Step-by-Step Guide to Touring Winnipeg’s Royal Canadian Mint like a Local VIP
Now and then, I make it a point to visit the Royal Canadian Mint. Why? I find it so cool that this is where Canada’s coins (as well as coins for over 75 other countries) come to life—literally!
I mean, RCM churns out an average of 20 million coins daily, which is amazing. Plus, it holds the Guinness World Record for producing the world’s purest gold coin in its Ottawa facility, with a purity of 99.99%.
And it’s not just about RCM’s money-making skills either. The Winnipeg facility is also breathtakingly gorgeous—a giant triangular prism made of glass and steel, making it one of the Peg’s coolest architectural landmarks.
So, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a tourist or a local—you simply can’t miss the Royal Canadian Mint, which is one of the best sightseeing spots in Winnipeg. For your convenience, check out our complete guide to the Mint below.
Where is the Royal Canadian Mint?
The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg is located at 520 Lagimodière Boulevard in the eastern part of the city near the Trans-Canada highway. It sits in the St. Boniface area, about a 15-minute drive from Downtown Winnipeg.
How to Get to the Royal Canadian Mint
By Car:
- From Downtown Winnipeg, take Main St. south, then turn left onto Fermor Ave. Continue onto Lagimodière Blvd, and the mint will be on your right.
- From Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, take Route 90 South, then merge into Route 1 East (Trans-Canada Highway). Turn right onto Lagimodière Blvd, and the Mint will be on your right.
- Free on-site parking is available for visitors.
By Bus (Winnipeg Transit):
- Take Route 19 (Marion/Des Meurons) from downtown and transfer to Route 75 (St. Vital Centre) at St. Anne’s and Fermor. Get off at Lagimodière & Maginot and walk about 10 minutes south.
- You can also take Route 47 (Transcona) and transfer to Route 75 at Kildonan Place.
By Biking/Walking:
- The Mint is accessible via Lagimodière Blvd, but be aware that it’s a busy highway area with limited pedestrian access. A bike is a better option since you could use nearby multi-use trails along Fermor Ave.
Best Time to Visit the Royal Canadian Mint
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The best time to visit the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg is weekday mornings to avoid crowds. Summer months (June to September) offer more tour availability, but visiting in the off-season (October to May) means smaller groups.
Things to Know about the Royal Canadian Mint
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History
The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg opened in 1976 to handle the growing demand for Canada’s circulation coins. It was designed with a striking triangular glass structure, the building itself is an architectural landmark.
Unlike the Ottawa Mint which specializes in collector and bullion coins, the Winnipeg Mint makes every Canadian coin in circulation today. It has also produced coins for over 75 countries such as Argentina, Australia, Brazil, and the Philippines.
Opening Hours
- Regular Days: Tue – Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Statutory Holidays (Closed): Good Friday
- Special Event Days (Open): Lunar New Year
- Christmas Eve (Open): 9 AM – 2 PM
- New Year’s Eve (Open): 9 AM – 2 PM
Admission Fees
Here are the Royal Canadian Mint’s admission costs:
| Adults (18 and up) | $12 |
| Children (Ages 5-17) | $8 |
| Seniors (65 and up) | $10 |
| Infants (Ages 4 and under) | Free |
| Family (2 adults, 2 children) | $30 |
| Indigenous Peoples | Free |
| Canadian Military (Active and Retired) | Free |
Accessibility
The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg is fully wheelchair accessible—ramps and elevators provide smooth access to the gift shop and other tour areas. If needed, the Mint even has two wheelchairs for guests to use onsite.
For those with hearing and visual needs, most videos with dialogue include closed captions, and they are working with experts to add braille and audio options. As a bonus, accessible restrooms are available too.
You can check out the Royal Canadian Mint’s accessibility action plan here.
What to Do in the Royal Canadian Mint
Go on a guided tour
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Go on a guided tour to see where Canada’s coins come to life. A tour lasts about 45 minutes, and you’ll discover interactive displays, behind-the-scenes views, and cool facts about the minting process—you might even get to hold a real gold bar!
We recommend booking tours in advance online, especially in summer, when school’s out and tours fill up fast—note that group tour bookings are offered as well. Walk-ins are always welcome but entry depends on availability.
Check out the Mint’s architecture
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As one of the city’s most striking landmarks, the Royal Canadian Mint serves a bold triangular glass and steel design. This building’s especially beautiful during sunset when the glass panels reflect the sky’s pink and orange hues.
Inside, the Mint’s massive windows offer natural light and some of the best skyline views in Winnipeg, especially from the upper-level tour areas. While pics aren’t allowed on the production floor, you can snap cool shots in the lobby, boutique, and parking lot.
