The Ultimate Guide to Happyland Park in Winnipeg That Locals Keep Bragging About
I once tried to impress a date by doing a cartwheel at Happyland Park. Let’s just say gravity had other plans—and so did my hamstring.
She laughed so hard, a jogger offered her a tissue. I, on the other hand, became a proud part of the grass for a solid minute. But hey, if you can’t find love, at least find a patch of nice lawn to roll on dramatically, right?
Anyway, joke’s on me—but that’s also what makes Happyland Park so great. It’s where you come for a walk and somehow end up playing frisbee with strangers or chasing your runaway dog while a group of toddlers cheer like it’s the Olympics.
And yes, I’ve done both.
Happyland Park may not be Winnipeg’s flashiest green space, but locals know it’s one of those gems where the name actually fits.
Stick around, and I’ll tell you what makes this place a local go-to. Spoiler: it’s more than just soft grass and the occasional pulled muscle!
About Happyland Park
– Media credit: chrisepolle
Location: 425 Marion St
Website: http://winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parksOpenSpace/ThingsToDo/DiscGolf.stm
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
In 1906, Happyland Park was a bustling amusement park. People would come out for the roller coaster, vaudeville shows, and a little Japanese tea garden. And get this—they had a miniature steam train! Kids must’ve gone wild for that.
It wasn’t just about rides, though. Baseball was huge there, too. The Winnipeg Maroons used to play games against American teams right on the park’s grounds.
So yeah, it was definitely one of those places where everyone gathered—families, sports fans, thrill seekers—you name it.
Eventually, like a lot of old amusement parks, it kind of faded out. Interests shifted, the city grew, and by 1922, Happyland closed its gates. No big final sendoff—just one day, the doors were shut, and that was that.
But what I love the most is that it didn’t just get paved over or turned into condos. Instead, the land found a new rhythm.
These days, it’s just a really chill neighborhood park. I’ve been here a few times— there’s a nice playground, some picnic tables where folks hang out in the summer, and even a disc golf course if you’re into that kind of thing.
They’ve also done some great upgrades—new play structures, better seating, cleaned-up landscaping—all the good stuff.
Where is Happyland Park in Winnipeg?
Happyland Park in Winnipeg is tucked away in the St. Boniface area, surrounded by the Seine River and a public pool. To get there, you’ll likely need to pass along Marion Street, where the park is located.
Things to Do at Happyland Park
Play at the playground.
– Media credit: aex.y.z
Happyland Park’s playground got a full makeover, and it’s honestly one of the nicest spots for families in the area, especially with how they’ve split it up.
There’s a whole section just for the little ones—like toddlers up to preschool age—and then a separate space for the bigger kids (ages 5 to 12) who like to climb everything and leap off tall things.
Plenty of fun features are packed in, from classic swings and slides to some really fun climbers. There’s even a sandbox that tends to attract the diggers—those determined youngsters trying to tunnel their way to the other side of the planet.
Parents haven’t been forgotten either—you’re not stuck standing around. There is a lot of seating scattered throughout, so you can kick back and take a breather while the young adventurers burn off some energy.
Enjoy a round of disc golf.
– Media credit: conductders
The disc golf course is a hidden gem here in Happyland. Whether you’re dead serious about your throws or figuring out which end of the disc to hold, it has this easygoing charm that makes you want to come back.
The course itself is sneaky tricky. One minute you’re thinking it’s a breezy round, and the next, you’re wedged behind a tree trying to pull off some wild curve shot like you’re in a tournament.
But that’s part of what makes it fun—it keeps you on your toes!
And the setting? Absolutely beautiful. Wide open greens, trees swaying in the breeze, birds chipping… even if you’re just out for a casual game, it’s a great excuse to enjoy the fresh air and stretch your legs.
Relax with a picnic in the green spaces.
– Media credit: chrisepolle
At Happyland Park, you can toss down a blanket and forget about whatever else you had planned for the day. There’s so much open space that you never really feel crowded, even when a few other folks have the same idea.
What I really like is how it hugs the river. There’s something about that breeze coming off the Seine that makes everything feel calmer, you know?
I usually end up strolling along the path by the water—it’s not a long walk, but it’s one of those stretches that’s just nice.
You can even cross over the pedestrian bridge if you’re feeling a little extra wander-y. The view from there? Surprisingly good, especially around sunset!
