10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Winnipeg

The verdant gardens and expansive green spaces of Assiniboine Park make for an enchanting setting for a day out with your loved one. There is much to explore, from the winding paths and wild flowerbeds of the English Garden to the bronze-studded Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. Don’t miss the 4 indoor biomes at The Leaf, which feature an incredible array of plants native to the tropics and the Mediterranean.

The park offers activities befitting the changing seasonal landscapes. During the warmer months, single and tandem bicycles are available for rental. In the winter season, cross-country ski trails open and the duck pond transforms into a skating rink.

The Forks National Historic Site has served as a meeting place for over 6,000 years and continues to be a vibrant community gathering space. Spend a day strolling along the riverside walk, exploring the site’s Indigenous connections with a historical tour or shopping and dining in the bustling market spaces.

A highlight of the site is the outstanding Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a moving journey through Canadian and international human rights issues via interactive exhibits in a gorgeous modern space. Head to the Forks Market for everything from street food to spaghetti and the basement of the Johnston Terminal for a mesmerising antique mall.

Thermëa Spa offers a tranquil environment for couples looking to unwind and rejuvenate. The facilities feature Nordic and Mediterranean saunas, outdoor baths, a restaurant and plenty of spaces to kick back. Alternate between the dry sauna and cold pool to get your blood circulating and leave yourself with a deep sense of relaxation.

Lounge on the sun beds by day, then cosy up around the fire with your loved one after nightfall. On-site eatery Restö serves indulgent appetisers like baked brie with pear compote and Scandinavian favourites including smoked Arctic char.

For dinner for 2 in elegant environs, book a table at the Oval Room Brasserie. Located in the Fort Garry Hotel, the restaurant gives a grand impression with a towering domed ceiling, plush green chairs and floor-to-ceiling windows. This establishment is all about quality and presentation, and the service is on point.

Pick your poison from an extensive wine and cocktail list and peruse the brasserie-bistro menu. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves up everything from divine omelettes to duck confit cassoulet. With French classics like crème brûlée and tarte tatin on the menu, you won’t want to skip dessert.

Sous Sol may best be described as a rustic-chic speakeasy. As the name suggests, the restaurant is located underground in a charming, low-lit space filled with antique furniture, candelabras and floral-print dishware. It’s a supremely cosy dining experience, and the service is welcoming and unpretentious.

The menu is small and ever-changing with enough options to satisfy vegetarians and carnivores alike. The creamy, garlic-y potatoes dauphinoise are a house favourite. The restaurant boasts an exciting and unconventional cocktail list with floral, fruity and smoky flavours all mixed to perfection.

If you’re looking for a memorable night out, book tickets at Canada’s oldest English-language regional theatre, the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. It has played a pivotal role in the local cultural landscape. The theatre puts on musicals, dramas and radio plays with a commitment to excellence that has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal local following. Productions range from classic theatre repertoire to popular international works.

It’s advisable to book tickets in advance, as shows tend to sell out. When choosing your seats, rest assured that no seat is a bad one in this comfortably-sized auditorium.

Nestled in Kildonan Park along the Red River, Rainbow Stage puts on musical performances all summer long. Being a not-for-profit organisation, the sets are less spectacular than travelling shows, but actors go the extra mile with passionate performances. The venue tends towards fun, colourful productions like The Wizard of Oz and Mary Poppins.

The large outdoor amphitheatre offers stunning acoustics, and a dome covering the seating area means inclement weather is a non-issue. Make a day of it by packing a picnic and spending the afternoon exploring the gardens and green spaces of the enchanting Kildonan Park.

The Roost is a laid-back cocktail bar perched just above busy Corydon Avenue. A quirky little spot with hand-drawn menus and rustic-chic decor, the relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect place to spend some 1-on-1 time. Cosy up inside by the bar or enjoy the fresh air on the rooftop patio.

Cocktails and small plates are on the menu here, with plenty of vegan options and certainly nothing boring. The warm olives with blue cheese and fig balsamic are a staple, while the chicken and tofu steamed buns get rave reviews. The bartenders know their stuff and are happy to tailor drinks to customer preferences.

If you and your date are looking for a little something different, get your kicks at Winnipeg’s edition of Bad Axe Throwing. Beginners and experienced throwers alike can enjoy the thrill of the game with the support of enthusiastic coaches. Besides safety protocols, coaches teach players throwing techniques and give other tips to help you hit your target and have a great time.

Wear something comfortable that allows a wide range of motion, and don’t forget closed-toed shoes. Walk-ins are only accepted on Saturday nights and spots are limited, so make sure to book ahead.

With its themed destination rooms, Mariaggi’s Hotel and Spa offers the experience of travelling to faraway places without leaving Winnipeg. From Western Europe to East Asia, each suite is thoughtfully designed and decorated with furniture, linens and artwork reminiscent of its destination for an immersive experience. The colourful Caribbean and Cuba suites are standouts, and the dazzling Jakarta penthouse is decked out with pinball machines and a baby grand piano.

There are hot tubs in every suite, massage therapists on-site and room service available for lunch and dinner. If you want the getaway without staying the night, the hotel also offers day passes.