Shop at the Boutique
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The Royal Canadian Mint’s gift shop is the perfect place to grab a unique souvenir or collector’s item. From gorgeous coins and commemorative circulation sets to Mint-branded gear and Canadian-themed keepsakes, you’re spoilt for choice.
If you’re interested in bullion products, you can purchase them at the Winnipeg location, but availability may vary. For larger transactions or cash purchases, you might need to provide a government-issued ID to comply with financial regulations.
Where to Eat near the Royal Canadian Mint
Earls Kitchen + Bar
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Website: https://earls.ca/locations/300-main/menu/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlsrestaurant/
Address: 300 Main St #100
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 1 AM
Contact: (204) 989-0103
Earls Kitchen + Bar is only a short drive away from the Mint, and this downtown spot is the perfect place to grab a quick bite before or after your visit. We love its stylish, plant-filled atmosphere, plus its heated underground parking space.
Make sure to order their famous clam chowder—scrumptious New England cured bacon, rich cream, tomatoes, and parsley—yum! Also, keep an eye out for their delicious daily specials, Happy Hour offerings, and top-notch signature cocktails.
Block & Blade Restaurant & Bar
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Website: https://www.theblockandblade.net/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blockandbladerestaurant/
Address: 1100-50 Sage Creek Blvd,
Hours: Mon–Thu, Sun: 11:30 AM – 11 PM
Fri, Sat: 11:30 AM – 1 AM
Contact: (204) 256-7625
If you’re craving a hearty meal after your guided tour, head on over to Block and Blade Restaurant and Bar. This upscale casual joint has a cool lounge with music, TVs, and a mix of high-top tables and cozy booths.
Our go-to order is their sirloin steak, which is Certified Angus beef topped with your choice of garlic butter or red wine jus. Another must-have is their skillet-baked and oven-roasted mushrooms stuffed with garlic, prawns, and an herb cheese blend.
Poké Mono
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Website: https://www.pokemono.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pokemonowinnipeg/
Address: 77 Edmonton St #101
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 7 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 8 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 8 PM
Contact: (204) 944-1987
For a fresh and flavorful treat after your Mint adventure, visit Poké Mono, which serves Hawaiian poké and Japanese-inspired bowls. In fact, you can even create your bowl—your choice of fresh proteins, topped with crispy onions and sesame seeds.
You can also grab their bestselling dishes like the Classic Tuna Bowl. This delicious dish has 2 scoops of cubed tuna, avocado, red radish, edamame, corn, seaweed salad, wasabi mayo, and gochu aioli oil—with your choice of toppings.
Attractions near the Royal Canadian Mint
Forks National Historic Site
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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]
For the best atmosphere, we suggest visiting the Forks National Historic Site early in the morning or after your visit to the Mint to catch the sunset. Hang out at the Oodena Celebration Circle, or enjoy the nearby playground and splash pad with your kids.
You can also stroll along the riverwalk or have a picnic to enjoy the stunning river views. History buffs should keep an eye out for one of their guided tours, and foodies should sample local fare at the bustling Forks Market nearby.
Manitoba Museum
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Website: https://www.manitobamuseum.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manitobamuseum/
Address: 190 Rupert Ave
Hours: Tue – Sun: 10 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (204) 988-0576
Why not make it an educational day out by hitting up the Manitoba Museum too? This spot has a full-on 17th-century replica ship (in the Nonsuch Gallery), as well as a cool planetarium and a Science Gallery with fun interactive experiments.
Now, if you want to see Winnipeg back in the 1920s, visit the Urban Gallery, complete with recreated shops and street scenes. And don’t miss the Earth History Gallery, filled with ancient fossils, and of course, awesome life-sized dinosaurs!
Where to Stay near the Royal Canadian Mint
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
For a stylish and convenient stay near the Royal Canadian Mint, we recommend the Inn at the Forks. It’s also near other awesome Winnipeg attractions like The Forks Market, the Canada Life Centre, and the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
We love its sleek and modern rooms with free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, Keurig coffee makers, and Bose stereo systems. And if you spring for a suite, you’ll even get a fireplace, cozy sitting areas with pull-out sofas, and stunning waterfront views!
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 offers serious Old World charm—perfect for those who love staying in grand, luxury hotels. Stays include a delicious breakfast at the Oval Room Brasserie, and there’s even complimentary parking.
As for the rooms, each one has high ceilings, plush beds, and large windows that frame gorgeous city landscapes. And if you want to unwind after exploring the Mint, visit their onsite spa (Ten Spa), and try their insanely relaxing Turkish Hammam!