12 Best Walking Tours in Winnipeg That Even Local Strollers Love to Book
My buddy from Vancouver came to visit, and when I asked what he wanted to do, he had one request—”Let’s hit the streets and explore!”
For me, walking tours are hands-down the best way to see the city up close, soak in the stories, and stumble upon hidden gems you’d totally miss in a car (or bus, even bikes!).
So, we laced up and tackled some of Winnipeg’s best walking tours. We wandered through the historic Exchange District, got spooked on a ghost walk, and saved the best for last—a West End Restaurant tour that had us stuffing our faces with local cuisine.
For those who love history, food, or just a solid excuse to get their steps in, here are the coolest walking tours in Winnipeg!
Exchange District Walking Tour
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Website: https://exchangedistrict.org/historic-walking-tours-2/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/exchangedistrictwpg/
Meetup Address: Exchange District BIZ office located at 492 Main Street
Hours: Tue- Sat: 10 AM – 6 PM
Tour Length: 1 to 1.5 hours
Contact: [email protected]
Wandering around Winnipeg’s Exchange District is like stepping back in time—only with better coffee and fewer horse-drawn carriages. With its beautifully preserved buildings and cobblestone streets, this neighborhood is practically made for walking tours.
You need to try the 1.5-hour “History of the Exchange District” tour. You’ll hear the wild stories behind Newspaper Row, the rise of Winnipeg’s powerful banks, and the General Strike that shook Canada.
If stunning buildings are more your vibe, check out “Bank Halls to Brutalism.” Whether you’re an architecture lover or just appreciate a gorgeous skyline, this one’s a must.
And did we mention that these tours won’t break the bank? Yep, at just $10 per person ($8 for students; 6 for those under 18), it’s one of the most affordable tours around!
| Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, join the 1-hour “Death and Debauchery” tour. This takes you through Winnipeg’s juicy past—think corrupt mayors, a legal red-light district, and the biggest unsolved robbery in Western Canada. |
The Forks National Historic Site Walking Tour
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Website: https://pc.gc.ca/forks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforkswinnipeg/
Meetup Address: The Forks National Historic Site
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 10 PM
Tour Length: 1.5 to 2 hours
Contact: [email protected]
Everyone knows that the Forks National Historic Site is an amazing spot. Sitting right where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet, this nine-acre park is packed with history, art, and scenic views—the perfect recipe for a walking tour!
Check out the “One Heart, Two Rivers, Four Directions” walking tour—a self-guided nine-stop tour—each shedding light on the deep Indigenous connections to The Forks.
We just love the tour’s focus on water protection and treaty responsibilities. It’s a reminder that we should all respect the land and the people who’ve cared for it.
Don’t worry, it’s not all serious—you’ll get to test your reflexes with a traditional Indigenous game. Grab a friend (hopefully, one with quick hands) and get a little taste of how people played here long before there was WiFi.
| Pro Tip: To access this tour, simply download the Parks Canada National App (available for Apple and Android). It’s free, easy to use, and lets you explore at your own pace! |
St. Boniface Walking Tour
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Website: https://passionethistoire.ca/-pedestre-guidee-du-vieux-saint-boniface/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourismwinnipeg/
Meetup Address: Riel Tourism Office
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Tour Length: 1.5 hours
Contact: (204) 233-8343
St. Boniface is Winnipeg’s French Quarter, and trust us—it’s got some serious charm. In fact, this neighborhood feels like a little slice of Europe right in the heart of the city.
This guided tour takes you deep into the fascinating history of the Francophone community in Manitoba. You’ll hear stories of perseverance and the joie de vivre (love of life) that makes this area so special.
The neighborhood’s architecture is a highlight—expect to see Insta-worthy heritage buildings and charming streets. Plus, your guide will share all the behind-the-scenes stories that bring these streets to life.
Tours run daily at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM from mid-May to early September, starting at the Riel Tourism office. If you can’t make those times, GPS-guided tours are available upon request, so you can explore at your own pace.
| Pro Tip: Planning a group outing? Group tours can be booked year-round, so if you’ve got a crew, check out the group tour page for all the details! |
Assiniboine Park Walking Tour
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Website: https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assiniboine_park/
Meetup Address: 55 Pavilion Crescent
Hours: Open 24 hours
Tour Length: 0.5 – 1 hour
Contact: (204) 927-6000
Assiniboine Park is one of Winnipeg’s biggest and best green spaces. With its charming pathways and beautiful gardens, it’s definitely a local favorite (and one of ours!).
