Fun Takes Flight in Winnipeg, Manitoba
Published July 24th, 2025
All photos by Jay Kana except the ones of him, which were taken by Steph Wallcraft.
I bought that Winnipeg Jets jersey in 1998, two years after they lost their original NHL team, far before I became a professional travel writer & videographer.
When a visit to Winnipeg was confirmed earlier this year, I posted this:
With a rich aviation history, their two sports teams paying homage to that with the Winnipeg Jets and Winnipeg Blue Bombers, this charming city soars with flair and charm.
There are excellent options to explore the city indoors and outdoors, the food scene is impressive and this is an easy place to say “yep, I’ll be back a few times!” to.
In keeping with the aviation theme, I’ve promoted myself to the role of Captain Kana on Modern Traveller Airlines and am proud to share some of the many special places in the heart of Canada.
During a few days of a warm Winnipeg summer, my partner, Steph Wallcraft of RoadTripper.ca and I explored the city and quickly developed strong feelings for the nation’s beloved middle-child.
Ensure your seatbelts are on, tray tables are up and any loose belongs are secured as we taxi down the runway with Winnipeg as our destination for fun, flavours and history.
Prepare For Takeoff - The Fort Garry Hotel
Set up your home base at The Fort Garry Hotel in the heart of the city. There’s above and below ground parking in this majestic building that was built in 1913, the staff were/are thoroughly friendly and welcoming and there’s a mix of old-world and modern charm throughout.
Our room, #538, was cozy with a view of the train station, the bed is/was quite comfortable and there was enough space for both of us without tripping over each other.
There’s an on-site restaurant, the Oval Room Brasserie, which I’ll dig into later in this journey.
Reaching Cruising Altitude - Assiniboine Zoo
A touch below 10 kilometres away is the Assiniboine Park Zoo, home to hundreds of animals across over 150 species and creating smiles for miles. The coolest exhibit is rooted in “Journey to Churchill,” where you’ll learn about the fascinating polar bear. The comprehensive exhibit blends knowledge galore with a few different places to hopefully get a look at them in water and on land. It was warmer than usual during our visit and someone must’ve tipped them off that we were visiting because one of the polar bears was up against the glass, lounging on his back and chilling out in shade.
Did he wave at us and say “OMG it’s Steph & Jay?!” No but he did itch his belly, which is kinda sorta the same thing-ish.
They won’t always be so close to the glass, however, so we definitely got lucky during our visit.
Strolling the rest of the zoo is solid way to get your daily steps in and while its footprint isn’t massive, the amount of information, variety of animals and fun-factor certainly is.
Banking Slightly to the Left - Assiniboine Park & The Leaf
Assiniboine Park itself covers 1,100-acres and while the zoo takes up some of that space, there’s plenty more to see and do.
I grew up watching Thomas the Tank Engine so when we stumbled upon the only coal burning steam train operating in a city park in Canada, it was a moment of childhood joy relived.
Celebrating 61 years in 2025, this miniature train packs on the passengers and seeing the coal physically shovelled into the firebox is oh-so cool.
Blending four fabulous biomes, The Leaf is a spectacular horticultural attraction, complete with Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall and yes, you’ll get lightly misted if you take too long for a selfie like I did.
There’s a butterfly garden, over 400 plant species and this year-round attraction truly is a Winnipeg wonder with it’s creative displays and enchanting environment.
The building itself is capped with a roof illustrating a blossoming flower through the glass cablenet structure. There’s natural ventilation elements, an on-site restaurant, Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar and of course, it’s a welcome addition to an already thriving city when it opened in 2022.
Banking Slightly to the Right - Canoeing the La Salle River
A mere 30 minute drive from our hotel brought us to La Barriere Park to spend a few hours canoeing the La Salle River. Hosted by Garrett, owner of Wild Loon Adventure Co., the three of us hit it off right away and after a short yet succinct safety briefing, we were on the water.
His passion for canoeing and the river came through in waves, along with speaking to and educating us on the history of the area and province.
Despite me being an avid and well-versed kayaker with hundreds of trips logged, I’m much less-than-great paddling a canoe. Garrett was supportive throughout and easily proved to me that experience levels don’t matter with the right leader.
Shoutout to Steph, much better paddling a canoe than I am, for doing the brunt of the work trying to keep us straight despite my unintentional attempts and always turning us.
