Fall is, hands-down, my favourite season. The warm embrace of an amber afternoon, the bluntness of the nippy air, the inviting smell of apples and spice… September marks the halt of weekends at the lake, picnics in the park and sipping icy drinks on a sweltering afternoon.
Winnipeggers don’t immediately think of downtown when they wonder where to spend an autumn day, but it’s my go-to spot!
Stroll the Assiniboine River
Fall is perfect for taking beautiful scenic photos and spending time outdoors. There’s nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than enjoying nature. One of my favourite places in downtown during fall is along the Assiniboine River—I love the crisp air and the carpet of leaves crunching beneath my feet as I stroll the path. It’s always confounded me that the sound of dead leaves can make the air crackle with life.
My route usually starts at the Forks, where I grab a steaming cup of joe from Fools and Horses. Warming beverage in hand, I make my way west, ending up outside the Manitoba Legislative Building. Even when other people are using the path, the river walkway is a serene place to spend autumn days.
Hot Drinks to Warm You Up (& Where to Find Them)
The fragrant aromas of apple cider and hot cocoa are the ultimate reminder that fall is in the air! Downtown Winnipeg is the hub for the top-of-the-line coffee shops, and the place to be to satisfy your pumpkin-spiced cravings. Coffee shops such as Fools and Horses, Thom Bargen or Second Cup Coffee Co. are some of my top-picks for their seasonal drink menus. Here are some of my favourite seasonal drinks, guaranteed to have you feeling warm and toasty from the inside out.
Fools and Horses
Fools and Horses is not afraid to get a little creative with hot fall drinks; they offer pumpkin spice lattes, but their Boreal Latte truly shines! This delicious beverage is created with one-of-a-kind ingredients including pine syrup, sage, sweetgrass, elderflower, and juniper. Trust me: it’s something special.
Thom Bargen
The pumpkin spiced latte is the spokesperson for fall drinks, and in my opinion, no one does pumpkin drinks better than Thom Bargen! Their latte will make even the dreariest fall day an autumn dream.
Second Cup Coffee Co.
Second Cup Coffee Co. is one of my go-to places for a spicy selection of fall afternoon pick-me-ups! Their caramel spice tea latte is drool-worthy. If you’re feeling extra-festive, pair it with a pumpkin spice cream cheese muffin.
Cozy Autumn Activities
Once you’re warmed up with a beverage (and maybe a baked treat or two), get the most out of fall in downtown Winnipeg by treating yourself to one of these events.
Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market
October 24th | 10 am to 3 pm
Cityplace | 333 St Mary Avenue at Hargrave Street
With fall in full swing, there are so many delicious and healthy foods in season—honey crisp apples, sweet potatoes, butternut squash and so much more! What better way to stock up on your seasonal produce than at a fall-themed farmers market? The Downtown Winnipeg Farmers Market runs all fall and winter long, located inside Cityplace. The market can also supply you with all of your fall necessities, including local-made crafts, baking, jewelry and so much more!
Tuesday, October 15 | 1 to 4 pm
Across the Board Game Cafè | 211 Bannatyne Avenue at Main Street
What could be cozier than spending a crisp afternoon knitting, crocheting, or otherwise playing with yarn? This free event happens every two weeks and is a great way to spend a few hours with a latte, chatting and practicing your fibre art of choice. The café’s menu has something for every dietary preference, and you’re sure to make some crafty new friends while you work on your latest project.
October 26th | 6 to 9 pm
Children’s Museum | 45 Forks Market Road
Come get your trick or treat on with this spooktacular event! This will be the perfect evening of family fun leading up to the spookiest holiday of the year. Costumes are optional, but really, who would pass up an opportunity to dress up?
A few highlights include:
- “A spooky family photo opportunity at the Pixels and Giggles Photo Boo-th
- A live reptile display by Prairie Exotics
- A hoot with feathered friends from Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre
- Ooey gooey experiments led by Let’s Talk Science University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg”
Check out the event listing for more details and to buy tickets.
Fall Downtown is One-of-a-Kind
I cannot get enough of fall in downtown, and hopefully this year you’ll feel the same! The colors, the changes, the drinks and activities—it’s all so enchanting. Every year feels like I’m experiencing it for the first time. Let us know what you’re looking forward to this fall!
