City Guides

37 Fun and Unique Date Ideas in Winnipeg for 2024

Published on Jul 21st 2024
date ideas in Winnipeg

Looking for date ideas in Winnipeg is not really the struggle that you're having – choosing which are the most likely to improve your relationship(s) is the true problem.

As the Greater Goods Research Center suggests, there are many amazing benefits of curiosity, such as higher levels of positive emotions as well as lower levels of anxiety. So curiosity is something that you should bring to your next date experience to make it ideal for a deeper connection. 

If you want to truly spark attraction with your date – or have lovely memories to share with your friends – try these unique and fun date ideas in Winnipeg!

If the thought, "Where can I take someone out on a date in Winnipeg?" has popped up and you're looking for answers, we have some fun, exciting and hopefully novel options for you.

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Couple Classes in Winnipeg for Date Night

1. Paint and Sip

paint instructor
Paint together and sip wine together (via Classpop!)

The best date ideas in Winnipeg to ensure curiosity involve taking your loved one for some learning experiences. Paint and sip classes are simple and fun as they involve self-expression skills and a little alcohol of your choice (although non-alcoholic beverages are available).

Delight in playing with colorful paints and recreating a powerful image while giggling with your partner. Take the painting home and hang it up on the wall to remind you of your awesome night. 

2. Dance Classes

Another easy answer when asking which date ideas in Winnipeg spark passion and creativity involve dance classes! Get comfortable with your hands on your partner's waist and shoulders as you learn to samba or tango under the supervision of an expert instructor.

Dancing helps with physical and mental coordination. So whole you get your steps coordinated, you'll be building an ever-increasing mental bond and connection.

3. Ceramics Making

Ceramics making date idea in Winnipeg
Ceramics making date idea in Winnipeg (via Canva)

Ramp up your challenge level with this more delicate art class. You'll use your hands more intensely to mold clay into enticing objects and learn to work with a variety of glaze types to craft useful objects or precious works of art. Even if these date ideas in Winnipeg don't work out, you'll leave with fantastic memories to decorate your home.

4. Woodworking

Not only is woodworking an incredibly practical life skill, it's also a creative outlet that sparks curiosity. Create fantastic tables, chairs, sculptures and more when you take woodworking classes. If you have your five-year anniversary coming up, also known as the “wood” anniversary, this would be a superb anniversary date ideas. Fun date ideas in Winnipeg for adults start with creative courses!

Unique Date Ideas in Winnipeg

5. Resto Gare

Resto Gare in Winnipeg
Have a romantic dinner in a train (via Resto Gare)

If you or your partner love trains, Resto Gare is the place to go! For those not in the know, “gare” is the French term for “train station” — and this restaurant lives up to its name. This family-owned bistro offers outdoor seating in classic French style, located in a former train station.

Though it has been updated into a sophisticated dining area with booth seats and dark wood beams with a fireplace, the charm of the original station remains. You can even dine inside the train cart! How's that for romantically unique?

6. Landmark Cinemas

Couple watching a movie
See a movie together (via Canva)

The classic date experience awaits when you find Landmark Cinemas in Grant Park. The uniquely luxurious seating arrangements — as well as the ability to reserve them ahead of time — make for a stupendous movie-watching event for any film buff.

While it has been around since 1965 when it began with a single screen, Landmark was acquired in 2017 by Kinepolis Group NV and has become Canada's second-largest motion picture theater exhibition company. It also supports youth and crew mental health by participating in local community events like sponsoring Kids Help Phone's “Walk So Kids Can Talk” fundraiser.

7. Spooky Streets

Winnipeg Trolley Company
Take a spooky yet scenic bus ride (via Winnipeg Trolley Company)

Winnipeg is truly a historic city. Before the Scottish settlers arrived in 1811, The Forks was a major passageway and meeting point for Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years. Incorporated as a city in 1873, Winnipeg has been through its fair share of fur trade battles and rebellions.  

If you're a couple of history buffs, then you can ignite curiosity by taking a supernatural themed walking tour like Winnipeg Ghost Walk. This tour combines history and tales of the next world. Or you can hop on The Trolley of Terror for one of the spookiest yet most scenic date ideas in Winnipeg. 

