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    • Dauphin - Culture and Attractions

    Adventure From Here on Out

    Make your way west to Dauphin, where Highways 5 and 20 meet. Dauphin is known for its Ukrainian heritage. Stop by the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Resurrection, an incredible and awe-inspiring example of the cathedral-style churches that popped up across the prairies during the Depression. You can dig further into the symbolism of the paintings on a tour, available upon request. Depending on the time of your visit, Dauphin is home to Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, an annual summer celebration of the rich and vibrant culture and heritage of Ukrainian Canadians in a family-oriented setting.

    Fort Dauphin Museum

    Another annual summer event is Dauphin’s Countryfest, Canada’s longest running country music festival with a history of drawing some of the biggest names in country music.

    Check out the Dauphin Rail Museum, housed in a brick CN Railway Station built in 1912, with a collection of artifacts, pictures and archives. For a more extensive history lesson, the Fort Dauphin Museum is reminiscent of an 18th century fur trade post. Surrounded by a wooden palisade, this quaint museum features archaeological, fur trade and pioneer artifacts.

    For Outdoor Enthusiasts

    The area around Dauphin provides many options for outdoor enthusiasts. Head to the western shore of Dauphin Lake and uncover a fine selection of sandy beaches. Take your pick from Rainbow Beach Provincial Park, Sifton Beach, Stoney Point Beach and Ochre Beach and enjoy a day with your toes in the sand!

    If you’re looking for a little more action, the Northgate Trails feature 26 kilometres of multi-use trails year round and is popular with mountain bikers,trail runners and snow activity enthusiasts. You can take an introduction to cycling package with Trail Tutors for added confidence. Make it an overnight adventure by booking one of the Northgate Trails micro cabins, head into Dauphin for a delicious homemade meal at Corrina’s On Main and dip into Obsolete Brewing Co. to sample one of their award-winning beers!

    Stop by Western Bakery for homemade cinnamon buns and cafe Trocadero for a freshly brewed and hand-crafted drink.

    Accommodations

    A variety of hotels are available in Dauphin along with modern and cozy B&Bs. If you’re looking to get close to nature, stay at the Vermillion Park Campground, located in town, offering easy access to explore Dauphin’s attractions, shopping and restaurants. You can also camp at Rainbow Beach Provincial Park.

    24 Hours in Winnipeg
    Where the Rivers Meet

    Start your day at The Forks, where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet. This area has been a gathering spot for thousands of years, with its rich Indigenous roots celebrated through stunning public art and interpretive panels located throughout the grounds. Explore The Forks Market, housed in a former horse stable, where you can browse shops offering Manitoba-made products. Grab a bite at The Common, the city’s most popular dining hall, featuring a variety of local food vendors with wines and local craft beers on tap. Visit Agowiidiwinan Centre, a new Treaty education centre located at The Forks, to learn more about treaties through visual and interactive displays.

    Take a stroll along the riverwalk, an accessible path that hugs the riverbank. In winter, the river transforms into Canada’s longest outdoor skating trail dotted with innovative warming huts. The Forks also offers other attractions like a world-class skateboard park, Inn at The Forks, the Manitoba Children’s Museum and the Manitoba Theatre for Young People.

    Journey from Darkness to Light

    From The Forks, walk over to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, an architectural marvel that’s impossible to miss. If you're short on time, snap a few photos of this striking building, but if you have an hour or two, dive into its ten galleries. The museum’s exhibits, connected by glowing alabaster ramps, offer a profound journey through global human rights struggles and triumphs. Don’t miss the Israel Asper Tower of Hope for a panoramic view of the city.

    Next, head to the Exchange District, a 20-block national historic site north of The Forks. As you make your way along Waterfront Drive, you’ll pass Blue Cross Park, home to the Winnipeg Goldeyes baseball team. The Exchange District’s heritage buildings now house galleries and trendy boutiques, cafés and eateries, making it the cultural heart of Winnipeg.

    Here, visit the Manitoba Museum, a family-friendly destination with nine galleries showcasing the province’s human and natural history. Highlights include world-class dioramas, a life-size replica of the Nonsuch, a 17th-century ship, and the Science Gallery and Planetarium for interactive fun. Stop in at the Prairies Gallery to learn the story of Indigenous Peoples in Manitoba through artifacts including a beautiful plains tipi and a Red River cabin and cart.

    A Walk in the Park

    Spend your afternoon at Assiniboine Park Zoo, home to the Journey to Churchill exhibit, where you can walk through the Sea Ice Passage to watch polar bears swim and play overhead. Explore other animal exhibits, including arctic foxes, caribou and wolves, and don’t miss Aunt Sally’s Farm, a playful area where kids can interact with goats.

    For a more tranquil experience, visit the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden in Assiniboine Park or the 30 acres of blooms and greenspace that make up the outdoor gardens at The Leaf, Assiniboine Park’s newest addition. Then, venture inside to see The Leaf’s stunning indoor conservatory, bask in a tropical biome and see Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall at six storeys high.

    The Art of Relaxation

    As your day winds down, head to the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG) and Qaumajuq, the world’s first Inuit art museum. The WAG’s modernist design houses over 27,000 works of art, with Qaumajuq’s architecture reflecting Canada’s northern landscape. Spend time exploring the Inuit art collection, and be sure to visit the visible vault for an up-close view of nearly 5,000 of these incredible works.

    For the ultimate relaxation, end your day at Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, a Scandinavian spa nestled in a quiet corner in the southwest of the city. Experience the signature thermal cycle of hot, cold and rest, moving between saunas, steam rooms and hot pools. If you’re visiting in winter, the outdoor experience is especially magical, with steam rising over the pools and firepits providing warmth.

    Bonus Option: Explore St. Boniface

    If time allows, cross the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge to St. Boniface, Winnipeg’s Francophone neighborhood. Visit the Musée de Saint-Boniface for a deep dive into the area’s history and the legacy of Manitoba’s first premier, Métis leader Louis Riel. The nearby Saint Boniface Cathedral offers a mix of old and new architecture, with the tomb of Louis Riel in the front cemetery. Find more St. Boniface trip here.

    Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or just looking to unwind, this one-day itinerary gives you a taste of Winnipeg's rich culture and diverse attractions.