A First-Timer’s Ultimate Guide to the Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg
If you haven’t visited the Manitoba Museum yet, then you’re definitely missing out. Not only is it one of the top museums in the city, it’s also where history and science lovers (like me) can totally geek out in peace.
Where else can you see a huge ship, a planetarium, and a boreal forest, all in one amazing spot? You can go by yourselves, with friends, or with the whole fam—this place has something for literally everyone.
I totally get that going here for the first time might be a little overwhelming. So, I came up with a really helpful guide to help you conquer the Manitoba Museum, one gallery at a time. Enjoy!
Where is the Manitoba Museum?
The Manitoba Museum is located at 190 Rupert Avenue in downtown Winnipeg, which is easily accessible by public transit. It’s also right across City Hall and near the Exchange District and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
How to Get to the Manitoba Museum
By Car: If you’re driving, head to 190 Rupert Avenue, located in downtown Winnipeg. There’s paid parking available nearby, including spots at City Hall (across the museum) and public parkades within a short walk of the museum.
By Bus: Take a Winnipeg transit route that stops near Main Street and Rupert Avenue—routes like 11, 16, 18, and 20 will get you there. The museum is only a short walk away from the bus stop.
By Bike: You can bike to the museum using Winnipeg’s active transportation routes—Main Street has bike lanes nearby. Bike racks are also available on the Rupert Street patio near the front doors.
By Walking: If you’re in downtown Winnipeg, the Manitoba Museum is easily walkable from major landmarks like Portage and Main (around a 10-minute walk).
Best Time to Visit Manitoba Museum
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For a quieter experience, the best time to visit the Manitoba Museum is on weekday mornings, especially if you want to take your time. But if you love special events, you should visit during the museum’s seasonal exhibits.
Things to Know Before Going to the Manitoba Museum
Admission Ticket Prices:
- Children (3 and below), Museum Members, Support Persons of a Person with a Disability, and Indigenous Peoples: Free
- Youth (3-17): $18
- Adult (18 – 64): $24
- Senior (65+): $21
Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, equipped with elevators and ramps. A person with a disability is allowed free admission of up to two support persons. Accessible parking spots are available, and service animals are welcome.
Dining Options: There are no onsite restaurants in the museum, but there’s a small cafe serving coffee, snacks, and light bites. In the Foyer, there are snack/drink vending machines and a water bottle filler.
Parking Spaces: Parking is available in nearby parking lots, including city hall and public parkades within a short walk. There is also metered parking nearby, but always check for time limits and restrictions.
Gift Shop: The Manitoba Museum Gift Shop offers books, Indigenous art, science kits, clothing, and Manitoba-themed souvenirs. Note that museum members get 10% off.
What to See in the Manitoba Museum
Nonsuch Gallery
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The Nonsuch is a 17th-century ship that played a huge role in Canada’s fur trade history. This incredible replica is very detailed—from the wooden deck to the tiny sleeping quarters that sailors had to squeeze into.
In addition to the ship, the surrounding gallery recreates a 17th century trading post. You’ll see historical artifacts, maps, and a few interactive elements that will help you feel like a real fur trader back then—don’t forget to take lots of snaps by the ship!
Earth History Gallery
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If you love life-sized dinosaurs and ancient marine fossils, this is definitely your stop! The Earth History Gallery showcases Manitoba’s prehistoric past—a highlight is the giant mosasaur display, a huge underwater predator that once ruled the ancient seas.
The exhibit also explores the geological history of Manitoba, explaining how glaciers shaped the province. And it displays some of the oldest rocks on Earth, as well as minerals and other ancient creatures—definitely something to remember.
Boreal Forest Gallery
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Wildlife lovers, here’s the gallery for you—the Boreal Forest Gallery will transport you into Manitoba’s vast forests, complete with life-sized animal displays such as moose, wolves, and black bears. Trust me, the attention to detail here is stunning!
Here, you’ll also learn about the ecology of the boreal forest and how it played a crucial role in Manitoba’s environment. Keep an eye out for interactive touch posts here and there, where you’ll know more about Indigenous relationships with the land.
Winnipeg Gallery
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At the Winnipeg Gallery, start by watching a 9-minute timeline film framed near the original Eaton’s Building entrance. And don’t miss the 20-foot artifact case that dives into seven major themes of the city’s history (plus over 100 unique objects!).
One of my favorites here is the Personalities Wall, which introduces you to 30 influential Winnipeggers from the 1870s to today. There’s also a 1920 Winnipeg Cityscape, complete with video projections and clear audio.
The Planetarium
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Space lovers would go nuts at the Planetarium—watch immersive shows about the universe, narrated by famous people like Hayley Atwell who plays Agent Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The dome-shaped screen is also pretty cool.
The Planetarium regularly updates its shows, so even if you’ve visited before, there’s always something new to see—just check for updates on their socials. Hopefully, you might catch a live night sky show or two—they’re simply mesmerizing.
Science Gallery
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A hit with the kids and kids at heart, the Manitoba Museum’s Science Gallery is an interactive, hands-on space packed with fun and engaging exhibits. My favorite is the brickyard, where you can solve actual engineering problems using LEGOs!