Where to Eat Near the Happyland Park
Inferno’s Bistro
– Media credit: infernosbistro
Location: 312 Des Meurons St
Website: http://www.infernosbistro.com/
Phone number: +1 204 262 7400
Hours of operation:
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
- Tuesday and Wednesday: 11 am – 8 pm
- Thursday to Saturday: 11 am – 9 pm
Must-order: Medallions de Boeuf Sirloin Poivree
Inferno’s Bistro is a French-inspired diner, and it’s been serving up incredible food since 2003.
This place is great for date night or just catching up with friends. And if the weather’s nice, you can grab a seat on their patio—there’s often live music playing, which just adds to the whole relaxed, charming atmosphere.
Now, if you’re stuck staring at the menu, go for the Medallions de Boeuf Sirloin Poivree. A perfectly tender sirloin medallion drenched in rich, brandied peppercorn sauce.
And don’t even think about skipping desserts. I’ve developed a bit of an obsession with the Caramel Hazelnut Chantilly Torte. It’s got layers and textures and this nutty-sweet thing going on that makes you want to guard your plate from anyone else at the table.
Nola
– Media credit: nola.wpg
Location: 300 Tache Ave Unit 101
Website: http://www.nolawpg.com/
Phone number: +1 204 505 0760
Hours of operation:
- Sunday and Monday: Closed
- Tuesday to Thursday: 11 am – 3 pm; 5 pm – 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11 am – 3 pm; 5 pm – 11 pm
Must-order: Tuno Crudo
You know how there are some places Winnipeggers kind of want to keep to themselves? That’s Nola. It’s one of those under-the-radar spots in the city that people are quietly obsessed with—myself included.
The food leans into Pacific Northwest flavors, but there’s a clever influence from Chinese heritage that makes every dish feel both fresh and familiar.
The menu is designed for sharing, which I love—especially if you’re like me and suffer from chronic indecision.
As for food, please do yourself a favor and order the Tuno Crudo. It’s a gorgeous plate of yellowfin tuna with bright, punchy muối ớt xanh sauce, pickled mango and red onion, pandan oil, toasted peanuts… I mean, come on. Every bite hits differently, in the best way.
Where to Stay Near the Happyland Park
Delta Hotels Winnipeg
– Media credit: deltahotelswinnipeg
Location: 350 St Mary Ave
Website: https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ywgdw-delta-hotels-winnipeg/overview/
Phone number: +1 204 942 0551
Hours of operation:
- Check-in time: 4 pm
- Check-out time: 12 pm
For a nice place to stay near Happyland Park, I always point people toward the Delta Hotels Winnipeg. The rooms here are super comfy. I remember sinking into one of their pillowtop beds after a long day of walking, and honestly, I didn’t want to get back up.
Fast Wi-Fi, a big wall-mounted TV, and one of those ergonomic desks that actually make it kind of tempting to get a bit of work done while traveling.
Food-wise, you’re covered. Blaze Restaurant & Lounge is right inside the hotel, and they do solid, hearty Canadian comfort eats. I’m talking decent-sized portions, too—not the dainty ones where you’re still hungry afterward.
And if you’re just trying to grab a quick coffee and go, there’s a Starbucks tucked into the lobby at Urban Bean. Handy when you’re trying to wake up before hitting the park, right?
That’s not all—they also have a 24-hour fitness center with both cardio machines and weights if you’re into staying active (or aiming to burn off all that poutine).
Fairmont Winnipeg
– Media credit: fairmontwinnipeg
Location: 2 Lombard Place
Website: https://www.fairmont.com/winnipeg/
Phone number: +1 204 957 1350
Hours of operation:
- Check-in time: 4 pm
- Check-out time: 11 am
Fairmont Winnipeg is definitely on the luxury end, but you get what you pay for!
The rooms and suites have gorgeous views of the city and super comfy beds—like, you don’t want to get out of and cancel all your plans for the day.
They’ve got this classy restaurant downstairs too, plus a lounge if you just want to wind down with a drink.
But what I really love, though, is how the whole place has that polished, no-detail-left-out kind of vibe.
You’ve got a saltwater pool and a steam room if you’re in the mood to unwind, and the gym is fully loaded—not just a treadmill or a sad dumbbell rack shoved in a corner.