Winnipeg Makes Canada’s Top 100

Author

Jas Singh
May 09, 2025

Happy Friday, Winnipeggers!

There’s so much happening this weekend, and with the weather hitting over 30 degrees, it’s the perfect excuse to step outside and soak it all in.

From family-friendly events and outdoor markets to sports, food, and everything in between, the city’s buzzing and it finally feels like summer is here.

And don’t forget, our very first Summer of Locals Market kicks off tomorrow! It’s packed with vendors, food trucks, and fun for the whole family. Be sure to swing by if you can. (More info on that below.)

So grab your shades, stay hydrated, and get out there. Winnipeg is ready for the weekend!

In today’s edition:

  • Winnipeg’s Annual Mosquito Control Program is Back

  • Spring Giveaway Returns This Weekend

  • Three Winnipeg Restaurants Make Canada’s Top 100

  • Fire Ban Expands Across Manitoba

  • 50+ Weekend Events & Live Music

— Jas Singh

News

Winnipeg’s Annual Mosquito Control Program is Back

Every summer, there’s that moment. You're enjoying the backyard, the sun’s finally out… and then bzzz. The mosquitoes arrive like they’ve been personally invited.

But good news: the city’s already on it.

Crews have started larviciding, which is the best way to stop mosquitoes before they’re even old enough to ruin your BBQ. This year's program is eco-friendly, wide-reaching, and already in action.

Here’s what they’re doing:

  • Treating over 28,000 hectares of water across the city with biorational larvicides

  • Using helicopters and ground crews to get the job done

  • Monitoring adult mosquitoes

  • Only fogging if necessary, and you'll get 24-hour notice if it happens

Residents can also apply for a buffer zone if they don’t want mosquito spray (called DeltaGard) used near their home. This means the city won’t fog within 90 metres of your property.

Winnipeg summer is too short to spend it swatting. So let’s keep it mosquito-free!

Together with Magic Room Spa!

Can’t Decide What to Get for Mother’s Day This Weekend?

If you’re stuck between flowers, a card, or something from the mall… here’s an idea she’ll never forget.

Give her a full day to slow down and feel cared for. Whether it’s your mom, your wife, or someone who’s been like a mom to you, this is the kind of gift that really says thank you.

At Magic Room Spa, she can get a full reset. No laundry. No rushing. Just quiet, calm, and care.

Here’s what you can book for her:

  • Hot stone massage
    A deep, relaxing massage that melts away stress and sore muscles.

  • Hydrating and brightening facials
    So she can leave glowing, inside and out.

  • Manicures and pedicures
    Because fresh nails really do lift your whole mood.

  • Nail extensions and gel polish
    A little glam, just for her.

  • Spa packages & more!
    Let her spend a few peaceful hours getting totally pampered.

That’s just some of what they offer. If you’re looking for the full list, be sure to click below and book her something special.

Or grab a gift card so she can choose exactly what she wants. Click below to see all their services and give her the rest and care she deserves!

Advertise with us by emailing: [email protected]

Community Digest

Last Reminder! Summer of Locals Market Is This Weekend

We’re officially kicking off our first-ever Summer of Locals Market, and we’d love to see you there. It’s going to be two full days of shopping, food, and family fun, totally for FREE!

Here’s what to expect:

  • 📍 Outlet Collection Mall – May 10 & 11

  • 🛍️ Over 50 local vendors selling handmade goods

  • 🍔 10+ food trucks with something for everyone

  • 🎵 A full DJ set to keep the energy up all day

  • 🎨 Face painting (1–5 PM), bouncy castles, and surprise visits from:
     • Spiderman (2–6 PM)
     • Snow White (1–5 PM)

Whether you're there to browse, grab a bite, or let the kids run wild while you enjoy a coffee, this is our way of making summer in Winnipeg feel a little more special.

We’ve been working hard to bring this to life, and we seriously can’t wait to see it all come together. If you’re coming by, please come say hey. Look for me at The Locals tent and ask for Jas!

Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and let’s make it a weekend to remember.

