From the Pacific to the Atlantic, Canada is 7,821 kilometres across, and at almost the halfway point is an urban centre that’s truly quirky and unexpectedly queer—at least for a visitor.
The queerness wouldn’t surprise the inhabitants of Winnipeg, a city of about 800,000 hearty souls who elected an openly gay mayor, Glen Murray, back in 1998, at a time before equal marriage, when there were few out politicians in North America. One of the city’s icons, the naked Golden Boy statue on the dome of the provincial legislative building, is considered to be a little light in the loafers, as he looks out over an area called “the Hill,” which was a hangout for gay men from the 1950s to the 1990s. You can learn about the Hill and other historical LGBTQ2S+ spots by following this digital Winnipeg Queer History Tour.
As well, the term Two-Spirit, a term some queer Indigenous people use to describe themselves, originated in Winnipeg in 1990 during the third annual intertribal Native American/First Nations gay and lesbian conference.
Located at the junction of the Assiniboine and Red rivers, and an important train station during the golden age of rail travel, Winnipeg is an essential Canadian crossroads. It has many of the amenities of a big city but retains a small-town vibe. Its remoteness from other urban centres— —the nearest city of more than one million people, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a seven-hour drive away—have nurtured its unique character.
The city was ambitiously built to be the hub holding Canada together. Its 20-block Exchange District comprises an architectural buffet of historic buildings built between the late 1880s and the outbreak of the First World War I, including some of North America’s first skyscrapers. Yet relatively low housing prices since the late 20th century have made it a magnet for artists and assorted bohemians. Though the Manitoba capital has some grit, as well as tough winters, it’s also got style and a strong sense of civic identity. Winnipeggers take care of each other. They also do high culture; the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) is the oldest ballet company in Canada and the longest continuously operating in North America.
Here is quick guide to LGBTQ2S+ Winnipeg, the Gateway to the West. For other ideas, read our story about food writer Dan Clapson’s favourite places in the Canadian Prairies.
Pride and queer events
Pride Winnipeg (May 23 to June 1, 2025). More than 50,000 people attend this springtime Pride festival, but there’s an even more impressive number—about 6,000 march in the parade, which is just one of six key Pride events. The others are a flag raising, a vigil for those the community has lost, a rally, the Dyke March and a festival featuring more than 50 performers.
Reel Pride Film Festival (September 17 to 21, 2025). Founded in 1985, this is the oldest LGBTQ2S+ film festival in Canada. A team of volunteers help present more than a dozen Canadian and international programs over several days.
Where to stay
Fairmont Winnipeg (2 Lombard Pl., Winnipeg). Right at Portage and Main, one of Canada’s most famous intersections, this venerable upscale property has a pool and fitness centre.
Alt Hotel Winnipeg (310 Donald St., Winnipeg). Alt is the cooler, more playful offspring of Quebec’s Germain Hotels boutique brand—they’re not afraid of colour. The Winnipeg Alt is a stylish choice in the Sports, Hospitality and Entertainment District (SHED), which is to say it’s across from the Canada Life Centre, home of the Winnipeg Jets hockey team.
Inn at the Forks (75 Forks Market Rd., Winnipeg). The Forks neighbourhood is where many of Winnipeg’s cultural attractions are located (see our “What to see and do” section). This rustic-luxury boutique hotel, right next to the Forks food hall, has a spa.
What to see and do
Canadian Museum for Human Rights (85 Israel Asper Way, Winnipeg). Since opening in 2014, this technology-adept modern museum has become one of Winnipeg’s main attractions. It’s made missteps (in its first few years, school groups could request to skip permanent exhibitions on sexual diversity) but has more than made up for them with policy improvements and the excellent current special exhibition Love in a Dangerous Time: Canada’s LGBT Purge, which is on display until early 2026. The museum also hosts events throughout the year like Drag storytime and Drag brunch.
Winnipeg Art Gallery and Qaumajuq (300 Memorial Blvd., Winnipeg). A key example of how Winnipeg is able to offer more than visitors expect for a city of its size, the WAG is a well-curated contemporary art museum—you’ll usually find something queer there. Qaumajuq, which opened in 2021, is one of the largest public collections of contemporary Inuit art in the world and is connected to the main gallery.
