THREE PERFECT DAYS IN WINNIPEG! (Your ultimate guide to exploring Manitoba's capital city)

[@DrifterDave]

What attraction would you be most interested in visiting in Winnipeg? Comment below!

[@VintagepaperdollcuttingC-wq5ql]

I would like you to do a log on the festival de Voyager

[@JackRabbit-y4k]

Staying the hell away from murderpeg. I used to live there, and it's literally a cesspit.

[@Branwhin]

Winnipeg! My home since birth. I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay. I really must go play tourist more, I either haven't been to some of those places in far too long or I've not been to some at all. Have a great day!

[@DrifterDave]

You're lucky to be a Winnipegger! I hope you get the chance to get out and explore your beautiful city - tell them Drifter Dave sent you! 😎 Cheers!

[@bobloblaw204]

Ya, me too. It took an outsider to show me my city. Haha cool.

[@DrifterDave]

Haha! Thanks for watching 😎

[@Aggdam]

Cool guide to the city, thanks! I live in Minnesota and was thinking of driving up for a long weekend. (Have never been to Canada in spite of living so close!) I’m into history and museums so probably the Human Rights Museum and Manitoba Museum, as well as walking around St Boniface. And just eating a lot, hoping to find some delicious poutine!

[@DrifterDave]

@@Aggdam Definitely worth the drive up & it would be a good introduction to Canada for you! I think your itinerary sounds excellent - let me know how your trip goes if you decide to go for it! 🇨🇦🍁

[@nolanharriott4574]

You’ll find great food and poutine here. Some other things to check out would be the Aviation museum, Air Force Heritage Park, Union Station, walk the paths along Sturgeon Creek, Little Mountain Park, St Norbert Farmers Market, Folklorama, The Exchange District, The Assiniboine Downs, or even the Prairie Dog Central. Just to name a few. In the winter you can skate down the river trails. If your from Minnesota you’ll know what the winters are like and how hot the summers get. Lots to do, lots to eat. So many different cultures and foods here. It’s a great place to come! You can even check out the bust of The Intrepid at the Legislative. He’s a Winnipeger that the James Bond character was based on.

[@DrifterDave]

Amazing tips, thanks for sharing. I think I'll need to do another 3 days in Winnipeg video at some point - there's way more to do there than can ever fit into a three day schedule! Let us know how your trip goes, @Aggdam!

[@Marikiralou]

It's so strange to see someone tour your home and be excited about things that seem so normal to you. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit, so many people talk badly about Winnipeg it's refreshing to see someone not from here saying nice things.

[@DrifterDave]

Thank you for the kind words! Winnipeg does get a lot of hate - not sure why. It's a beautiful city. I'm sure it has its neighbourhoods, as every large city does, but the city has done well with revitalizing its downtown area (which is WAY more beautiful and interesting today than it was during my first visit here about 25 years ago). Totally different city.

[@MauseDays]

@@DrifterDave only downside is you came post covid. pre covid the forks market would be wall to wall with people. nd much of my teenage years in the early 00s where spent on the stairs by the dock there drinking coffee, and later the skatepark(which was world class) in someways its better becouse your not crowded. But in others as a local it made me a bit sad to see how empty it was :/

[@DrifterDave]

That's definitely disappointing! I visited the Forks Market back in 2011 and I remember it being much more busy and lively. Today, it does have a bit of a food court vibe. I'd love to see them revamp and actually put in some fresh fruit & vegetable and meat/seafood stalls, to make it a bit more like Granville Island in Vancouver. They are missing the opportunity to be a one-stop shop for local produce (and Manitoba has so much to offer, produce-wise!).

[@bearlamb5026]

As a Winnipegger myself, I've done quite a lot of research about our city - the funny things and the not-so-funny things. The Manitoba Museum is one of the best museums in the city. I grew up going there at least twice a year, and I still enjoy walking through it. It's a great part of our city that no one should miss out on. Parts of Winnipeg are not the greatest at the moment, just like every big city. It has its problems, but it also has its good points. We have a lot of buildings that are very old, and the downtown core fits in with brand new ones. I used to do city tours here in Winnipeg and show the true history, small quirks, and alleyways. I also take photos with me to show my guests how the area used to look like 100 years ago. Winnipeg was a different place. I also show where buildings once were and torn down to modernize the city in the 60s. Not many people like the new modern look of our city hall compared to their old City Hall. I bet you people said the same about the other City Hall, but people will always have complaints. Winnipeg has a lot of history. For many people, this was the new beginning. From far away, between 1900 and 1905, Winnipeg grew twice the size. Many people didn't even have homes and had to camp outside the city limits. Many people stopped here for a few months to go on to different cities like Calgary and Edmonton, as those cities were starting to start up very quickly due to the farm properties being sold. At the time, the population in Winnipeg overnight grew very fast. At these times, Winnipeg didn't have enough police to protect its citizens, as there were quite a bit of barroom brawls and plenty of criminal acts happening in our city at the time. Did you know that the city of Winnipeg had the most millionaires in the world between 1900 and 1920? These are facts that many people don't know. As many people left other cities to move to Winnipeg, there were big opportunities in Manitoba, which was the new Farm Belt of the world. It was common for breweries, bakeries, and butcher shops, all European-owned, to set up within a couple of weeks. New settlers to the country can always learn more about Winnipeg. We have a saying in Winnipeg: if you live here, you're stuck here.