Winnipeg’s Spring Giveaway Returns This Weekend

There’s something satisfying about clearing out the garage, finding something you forgot you had, and thinking… someone else could probably use this.

Pair that with some fresh compost for the garden, and suddenly your spring weekend plans are looking pretty productive.

As mentioned in last week’s edition, the City of Winnipeg is bringing back Spring Giveaway Weekend this weekend, along with the annual Compost Giveaway.

Here’s what’s happening:

  • Spring Giveaway Weekend is May 10 & 11: Leave out anything reusable with a clear FREE sign. By Sunday night, take back whatever’s left. Just skip anything unsafe, anything with bed bugs, or those bulky old toilets.

  • Free Compost Pickup also runs May 9 to 11: Bring your own containers and shovel. You can grab up to 5 pails worth at Brady Road, Kilcona Dog Park, or Summit Road.

A small effort goes a long way! Let’s keep useful stuff out of the landfill and good compost in the ground.

Three Winnipeg Restaurants Make Canada’s Top 100

Source: Yujiro

Winnipeg has one of the most underrated food scenes in Canada, so when we get the recognition we deserve, it feels pretty great.

This week, three local restaurants landed on the 2025 list of Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants. A big moment for the chefs, the teams, and honestly, everyone who’s ever bragged about our food to out-of-towners.

Here’s who made the list:

  • Deer + Almond in the Exchange came in at #34, the highest ranked in Winnipeg

  • Yujiro on Grant jumped to #65 after being #92 last year

  • Nola in St. Boniface made its first appearance at #86

If you’ve been to any of these places, you know how good they are. And if you haven’t yet, this might be your sign to book a table.

Big moment for Winnipeg’s food scene, and well deserved.

City Updates

Fire Ban Expands Across Manitoba

As we’ve mentioned in the past few editions, fire bans have been getting stricter, and yesterday, we got another update.

Starting Friday, May 9 at 8 a.m., all motorized backcountry travel will be banned in parts of Manitoba due to rising temperatures and dry conditions. The southeast and Interlake regions remain at high risk, and with the dry spring we’ve had, the province is tightening things up to keep us safe.

Here’s what’s in place now:

  • No motorized backcountry travel allowed at any time

  • All fires banned from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., unless in approved pits

  • Travel permits now required to reach remote cottages by ATV or off-road vehicle

  • All provincial burn permits cancelled in affected areas

This includes parks like Whiteshell, Birds Hill, Spruce Woods, Beaudry, and more.

Measles Exposure Sites Updated This Week

The province released Measles Update #6 this week, and cases are rising by the day, some without any known contact.

This update includes new exposure locations, so if you or your family may have been in these spots, it’s worth checking in.

Here’s the latest list of exposure sites:

  • École Dugald School – April 29, 30, and May 2

  • Bus #26 (Route 72) – April 29, 30, and May 2

  • Bus #128 (Route 79) and Dugald’s May 2 Manitoba Museum trip

  • Boundary Trails Health Centre ER Waiting Room – April 27

Monitor for symptoms like fever, rash, red eyes, or cough until the listed dates (some as late as May 24). If symptoms show up, isolate and call a health-care provider before heading in.

Exciting Events: May 9th - 11th

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Sports🏀

  • Winnipeg Jets vs Dallas Stars Game 2 | 8:30PM, May 9

    • Location: Canada Life Centre

    • Description: The second game of the series! Let’s hope Jets can tie it up!

  • The Volleyball Canada Youth National Championships | May 9-11 (More Info)

    • Location: RBC Convention Centre

    • Description: Volleyball athletes from across the country, including girls and boys age groups, 14U to 18U, hit the courts to battle for national glory.

  • Winnipeg Run Club | 8:30AM, May 10th (FREE)

    • Location: The Forks

  • DND Run Club | 8:15AM, May 11th (More Info)

    • Location: Mondays Cafe

    • Note: Dash N’ Dine Run Club!

Family Fun🎆

  • The Malaga Ship - A Story of Maine and the Middle Passage | 7PM, May 9

    • Location: EG Hall, The University of Winnipeg

    • Description: A powerful 45-minute performance by Antonio Rocha that brings to life the harrowing journey of enslaved Africans through movement, voice, and personal connection.

