How to Explore Assiniboine Park’s Highlights Like a Local
A friend from Toronto asked me if I were only allowed one place in Winnipeg to hang out every weekend for a full year, what place would that be? I quickly answered (without hesitation), Assiniboine Park.
I mean, for me, it’s an obvious answer. Assiniboine Park spans 1,100 acres, making it one of the largest urban parks in Canada—you definitely won’t get bored here.
Seriously, this park has everything! It has a zoo, several botanical gardens, eateries, a place to watch concerts and outdoor movies, recreational areas for sports, forests, art galleries, and more (I swear I could go on and on).
To further prove my point, I created a handy guide for anyone who wants to explore Assiniboine Park like a pro. Check out the park’s unique features so that you’ll understand why I want to spend all of my time here!
Where is Assiniboine Park?
Assiniboine Park is located in southwest Winnipeg, along the southern bank of the Assiniboine River. The park’s general address is 2355 Corydon Avenue, while the Pavilion within the park is located at 55 Pavilion Crescent.
How to Get to Assiniboine Park
By Bus:
Several Winnipeg Transit bus routes stop near Assiniboine Park. Routes that pass nearby are 11, 18, 21, 67, and 79.
The closest bus stop is Westbound at Shaftesbury (Assiniboine Park), which is around a 6-minute walk from the park entrance. Next is the Eastbound Portage at Overdale, which is an 11-minute walk away.
By Car:
Head west on Portage Avenue (Route 85), then turn left onto Shaftesbury Boulevard (Route 96), which leads into Assiniboine Park.
Alternatively, take Corydon Avenue (Route 95) westbound, which transitions into Robin Boulevard. Turn right onto Shaftesbury Boulevard to access the park.
By Bike:
Assiniboine Park is connected to Winnipeg’s bike trail network. You can bike along Wellington Crescent, the Assiniboine River Trail, or the Harte Trail, depending on your starting point.
On Foot:
If you’re in nearby neighborhoods like Tuxedo, Charleswood, or River Heights, you can enjoy a scenic walk to the park via pedestrian-friendly paths. The Corydon and Shaftesbury intersection is a common access point.
Best Time to Visit Assiniboine Park
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
The best time to visit Assiniboine Park is from late spring to early fall (May to September) when the gardens are in full bloom and attractions like The Leaf and Zoo are fully open. You’ll also catch concerts, outdoor movies, and festivals.
Things to Know about Assiniboine Park
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
History
Assiniboine Park has been a treasured green space in Winnipeg for over a century. In 1904, the City of Winnipeg purchased 115 hectares of land to create the park, and soon after, Canada’s first registered landscape architect, Frederick G. Todd, was hired.
Bringing Todd’s vision to life was George Champion, then superintendent of Winnipeg’s Parks Board and a former gardener at Britain’s Royal Gardens. Thanks to them, Assiniboine Park became an epic example of early 20th-century urban park planning.
Hours of Operation
Regular Hours
| Attraction | Hours |
| Public greenspace | Open 24 hours a day, year-round |
| The Leaf (indoor biomes) | Daily: 9 AM – 9 PM |
| Gardens at the Leaf | Most open 24/7Johnston & Kitchen Gardens: 9 AM – dusk |
| Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar | Daily: 11 AM – 11 PM |
| The Pavilion | Summer: 9 AM – 5 PMWinter: 9 AM – 4 PM |
| The Park Cafe | Daily: 9 AM – 4 PM |
| Nature Playground | Spring – Fall: 9 AM – 8 PM Winter: Closed |
| English & Leo Mol Gardens | Year-round: 9 AM – dusk |
| Leo Mol Gallery & Schoolhouse | Summer: 9 AM – duskWinter: Closed |
| Assiniboine Park Zoo | Summer: 9 AM – 5 PMWinter: 9 AM – 4 PM |
Holiday Hours
| Holiday | Hours |
| Remembrance Day | Zoo: 1 PM – 4 PMThe Leaf: 1 PM – 9 PMPavilion: 1 PM – 4 PMGather: 4 PM – 9 PM |
| Christmas Eve | The Leaf: 9 AM – 4 PMGather: 4 PM – 9 PM |
| Christmas Day | All attractions and restaurants are closed |
| Other Holidays | Open regular hours unless otherwise posted |
Admission Rates
While it’s free to enter Assiniboine Park, the Assiniboine Park Zoo and The Leaf (indoor biomes) require paid admission. Check out their rates below:
Assiniboine Park Zoo Rates
| Visitor | Gate Rate | Online Rate |
| Adults (18-59 years) | $25.20 | $22.90 |
| Seniors (60+ years) | $22.05 | $20.05 |
| Students (with valid student IDs) | $22.05 | $20.05 |
| Children (3-17 years) | $14.30 | $13.00 |
| Children (2 years and under) | FREE | FREE |
The Leaf Biome Rates
| Visitor | Gate Rate | Online Rate |
| Adults (18-59 years) | $16.85 | $15.30 |
| Seniors (60+ years) | $14.60 | $13.25 |
| Students (with valid student IDs) | $14.60 | $13.25 |
| Children (3-17 years) | $9.20 | $8.45 |
| Children (2 years and under) | FREE | FREE |
Accessibility
Assiniboine Park is designed to be welcoming and accessible for all visitors. You’ll find accessible washrooms at key locations including The Pavilion, Park Cafe, the Lyric Theatre, and the Leo Mol Gallery.