8. The Forks

The Forks Winnipeg
The Forks has something for any, in any season (via The Forks)

There is something for everyone at the infamous tourist haven in Winnipeg (with reasonable parking prices) called The Forks. This answers the question of, "Where can I go on a perfect date in Winnipeg?"

Walk alongside the river as you enjoy the lovely weather in Summer, or go ice skating in Winter. Try your hand at pinball at the Phantom Amusement Arcade or pop into the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. This historic destination also has a food market with a variety of cultures represented and local artisinal goods shops. There is also a self-guided audio tour of the area's deep and long history.

9. Dine Alongside Animals

Polar bear in Winnipeg
Dine alongside Kaska, or one of the other Polar Bears (via Assiniboine Park Zoo)

Whether you like to bring your kids on a date or it's a nervous first date, anyone will enjoy this fascinating and thrilling dining adventure. The Tundra Grill at the Assiniboine Park Zoo hosts seating for 150 people at a time and massive glass windows for you to enjoy views of the zoo's featured polar bears while you feast on delectable fare.

While it is a great place for a first date, note that it is a large space and there will be many kids running around. So it is more active and fun than romantic and intimate. 

10. Mysteries on Tour

Manitoba Legislative Building
Admire the city's architectural heritage at the Manitoba Legislative Building (via Canva)

Delve into the mysteries of Manitoba as you explore the Manitoba Legislative Building as you enjoy its stunning and unique architectural design. The Hermetic Code Tour and other city tour options will give you a little more insight into the strange and symbolic reasons behind the creation of this landmark. This is another one of the unique date ideas in Winnipeg for history buffs and architecture lovers. 

11. Folklorama

Take a trip to Winnipeg in August to enjoy the festivities at Folklorama. This event is a celebration of the diverse cultures that grace the homes and streets of Winnipeg. It's the largest and longest-running multicultural festival on the planet. This is one of the most impressively unique date ideas in Winnipeg for couples who want to travel and are looking for some inspiration.

Fun Date Ideas in Winnipeg for Adults

12. Sargent Sundae's Ice Cream

Couple eating ice cream
Ice cream is always a good idea (via Canva)

Summertime fun almost always involves some delectable cold sweet treats — so stop by Sargent Sundae's for some scrumptious romance! This classic hot spot is an institution, opening its doors in 1984.

While it may not be one of the most unique date ideas in Winnipeg, it's located right across the bridge from the expansive Assiniboine Park. So you can grab your treat and combine it with a stroll over the Assiniboine River Park Bridge and onto the park.

13. Hit Up Hockey

Hitting a hockey game is a staple for Canadian sports fans. But even if you aren't a Winnipeg Jets or Manitoba super fan you can still have an epic time at the Canada Life Centre (formerly Bell MTS Place). Catching a hockey game is a fun way to inject an adventurous mindset and passionate energy into your date. These types of sporty date ideas in Winnipeg will definitely bring you closer as you share a great experience. 

14. Fine French Dining

Sous Sol is an upscale French cuisine restaurant hidden in the Osborne Village. Crafting cocktails and classic French fare in a candlelit atmosphere allows for a supremely romantic dining experience.

Rich food and a small menu with reasonable pricing leave patrons feeling satisfied and looking forward to their return. There are fewer date ideas in Winnipeg that bring the romantic than a moody meal in a vibrant setting.

15. Arcade Games

Active Games in Winnipeg
Get active with wildly fun games (via Active Games)

There's an abundance of escape rooms, VR game cafes and arcades throughout Winnipeg. If you're looking for arcade-style games or interactive and physically challenging date ideas in Winnipeg, Activate Games might be the right choice for you!

Go one-on-one or join a group date to work in teams or compete in pairs. What makes Active Games stand out from the crowd is its unique take on gaming. There are a variety of different game rooms, each with its own dynamic and interactive adrenaline-filled adventures.

16. Live Music Venues

There are several venues throughout Winnipeg to go and see live music. From legendary performances like Iron Maiden at the Canada Life Centre or trendier concerts like Taylor Swift at the Park Theatre, there is something for genre-lover.

For a more intimate experience, cozy up next to each other at spots like the Centennial Concert Hall or the High & Lonesome Club. All of these theaters have a variety of performances, including music, plays, musicals and dance performances, like the megahit Riverdance at the Burton Cummings Theatre.