Don’t miss the mini race track, where you can test a small race car, or the animation station, where you can make a stop-motion film. There are even some pulley chairs, where you can lift yourself up using the practical power of simple machines.
Arctic/Subarctic Gallery
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The Arctic/Subarctic Gallery explores Manitoba’s northern wilderness. On the Arctic side of the gallery, there’s a beautiful polar bear diorama—a huge polar bear scoring a meal (a ringed seal) after a hunt.
In the Subarctic, you’ll find a herd of caribou on their annual autumn migration along a rocky ridge, heading into the boreal forest. This section is divided into two: the traditional lifestyles of the Caribou Inuit and the Dene.
Prairies Gallery
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The Prairies Gallery is a cool, immersive space, where you can explore how plants, animals, and fungi adapt to the region’s super tough environment. Looking at the displays here will definitely bring you back thousands of years.
Don’t miss the Pronghorn diorama, a Red River cabin, and a tipi, plus a few interactive videos. You can also sit inside an old-fashioned schoolhouse or explore a recreated archeological site, Indiana Jones-style.
Where to Eat near Manitoba Museum
Blufish Japanese Restaurant
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Website: https://www.blufish.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blufish_sushi_winnipeg/
Address: 179 Bannatyne Ave
Hours: Mon – Wed: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 11:30 AM –9:30 PM
Friday: 11:30 AM –11 PM
Saturday: 4:30 PM –11 PM
Sunday: 4 PM –9 PM
Contact: (204) 779-9888
If you want fresh, delicious sushi near the Manitoba Museum, then Blufish Japanese Restaurant is a must-visit (plus, it’s only a 2-minute drive away!). They serve classic and creative sushi rolls along with Japanese favorites like bento boxes and tempura.
We recommend ordering their Spicy Benor the Lobster Roll—their light and crispy tempura also comes in generous portions. As a bonus, they can make almost every sushi roll gluten-free if you ask them nicely!
Bodegoes Old Market Square
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Website: https://www.bodegoes.com/old-market-square/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodegoes
Address: 211 Bannatyne Ave #102
Hours: Mon – Wed: 11 AM – 7 PM
Thurs – Fri: 11 AM – 8 PM
Saturday: 11 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (204) 956-2070
Just a 5-minute drive away lies Bodegoes Old Market Square, a go-to spot for quick bites and sodas. Inspired by neighborhood bodegas, they serve global street food with strong Mexican influences, along with a lot of vegan options.
We love their stir-fry noodle boxes, where you can choose your noodles, veggies, and protein, then top it off with bold flavors like sweet peanut satay or East Indian butter. They also offer flatbreads, BBQ pork, chicken pita, and fresh salads.
James Ave Pumphouse
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Website: https://www.jamesavenuepumphouse.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepumphousefooddrink/
Address: 2-109 James Ave
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 11 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 12 AM
Sunday: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (204) 560-5210
James Ave Pumphouse serves tasty eats in a gorgeously renovated 1906 pumping station. This cool eatery is very Instagrammable, with its exposed brick, vintage fire equipment, and even some original machinery.
Try their Glazed Salmon Bowl, which is loaded with marinated salmon, garlic fried rice, and fresh toppings like cucumbers, edamame, and crispy tofu—all tied together with avocado crema and spicy mayo. Another must-have? Their delicious fish and chips!
Where to Stay near the Manitoba Museum
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 Manitoba Museum, FortWhyte Alive, and The Forks are some of the top attractions in the city, and they’re only a few minutes away from The Fort Garry Hotel. Built in 1913, this iconic hotel has comfy rooms with plush beds, free WiFi, and breakfast.
If you want to relax after exploring the museum, go to their on-site spa, which has a Turkish steam room and massage services. And if you’re feeling peckish, their restaurant, The Palm Lounge, serves casual dining and craft cocktails.
Inn at the Forks
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Website: https://www.innforks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innattheforks/
Address: 75 Forks Market Rd
Hours: Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 11 AM
Contact: (204) 942-6555
The Inn at the Forks is a modern, comfortable hotel that’s located at the heart of the Forks. The rooms are sleek and spacious, with free WiFi, plush bedding, and huge windows, while the hotel offers private parking, a garden, and a terrace.
Locals typically flock to this hotel for its Riverstone Spa, where you can relax and have a well-deserved massage. It also has a popular onsite restaurant, Smith, which offers mouthwatering wood-fired meats and crisp, fresh salads.
Hampton Inn by Hilton Winnipeg Downtown
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Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ywgwghx-hampton-inn-winnipeg-downtown/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamptoninn.winnipegdowntown/
Address: 330 York Ave
Hours: Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 11 AM
Contact: (204) 942-0101
Not only is the Hampton Inn by Hilton Downtown Winnipeg near the Manitoba Museum, it’s also a few minutes away from the RBC Convention Centre and the Forks Market. The guest rooms all have 55-inch TVs with streaming, plus a fridge and a microwave.
You have access to their 24-hour fitness center and a sports simulator (for a small fee), where you can play golf and other games with your family and friends. When hunger strikes, grab local brews and casual bites at Cafe Bella.