Life in Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital city of Manitoba and located in the centre of Canada, which is consistently ranked as one of the world's safest countries and best places to live.
Manitoba's diverse economy includes major industrial sectors such as aerospace, financial services, biotechnology, manufacturing, information and communication technologies, interactive digital media, and more.
The Globe and Mail named Winnipeg Canada's third most livable city in 2024. Winnipeg has been described as the cultural cradle of Canada. Our downtown campus is only steps away from exciting galleries, museums, nightlife, and shopping, as well as being close to green spaces, bike paths, and walkways.
Urban access to nature
Skate on the world's longest natural skating trail, hike through beautiful forests, and paddle on lakes and rivers, all within the city's boundaries.
Art galleries and museums
Winnipeg is home to world-class cultural institutions like the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Canada Museum for Human Rights.
History and Culture
Winnipeg's rich history and diverse culture shapes its identity, from Indigenous heritage to French and Ukrainian influences, the city celebrates its roots through festivals, museums, and historic neighbourhoods. It's a place where tradition and innovation meet.
Winter activities
Winnipeg embraces winter with energy and charm, offering ski trails, snowshoeing paths, and winter celebrations like Festival du Voyageur.
Stunning attractions
Immerse yourself in unforgettable experiences only found in Winnipeg! Visit The Leaf, a breathtaking indoor garden space, and the Assiniboine Park Zoo, home to the award-winning Journey to Churchill polar bear exhibit.
Sports and Culture
Winnipeg is home to the NHL's Winnipeg Jets and CFL's Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Join in on a downtown Jets street party, just minutes from campus!
Festivals
Winnipeg's festivals bring the city to life year-round, with highlights like Winnipeg Folk Festival, a world-renowned outdoor music celebration, Folkorama, the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind, and Festival du Voyageur, Western Canada's largest winter festival.
Affordability
Winnipeg is one of the most affordable major cities in Canada, especially when it comes to housing, transportation, and everyday expenses.
Winnipeg has a humid continental climate. The city's inhabitants experience all four seasons, with mean temperatures climbing to 40°C in the summer, and dropping to -40°C in the Winter. The mean daily high in July is 25.8°C, and the mean daily low in January is -21.2°C. Winnipeg is a sunny city year round, with 316 sunny days annually.
It's a big adjustment to live in a climate very different from the one to which you are accustomed. Many students new to Winnipeg, particularly those from warmer climates, worry about how they will manage winter in the city. The good news is that with proper winter attire, winter can be manageable – and even a lot of fun! See International Student Services' page on Weather and Clothing for tips to stay warm.