Although YWG Winnipeg International Airport is located outside of the city centre, it is relatively close and there are things to see and do.
The Forks
The Forks is a historic site and meeting place in Downtown Winnipeg located at the confluence of the Red River and Assiniboine River. The Forks Market contains many specialty food shops, fresh fruit and vegetables, and many ethnic shops. There are often buskers in and around the Forks. Attractions include the Manitoba Theatre for Young People, the International Children's Festival, one of the largest skateparks in Canada, the Esplanade Riel, the world's longest skating rink (winter only), and the future Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Union Station
Union Station was designed by the same architects behind Grand Central Station in New York (Warren and Wetmore), and is a monument to the Beaux-Arts era. It is definitely worth a visit and houses a railway museum in the summer months.
Winnipeg Art Gallery
With a prominent location near the Legislative Buildings and Portage Avenue, the Winnipeg Art Gallery has become a downtown Winnipeg landmark. The WAG's permanent collection includes almost 24,000 works, with a particular emphasis on Manitoba and Canadian art. The collection ranges from 16th century Flemish tapestries to 21st century videos, and includes the world's largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art. The building was designed by architect Gustavo Da Roza and houses a gift shop, a restaurant, a rooftop garden and more.
Explore Downtown Winnipeg
Visit the historic Portage and Main intersection. One should note that walking across Portage and Main is prohibited and physically impeded by concrete barricades. Since the 1970's, and despite protests, pedestrians have been required to cross this famous intersection through an underground concourse, which has a variety of entry points in or near the office towers on all four corners.
To get around, try the
Downtown Spirit, which operates on 3 routes in the downtown area during the day, free of charge.
To stretch your legs, try a River Walk along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers (notably from the Legislature to The Forks) – or Esplanade Riel from The Forks to St.Boniface.
Winnipeg Walkway (winter)
As it can get very cold during Winnipeg's winters, the downtown area has a network of tunnels and sky-walks. The Walkway is a system of 14 skyways and 7 tunnels connecting 38 buildings and allowing for a maximum protected walk of 2 km. As far east as the Fairmont Hotel east of Main Street all the way west to One Canada Centre on Portage Avenue (across from The Bay). It connects you to all of the buildings around Portage and Main, Winnipeg Square, Cityplace and Portage Place malls, the Millennium Library (Winnipeg's central library branch) and the MTS Centre arena. It has many shops along the way, making travelling during the winter a lot easier.
An unplanned winter layover in Winnipeg requires a bit of shopping if you are not equipped for the cold. Winters are usually dry, and can feel colder due to the often windy conditions. Temperatures at night can drop below -14°C, even as low as -40°C. If you find yourself in “The Peg” between November and April you need gloves, toque (winter hat) or earmuffs, scarf and a coat. Buy or borrow what you need and you’ll still find much to enjoy. Get the minimum, even if you’ll spend most of your time indoors.
As always, make sure you leave plenty of time to get back to YWG Winnipeg International Airport and clear security in time for your connecting flight. Enjoy your transit city rather than whiling away the time leaning up against your luggage in the departures lounge.
