Floral City Guide: Winnipeg

By
Sarah Bancroft
Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE at The Leaf, 2024
The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden at Assiniboine Park
Taché Promenade (Josh Lavelle)
Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar at The Leaf

Fleurs de Villes debuts the world premiere of Fleurs de Villes WONDER (January 15-25, 2026) at The Leaf at Assiniboine Park, a spectacular showcase of global natural wonders created entirely from flowers and botanicals by top local florists. Step in from the January aire and take a floral world tour with stops in Japan for Sakura season, in California for the famous Super Bloom, and in Mexico for the annual Monarch migration. Visit national treasures such as the Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, among the 16 spectacular installations. Stay for Florist meet-and-greets on weekdays at 4pm to learn about the floral artistry, and enjoy floral demonstrations on January 19th and 20th at 5:30 and 6:30. We look forward to seeing your there! For more info and tickets click here

While in Winnipeg, explore all the Manitoba capital has to offer the flower lover. The city lists all of its 27 parks and greenways on its website, a result of 2022 being named the “Year of the Park” by the city. Here are our top picks:

WINTER AROUND ASSINIBOINE PARK

During the winter months, the Riley Family Duck Pond becomes an outdoor skating rink, with surrounding light displays so that you can skate under the stars even after those early winter sunsets.

Bring a toboggan and enjoy catch some speed on the hill, or follow the nearly four kilometres of groomed cross-country skiing trails throughout the park.

Other attractions within the park include the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and its museum dedicated to the Ukrainian-born sculptor. Pictured is the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, another highlight of the area.

When you're ready for a break from that bracing Prairie cold, it's time to step inside The Leaf...

THE LEAF AT ASSINIBOINE PARK

The Leaf is an indoor horticultural attraction nestled in the gardens at Assiniboine Park. There are six gardens to explore; the Indigenous Peoples Garden, Kitchen Garden, Sensory Garden, Performance Garden, Seasonal Garden, and The Grove. With all that it offers, it’s no surprise that The Leaf was recognized as "Garden of the Year" at the Canadian Garden Tourism Awards and named “One of the Top Ten North American Gardens to Travel To” at the 2023 International Garden Tourism Conference.

Beyond its floral wonders, The Leaf boasts architectural elegance that complements its natural splendor. Winding pathways lead visitors through carefully curated sections, each with its own unique charm. The Victorian-style greenhouse houses rare orchids and exotic tropical plants. The pergolas and gazebos provide shaded retreats, inviting visitors to pause and immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. The botanical library, with its vast collection of horticultural literature, serves as an educational hub for those eager to deepen their understanding of plant life.

Fleurs de Villes debuts the world premiere of Fleurs de Villes WONDER (January 15-25, 2026) at The Leaf at Assiniboine Park, a spectacular showcase of global natural wonders created entirely from flowers and botanicals by top local florists. Step in from the January aire and take a floral world tour with stops in Japan for Sakura season, in California for the famous Super Bloom, and in Mexico for the annual Monarch migration. Visit national treasures such as the Avenue of the Baobabs in Madagascar and the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland, among the 16 spectacular installations. Stay for Florist meet-and-greets on weekdays at 4pm to learn about the floral artistry, and enjoy floral demonstrations on January 19th and 20th at 5:30 and 6:30. We look forward to seeing your there! For more info and tickets click here

While in Winnipeg, explore all the Manitoba capital has to offer the flower lover. The city lists all of its 27 parks and greenways on its website, a result of 2022 being named the “Year of the Park” by the city. Here are our top picks:

Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE at The Leaf, 2024
Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE at The Leaf, 2024
The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden at Assiniboine Park
The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden at Assiniboine Park
WINTER AROUND ASSINIBOINE PARK

During the winter months, the Riley Family Duck Pond becomes an outdoor skating rink, with surrounding light displays so that you can skate under the stars even after those early winter sunsets.

Bring a toboggan and enjoy catch some speed on the hill, or follow the nearly four kilometres of groomed cross-country skiing trails throughout the park.

Other attractions within the park include the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden and its museum dedicated to the Ukrainian-born sculptor. Pictured is the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, another highlight of the area.

When you're ready for a break from that bracing Prairie cold, it's time to step inside The Leaf...

THE LEAF AT ASSINIBOINE PARK

The Leaf is an indoor horticultural attraction nestled in the gardens at Assiniboine Park. There are six gardens to explore; the Indigenous Peoples Garden, Kitchen Garden, Sensory Garden, Performance Garden, Seasonal Garden, and The Grove. With all that it offers, it’s no surprise that The Leaf was recognized as "Garden of the Year" at the Canadian Garden Tourism Awards and named “One of the Top Ten North American Gardens to Travel To” at the 2023 International Garden Tourism Conference.

Beyond its floral wonders, The Leaf boasts architectural elegance that complements its natural splendor. Winding pathways lead visitors through carefully curated sections, each with its own unique charm. The Victorian-style greenhouse houses rare orchids and exotic tropical plants. The pergolas and gazebos provide shaded retreats, inviting visitors to pause and immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings. The botanical library, with its vast collection of horticultural literature, serves as an educational hub for those eager to deepen their understanding of plant life.

Taché Promenade (Josh Lavelle)
Taché Promenade (Josh Lavelle)
Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar at The Leaf
Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar at The Leaf

The restaurant, Gather Craft Kitchen and Bar, features globally-inspired modern Prairie cuisine and celebrates local farmers and growers. The bar also offers botanical cocktails like the Winnipeg 75 with pea blossom gin, lavender syrup and Prosecco. 

The garden's commitment to native plant species fosters biodiversity, creating a thriving ecosystem that reflects the natural beauty of the surrounding prairies. Interpretive signage and guided tours educate visitors about the importance of preserving local biodiversity, encouraging them to become ambassadors for nature.

THE TACHÉ PROMENADE

If you want to educate yourself about native Manitoba plants while getting fresh air and exercise, the Taché Promenade river-bank restoration project is a great place to enjoy native grasses and wildflowers whe in season. Even in the winter months, the Promenade boasts a beautiful cross-river view of The Forks and the Winnipeg skyline, and the walkway’s interpretive plaques explaining the early development of St. Boniface.

Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar at The Leaf
BACK TO JOURNAL