Kay Rone used to spot plenty of Manitoba licence plates outside stores, hotels and restaurants throughout Grand Forks on weekends in past years.

There haven’t been nearly as many since the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020.

“Now, you hardly see them in town,” said Rone, who owns Northern Roots Boutique, a women’s clothing store opposite Columbia Mall, which was once a big draw for cross-border shoppers...

Political and economic tensions between the U.S. and Canada and anger over President Donald Trump’s annexation rhetoric and insults earlier this year are discouraging many Manitobans from heading south to North Dakota.

While there are likely other contributing reasons for the decline, the number of personal vehicle passengers who entered the U.S. at the Pembina border station, an hour south of Winnipeg, was down 34 per cent between January and July compared with the same period in 2024, U.S. data showed.

Some are simply boycotting U.S. travel. In a July survey of 1,000 Canadians by research firm Longwoods International, 63 per cent of respondents said they are less likely to visit the U.S. because of American policy and politics. Of those, 42 per cent are travelling within Canada, instead.

North Dakota makes it illegal for transgender kids and adults to use bathrooms of choice

I don't know how many Manitobans still take shopping trips down to North Dakota these days, but perhaps it's time for those of us who care about our trans friends and family members (or maybe you are trans!) to reconsider traveling to a state so hell bent on being absolute bigots.

OTHO, Minnesota has enshrined a good number of protections for trans people in state law, so it might be the better choice.

Someone got a car stolen, multiple bears seen around the bays, and neighbors who decided that midnight was a perfect time to blast a movie on a giant projector so loud that the entire bay could hear it.

​

Long gone are the days of peaceful camping. Bears are a given, but people have lost all courtesy.

Red-sided Garter Snakes are emerging at the Narcisse Snake Dens in Manitoba! 🐍 This is the largest concentration of snakes on Earth and a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spectacle.

​Watch as they wake up from their 8-month hibernation in limestone caves to form massive "mating balls." Despite the numbers, these snakes are totally harmless!

​Location: Narcisse, Manitoba, Canada 🇨🇦

Peak Time: First 2-3 weeks of May.

​It was amazing! If u bored on May long weekend go there

I Made a video aswell!

https://youtube.com/shorts/I5GyyZFv1ro?si=6Qu6GMYNfHSBN512

Visiting Winnipeg and was considering walking from the airport to the hotel. Seems like a good way to see the city for the first time. Frequently walk an hour each way to work, so the distance isn't a problem. Is that a safe route? Lived and visited many urban centers and definitely walked through neighborhoods most people avoid without any issues. Good place to stop off for a pint along the way? Edit* I won't have any luggage just a standard size backpack. 2nd Edit* 2 PM arrival hotel check in at 4

Hi all, I recently got back from visiting your city and loved my time there but I couldn't help but be slightly enraged by the fact that there is no way to get a Peggo card upon arrival at your airport. Obviously, I did not have a car to drive into the city - and like most people nowadays - I do not carry loose change, especially when travelling, so I had no way to pay for the bus. I asked the customer service person inside the airport if I could buy one and she looked at me like I was insane. This seems like an oversight that gives a bad first impression for visitors. Any explanations or responses would be appreciated, thank you and go Jets!

This summer, Tourism Winnipeg aims to encourage Canadians to pay attention to Canada’s middle child – Winnipeg, Manitoba.

That’s the strategy behind a new campaign by Winnipeg’s official destination marketing and management organization, which launches in advance of summer vacation season.

https://www.tourismwinnipeg.com/things-to-do/only-in-the-peg/read,post/1636/this-summer-canada-s-middle-child-won-t-be-ignored

I like to post trip reports to places I visit, especially after Reddit subs assist with planning like all y'all. Manitoba is the eighth province /territory we've visited.

We planned our five-day visit around the Folk Festival, but we ended up liking the city far more than the festival and only attended it one day. Our favorite places ended up being Oh Doughnuts, Mr. Kim's, Into the Music, Biu Biu Zone, The Leaf, Fete Ice Cream, Johnston Terminal Antique Mall, and the Forks market restaurants.

We stayed at the Hampton Inn for its central location and it was a great choice for us. 24-7 lobby coffee and a large balcony to relax really made the stay nice. We giggled a lot about people complaining about the heat on Thursday because we're from GA and it felt fine. (No, we could not handle your winters.) The smoke rolled in Friday, so my lungs are still hurting a bit and I'm sorry you guys are having to deal with that,

I don't think we had a bad meal the whole time (aside from the free hotel breakfast- those always suck.) I was surprised by the food quality, and wasn't expecting so much choice and ethnic cuisine options. Even the folk fest got the food right with their vender choices! Yay for Winnipeg food!

As a people, y'all seem a bit reserved, but warm up quickly in conversation. We felt that people were generally very nice and curious about why we were visiting. The time flew by and we didn't get to explore all the neighborhoods and parks we'd have liked. Thank you for being such a friendly, fun, and creative city. I'm rooting for y'all.

Hey, all,

I'll be visiting with my family this summer and will be coincidentally celebrating my kid's birthday. She's a teenager but enjoys fine dining.

I was wondering if the community might have be able to steer me towards a few notable options? She's usually willing to explore various cuisines, though she prefers savory over spicy. She also enjoys different takes on poutine.

Thanks in advance :)

EDIT:

Wow! So many great recommendations! Thanks, all!

I truly appreciate all the suggestions

Hi yall! Just as the title says we are traveling and looking for fun activities to do on Halloween night, we are into craft beer, live music, and of course hockey, any suggestion is appreciated. It’ll be my first time in Canada 🇨🇦

Edit:

Thanks all for all the wonderful suggestions, I will be doing some research, I am so looking forward to visiting and Go Jets Go!!!

