The Ultimate Winnipeg Art Gallery Walkthrough (With Local Tips!)
I’ve always believed that art is the soul of a city, reflecting its stories and struggles. And what better way to learn more about the Peg than browsing the exhibits at Winnipeg Art Gallery, now known as WAG-Qaumajuq.
It has 24,000 pieces from Canadian, Indigenous, and international artists that will certainly give you a deeper feel for the city’s cultural roots. Plus, it has the world’s largest collection of Inuit Art, which shows the Inuit people’s connection to the land.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a tourist or a local; WAG-Qaumajuq is definitely not something you should skip. I mean, why would you miss one of the best sightseeing spots in Winnipeg?
So, for a stress-free visit, here’s everything you need to know about the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Hopefully, you’ll love it as much as I do.
Where is the Winnipeg Art Gallery?
The Winnipeg Art Gallery, or WAG-Qaumajuq, is located at 300 Memorial Boulevard, in the heart of downtown, just northwest of the Manitoba Legislative Building and the Forks. It’s easily accessible from major city routes.
How to Get to the Winnipeg Art Gallery
By Car:
From the Forks, head northwest on Forks Market Rd, then turn left onto Israel Asper Way. Turn left onto York Ave. and right onto Memorial Blvd—WAG will be on your left.
From Polo Park, take Portage Ave (Route 85) heading east and turn right onto Memorial Boulevard (just past the Legislative Building). The WAG will be just ahead on your right.
By Winnipeg Transit:
There are several Winnipeg Transit routes that have stops near WAG—among them, routes 12 and 14 offer the shortest walks to the gallery, with stops within a block or two. You can also go on routes 11, 16, 18, and 19.
By Foot:
From downtown, most locations are under a 15- to 30-minute walk.
From the Forks, head west along Broadway until you reach Memorial Boulevard, right by the Legislative Building. Turn right on Memorial, and you’ll see WAG-Quamajuq on your left just two blocks ahead, near St. Mary Avenue.
By Bike:
The WAG is close to the Downtown Protected Bike Lane Network for easy access. You can use designated bike lanes along Assiniboine Ave, Broadway, or St. Mary Ave, depending on your direction.
There are also bike racks in front of the WAG and the attached Qaumajuq building.
Best Time to Visit the Winnipeg Art Gallery
– Media credit: wag_ca
The best time to visit the Winnipeg Art Gallery is on weekday mornings, when it’s typically quieter, but if you want to enjoy late hours, visit on a Friday evening. Season-wise, the Rooftop Sculpture Garden is in full swing during summer.
Things to Know about the Winnipeg Art Gallery
– Media credit: wag_ca
History
The Winnipeg Art Gallery started in 1912 in just two small rooms before settling into its current home on Memorial Boulevard in 1971. Designed by local architect Gustavo da Roza, it’s wrapped in Manitoban limestone and shaped like the bow of a ship.
WAG’s incredible Inuit art collection (close to 14,000) began in 1960, when it acquired the George Swinton collection of 130 Inuit sculptures. Now, you’ll also find Canadian and international art pieces, as well as contemporary photography, across four levels.
Hours & Admission
WAG-Qaumajuq is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM (except for Fridays, when it extends its hours up to 9 PM). It’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Below are WAG’s admission prices, but note that the first floor (home to almost 5,000 Inuit stone carvings) is always free to visit—no ticket required!
| Visitor Type | Admission |
| Adult | $18 |
| Senior (65+) | $15 |
| Groups of 15+ | 20% off per person |
| Youth Under 18 | FREE |
| WAG Members | FREE |
| Indigenous Peoples | FREE |
| Canada Life Free Sundays | FREE |
| Canoo Mobile Users | FREE or discounted |
Accessibility
The Winnipeg Art Gallery is fully wheelchair accessible—wheelchairs are available at the front desk, and there are accessible parking spots in front of the building. You’ll find universal washrooms on every floor, with change tables on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th levels.
It also has an Art to Inspire program for visitors living with dementia and their support partners, and adapted tours are also offered for a more sensory-friendly experience. To book an adapted tour, call (204) 789-1291, email [email protected], or sign up online.
Parking
Several paid parkades are conveniently located near the Gallery. You’ll also find metered parking around WAG on Memorial Boulevard, St. Mary Avenue, and Colony Street.
Meters are in effect from Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 5:30 PM, but parking is free on Sundays and holidays. You can also snag 2-hour free parking downtown on Saturdays (same time as mentioned above), courtesy of the Winnipeg Parking Authority.
What to Do at the Winnipeg Art Gallery
Visit the Inuit Art Centre, Qaumajuq
– Media credit: lisaniver
Connected to WAG-Qaumajuq on every level, Qaumajuq holds the world’s largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. The name was actually gifted by Indigenous language keepers and means “it is bright, it is lit” in Inuktitut.
The center has a 185,000-square-foot cultural space with several galleries and learning areas, as well as a shop, cafe, and an outdoor plaza. Don’t miss the stunning Visible Vault—the world’s only glass vault of its kind (more on that in the next section).
Marvel at the Visible Vault
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The first thing you’ll notice when you walk into Qaumajuq is the gorgeous Visible Vault—a three-storey glass display filled with nearly 5,000 Inuit stone carvings. It’s something that’ll definitely stop you in your tracks, so plan for some awesome pics.