I invite you to watch the exclusive interview with him as it truly is enlightening and heartfelt. Plus, there’s an awfully awesome joke at the end.
In-flight Entertainment - The Forks
Where the Assiniboine and Red River meet is also where, for thousands of years, people have met at this historic gathering place, known as The Forks.
There’s fabulous food options, live entertainment, quaint retail locations, an outdoor sitting area, a play area for children, it’s easily accessible, there’s public art, it’s got something year round and simply put, it’s exudes a true sense of community.
Stroll the River Walk, spend time by the water, go alone, with friends and or family, soak in the atmosphere and the Travel Manitoba Visitor Information Centre is there as well.
Other nearby attractions within a few minutes walk include the famous Winnipeg Letters, CN Stage, Children’s Museum, The Forks National Historic Site, and the stunning Esplanade Riel Footbridge.
Light Turbulence - The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
One of the most important museums in Canada and perhaps the world, is The Canadian Museum for Human Rights. There’s an outpouring of history enveloped within this sensationally designed structure and the detailed documentation does involve some very difficult, uneasy and heart wrenching aspects. Well, not just some; a lot, in fact.
It’s not somewhere you breeze through and skim the signs and information panels.
From Indigenous history to the Holocaust to raw stories of Canadians and so much more, to Human Rights today and implementing change to continuously better these rights going forward, the contents within these walls are wrapped in a challenging history and an evolving future.
Meal & Beverage Service - Delightful Dining & Drinks
The City of Winnipeg, through Modern Traveller Airlines, are excited to share these recommendations with you!
Nola
Specializing in share plates and co-owned by celebrity Chef Emily Butcher, contestant on Food Network’s Top Chef Canada, Nola presents an upscale yet approachable menu. From various types of seafood to Korean fried chicken to steak and more, there are gluten-free options in their right-sized menu.
Distance from The Fort Garry Hotel: 1.5 km
The Forks
With over 20 options for your taste buds, The Forks does have gluten-friendly options and nearly something for everyone’s particular tastes. Shoutout to Weinerpeg for the most creative name!
Distance from The Fort Garry Hotel: 1 km
James Avenue Pumphouse
I had a cheeseburger with a side of history here; both were excellent! The building was built in 1906, declared a heritage site in 1982 and the original water pumping machinery is on display.
Dishes from the local perogy, to tacos, Korean twice-fried chicken, souvlaki and more are on the menu, along with some gluten-free options.
Distance from The Fort Garry Hotel: 1.5 km
Modern Electric Lunch
What a splendid name, amirite?
This relaxed resto offers up wonderful comfort food for breakfast, brunch and lunch.
Here’s some electrifying history from their website:
“232 Main Street was home to Winnipeg’s first restaurant with an electric refrigerator (gasp) and this little spot was affectionately known as “Electric Lunch No. 2” (one of a pair of locally owned restaurants). Details of these little gems would have been lost to history if it weren’t for a few fateful receipts that were discovered during renovations.”
Distance from The Fort Garry Hotel: 550 m
Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar
Located in The Leaf building, some ingredients are sourced on-site from the gardens and Manitoba growers and farmers. They whisk worldly flavours with local flair for a distinct dining experience.
A variety of meats and seafood pepper the menu and there are gluten-friendly options.
Distance from The Fort Garry Hotel: 9.6 km
Oval Room Brasserie
This recently restored restaurant is inside The Fort Garry and before you order, admire the ceiling and walls in all their detailed glory.
Serving breakfast through dinner, the menu options are sensible, reasonably priced and quite tasty. There’s an extensive wine selection for those who are interested.
Distance from The Fort Garry Hotel: 50 paces from the reception desk.
Bonnie Day
With a clever play on words, comfort food is the star here either indoors on their picturesque patio. Pizza, steak salad, burgers, meatballs and more! There are gluten-free and friendly options here and a cool vibe throughout.
Distance from The Fort Garry Hotel: 3.1 km
Good Neighbour Brewing
Manitoba’s first all-female (and 2SLGBTQ+) owned and all-female operated brewery is here bringing, well, beer and non-alcoholic options. From classics to modern brews, stop by and support a local business.
Distance from The Fort Garry Hotel: 3.4 km
Landing
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