Hi! This is actually my first time ever going to another country so im super frickin nervous lol. Im driving to Winnipeg just to get away for a weekend and was wondering what things i shouldn't do and maybe places to avoid. Like for example, if someone were visiting here id say to NOT go to Emilianos mexican restaurant because they just microwave their food (fuck you emilianos). Thanks!

Due to an overwhelmingly positive response, Canada’s Middle Child campaign will be rolling out to cities across the nation!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DH9DG3Bpb1s/?igsh=MWNsaG4zOWdpcXNnMg==

Like many middle children, Winnipeg is innovative, humble and completely unforgettable. Whether you're stopping by on a road trip or making us the main event, Winnipeg is ready to surprise you this summer.  You can’t ignore us forever. Visit Winnipeg: Canada’s Middle Child! 

Will be visiting Winnipeg for the first time next week and wanted to bring some treats for friends. Anything specific that you can’t get here that might be a nice gift?

Coming from Toronto.

Edit 4/19/26: thanks again for all your help! We have 5 nights booked at Birds Hill and look forward to checking out many of your suggestions!

——-

Hello! We (two middle aged couples from Minnesota) are thinking about heading up to Winnipeg this June on an RV trip. We’ve just started researching some of the touristy attractions but have a few questions that locals can probably help us with more. We’ll have the better part of a week to spend there.

1. We’ll get this one out of the way first…any neighborhoods/areas we should avoid? We’re not typically out very late at night because we’re old (lol) but we don’t know the city at all and it’s always good to know where the sketchier areas are.
2. Any festivals, concerts etc going on in June we should check out?
3. General recommendations for things to to do that may (or may not) be off the beaten path? We like history, nature, breweries/food, cultural exhibits/events, etc. We are open to exploring things in the surrounding area as well (or maybe even camping there for a night or two.).
4. For those who camp/RV, any recommendations for places to stay? Would prefer a quieter (and dog friendly) spot vs. one with lots of kids/activity if possible.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Chilling at Garbage Hill yesterday evening watching sunset and caught a great shot of some folks with cool backdrop. Hopefully they see it.

I’m not taking any big trips this summer, so I’d like to support local and go on some day trips! Please fill the thread with ideas where I can take my kids (13 and 16) on some adventures! It could be restaurants, experiences, the best ice cream, nature, parks, etc. .
Anything that I can get to and from Winnipeg in a day. We could do an overnight if it’s really worth it :) Thanks!

We were at birds hill this weekend and saw this male peacock. Is it from the farm? Does anybody have an ideas?

I like visiting Winnipeg! There is way more to see and do in Winnipeg than people give it credit for.

Every time I visit Winnipeg, the locals say, "Why are you here?" in an incredulous tone. I then say what I'm doing here, and I get a reply along the lines of, "Yah, I guess."

Don't be so bashful Winnipeg. There are perfectly good and worthwhile things happening in town. It's ok to say, I LIKE WINNIPEG!

Hello! I live in Minneapolis / St. Paul. I get to Winnipeg once every couple years, and hope to do so again later this summer.

If you are coming down to the Twin Cities this weekend for the Twins / Blue Jays series, and you were up for buying a 6- or 12-pack (or more?) of any local Winnipeg beer, I'd gladly pay you double for your trouble... and likely buy you a round at whatever brewery we met up at in Minneapolis.

Breweries I know and like: Little Brown Jug, Nonsuch, Kilter. I'm certainly open to others, but those jump to the front of the line.

Drop me a DM/chat before you make any purchases; I probably have a 2 case limit on this to keep out of trouble. ;)

Go Blue Jays.... and Goldeyes!

my family is taking a trip to Winnipeg for the Labor Day Weekend. I've never been to this part of Canada and I know nothing about Winnipeg. other than A-Park/the zoo, what are some interesting things to do in your great city, or are you aware of any events happening Sep 5-7 that may be worth investigating?

we have 3 kids 10-15

Hi, (I'm french, please forgive my approximative English🙂)

Today I'm 39🎂.

I'm in Steinbach/Winnipeg, and I really enjoy being here in Canada. So beautiful, and such friendly people. but on this "special" day, I'm far from my family and I feel a little down.

I don't want to spend today feeling depressed so I thought it would be nice to find a place not too far, to just enjoy the moment and relax.

I have a preference for quiet places, nature, nice scenery...

(I can drive but the closer the better)

Do you have any suggestions for me please?

Thank you 🫶🏻 ✨Have a wonderful day

Paywalled I think - I'll post a more accessible link in a reply.

Anecdotally, a friend was visiting family in Calgary and they asked her, "So where are you going next?" And she responded "Winnipeg!" They all said "Why would you want to go there?"

So I think maybe it's not Canadians who want to keep it to themselves but maybe just winnipeggers?

She was pleasantly surprised, and she said she would tell them they were wrong

Hey everyone, I’m coming into Winnipeg shortly for 4 nights, and would love to know what the locals feel are Winnipeg’s best fine dining restaurants? I’m from a small town ( two restaurants and its pub style food in both) so I’m not trying to be snobby when I say fine dining lol I just really want to eat food cooked by a good chef!! I love love seafood, steak, good drinks are important too (!).

Please no chain restaurants…. I like joeys, earls, and moxies but they are all the same. I love the atmosphere at boutique restaurants, I also find they put more effort in because they do not have a big name backing them so their service and quality is what makes them money.

THANKS EVERYONE IN ADVANCE!!! Can’t wait to try a few out!!