A Local’s Guide to Spending a Perfect Day at CF Polo Park in Winnipeg
When I’m not at one of the best parks in Winnipeg, you’d probably see me at the largest shopping center in my city (and in Manitoba too!)—CF Polo Park.
Not only does it carry the newest and biggest brands, but it also has the trendiest eateries and the coolest entertainment options (plus, awesome seasonal events!). It has certainly kept up with the times, considering it opened way back in 1959.
Be it a solo shopping trip, a group hang, or a family movie adventure, this awesome mall caters to everyone—tourists and locals alike.
Of course, going here can be a bit intimidating at first, seeing that it has around 200 stores. So, feel free to use our handy guide to CF Polo Park—it has everything you need to know about this Winnipeg landmark. Have fun!
Where is CF Polo Park?
Winnipeg’s CF Polo Park is at 1485 Portage Avenue, just west of downtown, near major roads like St. James and Route 90. It has plenty of parking, including surface lots and a parkade.
How to Get to CF Polo Park
By Car:
From Downtown Winnipeg, take Portage Avenue (Route 85) west for about 5 km, and CF Polo Park would be on your left, just before St. James St.
From Winnipeg Airport, take Wellington Avenue and turn right on Route 90 (King Edward Street), heading south for about 3 km. Turn left onto Portage Avenue, drive 1.5 km, and CF Polo Park will be on your right.
By Bus:
Winnipeg Transit has several routes stopping at CF Polo Park’s South Transit Terminal and West Access. Popular options include Routes 11, 12, 20, 21, 66, 74, 77, and 78.
By Bike:
Cyclists can use bike-friendly roads like St. Matthews Avenue and Empress Street. Note that bike racks are limited, so plan accordingly.
By Walking:
If you’re staying nearby in the St. James area, it’s a pedestrian-friendly walk along Portage Avenue, with sidewalks leading right to the mall.
Best Time to Visit CF Polo Park
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The best time to visit the CF Polo Park is on weekday mornings or early afternoons when it’s less crowded. Keep in mind that evenings and weekends get busier, especially during holidays and sales events.
Things to Know about CF Polo Park
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Accessibility
CF Polo Park has automatic doors, elevators, and designated accessible parking spots throughout the mall. Washrooms are also wheelchair-accessible, and there are family washrooms for added convenience.
Plus, two complimentary electric scooters are available at Guest Services on a first-come, first-served basis. They even teamed up with Scootaround so that they can offer the WHILL Model Ci (just bring a credit card for the deposit).
CF SHOP! Card
If you’re not sure what to gift, give a CF SHOP! Card instead—it lets them pick whatever they want—shopping, dining, entertainment—you name it! Load it up with anywhere from $5 to $500, and the funds never expire!
Free WiFi
No data? No problem! Connect to CF PUBLIC WIFI for free, so you can scroll, stream, or shop without a hitch.
First Aid
We love that help is always nearby in case of accidents. First Aid and CPR-trained staff are available during mall hours.
Coat and Bag Check
If you have too many shopping bags or a bulky winter coat, simply drop them off at Guest Services for just $1 per item (cash only). Then, you can shop hands-free and pick them up at least 15 minutes before closing.
Community Booth
Registered charities can use their Community Booth for free.
What to Do in CF Polo Park
Go on a shopping spree
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Everyone knows this spot is THE ultimate place to shop in Winnipeg—it’s packed to the brim with high-end brands, trendy fashion retailers, and must-have home essentials. You can grab the latest ensemble at Zara or a classic piece at Hudson’s Bay.
This spot is not just for fashion either; you can also score beauty, home, and lifestyle essentials. I love grabbing luxury perfumes and skincare here, as well as stylish home decor and even comfy high-thread-count sheets!
Hit a strike at the Polo Park Bowling Centre
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Website: https://www.poloparkbowlingcentre.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poloparkbowlingcentre/
Address: CF Polo Park, 1485 Portage Ave
Hours: Mon, Thurs: 12 PM – 9 PM
Tue – Wed: 10 AM – 9 PM
Friday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 6 PM
Contact: (204) 783-5018
Polo Park Bowling Centre is the perfect place in CF Polo Park to have a blast with your friends, fam, or date. This fun (and super affordable) spot offers 20 lanes of five-pin bowling, computerized scoring, and even bumper lanes for the little ones.
Don’t miss their Rock’n’Glo bowling on weekends, where they have a cool light show and giant projector screens. In addition to bowling, you can also play at their arcade, packed with classics like Pac-Man, pinball, and Dance Dance Revolution.
Catch a flick at Scotiabank Theatre
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Website: https://www.cineplex.com/Theatre/scotiabank-theatre-winnipeg
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotiabank-theatre-winnipeg/
Address: CF Polo Park, 817 St James St
Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 8 PM
Sun: 11 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (204) 774-1001
Scotiabank Theatre is a modern, multiplex cinema chain screening the latest Hollywood films and independent releases. This is a laid-back yet fun spot in CF Polo Park where you can hang out with your family, friends, or romantic prospects.
It has a whopping 17 theatres, including IMAX, DBox, Real-D 3D, and Ultra AVX. Don’t miss hitting up their fully stocked concession stand for classic movie staples like buttery popcorn, nachos, candy, pretzels, hot dogs, and sodas.
Where to Eat in CF Polo Park
CF Polo Park Eatery/Food Gallery
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You can’t shop at CF Polo Park without grabbing tasty bites at their food court, which is hailed by some as the best food court in Winnipeg! There are tons of fresh and flavorful options here—from sushi and burgers to dumplings and sandwiches
One of my favorite stalls is New York Fries—I’m addicted to their crispy, thick, and golden fries with your choice of dip. Other popular options include A&W, Taste of Ukraine, Taco Time, Famous Wok, and, of course, KFC.
JOEY Polo Park
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Website: https://joeyrestaurants.com/location/joey-polo-park
Instagram: https://www.instagram.comjoey-polo-park/
Address: CF Polo Park, 635 St James St
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 12 AM
Fri – Sun: 11 AM – 1 AM
Contact: (204) 339-5639
After a shopping spree, I typically grab a bite at JOEY Polo Park, known for its globally inspired menu. It doesn’t matter if I’m dolled up or just in casual wear since this top-rated dining spot has a laidback, upscale vibe that caters to everyone.
We recommend their Peanut Prawn Curry, a luscious Malaysian coconut curry loaded with rice noodles and toasted broccoli. Another must-have is the classic Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti pomodoro, mozzarella, and basil that always hits the spot.
Moxies Polo Park
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Website: https://moxies.com/restaurants/winnipeg-polo-park
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cfpolopark/
Address: CF Polo Park, 1485 Portage Ave
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 11 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (204) 783-1840
Moxies Polo Park, an OpenTable Diners’ Choice 2024 winner, is a premium casual restaurant. After your shopping spree, you can grab a leisurely lunch, catch a game at the bar, or enjoy a date night with their yummy signature cocktails.
We just love their patio scene, especially at night (watch out for happy hour specials!); it’s the perfect place to have quick bites or celebratory dinners. Our go-to order is their steak frites—7 oz of certified Angus beef, chimichurri, and seasonal veggies.