Forks Market (1 Forks Market Rd., Winnipeg). Though it’s a great place for a bite and to pick up some local food products, Forks Market is also a cultural and recreational hub—there’s almost always an event happening. And there is art scattered all around the area.
Synonym Art Consultation. Though they have no storefront operation, this curatorial collective has a hand in many of the city’s public art projects and cultural events (drag in particular), so it’s worth checking out what they’re up to during a visit. They’re dedicated to showcasing artists, mentors, musicians and performers belonging to under-supported communities, including LGBTQ2S+ artists.
Queer-owned and -friendly places to eat
Capital Grill & Bar (275 Broadway #100, Winnipeg). The clean, crisp décor of this casual restaurant is ideal for the comfort food prepared by chef Wayne Martin, who’s a member of the Manitoba LGBT* Chamber of Commerce. The restaurant regularly hosts drag brunches and events to benefit the nearby Rainbow Resource Centre (545 Broadway, Winnipeg), which provides various services to the LGBTQ2S+ community, particularly youth.
Oh Doughnuts (326 Broadway, Winnipeg). Come for the delicious baked goods, stay for the community spirit and ethical principles (they don’t do gender reveal doughnuts because they perpetuate gender stereotypes). This LGBTQ2S+-owned location does classic and innovative flavours with style, and they’ve got something to pair for every season, holiday and special occasion.
Chocolate Zen Bakery (553 Osborne St., Winnipeg). This queer-owned and -operated European bakery has pastries and tortes, including gluten-free options.
Eadha Bakery Worker Co-op (577 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg). Just as you’re asking, “Do all the queers in Winnipeg bake?” you might stumble upon this west-end bakery that specializes in sourdough bread and pastries. They operate under a queer, anti-racist, de-colonial mandate and partner with community groups and organizations.
Party and meet the community
Little Brown Jug Brewing (336 William Ave., Winnipeg). A popular brewery in the Exchange District, they are a major Pride sponsor, and their event space hosts the likes of Queer Comedy night and Butch Femmes and Thems Book Club.
Good Neighbour Brewing Co (110 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg). Manitoba’s first all-female and LGBTQ2S+-owned brewery has a tasting room and patio meant for serious queer hangs. They also host queer events like comedy nights. Their restaurant, Next Door, is, in fact, right next door.
Club 200 (190 Garry St., Winnipeg). Drag and the high-energy dancefloor are the big draws at this popular long-standing gay bar, the kind where you can show up any day of the week and find community.
Club Happenings (114b Osborne St., Winnipeg). Located in trendy Osborne Village, this inclusive venue has a different vibe depending on the night’s theme. Expect rave dance parties, drag and karaoke.
Sunshine House Winnipeg (646 Logan Ave., Winnipeg). Primarily a community drop-in and resource centre focusing on harm reduction and social inclusion, they also host occasional drag brunches at the West End Cultural Centre (586 Ellice Ave., Winnipeg), whose programming is also worth checking out.
Where to find some sexy fun
Adonis Spa Winnipeg (1060 Main St., Winnipeg). Gay and bi men can find connection—and have a steam—at this gay bathhouse.
X Club Winnipeg (457 Notre Dame Ave., Winnipeg). This large sexual play space attracts folks from all zones of the sexual spectrum on different nights. It’s a judgment-free environment. Trans people are welcome, but solo men (unaccompanied by a woman or couple) may not be permitted to attend some events.
Queer shopping
Black Market Provisions (550 Osborne St., Winnipeg). This sunny specialty food shop in the South Osborne neighbourhood is queer-owned. A perfect place to stop for picnic supplies.
Coal and Canary Candle Company (1 Forks Market Rd., Winnipeg). Light it up. This women-owned company makes candle culture cool again. They do limited-edition scents like “I Can See Queerly Now” and support queer causes.
Bear Face General Store (539 Osborne St., Winnipeg). This collective of creative friends had us at the slogan “Art for weirdos like you.” You’ll find rainbow-themed products here, but cool ones, not cheesy ones.
Thanks to Tourism Winnipeg for their help researching this article.
