Surprisingly enough, Winnipeg is the Canadian town I visited the most throughout my life. I still fondly remember the first time I set foot on Manitoban soil, back in July 2012. After a few days aboard VIA Rail “The Canadian” route from Quebec City to Vancouver, there was a scheduled 4 hour stop in “The Peg” — it was my first encounter with this city. These four hours were plenty enough to encourage me to go back a couple years later in the summer. This time, I visited during winter, February to be exact, where climate is at its peak harshness in this part of the world. In this article, I’m inviting you to follow me on this marvelous frosty adventure in this city located right in the middle of Canada. From a Nordic spa journey, to a caffeinated third wave coffee shop experience, by way of having a gastronomic dinner on a frozen river, Winnipeg knows how to celebrate the cold season and make it warm and enjoyable — you might even get to see sun dogs, if you’re lucky! Without further ado, let’s jump in this Winnipeg Winter Travel Guide.
Winnipeg is located within Treaty No. 1 Territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinabe (Ojibway), Ininew (Cree), Oji-Cree, Dene, and Dakota, and is the Birthplace of the Métis Nation and the Heart of the Métis Nation Homeland
Here’s what you’ll find in this Winnipeg Winter Guide…
Where to have coffee in Winnipeg in the winter?
As a coffee lover, I know how important it is to have a warm and cozy spot to enjoy a cup of coffee when travelling, especially during the winter months. Fortunately, there are plenty of excellent coffee shops in Winnipeg that offer not only delicious brews but also a welcoming atmosphere to escape the cold. In this section of the guide, I’ll share with you some of the best places to get coffee in Winnipeg during winter, based on my personal experience and recommendations from other coffee enthusiasts. From classic drip coffee to a fancy seasonal latte, you’ll definitely find your beverage of choice in this city’s vibrant coffee scene and perhaps some delicious food along the way.
Modern Electric Lunch — for Third Wave coffee enthusiasts
Modern Electric Lunch is a fairly new coffee and brunch spot in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba. Located a hop, skip and a jump from Union Station, they offer a wide array of beverage options, as well as modern twists on classic breakfasts, but we’ll get to the food later in this article. By partnering with local and international coffee roasters, they’re able to offer the best products to local and visiting caffeine enthusiasts. Make sure to ask for their seasonal latte and their feature espresso, two scrumptious and warm beverages I had when I visited.
MAKE Coffee + Stuff — for coffee and architecture lovers
MAKE Coffee + Stuff is a lovely neighborhood café located in the Corydon area. Great coffee is served and I loved the minimalistic / japandi vibes of the interior design. This spot is laptop and study friendly, so don’t be afraid to bring some work or a book while sipping on your favourite brew.
Parlour Coffee — your best historic Exchange District coffee fix
Grab a bite and a filter coffee at Parlour Coffee while strolling downtown Winnipeg.
Little Sister
Little Sister is a charming and cozy cafe in the heart of Osborne Village, Winnipeg’s most vibrant and diverse neighbourhood. They serve their own specialty coffee roasted in-house, tea, and baked goods, as well as sandwiches, salads, and soups made with fresh and local ingredients. It is a perfect place to relax, work, or socialize, while enjoying a delicious cup of coffee and a tasty bite.
Thom Bargen Coffee Roasters
Thom Bargen Coffee Roasters is a local and independent coffee roaster and cafe in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It has three locations in the city, each with its own unique vibe and menu. Thom Bargen sources its beans from ethical and sustainable farms around the world, and roasts them in small batches to ensure freshness and quality. The cafe also offers a variety of pastries, sandwiches, and salads, as well as vegan and gluten-free options. Thom Bargen is more than just a coffee shop, it is a community hub where people can meet, work, or relax, while enjoying a superb cup of coffee and a friendly service.
Where to have the best brunch in Winnipeg during winter?
I don’t know about you, but coming from one of the cities in Canada with the best brunch scene, Montreal, I’m definitely a huge brunch enjoyer. There’s something about waking up late, meeting up with friends, and indulging in a delicious meal that makes me happy. Some of my favorite spots are Juneberry, Modern Electric Lunch and Clementine, and I’ll tell you why in this section of the guide. To some, brunch is just a meal, but to me, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a way to cope with the harsh winter, when the mercury dips below -30°C. It’s a way to warm up your body and soul, with a hot cup of coffee, a hearty plate, and a friendly chat. So don’t skip brunch when you’re in Winnipeg, and discover why it’s one of the best ways to experience winter in this city.