17. Simple and Scrumptious

Interior of RAW Almond in Winnipeg
The interior of a restaurant on ice (via RAW: Almond)

There's no shortage of high-end restaurants for a luxurious date night or birthday dinner in Winnipeg. Deer + Almond is a trailblazer in locally-sourced, haute cuisine, top-shelf Japanese at Yujiro was voted as one of “Canada’s 100 Best,” or Vida Cucina Italia serves up no-frills and authentic traditional Southern Italian cuisine.

If you're in Winnipeg in the Winter, a uniquely romantic affair can be had at RAW: Almond, the restaurant on a frozen Assiniboine River, which is the brainchild of Deer + Almond's Chef Mandel Hitzler. Tickets go on sale in early December and the “restaurant” is only open for 22 days. 

18. Historic Fort

Take your date for a historic day out or explore a potential wedding venue as you walk the premises of Fort Gibraltar. This former trading post was in action from 1815 to 1821 and today celebrates the way of life of Red River Valley inhabitants in the early 1800s. 

Did you know that Winnipeg has the largest urban Indigenous population of any city across Canada with over 102,000 First Nations, Métis and Inuit people. Couples who enjoy history, or those who just want to learn about a different time in Winnipeg's past will enjoy these types of date ideas in Winnipeg.

Winter Date Ideas in Winnipeg

19. Outdoor Ice Skating

Ice Skating on the river in Winnipeg
Get your skates out and cruise down the river (via Canva)

Ice skating is a time-honored tradition in the colder Canadian months, especially for Winnipeg winter activities. The Red River Trail in Winnipeg is the world's longest naturally frozen skating trail – take an easy glide, partner in hand, down this frozen wonderland.

Whether this is a new activity for you and your date or a time-honored activity to take in the holiday spirit, grab a mitten-clad hand and form new connections and memories as you slide (and maybe skid) together.

20. Brewery Tours

Selection of dishes at Nonsuch Brewing
You must begin with Nosuch Brewing Co. on your tour (via Nosuch Brewing Co.)

While this could also be promoted for fall date ideas in Winnipeg, this city has some of the best breweries in Canada. This indoor is one of those winter date ideas in Winnipeg that will get you warmed up and jolly during the short days.

Visit one of the top breweries in Winnipeg, like Nosuch Brewing Co., or go on a private and intimate brewery crawl with a Manitoba Brew Pass. Learn about the variety of brews all around Winnipeg and enjoy a crafted selection of beverages that bring the imagination to life.

21. Get Well

Thermëa Spa in Winnipeg
Relax and unwind while the weather outside is frightening (via Thermëa Spa)

Winter is a time of hibernation, a time of rest. What better way to rest and relax than to experience a date at a Nature Spa, like Thermëa.

There are pools, baths, saunas and more in a Scandinavian atmosphere meant to help you relax on every level: mind, body and spirit. This spa is open daily during Winter and who doesn't love relaxing alongside their loved ones while getting their knots kneaded?

22. Experience Authentic Dining

La Scala Cafe opened in 1990 as the prized possession of Perry Scaletta, an expert cyclist and award-winning Executive Chef. The relaxed environment in the heart of Little Italy, combined with the glitzy interior, make for one of the most accessible date ideas in Winnipeg. 

Fully equipped with Bose speakers, the ambiance at La Scala Cafe is friendly, vibey and comfortable — the perfect Winter first date destination. Don't forget about the world-class pizza and steak, as well as Scaletta's famous dumplings and allergen-friendly chocolate torte. 

If you're looking for some upscale comfort food, visit Peasant Cookery in the Exchange District for a modern and simplified twist on traditional French food.

This inventive and sustainable eatery cures its own meats and pickles its vegetables in-house. It's an honest expression of the freshest local ingredients that Winnipeg has on offer which makes it one of the top date ideas in Winnipeg for the ethically-sound couple. There is also a great list of carefully selected wines, local beers, and craft cocktails.

One more option is to taste some authentic and gourmet Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, and a variety of curries at Bangkok Thai. Top tip: There's a great second-floor dining room that overlooks the crowds of Osborne Village, which is a really nice way to warm up after a chilly trek through the streets of winter-time Winnipeg.

