, and the Folk Festival, which is held outside of the city at Birds Hill Provincial Park (which is also a nice place). The Manitoba Museum, which is another museum in town is a pretty nice museum too, it has a exhibit that has recreated a section of turn of the century Winnipeg streets, which most people who come here like. Around the city you can find regions with various different cultural routes, many communities along the Red still speak French as their first and primary language, and I can see that you have already been to Dauphin and Gimli. A bit of a hidden gem is the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church in Cooks Creek, a small village North-East of Winnipeg, it is very large, and intricately decorated, with a large grotto next to it, (and I mean large). You also didn't make it into the sort of main part of the Exchange District, which is more so west of Main Street. A lot of the ethnic restaurants in Winnipeg are down a street called Ellice Ave, in a area called the West End. The Assinboine Park Zoo has one of the worlds best Polar Bear sanctuaries in the world, and the Zoo is ranked very highly for its conservation work, if not necessarily its size. A smaller local thing is the ruins of a Monastery just south of the city in a town called Saint Norbert that you liked the St. Boniface Cathedral you might like it. Fort Gibraltar is a recreation of the old British Fort of the same name, and Lower Fort Gary, like 20 minutes north of the city is a very well preserved historic fort, that has both a museum in the visitors centre, and a living museum in the fort itself, with people in costume playing the part of various historical occupants of the fort, (not this year though, for obvious reasons). Also the Cathedral in Cooks Creek holds and annual Medieval Festival, and Gimili hosts an annual Viking festival. Also like someone else I saw in the comments I would have to recommend the West side of Lake Winnipeg, Grand Beach is the most famous, but there are countless other more secluded and not as busy beaches along it too, like Patricia and Hillside. One very cool thing in the Whiteshell is the Bannock Point Petroforms, which are a collection of ancient petroglyphs, (images made of stone laid out on bare rock that form pictures or other shapes) which is defiantly a Manitoba highlight. Also almost forgot the Narcisse Snake Dens, which play host to one of the largest annual snake migrations, they return to the dens every year to mate in the pits and caverns. Some areas that are cool are also Osborne Village, Corydon Avenue, and some parts of a neighborhood called Wolseley, which has some old buildings with cute little corner shops in them.

[@DrifterDave]

Thank you for the wealth of information! I'll be printing these tips out and keeping them for my next visit to Winnipeg! Thank you for sharing these suggestions with the community 🙏

[@friendlyneighborhoodcow8776]

Careful, the downtown area is not the place you want to be

[@DrifterDave]

I found it to be OK during the daytime, but things quickly deteriorated at dusk 😂

[@neosayien]

Elaborate on that comment please

[@DrifterDave]

I was surrounded by homeless people who accosted me for cash. The streets take on a sinister vibe after dark.

[@bhenderson2725]

lol "aggressive homeless people", yeah bro that's the kind way to say some bums getting angry bc you don't wanna give em a drag of ur smoke

[@DrifterDave]

You're not wrong...

[@brandonreeder6162]

Edmonton is better

[@DrifterDave]

Why do you say that? Just curious!

[@realtalk_radio]

If love drunks, addicts and stabbings it's the perfect place!!!

[@DrifterDave]

Every city has its issues! Hopefully it cleans up the worst of its social problems. Though, there's still beauty to be found here and I did enjoy my short visit to the city.

[@bobbeckenridge3347]

If you are white and conservative then Winnipeg is not for you, the best of Canada? B.C. and Alberta, I have a border with both provinces and this area is beautiful.

[@DrifterDave]

I am a born and bred Albertan! And I'd agree with you that it's the best place in Canada (though I am very biased!). Are you in the NWT or Montana then? Both would be two of my favorites!

[@MrSky10101]

The answer is NO, Winnipeg is the armpit of Canada.

[@DrifterDave]

Give it a chance and you might change your mind (like I did)!