For those of you who follow along with me on social media, you’ll have seen that I recently went on a trip to Winnipeg for the very first time. The itinerary was curated to showcase how “The Peg” is not only one of the most beautiful Canadian cities I’ve ever visited, but also is extremely 2SLGBTQIA+ friendly. Which if I’m being perfectly honest, in a world where that isn’t always the case, helped me fall in love with it even more. So let’s dive into all the reasons why when you’re thinking about travel this year, you might want to consider Winnipeg next.
Before we jump in I thought I would share a few things that you may not know and are important to acknowledge.
Firstly, Winnipeg is located in Treaty One Territory, the home and traditional lands of the Anishinaabe (Ojibwe), Ininew (Cree), and Dakota peoples, and in the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. Our drinking water comes from Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, in Treaty Three Territory.
Secondly, did you know that the “2S” in 2SLGBTQ+ stands for Two-Spirit? A term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits. Two-Spirit was (and is) about self-determination, rejecting colonial labels, building community, and reconnecting with long-suppressed aspects of Indigenous histories and cultures, including spirituality.
Fun fact that I also learned during this trip is that Same-sex marriage has been legal (and celebrated!) in Manitoba since 2004 (at the time we were only the eight jurisdiction in the world to do so), while Pride Winnipeg has been staged annually since 1987. Truly a leading city in the community on the global stage.
So let’s jump into what I was invited to see and experience, shall we? I’ll be honest with you, ahead of the trip, I hadn’t known a whole lot about Winnipeg and Manitoba. I think in my mind, and the minds of many, we have a certain version of a city in our minds if we have not yet had the pleasure of experiencing them for ourselves.
Upon landing at the airport it was off to check into Alt Hotel Winnipeg. If you’ve been following along with me on social for a while, or have been an avid reader, you’ll know that Le Germain and Alt Hotels are some of my favourite properties in the country. Alt Hotel Winnipeg blends smart design and downtown energy in the heart of the city’s Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment District. Located at the corner of Portage Avenue and Donald Street, just across from Canada Life Centre, Alt Hotel Winnipeg is conveniently within short walking distance of the RBC Convention Centre.
After exploring the city on my own, it was off to dinner. I have to say above and beyond the queer friendly atmosphere that met me around every corner, the food scene in the city was one of my favourite parts of this trip. First up, we went to The Oxbow Natural Wine Bar & Restaurant which was a delicious experience showcasing the first of many culinary experiences that I still think about to this day.
The next morning it was an early start and off to Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg. Conveniently located only 8 km from downtown Winnipeg, this outdoor spa draws on Scandinavian traditions to create a deeply restorative experience. I’ve shared similar experiences at sister properties in the Canada before, and they never disappoint for those of you wanting some much needed relaxation during your trip. “Guests cycle through hot, cold and rest stations—using saunas, steam rooms, plunge baths and quiet zones to relax and recharge. With massage services, body treatments, and a cozy indoor-outdoor restaurant, Thermea invites a slower pace and full body reset, year-round.”
Following a quick outfit change back at the hotel, we had my favourite meal of the trip at Next Door where we laughed over delicious dishes, craft beers, and incredible cocktails. Following lunch it was off visit Good Neighbour Brewing Co. the first all-female (and 2SLGBTQ+) owned and all-female operated brewery in Manitoba and one of few in Canada. While I may not be the biggest beer drinker in the world, meeting the owners and chatting about their experience as a lesbian couple made me realize how incredibly supportive the queer community is in Winnipeg.
Morgan and Amber are probably some of the most amazing people I’ve ever met, and I cannot express more that you must visit the brewery and restaurant on your next trip!
Afterwards we headed out for Queer History Walk with Britt Bauer. I had no idea how rich and layered the queer history of the city truly was. We learned about so much as we embarked on a journey celebrating the vibrant history and cultural significance of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Winnipeg with a tour of landmark buildings. From iconic bars to historic community centres, each stop tells a story of resilience, creativity, and activism.
Following that incredible experience, we made a pitstop at Rooftop drinks at the Delta Hotel Winnipeg. While the weather may not have been cooperating up until this very moment, I was able to capture this beautiful photo showcasing the stunning mural painted which is a love letter to the city and offers a STUNNING ambiance that is truly Instagrammable.
After a busy day it was off to experience Folklorama which we were lucky enough to be in the city for. A food and community based festival that is truly like none I have ever experienced before, essentially each culture that lives in Winnipeg works all year round to curate a pavillion of their own which included in the cost of your ticket has a 45 minute show, incredible food and drink, and showcases how incredibly multi-culural the city really is.
“Travel the world without a passport! Experience world-class entertainment, enjoy delicious authentic cuisine, warm hospitality and view beautiful cultural displays during Folklorama, the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world. Adventure to Pavilions that will transport you around the world without leaving Winnipeg.”
This is definitely an experience that I would travel back to Winnipeg for in order to experience as many pavilions as I can next year! Check out the Travel Guide for Folklorama.
Afterwards a few of us went out to visit BIPOC & Latinx 2SLGBTQIA+ owned & operated Club Happenings which is a nightclub in Winnipeg’s Osborne Village neighbourhood. We also stopped in at Little Brown Jug for a quick drink – both of which are great options for those of you wanting to experience the vibrant nightlife Winnipeg has to offer!
After a good night’s sleep, the next morning we started our day at Oh Doughnuts. An LGBTQ+-owned business and offers deliciously unique gourmet doughnuts, with too many flavours to count. Their Broadway location offers delectable, doughnut-inspired breakfast options, including French toast, Turkish eggs and an elevated bacon, egg & cheese sandwich. It was the perfect way to try something new (I had the everything doughnut which was savoury, and it was INCREDIBLE) ahead of a really beautiful day of experiences. Owned and operated by Amanda Kinden, this is a must for the foodies reading this blog post!