[@DrifterDave]

Thanks for this rich reflection on the history of Winnipeg. It's always fascinating to think about how widely known Winnipeg would have been back in the Roaring 20s, and how wealthy of a city it once was. I feel that its decline in the latter half of the 20th century is slowly being turned around, as there's an energy in the air there that wasn't present during my first visit to the city in 2001, and the multiple times I've visited even between then and 2011. The city is definitely being revitalized and the tourism board is doing a great job at highlighting what the city has to offer. Definitely a lesser-known destination that deserves to be discovered! Thanks for watching 😃

[@ag22969]

@@bearlamb5026 doubt it had most millionaires in the world between 1900-1920s

[@DrifterDave]

I've heard similar statistics - it was definitely a boom town back then. Probably partly in due to rum-running during prohibition, as well as it serving as a main transportation hub for the expansion westward across Canada. I would have loved to see what Winnipeg was like back then!

[@restothis917]

You should have stayed at the Mariaggi's hotel. Great place, lots of celebrity history. The owner, Lowell, is a great conversationalist and a phenomenal host.

[@DrifterDave]

@@restothis917 I’ll check it out the next time I’m in Winnipeg! Thanks for the tip 😎👍

[@VintagepaperdollcuttingC-wq5ql]

I moved away from Winnipeg when I was a child, but I do remember my father stopping at BDI for an ice cream. The Manitoba Museum is definitely the best museum I have ever seen, being able to board an actual ship is the most amazing experience. The science museum is great too!

[@DrifterDave]

I agree - the Manitoba Museum is fantastic! And I'm glad that BDI made it into your core memories - definitely an iconic spot!

[@TheDiscerningDinosaurArt-yi2bq]

You went to the most important place. The BDI! Good man!

[@DrifterDave]

It was amazing! Will definitely be back the next time I'm in Winnipeg 👌

[@justadude7820]

A few more places i recommend, Prairie Central Railroad, it's an old historical railroad that takes you back to the past. Sometimes, there is a train robbery reenactment. Osborne Village, there's a lot of old bars and small shops. It's also like the heart of Winnipeg's nightlife. Assiniboine Downs, live horse racing and occasionally other large events such as a night market featuring local vendors. Union station, national historic site of Canada. Its the same designer and architects as grand central station in New york. There's also a small railroad museum. Upper fort garry park, a historic site across from union station

[@justadude7820]

The Mint, Canada's coin factory. They do guided tours Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, the building is brand new, opened a year or 2 ago. Fort Whyte Alive, an amazing outdoor space within Winnipeg, home to many wild animals such as bisons. Thermea Nordik Spa St Boniface Cathedral

[@DrifterDave]

@@justadude7820 I’ve been to Osborne Village & the Mint back in 2021! I guess I’ll need to head back for another “Three Perfect Days” video - the sad part of being in Winnipeg for only three days is the realization that you just can’t see everything within that time frame! Had I been in town longer, I certainly would have checked more of the city out! Thanks for the local tips - next time!! 😀

[@justadude7820]

@DrifterDave thanks for coming by. There's not a whole lot in Winnipeg. It is a small city in general, but I'm really glad you had a good time

[@DrifterDave]

It's a smaller city, but definitely full of some worthwhile attractions! I definitely enjoyed my three day visit 👍

[@dsadhakaspaceagency5743]

I am From Winnipeg but currently not in Winnipeg due to visa pray that I get my visa soon and come back to this amazing city I study at U of M

[@DrifterDave]

I hope you get the chance to return soon! It's a beautiful city with so much to see and do 😃

[@SandyB4975]

What are some winter activities?

[@DrifterDave]

SO MANY THINGS! Check out www.tourismwinnipeg.com for some great ideas. I also have a Winnipeg video that goes through my winter visit a few years back, but opportunities were more limited then during the pandemic. The great thing about Winnipeg as well is that several of the attractions listed in this summer video can also be visited in the winter (especially The Leaf, and the city's amazing museums). I definitely hope you have an amazing time if you decide to visit this winter!

