Romantic Winnipeg date ideas: fun things to do in the Peg

Couple having a picnic in a Winnipeg park

Dating in Winnipeg is fantastic. The variety of romantic things to do means that whether you prefer bustling, vibrant restaurants or tranquil park and riverside walks, you can find something to suit you in this city. In fact, the biggest problem you might have with finding great Winnipeg date ideas is narrowing them down!

This is where EliteSingles steps in. We’ve combed through the best Winnipeg date ideas and found the top picks for every situation. Whether you’ve been dating a while, or whether you’re preparing for a special first date, we’ve found romantic activities in Winnipeg that you’ll love:

The best Winnipeg date ideas

1. Make the most of Assiniboine Park

Date spots like Assiniboine Park are proof that Winnipeggers are truly lucky. Open year round, the park is the perfect option for all types of dates: lazy summer picnics, pretty winter walks, visits to the zoo, nature hikes – you name it! The park is also home to great entertainment: look out for the Summer Entertainment series to keep your dating calendar full!

2. Head to a sports game

There are more veteran hockey teams out there, but thery don’t provide the atmosphere of a Jets’ home game. Take your date, wear white, and feel the roar. If the Jets aren’t home, a sports date is still a fun idea: CFL mainstays the Blue Bombers are always diverting, while Winnipeg’s pro baseball team, the chamionship-winning Goldeyes, provide a great day out.

3. Pick a date-worthy restaurant

The number of romantic restaurants in Winnipeg is growing by the day – so we couldn’t pick just one! The Amsterdam Tea Room is the perfect spot for those early, get-to-know-you days of dating, while Hermanos is ideal for vibrant date nights. Sydney’s is your go-to for fine dining, Miss Browns for brunch, and Baked Expectations is the place to indulge with dessert.

image showing the best restaurants in winnipeg for a first date

4. Spend some time at The Forks Market

For a more eclectic foodie date idea, opt for a morning sampling the delights at The Forks Market. There are full service restaurants here of course – like the aforementioned Sydney’s – but you can also have a great date wandering around and getting things from various stalls and vendors. In the summer, there’s also the Farmer’s Market to keep things fresh!

5. Try your hand at mini golf

Sometimes, you just want a really fun date idea. When that’s the case, you can’t go wrong with the classic date option of mini golf. An ideal date even when it’s a blizzard outside, indoor mini golf is a great way to tease your date with friendly competition. Traditionalists should try the Golf Dome’s course while those looking for kitsch fun will love U-Puttz Black Light Mini Golf.

6. Take your date to your favourite festival

Come July, The Winnipeg Folk Fest is one of the best Winnipeg date ideas, combining a happy ambience with some truly great music. But it’s not the only game in town! With its focus on world cultures, Folkorama is ideal for those who love travel and to taste new things, while just a short drive from the city is Islendingadagurinn (the amazing Icelandic Festival of Manitoba).

7. Get a taste of Winnipeg culture

Want an interesting date in Winnipeg? Head to the Manitoba Museum (true romance is showing each other your favourite exhibits, followed by hand-holding in the Planetarium show afterwards!). If the weather’s nice, take a beautifully tranquil stroll in the Le Mol Sculpture Garden or, if it’s not, check out the exhibits at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Or, for a quirky date idea, take a tour of the Royal Canadian Mint – it really is a fascinating place!

Image showing the Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg

8. Go to Shakespeare in the Ruins

Unique, winsome locations and Shakespeare – they’re definitely a romantic combination! Perhaps this is why Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR) is another of the great Winnipeg date ideas.

9. Make your movie night special

In the warmer months, your choice for movie date night is a no brainer – it has to be under the stars! Get your blankets and head to Assiniboine Park for free August movies on the Lyric Lawn, to embrace that old-school vibe, keep an eye out for the Downtown Drive-In schedule. In winter, stay in and stay warm – treat your date to VIP service at Cineplex Odeon McGillivray.

10. Skate the Red River Trail

A Winnipeg institution, the Red River Mutual Trail might not be the most original of date ideas – but that doesn’t make it any less fun! Make sure to take time out to check out the unique warming huts: this year designs come from many different minds, college students to globally renowned architects. (Check the ice conditions here!)

Want to try one of our Winnipeg date ideas? You can find the locations on this map. Still looking for that special single someone in the Peg? Let us help you meet great singles by registering today.

About the author: Sophie Watson

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