Sign up for their Nature Photography Walking Tour, where you’ll learn basic photography techniques while exploring the park’s most scenic spots. They even provide cameras, but you’re also welcome to bring your own.
Another highlight is their seasonal English Garden Tour, where you can stroll through gorgeous flowers and trees while learning more about perennials and shrubs. You’ll even get the backstory of some of its most famous statues!
These guided tours are available year-round at the Assiniboine Park Zoo and Pavilion art galleries. Of course, seasonal garden tours are only when everything’s in bloom.
| Pro Tip: If you’re doing the Nature Photography Tour, try going during golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) for the best Insta-friendly lighting. |
The Forks Riverwalk Tour
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Website: https://www.theforks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theforkswinnipeg/
Meetup Address: 1 Forks Market Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 10 PM
Tour Length: 1 hour
Contact: [email protected]
Several walking tours are available from the Forks along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers and with good reason. Not only are the tours here addictingly scenic, but you’ll also learn a lot as well (whether you like it or not!).
Most people go for their self-guided audio tours. Just download the audio tour file narrated by Niigaan Sinclair, a respected Curator of Indigenous History and a Native Studies professor at the University of Manitoba.
It kicks off at The Forks and takes you along the western side of the Red River, winding through South Point Park and across the Trans Canada Trail to Churchill Drive. When you reach the end, you can turn back or keep going for a longer adventure.
If you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even extend the route by heading north along Waterfront Drive, passing through Stephen Juba Park and Fort Douglas Park.
| Pro Tip: We recommend packing a snack or grabbing a coffee from The Forks before you start—you’ll want to soak up the views along the way! |
FortWhyte Alive Nature Walk
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Website: https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/attractions/fortwhyte-alive
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortwhytealive/
Meetup Address: 1961 McCreary Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
Tour Length: 1 to 1.5 hours
Contact: (204) 989-8355
FortWhyte Alive offers hundreds of acres (660 to be exact!) of outdoor adventure right in Winnipeg. And here’s a cool perk—walk or bike there, and you get in for free!
Check out what’s probably the cutest tour you’d ever join—their Baby Bison Walk. From May through June, it’s calving season, which means you get to see baby bison wobbling around as they take their first itty-bitty steps.
Another favorite is the Wild Edibles Walk, a beginner-friendly foraging tour. If you’ve ever wondered which plants growing around you are actually delicious and useful, this is your chance to find out.
Tours cost $15 per person, with discounts for FortWhyte Alive Members ($12) and kids under 12 ($10). If you’re bringing little ones, they must be accompanied by an adult.
| Pro Tip: Want a private nature tour for your family or group? FortWhyte Alive can set that up just for you—just email [email protected] to make it happen! |
Winnipeg Public Art Tour
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Website: https://winnipegarts.ca/public-art/tours
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winnipegpublicart/
Meetup Address: Depends on the chosen tour
Hours: Free guided tours: May to September
Tour Length: 1 to 3 hours
Contact: [email protected]
What’s better than a Winnipeg Public Art Tour? Why, a free Winnipeg Public Art Tour, of course!
These tours take you to some of Winnipeg’s most creative and thought-provoking public art pieces; some are fun and interactive, while others will challenge your thinking. Just sign up on their website to join.
If you like a little variety, check out ArtWalk, where you can choose from themed tours through Downtown, the Exchange District, Saint-Boniface, and the West End.
Now, if you prefer to go at your own pace, the Winnipeg Public Art Works App lets you take a self-guided tour. You’ll get fun facts, trivia questions, and even insights from the artists themselves!
| Pro Tip: We suggest bringing a fully charged phone and some comfy shoes—you’ll want to take your time and enjoy every stop! |
The Winnipeg Ghost Walk
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Website: https://www.winnipegghostwalk.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theghostwalks/
Meetup Address: Old Market Square
Hours: (204) 898-4678
Tour Length: 1 to 2 hours
Contact: (204) 898-4678
Named one of Travel Manitoba’s top 150 things to do, The Winnipeg Ghost Walk is the longest-running supernatural walking tour, created by author Matthew Komus. Not for the faint of heart, it’s a very cool way to explore Winnipeg after dark.
We love their most popular option—The Exchange District Ghost Walk. Here, you can learn more about the most haunted building in Winnipeg, as well as the chilly history of Old Market Square.