[@katarinahein432]

There's a big festival called Festival du Voyageur in February! There's live music, outdoor activities, international snow carving competitions, and tons of live music. That's the big one, but there's also skating on the river at the Forks once it's frozen, there are Christmas craft markets in November and December, and there are always tons of concerts and shows going on! One of my favourite things to do in Winnipeg in the winter is to go see the symphony orchestra play at the Centennial Concert Hall!

[@DrifterDave]

I need to do a "three days in winter" video! I'm sure the city takes on a whole different vibe in its coldest months. You definitely have got me thinking!

[@wendingourway]

My birth place!! Don't remember much as a babe, but have been there a number of times since.

[@DrifterDave]

@@wendingourway Amazing! Definitely one of Canada’s great cities!

[@discodirk48]

The irony of protected history when they destroyed the Eaton's building to make way for the sports arena but it's not like there wasn't other appropriate spaces. They of course lie about it being too expensive to fix and remodel but we know historically that history is created by the ones in power.

[@DrifterDave]

Didn't know this! It's always disappointing when historic buildings are torn down to make way for new development. Even less historic (but iconic) buildings like my own Calgary Saddledome are slated to be destroyed - seems wasteful. I'm no architect, but I can't imagine why it would be problematic to continue to use the existing concrete foundations and somehow add a bit more seating. I guess it's cheaper in the end, but still.

[@jeffmerklinger9067]

3 days IN A ROW?!?!?!

[@DrifterDave]

Yes! They were amazing!!

[@Blanketwaves]

who is the boat guide?? hes hot asking for a local friend

[@DrifterDave]

@@Blanketwaves He’s a great guy!

[@NovanoirEcho]

there is a donut shop down broadway, i got a root beer donut down there. theres also a haunted room in the fort garry hotel down broadway as well. i visit winnipeg every year i come out for comic and anime conventions. i live out in the country side of manitoba also its weird for a guy showing off a place i have lived for many years of my life LOL. edit: also one of those peacocks at the zoo is an asshole. would always peck and go after people LOL

[@DrifterDave]

Thank you for these local tips! I definitely enjoyed my time working with Tourism Winnipeg & helping share the city's top attractions & summer activities. There's a ton to see and do in the city. And I'll consider myself warned about the peacock (LOL).

[@ag22969]

River walk is flooded..

[@DrifterDave]

That's unfortunate to hear. Hopefully the waters recede soon. This video was filmed during the first week of July, so you may notice some differences. Cheers.

[@ripratt]

Who wants to stay at a hotel where you can see into the bathroom from almost anywhere in the room? Sorry but I don't want my room mate to watch me sitting on the toilet.

[@DrifterDave]

@@ripratt LOL! This is a common design in many modern hotel rooms - I’ve encountered it more times than I can count, especially in upscale middle class hotels like the Mere that cater to millennials. Some hotels have privacy blinds that roll down - some don’t. I can’t remember if Mere had one or not!

[@lisamiller8760]

We are known as murder capital I'm born and raised in the hood of winnipeg this city has truly turned to shit

[@DrifterDave]

I hope Winnipeg can change that reputation, as I had a lovely time there exploring the city and felt perfectly safe! Certainly there are a lot of social issues there, including homelessness, but that's the case in almost every major city in Canada in 2024. In my opinion, Vancouver and Edmonton are much, much worse.

[@jhickman4735]

Err.. scenic riverfront views ? I have lived in Winnipeg 13 years and the decline I’m seeing is depressing. I walked from The Forks to Osborne bridge just this week and the riverbank is full of homeless encampments. Overall, Winnipeg is becoming more unsafe and dirty but thankfully, we also have lots of great places to visit.

[@DrifterDave]

Canada is definitely experiencing unprecedented homelessness and social issues from coast to coast. For what its worth, Winnipeg is facing a fraction of these issues compared to what you'd encounter in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Edmonton. That said, I didn't encounter a single problem during my three day visit to Winnipeg, and felt completely safe as a tourist.

[@a1m598]

Winnipeg is a nice place, except for the weather and the people.

[@DrifterDave]

@@a1m598 Ouch! The weather was lovely during my summer visit 🤩

[@scatback33]

Such a tired joke 🤔

[@a1m598]

@@scatback33 prove me wrong then. Winnipeg has the coldest and harshest winters of any major city in Canada and it has the highest violent crime rate. It's not a tired joke when it's absolutely true.

[@DrifterDave]

Even if some of its statistics are damning, you can easily enjoy a visit to Winnipeg as a tourist without any of those factors. If cold isn't your vibe, a summer visit that is focused on the city's excellent food scene, it's interesting history, and its top-draw attractions are definitely worthwhile. I encountered precisely zero criminal activity in Winnipeg - it's largely a problem only where tourists don't tread.