Food and Agritourism in Manitoba

Discover Canada’s rich culinary history, sample European-style fare, or go berry picking for an afternoon during your tour of Manitoba’s food markets, breweries, farms, and other food destinations. Downtown Winnipeg is where you’ll find a wealth of unique dining destinations and culinary delights from all over Canada. Make your way out to the prairie lands and rural areas to visit local farms and enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Downtown Winnipeg

The Forks Market is a popular downtown destination in Winnipeg during the summer and fall months, a farmers market where you can enjoy seasonal foods, meet with local vendors, and learn about locally grown foods from farmers. The market caters to visitors and locals alike and has grown to become a popular community activity.

Take a tour of some of the best breweries in the region in Winnipeg. Since Winnipeg is an urban hub, you’ll find several destinations that serve up a variety of craft beer favourites and Belgian brews. Pay a visit to Half Pints Brewing Company to try Mr. Peanut Butter’s Stout or take a tour of Torque Brewing Co., one of the newest breweries in the area. Barley Brothers is a popular destination for good beer and bar food favourites, including the Lobster Mac and Cheese. Be sure to ask for beer and food pairing recommendations during your visit.

Agritourism in Central Manitoba

Agritouring central Manitoba will take you to Pembina Valley farms where you can go berry picking at some of the most well-known berry farms. Berry Hill Farm in Altona is a popular spot for picking raspberries and strawberries. Foxvalley Farm in Foxwarren and Klassen Berry Farm in Neepawa are some other popular destinations in the central plains where you can pick your own berries. Berry picking can be a fun way to explore local farms and enjoy a relaxing activity with friends and family.

Agritourism in Eastern Manitoba

If you’re traveling with young kids, don’t miss the chance to visit the petting zoo at Deer Meadow Farms or pick your own veggies at Poco-Razz Farm. Both destinations are located in Eastern Manitoba and offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy hands-on activities, learn about seasonal offerings and explore new terrain. If you’re visiting the area during the fall months, make your way to the Penner Pumpkins & The Scarecrow Forest in Steinbach for some fall fun.

Agritourism in Western Manitoba

Saskatoon berries, wild black cherries, and pincherries grow in abundance at farms in western Manitoba. When you’re staying in or near Brandon, don’t miss the chance to take a trip to the berry farms in Carberry, Douglas, or Shellmouth where you can pick everything from strawberries to black currants. The Parkland region is also known as ‘berry country’ and you’ll find several farms open all day for berry pickers to explore. 

The Forks Market

You can truly make the most of your next stay in Manitoba with some time spent exploring the Forks Market. As just one of the many impressive attractions within The Forks in downtown Winnipeg, the Forks Market blends the unique history of the area with an ever-growing local culinary and food scene. 

Try some of the very best locally grown foods when you stroll through the Forks Market. July 1 through August 31, the Forks Market is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., while on Sundays they close up shop at 6:30 p.m. September 1 through June 30 the market is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., extending hours to 9 p.m on Sundays.

The Best Breweries in Winnipeg

The suds flow all year round in Manitoba’s urban hub, and visitors won’t have any trouble finding places to quench their thirst. Here are a few of our favourite watering holes across Winnipeg.

Barn Hammer Brewing Co.

Craft beer culture is burgeoning in Winnipeg and on the forefront of the movement is Barn Hammer Brewing Co. The first tap room of its kind in the Chicago of the North, Barn Hammer offers a broad selection of year-round and seasonal brews, including Le Sneak Belgique Witbier and Grampa’s Sweater Oatmeal Stout.

Unfortunately for hop heads, what Barn Hammer doesn’t currently offer are tours of the facility – although, according to rumors, a tour is in the works.

Half Pints Brewing Company

Bring your growler and head to the west side of town to see what’s on tap at Half Pints Brewing Company. The company produces and bottles its own brews, and they’re happy to fill up your jug as well.

Depending on the season, thirsty visitors can sample Half Pints specialties like Bulldog Amber Ale, Mr. Peanut Butter’s Stout, and the Golden Brett, but sadly, a look behind the scenes is not currently available here either.

Fort Garry Brewing Co.

Located on the southwest edge of town near the IKEA, Fort Garry Brewing Co. is a staple in the Winnipeg craft beer scene. The extensive line, available on site and at retailers throughout the province, includes one-of-a-kind blends like Kona Imperial Stout, Happy Jack Pumpkin Ale, and the Naughty & Spiced Porter.

Best of all, the beer enthusiast in your group can get a look at the brewing process by scheduling a tour of the operations. Just call ahead and schedule a time.

PEG Beer Co.

The Barley Brothers’ ever-evolving selection of more than 70 beers is available about both Winnipeg locations.

Torque Brewing Co.

Opened in July of 2016, the Torque Brewing Co. is one of the newest breweries to hit the scene. From their location on 30 King Edward St., near Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport, in the St. James Industrial District, Torque boasts a broad selection of brews.

Tours are available upon request, and you can even buy some sweet Torque swag to remember your visit. T-shirts, hats, bottle openers – you name it.

Brazen Hall Kitchen and Brewery

Brazen Hall Kitchen and Brewery is another of the newest to emerge. Founded in 2016, the kitchen and brewery inhabit the space formerly known to locals as the Round Table, south of downtown near the Red River – and visitors are sure to find its old-world European architecture to be perfectly fitting.

Come hungry – the food menu is packed with reimagined bar-food classics.

Grape & Grain

Inspired to brew your own yet? How about a foray into fermentation? Grape & Grain has you covered. There you’ll find fruit wine kits, beer kits, hops, malts, grains, liquid brewer’s yeast, cheese making supplies, and more.

Not quite confident you’re ready to go out on your own? Grape & Grain also offers onsite winemaking and beer brewing, where you pick your flavours and set the process into motion, then come back to savor the spoils of your labor and few days or weeks later.