The Sights of South Winnipeg: a Smartphone Audio Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Winnipeg and looking for a flexible, budget-friendly way to see the city’s southern neighborhoods, the Sights of South Winnipeg: a Smartphone Audio Tour might just fit the bill. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but from what we gather, it offers an informative and relaxed way to explore without the constraints of a traditional tour group.

What we really like about this experience is how it combines driving and walking elements, giving you freedom to linger at points of interest or cruise through if you’re pressed for time. Plus, the price—just over six dollars per person—is pretty hard to beat for a tour of this scope. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that, since it’s self-guided, it relies on your smartphone and personal initiative, which might not suit everyone.

This tour seems ideal for curious travelers who enjoy a bit of independence and enjoy learning on the go. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a couple wanting a relaxed day out, or just someone who appreciates digital convenience, this experience could be a good fit.

Key Points

• Affordable Price Point: At just $6.61 per person, it offers great value for a comprehensive tour.
• Flexible and Self-Guided: You control the pace, exploring at your leisure with no time limits.
• Rich in Points of Interest: Over 20 locations including parks, historic buildings, and scenic drives.
• Audio and GPS Features: Easy-to-navigate GPS with automatic audio playback as you approach stops.
• On Foot and Drive: Mix of driving past sites and walking at select points for a more immersive experience.
• No Data Needed During Tour: Download it beforehand, making it reliable even without cell service.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

This tour is designed to be a thorough yet relaxed exploration of South Winnipeg, blending quick drives past landmarks with more leisurely walks. Here’s what you’ll encounter along the route:

Starting Off: The Drive Begins

The tour kicks off on Pembina Highway at Chancellor Matheson Road, with a quick introduction to the tour format—driving points of interest are primarily viewed from the vehicle, while walking points give you a chance to stretch your legs. Since the tour is self-paced, you can stop whenever you want to take photos or explore more deeply.

Driving Past Sports and Educational Facilities

The first couple of stops are easy to miss if you’re just passing through, but they add local flavor. Investors Group Field, home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, and the Max Bell Centre, where the University of Manitoba’s hockey teams play, are pointed out with brief commentary. These spots are perfect for sports fans or anyone interested in local university life.

University of Manitoba and Architectural Highlights

Next, the tour takes you around the university campus, with quick drives past notable buildings like St. Paul’s College, the Wallace Building, and Pembina Hall Residence. We loved the way the tour hints at the campus’s history, pulling you into a sense of the area’s academic tradition without needing to step foot inside.

The Green Space: Kings Park

After the urban sights, the tour transitions into Kings Park—a true highlight. Here, you’ll get out and explore on foot for about 30 minutes. The park features a Chinese Pagoda, a waterfall, and a labyrinth, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll. The commentary includes a fun quiz about these features, adding a layer of engagement. This stop is ideal for anyone wanting a break from the car and some fresh air.

Exploring Historic and Cultural Sites

Onward, you’ll drive past neighborhoods, learn about local history, and catch glimpses of murals and old homesteader tools like the red river cart. The tour also mentions the Southwood Golf & Country Club, giving insight into local leisure spots.

The Trappist Monastery and Heritage Sites

One of the tour’s real charms is the inclusion of the Trappist Monastery Ruins, where you get to walk among historic structures for about 30 minutes. We appreciate how it emphasizes the site’s heritage and the calm atmosphere of the monastery grounds. Adjacent to this, the St. Norbert Arts Centre offers a peek into Winnipeg’s artistic community.

Prairie Views and Natural Beauty

As you move further out, the tour shifts into the prairie eco-region, giving you scenic views and a chance to appreciate the expansive landscapes. You’ll also visit La Barrière Park and the floodway, with commentary on local environmental features and history like the flood of the century.

Final Walks and End Point

The last walking stops involve exploring heritage homes at Place Saint-Norbert and the farmers market, a lively spot especially when in season. The tour wraps up at the St. Norbert Farmers Market parking lot, where you can extend your visit or head into the market for local goodies.