23. Practice Your Putt

Mini golf in Winnipeg
Try black light mini golf (via U-Puttz Amusement Centre)

So there's a blizzard outside and you're in a pickle for where to take your date for a fun and romantic night. Probably one of the best Winter date ideas in Winnipeg is to play indoor mini golf. 

There are several establishments around Winnipeg to try some friendly competition, but the top picks are Golf Dome or U-Puttz Black Light Mini Golf.

24. Whiskey Lounge

If you or your partner are into single malts from around the world, sipping on a fiery concoction from Islay or Speyside might be one of the best date ideas in Winnipeg. Exploring the whiskeys of the world in a cozy yet vibrant environment with live music is one of the toastiest winter date ideas in Manitoba.

Bring your best friend or partner to delight in over 160 whiskeys in the lounge at the Toad in the Hole Pub and Eatery, located in Osborne Village. There is also a large tap menu, delicious cocktails and scrumptious bar food. Indulge in the nectar of the gods while vibing out to Soul Music on Tuesdays, Jam Nights every Thursday and joining the establishment for karaoke nights.

25. Understand Your Rights

Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Explore the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (via flickr; CC BY 2.0)

For the culturally-conscious couple who want to understand more about the human experience, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a one-of-a-kind experience for enhancing your understanding of human rights. 

This is one of the more reflective and introspective date ideas in Winnipeg for couples that like deeper discussions. Before you enter, take some pictures of the Gehry-like exterior design by distinguished architect Antoine Predock. And when you're done, you can walk over to the Forks market or explore the surrounding snowcapped nature.

Indoor Date Ideas in Winnipeg

26. Rumor's Comedy Club

When you're wondering: Where do I take a girl on a date in Winnipeg? A comedy club is consistently a good choice because who doesn't love a good laugh? Laughter is the best medicine, after all.

So bring your date for a night out of guffawing and chortling at Rumor's Comedy Club in South-West Winnipeg.

27. The Royal Canadian Mint

Royal Canadian Mint exterior
Learn all about currency, history and innovation at the Royal Canadian Mint (via Canva)

Money is merely a resource, but it can often solve problems – maybe that's why humans are so fascinated with its production. Maybe this isn't one of your first indoor date ideas in Winnipeg because, let's be honest, can looking at money be fun? Actually, it can — and it is!

Let your curiosity spring to life when you take a tour of The Royal Canadian Mint, a national mint located in Winnipeg. This facility produces coins for 70 different countries and not only offers tours but also hosts exhibits about the process of currency creation.

Learn about Canada's sought-after bullion, uncover fabulous coin-spiracies and be delighted by the coin of the year and many other innovative coins that are created in conjunction with top artists. It's like visiting a museum of miniature art. 

28. Dance the Night Away

We covered dance classes in the article, but now that you know how to boogie, it's time to take your partner for a whirl on the dancefloors of the Peg. Get dressed to the nines, slap on your favorite fragrance and head to Fame Nightclub, a top-rated 2SLGBTQ+ dance club.

The people are friendly and open-minded, so you can even dance with two left feet and no one will judge you. If you're looking to show off your dance moves with your favorite dance partner, you can always find a way in Winnipeg!

29. Casual Gaming

Man looking at boardgames displayed on a wall
Choose from hundreds of board games (via Across the Board)

Energetic games like an escape room can be fun, but why not try something more relaxed like a nice game of Chess or Parcheesi? Across the Board is a casual boardgame cafe in the Exchange District as part of the National Historic Site.

There are over 1,600 board games to play while you eat pizza, sandwiches, noodles or an assortment of snacks. This is a fun way to spend an evening indoors with your date while doing more than just dining together.

30. Train Rides

Another one for the railroad fans is The Prairie Dog Central Railway. This restored steam-powered locomotive offers a journey from Winnipeg to Grosse Isle and back, sometimes with themes like train robberies and Halloween events.

Whether you have children tagging along on your date or you are just a few fans of the mysteries of the industrial revolution and steampunk junkies, these are really fun date ideas in Winnipeg to experience a new adventure.

31. Upscale Greek

Greek food platter
Dip into Greek food, literally (via Kristina's)

For fine dining of the Grecian persuasion, take your date to Kristina's. This Greek cuisine favorite is located in Winnipeg's Little Italy on Corydon Avenue with live music and a social atmosphere for the extroverted couple.