Juneberry — Lemon Pancakes with Whipped Mascarpone, Blueberry and Pistachio, need I say more?
Juneberry is a cozy and charming restaurant in Winnipeg’s Glenwood area, that offers a variety of delicious brunch options. Whether you are in the mood for a classic eggs benedict, a hearty Honduran baleadas with short rib steak, or their famous and decadent Juneberry pancakes, you will find something to satisfy your taste buds at Juneberry. They also have a selection of fresh juices, and coffee drinks to complement your meal. The service is friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. Juneberry is a great place to enjoy a leisurely brunch with your friends or family.
Indulge in a scrumptious menu at Modern Electric Lunch
I told you earlier in this article that I would get back to Modern Electric Lunch food menu. In addition to their perfectly crafted beverages mentioned earlier, they have a terrific menu to go with it. I went for the eggs benedict, since it was highly recommended by the waitress, and it was way beyond my expectations.
A local classic: Clementine Cafe
I already mentioned Clementine Cafe in my Winnipeg Summer Guide, but it’s way too good not to mention it again. There’s a reason why this place is always jam packed: it’s really good!
Where to have lunch in Winnipeg during winter?
On my most recent visit, I had lunch at two different places: Nola and RESTÖ at Thermëa. Here’s why I think these two places deserve your visit.
Nola: a bistronomic lunch by Top Chef Canada competitor Chef Emily Katelyn Butcher
Nola is a brand new concept from Chef Emily Butcher that celebrates the Pacific Northwest upbringing of the chef, through shareable plates. Don’t miss out on the corn & nori fritters and make sure to grab a bite of the mushroom Po’ Boy, you won’t regret it.
RESTÖ at Thermëa Spa by Chef Chicco
If you’re spending a day at the spa, you definitely have to dine on gourmet meals by Chef Chicco. It’s a sure way to enhance your spa experience while in Winnipeg.
What to do in Winnipeg during winter?
Winnipeg is a city that embraces winter with a variety of fun and exciting activities. One of the best places to enjoy winter in Winnipeg is the Forks, a historic site and a hub for culture, entertainment, and cuisine.
At the Forks, you can try different winter sports such as fat biking, triking, ice skating, and walking on the frozen river. Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures is on site all winter long and you can rent fat bikes, ice bikes, and more!
You can also shop for local artists’ creations at dconstruct, a shop that features eco-friendly and sustainable jewelry and accessories.
Another attraction worth spending a few hours while in Winnipeg is the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG-Qaumajuq). With an impressive collection of over 27,000 artworks spanning centuries, cultures, and media, including the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world, WAG-Qaumajuq will leave an impression on you like it did on me.
If you are looking for some warmth and relaxation, you can enjoy the Warming Huts along the river path, which are designed by architects and artists to provide shelter and beauty.
You can also treat yourself to a dinner at RAW: almond, a pop-up restaurant on the frozen Red River near The Forks, that puts forward renowned and emerging Canadian chefs while serving delicious and innovative dishes in a unique setting.
For a more indulgent experience, you can visit Thermëa, a Nordic-style spa that offers hot and cold baths, saunas, massages, and more. I was really impressed by the quality and quantity of rituals presented throughout the day. I particularly enjoyed the Arboreal Augfuss: “Inspired by the Canadian boreal forest, this Aufguss ritual is a love letter to nature. Let yourself be entranced by the music and lights enveloping the sauna. Feel the intensity of the Arboreal as the temperature fluctuates—hot and cold. Witness a performance like no other as your Rituals Artisans expertly wave tree whisks dipped in cold water, showering you with relief from the heat. Become one with nature. One with home.“
Finally, if you are feeling adventurous, you can take a winter walk downtown at sunrise on a very cold morning, and witness the stunning scenery and architecture of the city.
Where to stay in Winnipeg during winter?
Mere hotel is a modern and stylish boutique hotel in Winnipeg that offers a comfortable and cozy stay for travelers. The hotel is conveniently located near the Forks, a historic site and popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. The hotel also has a stunning view of the Red River and the city skyline. Mere hotel features spacious and elegant rooms with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and Nespresso machines. The hotel also has a fitness center, a business center, and a 24-hour front desk. Mere hotel is a great option to stay at in Winnipeg this winter, as it provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere, a convenient location, and a high-quality service.
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