WINNIPEG: Wonderful, Whimsical, and Worthy
Credit: Mike Peters
Located in the geographical centre of Canada, Winnipeg is one of the country’s hidden gems.
Boasting an abundance of award-winning places to dine, explore, and experience around every corner, there is so much to discover within the city.
Being in the centre of the nation, it also doesn’t hurt that delegates from both the east and the west can travel to and from Winnipeg with ease, right into the city’s lauded airport.
Continue reading to learn all about why Winnipeg is wonderful, whimsical, and definitely worthy of a visit (or two!) for your next event.
EXPERIENCE
Credit: Lindsay Reid
Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq – Looking for a memorable experience for your guests? Look no further than the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Quamajuq, an innovative new museum in downtown Winnipeg that holds the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art (more than 14,000 pieces – including paintings tapestries, even seal skin spacesuits). Opened recently ,in March 2021, it has been lauded by The New York Times, Smithsonian Magazine, TIME, and Forbes. Bonus Tip: Host your event here, as it features several spaces to rent out, as well as catering services!
Credit: Kristhine Guerrero
Gardens at The Leaf – Spoil your guests with a trip to the Gardens at The Leaf – Canada’s most pictueresque new setting even a black thumb can appreciate. The $100-million horticultural attraction and event centre is set to open later this year and will feature an abundance of thematic flora, a butterfly garden, the country’s largest indoor waterfall, and a garden-to-table restaurant complete with an outdoor patio. Good news for you meetings professionals: the 90,000 square-foot space can house all kinds of events.
Credit: Jessica Losorata
Thermëa by Nordik-Spa Nature – Get blissed out at the city’s highly-acclaimed open-air Scandanavian spa, Thermëa. Featuring thermal pools, steam rooms, saunas, and more, there’s plenty of space for your guests to unwind and relax. Each season has its own benefits, too. Visit in the summer, and enjoy the beach and outdoor dining experience. In the winter, enjoy the icy waterfall between your steam room sessions. And of course, massages and other body treatments are available year-round.
VENUE
Credit: RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg
RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg – Book your next event at Canada’s fourth-largest convention centre, the RBC Convention Centre Winnipeg. There’s more than 260,000 square-feet of rentable space for you to play with, including newly-expanded areas, like the City View Room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Your guests will be happy to know the centre has free WiFi and it’s LEED Silver Certified. You can’t beat the location of this facility, either. Connected to most of downtown via heated skywalks, it’s attached to the city’s SHED (Sports, Hospitality, and Entertainment District) and home of the Winnipeg Jets.
Credit: William Au
Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Impress your guests by booking your next event at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, dubbed ‘Canada’s most beautiful building.’ The space can host events of all kinds and sizes, from small intimate dinners, to immese exhibitions. Take your event to the next level with the gorgeous, elegant space that can be fully tailored to your events’ needs and themes.
Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada – For a jaw-dropping venue, try booking a space at the new $46-million Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. The new space combines a robust collection of plane artifacts all guests will enjoy. The space boasts a state-of-the-art board room as well as meeting rooms, classrooms, and an outstanding Observation Lounge your delegates will marvel at.
FOOD
Credit: The Forks Renewal Corporation
Passero + Corto – If you’re craving Italian fare, Passero and Corto are the way to go. Helmed by Scott Bagshaw, one of Winnipeg’s most decorated chefs, Passero allows you to enjoy family-style fresh pasta dishes (like the lobster carbonara) and so much more. Located in the Forks Market, you can munch and watch the bustle of the market from your quiet dining table. Its casual lunch service concept, Corto (located within the same space), serves up gourmet sandwiches, salads, and espresso. It’s the perfect spot for a quick meeting with your team, or clients.
The Two Hands dining room in One Sixteen – The city’s prettiest dining room can be found in it’s newest brewery location. Two Hands, run by renowned chefs Michael Robins and Keegan Misanchuk, features an ever-changing menu inspired by the chefs’ time in England before moving back to the city. The grilled flatbread is a must, according to the locals. Dishes are meant to be paired with Good Neighbours’ brewing taps next door, or, if you prefer, they have a robust wine list to go with whatever you’re eating.
Credit: Abby Matheson
Nola – If you’re looking for something unique and fun for yourself and your guests, try Nola created by chef Emily Butcher who impressed on Top Chef Canada and the Canadian Culinary Championships. The menu includes inventive dishes that highlight Butcher’s Chinese heritage and west-coast upbringing with local Manitobian ingredients. Try the popular Crispy Mushroom Po Boy, or the Japanese Karaage Fried Chicken.
BEVERAGE
La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co. – If you’re looking for the perfect laid-back atmosphere, try La Brasserie Nonsuch Brewing Co., located right in the heart of the Exchange district. The taproom serves Belgain-style ales, and bite-sized snacks that are perfect for intimate gatherings, or after-conference drinks.
Patent 5 Distillery – Pop into Patent 5 Distillery, Winnipeg’s only downtown distillery that features house-made gins, vodkas, and bitters. They also serve up high-concept cocktails, like the Coffee ‘n’ a Donut, made with Patent 5 Vodka, infused with Crumb Queen cruellers, Never Better Coffee, and half & half. Take a tour of the distillery that includes a sampling of spirits, and then have a cocktail on the patio to really unwind.
Kilter Brewing Co. – Craft beer lovers will love Kilter Brewing Co.’s taproom and creative brews that range from juicy sours to hoppy IPAs. Kick back and enjoy the living room setup complete with Mario Kart on Nintendo 64. To host your event, the taproom can host up to 120 guests.
For more information on everything Winnipeg has to offer, please visit TourismWinnipeg.com.
This article was written in part with files from Tourism Winnipeg.
CMEExpo will be travelling to North America’s most exciting destinations and reporting on what they have to offer in terms of experience, venue, food, and beverage. To have your city nominated, contact sonia@newcom.ca today and explain why your destination should be featured next.