Following that it was off to The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) which is one of the experiences I was most excited for. The world’s only museum dedicated to human rights education and awareness, CMHR brings powerful stories to light and exploring what justice means across cultures and communities.
While I could have spent all day exploring the carefully curated stories of human rights, the reason for our visit was to see the newest exhibit, Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge. In full transparency, this exhibit is quite intense and brought me to tears on many occasions because many people don’t understand that not too long ago in the history of Canada, living the life I proudly do was illegal.
“The Purge was one of the longest‐running, largest‐scale violations of human rights in the workplace in Canadian history. Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge brings to light stories from this dark period, which is well documented yet not well known. The exhibition is about much more than government policy and past injustice. It is about courage and perseverance, about loss and triumph. Most importantly, it is about individuals — those who suffered discrimination and who stood up against powerful and pervasive biases.”
Following this powerful and moving experience, it was off to Discover Winnipeg’s captivating history, architecture, and natural beauty on our scenic river boat tour with Winnipeg Waterways. The tours reveal the city’s iconic landmarks and their stories, blending Indigenous heritage, architectural marvels, and the charm of the Peg. A must for those of you wanting to see parts of Winnipeg you might have missed and from a really fun perspective on the water – just make sure to pack some warm clothes cause it can get a little chilly on the water.
Following the tour, it was time to explore The Forks. Traditionally a gathering place for more than 6,000 years, the spirit of connection lives on through local food, public art and shared space at the junction of two rivers.
“This 56-acre site blends historic significance with modern-day culture, drawing more than four million visitors a year. The Forks Market and Johnston Terminal are packed with local vendors, casual eateries and artisan shops. Steps away, green space, skate parks, public trails and cultural landmarks like Oodena Celebration Circle and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights offer something for every kind of explorer.”
Our final meal of the trip was at Tabula Rasa, where we had a chance to meet with Chris Turyk (he/him), Director of Collaboration and Systems Change at Rainbow Resource Centre. Tabula Rasa translates to “a clean slate” and is a charming tapas restaurant, cocktail & wine bar in the up-and-coming South Osborne neighbourhood.
All in all, while the trip was only a few days, I truly got a sense the history, culture, food and community that Winnipeg has to offer and I know that this is just the first of many trips that I will be making to a city that has truly stolen a piece of my heart.
For those of you planning a visit, especially those of you in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, here is a list of additional shops to check out that are 2SLGBTQ+- owned businesses & supporters of community
Other experiences that I would suggest you check out in the city during your next or first visit to Winnipeg are listed below for you.
Hargrave Street Market:
If you’re looking for a bite to eat, head to Hargrave Street Market (242 Hargrave St), the city’s newest food hall that boasts a number of excellent concepts from some of Winnipeg’s best chefs and restaurant groups, and serves as Manitoba’s homebase for Lake of the Woods Brewing Company. 6-minute walk from your hotel.
Manitoba Museum:
A great introduction to our province, The Manitoba Museum explores the province’s past, present and future through immersive galleries, science exhibits and stories rooted in this land. From full-sized ships and historic fur trade scenes to the planetarium and Science Gallery, the museum offers hands-on learning and expansive storytelling. The Prairie Gallery stands out for its focus on Indigenous histories and ecological knowledge, inviting deeper understanding of Manitoba’s identity.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 4-minute Uber ride or 15-minute walk from your hotel. Instagram: @manitobamuseum
The Leaf:
The Leaf offers a lush, climate-controlled journey through four distinct biomes—including Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall. This year-round horticultural attraction invites visitors to explore plant life from around the world while reflecting the cultural diversity of Manitoba. Walk through the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome, breathe in the citrus-scented air of the Mediterranean Biome, take in seasonal floral displays at the Babs Asper Display House, and watch butterflies flutter through the Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden. More than just a stunning botanical space, The Leaf is a celebration of how nature connects us across climates, cultures and generations.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 15-minute Uber ride from your hotel. Instagram: @assiniboine_park
Assiniboine Park Zoo
Located minutes from downtown Winnipeg in beautiful Assiniboine Park, the Zoo has been a favourite destination for families, tourists, school groups, and animal lovers for over a century. With over 80 park-like acres to explore, the Zoo is open year-round with both indoor and outdoor exhibits, providing visitors with the opportunity to interact with animal species from all corners of the globe. Visit the Journey to Churchill exhibit to watch polar bears swim above your head, learn about Arctic conservation and discover the magic of Canada’s North.
Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 15-minute Uber ride from your hotel. Instagram: @assiniboineparkzoo
Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq
The WAG-Qaumajuq is an important stop for anyone looking to learn more about Indigenous art. It houses the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world with over 14,000 works. Qaumajuq features a stunning glass vault three stories high and filled with thousands of Inuit carvings, as well as an interactive theatre.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3-minute Uber or 12-minute walk from your hotel. Instagram: @wag_ca
Winnipeg and Manitoba, you truly have shown me how beautiful Canada and its cities can be and I cannot wait to be back to visit you again soon! If you’re curious to learn more head to the following link: 2SLGBTQIA+ | Tourism Winnipeg
I hope you enjoyed reading this post. If you’re not already, follow me on all social media platforms at @dothedaniel as I share in real time these adventures and so much more!
Photos: Tourism Winnipeg, Explore Manitoba, Daniel Reyes Cocka
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