If you dare to join, snag a ticket for only $20 ($15 for seniors and youth).
Now, if you want a free ghost walk tour, download one from the Downtown Winnipeg app. It takes you to some of the city’s most haunted spots, and as a spooky bonus, you can even listen to audio recordings at each stop!
| Pro Tip: Want a private ghost tour for your friends, coworkers, or school group? They offer custom tours for groups of 10 or more from September to November—just don’t count on a Friday or Saturday night, as those book up fast! |
Winnipeg Architecture Tour: Main Street
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Website: https://winnipegarchitecture.ca/digital-tours/main-street/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wpgarch/
Meetup Address: Main St.
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 10 AM – 4 PM
Tour Length: 1.5
Contact: (204) 960-8097
The Winnipeg Architecture: A Tour of Main Street starts at Market and William Avenues, and then leads you all the way to the Canadian Pacific Railway subway at Higgins Avenue.
Along the way, you’ll explore how Winnipeg’s architecture has evolved, reflecting both its economic booms and social changes.
The tour is 90 minutes long and covers two kilometers (1.2 miles)—plenty of time to take in 37 different stops. Some highlights include the historic Union Bank Tower, the elegant McLaren Hotel, the United Way Building, and City Hall.
Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with architectural lingo—there’s a handy glossary to explain key terms.
| Pro Tip: Many of the buildings on this tour are private property, including people’s homes, so be respectful and admire from a distance. Translation: No peeking in windows! |
West End Restaurant Tour
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Website: https://www.westendbiz.ca/visit/west-end-restaurant-tours/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westendwpg/
Meetup Address: Will be sent following booking
Tour Length: 2 to 3 hours
Contact: [email protected]
If you’re a foodie in Winnipeg, you already know that the West End is where it’s at. So, the West End Restaurant Tour is the perfect way to taste your way through this amazing neighborhood, where you’ll get to sample four yummy dishes.
But this isn’t just about stuffing your face (though let’s be honest, that’s a big part of it). As you walk from stop to stop, you’ll hear stories about the people, places, and history that make the West End so special.
For $55 per person, you get three delicious dishes and one dessert, handpicked from some of the best spots in the neighborhood. And if you want to level up your experience, grab drink tickets for $7 to pair your meal with a cold beer or wine.
Payment is easy, too—just book online through PayPal and you’re set.
| Pro Tip: Bookings must be made at least two days in advance, so don’t wait until the last minute since slots fill up quickly! |
West End Mural Tour
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Website: https://www.westendbiz.ca/visit/west-end-mural-tours/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westendwpg/
Meetup Address: Will be sent following booking
Tour Length: 2 hours
Contact: (204) 954-7900
West End Mural Tour is home to some of the city’s most eye-catching murals, and this tour gives you the inside scoop on the stories behind them.
Starting at the front of the West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Ave), you’ll walk around 2 km, stopping at fascinating murals along the way. A tour guide will break down the meaning behind each piece, explaining how it connects to the neighborhood.
We love that there’s a snack included to keep you fueled up while you wander. Plus, it’s offered in both French and English.
As a cherry on top, their ticket prices are not bad at all: it’s only $5 per person and $2 for children 12 & under.
| Pro Tip: Group tours of 5 or more are available for $15. So, grab your friends and book a private tour by emailing [email protected] or calling 431-554-9706. |
The Loop Walking Tour
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Website: http://tourismwpg.uberflip.com/i/1227450-the-loop-map-brochure-2020/1?
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tourismwinnipeg/
Meetup Address: Suite 810 – 1 Lombard Place
Tour Length: 3.5 hours
Contact: [email protected]
The Loop is a self-guided walking tour that covers around 9.5 kilometers and takes about 3.5 hours to complete. We just love this free tour since we can go at our own pace, stop for a coffee, snap some photos, and really take in the city.
From The Exchange District and Old St. Boniface, it’s packed with nearly 60 points of interest. You’ll see amazing, modern-day landmarks and attractions like the Esplanade Riel, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the Old Market Square.
Just remember that some of Winnipeg’s best details are above eye level. Keep an eye out for hidden carvings, vintage signage, and rooftop gardens.
Also, make sure to download your map today, so you don’t miss any of the must-see spots (or accidentally take a detour!). And yes, it’s also available in French.
| Pro Tip: Hard-copy Loop brochures are available at several locations across the city. But if you want to go paperless, simply download their interactive map and start exploring directly from your mobile device. |