At the center of the vault is a conservation studio, where you can get a peek at how the museum cares for its collection. You’ll also find short videos, sound recordings, and photos that share stories and insights from Inuit artists, Elders, storytellers, and youth.
Check out the WAG’s Collections
– Media credit: wag_ca
After popping by Qaumajuq—with its close to 14,000 incredible pieces, including stone carvings, drawings, textiles, prints, and new media works—check out WAG’s social calendar. You’ll be able to see what’s currently on display, as well as upcoming exhibits.
They also house a permanent collection—you’ll find everything, from Canadian and European art to decorative objects and photography. As a bonus, you can take a peek at all of their past exhibitions online!
Go on a virtual tour of the WAG
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If you prefer to explore at your own pace or have mobility challenges, you can go on WAG-Qaumajuq’s virtual tour—even while inside the building! This two-part tour shares the beautiful architectural design and meaningful stories behind the space names.
First, the Article 13 Tour highlights how a group of Indigenous language keepers and Elders came together to name the Gallery and its spaces. And in the second half, WAG’s architect and CEO guide you through their favorite design features.
Go on an actual tour of the WAG
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If you’re going as a group to WAG-Qaumajuq, we recommend booking a private guided tour that runs for 60 minutes and is available in English or French. Tours start at 11:30 AM and cost only $100 for every group of 30 adults.
Now, if you’re organizing for a student or school group, go for the Tour and Workshop combo, which costs $130 for every group of ten students. You’ll get a 60-minute guided tour, plus a 60-minute art-making session—totally worth it if you ask me!
Hang out at the Rooftop Sculpture Garden
– Media credit: wag_ca
One of Winnipeg’s best-kept secrets is the WAG’s Rooftop Sculpture Garden. Head up to the 4th floor, and you’ll find a lovely 15,000-square-foot space filled with sculptures, birch trees, and skyline views—the perfect spot to eat lunch, sketch, or just unwind.
There’s also a fountain, quiet corners, and of course, art all around—bronze, steel, and stone sculptures by artists like Henry Moore and Abraham, Anghik Ruben. Don’t miss this spot during winter—you might spot a few iglu installations, too!
Buy souvenirs at ShopWAG
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Located on the first floor of the Winnipeg Art Gallery, ShopWAG is a beautifully curated gift and souvenir shop filled with treasures inspired by art and culture. You’ll find Inuit carvings, prints, jewelry, locally made ceramics, books, and design pieces.
We love that they also feature works by Indigenous artists and Canadian makers like stone carver Andrew Palongayak and glass sculptor Ione Thorkelsson. Bonus: Every purchase supports the WAG’s programs and exhibitions.
Attend WAG Studio’s Classes
– Media credit: wag_ca
As one of Canada’s oldest gallery-run art programs, WAG Studio offers a welcoming space where practicing artists lead classes in illustration, as well as oil, figurative, and acrylic painting. Most adult classes are beginner and intermediate-friendly.
For younger artists (ages 9-14), they also run amazing classes in textile arts, animation, and graphic novels. Not only will they develop their skills and express their creativity, they’ll also make new like-minded friends, which is always nice.
Be part of the WAG’s signature & seasonal events
– Media credit: wag_ca
What I love about WAG-Qaumajuq is that there’s always something happening! Free Sundays are held on the second Sunday of each month, offering free admission and family fun, while Family MakerLabs are monthly DIY art sessions with local makers.
For a memorable night out, try NOURISH, featuring a meal followed by a guided gallery visit—great for a fancy date night! We also love Wellness@WAG events, which include yoga, workshops, and art talks in a peaceful setting.
Where to Eat in the Winnipeg Art Gallery
Katita Cafe
– Media credit: i3rian27
Website: https://www.wag.ca/visit/food-drink/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katita_cafe/
Address: WAG, 300 Memorial Blvd
Hours: Wed – Sun: 11 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (204) 789-0515
You don’t have to go outside WAG-Qaumajuq for some good grub—just steps away from the Visible Vault lies Katita Cafe, which means “let’s get together” in Inuktitut. It offers indoor seating, a seasonal patio, and a stunning mural by a local Cree artist.
On the menu are hearty eats like the Great Cobb Salad or the Smoked Salmon Croissant—plus we love their bannock served with rhubarb butter! For drinks, go for their yummy Vietnamese Iced Coffee or their Prism Kombucha.
Where to Stay near the Winnipeg Art Gallery
The Fort Garry Hotel
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Website: https://www.fortgarryhotel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortgarryhotel/
Address: 222 Broadway
Hours: Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 11 AM
Contact: +1 888-855-4599
The Fort Garry Hotel is just a 4-minute drive or a 10-minute walk from WAG-Qaumajuq, and it’s one of the most beautiful hotels in the city! Instead of a boring, boxy hotel, you’d get a dash of old-world charm with grand architecture and elegant rooms.
Beyond its stunning design, you can get delicious fare at Oval Room Brasserie or relax at Ten Spa after a day of trekking around the WAG. We like that it’s also near landmarks like The Forks, The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and the scenic River Walk.