What We Think About the Experience

The value here is impressive. For around $6.60, you get a detailed, flexible tour that covers a variety of sights, from urban landmarks to rural landscapes. It’s a great way to tailor your sightseeing—you can breeze past some places or spend extra time at the stops that catch your eye.

The combination of driving and walking makes it versatile. The driving portions are a perfect way to cover more ground quickly, especially if you’re short on time, while the walking stops allow for deeper engagement with the local environment. The fact that the tour has over 20 points of interest means you’re getting a well-rounded look at the area.

Audio quality and GPS navigation are straightforward. The commentary plays automatically as you near each stop, which helps keep the experience seamless. Plus, the fact that no data is needed during the tour means you can download it beforehand—handy if you’re traveling in an area with spotty service.

Reviews highlight the knowledgeable narration and stunning views as major plus points. One reviewer raved about how the tour guide’s commentary kept things interesting, while another mentioned the “incredible mural” under a bridge, surprised by the local art scene. These small details really add character to the experience.

A few drawbacks include the reliance on your smartphone and optional headphones for walking. If you forget your earbuds, you’ll have to use your device’s speaker, which might not be ideal in noisy environments or with a big group. Also, since it’s self-guided, you need to be proactive about following the route and stopping at points of interest.

Seasonality and accessibility are worth considering. The tour is open year-round, but some attractions, like the farmers market, are seasonal. Also, some points may be inaccessible due to weather or seasonal closures, so it’s worth checking ahead if you’re visiting during a less predictable time.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience best suits travelers who enjoy independent exploration and are comfortable using their smartphones for navigation and audio. It’s perfect for those looking for an affordable way to see a variety of sights without the rigidity of a traditional bus or guided tour.

It’s especially good for history buffs, art lovers, and anyone who appreciates scenic drives mixed with opportunities for brief walks. Families with older children might find it engaging, especially with the quiz feature, but younger kids may need some encouragement or a change of pace.

Final Thoughts

The Sights of South Winnipeg smartphone tour offers a well-rounded, budget-friendly way to explore a diverse part of the city. It’s a flexible, easy-to-use experience that let’s you decide how much time to spend at each point. The inclusion of both drive-by sights and walkable parks makes it a good choice for those who like to pace their day.

The value for money is clear, and the mix of architectural, natural, and cultural highlights provides a genuine sense of the area’s character. If you’re comfortable with using your phone as a guide and want to avoid large group settings, this could be an ideal way to spend a few hours discovering Winnipeg.

Overall, it’s a straightforward, enjoyable way to deepen your understanding of the local landscape without breaking the bank or imposing on your schedule.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
Since the tour involves walking at some stops, like Kings Park and the heritage sites, it’s best suited for those who can comfortably walk short distances. The driving portions are accessible, but walking parts may require some mobility.

Do I need to have my own headphones?
Headphones are optional. The audio will play through your device’s speaker if you prefer, but using headphones can improve your experience, especially in noisy or crowded areas.

Can I do this tour more than once?
Yes. The tour offers lifetime access via the Tripvia Tours app, so you can revisit it whenever you like, at your own pace.

Are attraction tickets included?
No, this is a self-guided tour only. You’ll need to purchase tickets separately if you want to access specific attractions or facilities.

Is the tour available year-round?
Yes, it’s open from August 2020 through August 2026, and you can do it any day of the week, at any time, as long as the attractions are open.

How many people can participate?
The tour is synced with the number of devices you download it to. For the driving parts, only one device is needed if connected to your vehicle stereo. For walking, the audio plays on the device, so additional participants should have their own device or earbuds.

Exploring Winnipeg’s south side with this smartphone-guided tour sounds like a practical and enjoyable way to see a lot without the hassle of traditional tours. Whether you’re into history, art, or just scenic drives, it offers a comfortable way to learn about local sights at your own pace.