The park’s main pathways are wide, flat, and made of asphalt or paving stone, making them easy to navigate with wheelchairs, walkers, and strollers. Note that some of the garden paths are made of mulch or gravel.
Transportation
You can get around Assiniboine Park via the DOMO Trolley, which operates from spring to fall and offers free hop-on, hop-off service. This seasonal trolley can drop you off at the Zoo, The Leaf, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, and the English Garden.
The trolley operates on various schedules throughout the year, with daily service from June 28 to September 1. Visitors can also bring pets as long as they’re well-behaved, on a leash, and subject to the driver’s discretion.
What to Do in Assiniboine Park
Check out Assiniboine Park’s two outdoor gardens
Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
– Media credit: mizu_caro
You can enjoy the lovely bronze works of Dr. Leo Mol at—drumroll, please—the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. Located on the park’s northwest side, it’s also home to the Leo Mol Gallery, which showcases more of his works, and the Leo Mol Schoolhouse Studio.
English Garden
– Media credit: maxshooter
The English Garden offers winding paths and flower beds, showcasing the beauty of the English Landscape style. It’s situated just north of the Qualico family Centre, and it’s known for the Boy With The Boot statue and the Queen Victoria Monument.
Fun fact: The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and English Garden are viewed by most locals as some of the best botanical gardens in Winnipeg.
Explore the Leaf’s six gorgeous gardens
Indigenous Peoples Gardens
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
The Indigenous Peoples Garden was designed with the help of Indigenous elders, artists, and community leaders, inspired by fire, water, and wide-open spaces. You’ll also find the Residential School Totem Pole by Kwakiutl artist Charles Joseph here.
Kitchen Garden
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
Welcome to the tastiest kitchen around! The Kitchen Garden is bursting with fruits, veggies, herbs, and edible plants; you can even catch hands-on demos where you can learn more about composting and water conservation.
Johnston Family Seasonal Garden
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
True to its name, the Johnston Family Seasonal Garden is always changing (and I’m here for it!). In spring, summer, and fall, you’ll catch stunning colors—and in winter, it becomes a peaceful snowy retreat. Don’t miss its water features and cute arbour!
Performance Garden
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
The Performance Garden is a beautiful outdoor performance space surrounded by gentle landscaping and tiered seating. It’s home to Garden Concerts at The Leaf, and part of the Summer Entertainment Series—just bring a blanket and soak up the vibes.
Sensory Garden
– Media credit: restore_and_heal_with_reiki
Get ready to feel, sniff, see, and hear your way through the Sensory Garden! It has lots of colors and textures, from fragrant flowers and rustling grasses to rolling hills and tall plants; don’t miss the cool events it hosts, like sound bath healing sessions.
The Grove
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
For a total nature reset, head to The Grove, a tree-filled haven that’s lush in spring, shady in summer, and ablaze with colors in the fall. I also love its very Instagrammable tree-lined paths—perfect for a mini photoshoot!
Join a fun guided tour
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
I really enjoy the guided tours at Assiniboine Park (they run all year round); you can join a group tour or book a private one. Plus, the guides really know their stuff—they’ll share fun facts and make sure that you see the coolest, Insta-worthy spots!
Have fun at the Assiniboine Park Zoo
– Media credit: assiniboineparkzoo
The Assiniboine Park Zoo has so many cute creatures—I love the polar bears, snow leopards, red pandas, and kangaroos. In the summer, make sure to catch the daily Zoo Chats, where the animal care team will share fun facts about your fave animals.
Catch a live show or concert
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
The Performance Garden is set in a beautiful natural amphitheater—you’ll find everything, from jazz bands and indie singers (even ballet!), all summer long. It’s a great spot to bring your fam or crew, a lawn chair or a blanket, and a picnic or snacks.
Attend a Leaf Unplugged session
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
Each Leaf Unplugged session happens on select Wednesday evenings, geared towards adults (18+). Various events take place, so make sure to book your tickets in advance—examples include restorative yoga, forest bathing, and more.
Where to Eat in Assiniboine Park
Assiniboine Park Cafe
– Media credit: assiniboine_park
Website: https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/park-cafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assiniboine_park/
Address: 30 Assiniboine Park Dr
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (204) 927-6080
If you’re craving something tasty, pop on over to the Assiniboine Park Cafe, right by the Riley Family Duck Pond. You can grab stacked sandwiches and burgers inside, or ice cream, snacks, and cool drinks at the Park Treats window on the side of the building.
Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar
– Media credit: gatherattheleaf
Website: https://www.gatherattheleaf.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatherattheleaf/
Address: 145 The Leaf Way
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 4 AM
Contact: (204) 927-7222
Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar is tucked inside The Leaf at Assiniboine Park. It’s led by Chef Mike de Groot, who has been cooking for over a decade.
I love their Mexi fried chicken sandwich with avocado ranch (yum!), and their beef striploin gyro with grilled naan.
Where to Stay near Assiniboine Park
Viscount Gort Hotel
– Media credit: stjamesbiz
Website: https://www.viscount-gort.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viscountgortwpg/
Address: 1670 Portage Ave
Hours: Check-in: 3 PM
Check-out: 11 PM
Contact: (204) 775-0451
Just 6 minutes from Assiniboine Park, the Viscount Gort Hotel is a cozy and convenient place to crash after a day of exploring. In addition to having free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, this place has an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness centre.