It’s getting harder to find the world’s unexplored cities, simply because fewer of them exist. But Canada is home to many places that offer elite cultural and culinary experiences, and are still somewhat under the radar — at least, for now.

Nestled in the heart of Canada, Winnipeg is one such place. This bustling city in Manitoba has an established and diverse arts and culture scene normally found in cities twice its size, coupled with a burgeoning culinary landscape propelled by a host of talented young chefs. Throw in a favorable exchange rate, and Winnipeg becomes an ideal destination for American travelers.

Obviously, with so much to do, it helps to have a little guidance, so we’ve mapped out this 4-day itinerary to help you plan your stay.

Day One

Any first morning in Winnipeg should be spent visiting the city’s most stunning architectural feat, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The latest in digital museum technology brings the story of human rights around the world to life as you take the journey from darkness to light up to the Tower of Hope, where you’ll also witness stunning 360-degree views of the city and beyond.

Situated on the same site as the museum and located at the intersection of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers is The Forks. A place of historic significance, it has served as a meeting place for the area’s Indigenous population for 6,000 years. It’s also one of the city’s busiest spots with a bustling food market, year-round activities, and numerous festivals. Stop in for lunch at Tall Grass Prairie bread company, where the flour is all sourced locally and the cinnamon buns are the stuff of which legends are made.

Spend the afternoon outdoors exploring The Forks 54 acres of green space, complete with walking paths, river walk, and bike rentals. Refresh with a craft beer from The Common inside The Forks Market and feel free to sip and browse the wares.

Cap off the day at deer+almond, where Chef Mandel Hitzer has been not-so-quietly transforming Winnipeg’s culinary landscape. The co-creator of RAW:almond, a pop-up restaurant on a frozen river that happens every January and February in the city, Hitzer has brought his enthusiasm and passion for Winnipeg to his Michelin-worthy menu.

Day Two

Start the morning with a visit to Parlour Coffee, located in Winnipeg’s historic Exchange District. Many credit Parlour with being the leader of the city’s indie coffee movement. The WiFi-less spot encourages interaction, and Winnipeggers are renowned for their friendliness.

Explore the Exchange District and its shops, cafes, and art galleries. Hop on one of numerous walking tours to learn more about the beautifully preserved turn of the century buildings that make up this trendy area.

Continue learning about the area’s history at the Urban Shaman Gallery, where artistic voice is given to Indigenous artists from Manitoba and across Canada. Explore powerful exhibits that speak to the everyday lives and history of Canada’s first people.

Head to Peasant Cookery for dinner, where rustic French-inspired cuisine fills you up with house-made charcuterie, traditional French Canadian tourtière, and the always popular buck-a-shuck oyster night.

Day Three

The Winnipeg Art Gallery is home to the world’s largest collection of contemporary Inuit art, boasting a collection of almost 11,000 pieces. Head to the WAG to explore numerous works of Canadian art and special visiting exhibits of some of the world’s best-known works.

Next door, Plug In Institute of Contemporary Art features Manitoba artists and is dedicated to sharing their voice with the world through experimental mediums. Both galleries are sure to keep you busy for most of the day.

If you need a pick-me-up, head down to Stella’s Bakery located in the same building as Plug In. This local institution serves up all-day breakfasts that cause lineups out the door on weekend mornings.

Later in the afternoon, head to the Manitoba Legislature where a mystery is waiting to be cracked. The Hermetic Code here is a mind-bending, clue-riddled tour that will reveal the building’s ‘hidden-in-plain-site’ hieroglyphic inscriptions and freemasonic symbols. Secretly incorporated by the architect, they went unnoticed for almost a hundred years.

Finish off your day at neighborhood staple fusion grill; Chef Lorna Murdoch and owner Scot McTaggart helped spearhead the local food movement in Winnipeg, so why not visit where it all began? Tuck into Manitoba-caught pickerel or locally-raised grilled bison.

Day Four

Across the river is the area’s French quarter, St. Boniface. This euro-style neighborhood boasts French shops and restaurants, along with green spaces for walking and exploring the river banks. Peek into Chocolatier Constance Popp for a “Manitobar” (a keystone-shaped bar filled with local grains and honey). Nibble as you explore the stunning façade of St. Boniface Cathedral and the cemetery where Louis Riel, the leader of the Canadian Métis rebellion, is buried.

This afternoon, head to the outskirts of the city to FortWhyte Alive, an urban nature preserve. Get up close to their 40-head herd of bison, make bannock over a fire, and go for a paddle in a canoe.

Your visit in the city ends with dinner at Segovia, where you can nibble on Spanish and Middle Eastern inspired dishes like halloumi with smoked tomato, lamb empanadas, and churros for dessert. Chef Adam Donnelly can be credited with bringing small plates to Winnipeg and they still do it to perfection every night.

This post is a sponsored collaboration between Destination Canada and Gothamist staff.

Photo: Canadian Museum for Human Rights // Travel Manitoba