  • ELEVATE: Manaaji'idiwin Play | May 9-17 (Tickets)

    • Location: John Hirsch Mainstage

    • Description: What happens when the elevator gets stuck on your way to an important meeting?

  • The Band's Visit Musical | May 9-11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Winnipeg Jewish Theatre

    • Description: An Egyptian Police Band arrives in Israel to play a concert. After a mix-up at the border, they are sent to a remote village in the middle of the desert.

  • Grease Lightning Musical | May 10 & 11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Destination Dinner Stage

    • Description: Greetings, Winnipeg High class of 1959, you are all invited to the biggest Rock and Roll reunion this town has ever seen!

  • Billie and the Moon Play | May 10-11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Manitoba Theatre for Young People

    • Description: Everyone remembers their first time at summer camp. For Billie, it’s been unforgettable – and not in a good way. (Recommended for Ages 6-11)

  • Dear Mom... | 3PM, May 11 (Tickets)

    • Location: Prairie Theatre Exchange

    • Description: An afternoon of music and stories celebrating mothers, mother-figures and motherhood in all its complicated glory.

Markets/Fairs🎡🎢🎠

  • Family Fun Spring Fair | May 9-11, Open Fri, Sat & Sun (Tickets)

    • Location: Assiniboia Downs

    • Description: Multiple rides, games and food trucks for you and your friends to enjoy!

  • Scattered Seeds “Mother’s Day Special” Market | May 9-10 (Tickets)

    • Location: Red River Exhibition Park

    • Description: Honour the Mother, mentor, or special someone in your life with a memorable day of hunting for unique treasures, making memories, and welcoming spring.

  • St. Norbert Farmers' Market | 10AM - 2PM, May 10th

    • Location: 3514 Pembina Highway

    • Description: Manitoba’s Largest Farmers’ Market!

  • Veiled Raven Artisan Market | 11AM, May 10th (More Info)

    • Location: Deer Lodge Community Club

    • Description: Prepare to be enchanted, enthralled, and inspired as you journey through this immersive celebration of all things dark and mysterious.

  • Science Rendezvous Kids Festival | 11AM - 3PM, May 10th (More Info)

    • Location: University of Manitoba, Fort Garry campus

    • Description: Manitoba’s biggest hands-on science and engineering festival.There are over 50 booths and demos. You can also check out fossils, play with robots, and look at the sun through a telescope. It’s free, fun, and for all ages.

  • The Summer of Locals | May 10-11

    • Location: Outlet Collection Winnipeg

    • Description: Free summer markets. 50+ vendors, 10+ food trucks, bouncy castles, face painting, and more!

Comedy❗

  • Alex Carr Comedy | May 9-10 (Tickets)

    • Location: The Basement Comedy Lounge

    • Description: All the way from Vancouver via Calgary via Halifax - Alex Carr Headlines The Basement! One of the smartest, funniest acts in Canada!

  • Tracey MacDonald Comedy | May 9-10 (Tickets)

    • Location: Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club

    • Description: Tracey has been seen/heard on CBC, CTV, The Comedy Network, Elle Canada, MacLean’s Top 30 under 30, CBS, Comedy TV, The E! Network, Logo TV, Spike TV, Comics Unleashed and The Bob and Tom.

  • Mike Paramore Comedy | May 9-10 (Tickets)

    • Location: Rumor's Restaurant and Comedy Club

    • Description: His natural ability to infuse everyday situations with energetic, uplifting humor, combined with a natural ability to put you at ease is key to his personal brand of comedy.

Special Events 🥂

  • Manitoba Metalfest 2025 | May 9-10 ($)

    • Location: The Park Theatre

    • Performers: Obscura, Athiest, Origin, Decrepit Birth, Fractal Universe and Spineless!

  • Free Family Fishing Weekend | May 10-11

    • Location: FortWhyte Alive

    • Description: Start the season off right by fishing for Northern pike, yellow perch and carp on the lakes.

Music 🎵

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Monday!