The sunlit space lends a vibrant air to the joyful atmosphere at this upscale establishment. If you are fans of Greek food, you won't be disappointed by the menu of classic and gourmet dishes like souvlaki skewers, gyros and chicken pita, spanakopita and a host of authentic dips like tzatziki, hummus, melizanosalata and tirokafteri.

32. Japanese Spa

Here is another one of the date ideas for married couples in Winnipeg: Try out a Japanese detox and massage therapy at a spa called Pocca Poca. Even if it's your first date, this can be a really relaxing experience to share with your potential partner.

There are holistic therapies from anti-aging and detox to meditation and beautification. It uses a thousand-year-old treatment called ganban-yoku or hot stone spa. There are also private ganban-yoku experience specifically-designed for couples. If you're curious about new ways of improving your well-being with your better half, this is one of the calmer date ideas in Winnipeg to explore.

Cheap Date Ideas in Winnipeg

33. Flea Market Fun

People in a flea market in Winnipeg
Explore the best flea markets in Winnipeg (via Winnipeg Punk Rock Flea Market)

You never know what you're going to at a flea market, and luckily in Winnipeg, there are a variety to choose from. If you're wanting to know: "Where can I go on a friendly date in Winnipeg?" This would be a fun and authentically unique experience. You can also purchase your date a gift as a keepsake.

Some markets you can visit include Winnipeg Punk Rock Flea Market, Mulvey Market, Thirsty's Flea Market and the Old House Revival Company. Looking around for some gifts and trinkets is one of the most vibey date ideas in Winnipeg. 

34. Picnic and a Show!

St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park is located at the southern tip of Winnipeg where the La Salle River meets the Red River. The ruins of an 1890s church with stone walls plays host and stage to Shakespeare in the Ruins performances every Spring. If you're searching for double date ideas, this is possibly the best of the date ideas in Winnipeg because of the fresh air and communal vibe!

You can have a picnic while you enjoy the show, as well as admire a variety of other historic sites at the park like restored pioneer houses which also have guided tours and exhibits honoring the early aboriginal people who lived here.

35. Hiking

While you're wandering through over 1,000 parks in Winnipeg, you may come across trails that lead every which way. Nature is abundant throughout this historic city and rarely do they cost money to visit.

Kilcona Park is a great start if you're taking your furry friend on your date because there is a large off-leash dog park. You can ascend Birds Hill Provincial Park to the viewing tower and experience the fields of wildflowers and an old homestead. There are also trails for walking, cycling and horseback riding.

36. Explore Gardens and More

Mount Assiniboine
Get a taste of natural wanderlust at Assiniboine Forest and Park (via Canva)

Assiniboine Forest and Park hosts many attractions, from the aforementioned zoo to a conservatory, outdoor theater, play equipment and a variety of gardens. Even better, this park is open all day every day in every season, so it makes for a perfect destination on the list of last-minute date ideas in Winnipeg.

Visit the Gardens at The Leaf which has an immersive experience of historic gardens like the Indigenous Peoples Garden, the Kitchen Garden, and the Grove. These are the first gardens in North America to explore culture through plants.

There is also The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden with bronze and ceramic works of art by Leo Mol. Not to mention The English Garden, a classic reflection on British traditional garden design including a gazebo. Enjoy what will possibly be one of the most beautiful date ideas in Winnipeg during any season. And if you're an active couple looking for a real adventure, you can summit Mount Assiniboine on a 12- to 15-hour-long date. 

37. Fire Pit

As with many of the parks throughout Winnipeg, FortWhyte Alive offers green space for nature walks and wildlife viewing, as well as displays about Manitoba's history in the Interpretive Centre. There are also picnic areas and a fire pit to stay warm during cooler evenings. If you're looking to enjoy a later-day picnic, this might be one of the top date ideas in Winnipeg to lay your mat down and open your box of goodies.

How do you make a date fun in Winnipeg? That's simple: add a bit of challenge to spark curiosity! The thrill of learning something new improves physical and emotional chemistry between people. The tough work involved keeps the memory fresh in the brain. If you're looking for memorable date ideas in Winnipeg, curiosity is key!

For even more date ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!