A Tour of the Most Iconic West End Murals in Winnipeg That Will Stop You in Your Tracks
Every day, I walk past the murals and graffiti that dot our streets. Bold, colorful, and moving, our urban art is easy to admire but also easy to overlook, especially when you see it all the time.
But when I travel, I’m reminded of how vibrant our streets are compared to other cities. We’ve very lucky to have communities that go above and beyond to bring life and color to our neighborhoods.
If you’re hoping to understand our city’s cultural heritage and local communities, street art is a great introduction.
Below, I’ll show you some of the best murals in West End, Winnipeg to see on your next trip.
About the West End Murals
— Image credit: westendbiz
Of the 600+ murals in Winnipeg, more than 70 are in the West End, making it the largest collection in the entire city.
Every mural is painted with a purpose. They were first created to beautify the neighborhood and foster a sense of pride in the community, but today, they symbolize much more than artistic expression.
They reflect the diverse stories of the people who live here, capturing everything from the struggles and triumphs of immigrants to the celebration of Indigenous heritage.
These murals are a source of identity and connection, reminding residents and visitors alike of the strength and unity that define the West End.
When is the best time to see the West End murals in Winnipeg?
The best time to see the West End murals is from June to September. During summer, the weather is mild, making it an ideal time for leisurely walks through the streets.
I recommend going around mid-morning to early afternoon, so you can have the best natural light for your photos. If you want to avoid crowds, weekdays are quieter, allowing you to take in the art at your own pace.
The Best West End Murals in Winnipeg
1. The Zoohky Mural
— Image credit: tourismwinnipeg
Location: 635 Sargent Avenue, Eastern side of the building
Artist: Jill Sellers
Arguably the most famous mural in the West End, The Zoohky is an illustration of a well-known figure named Walter Zielke Ruesch. Everyone called him Zoohky.
Known as a fixer-upper, he would fix bikes, toys, and stereos that were thrown out; then, he would give them to the less fortunate. When he passed away from a heart attack in 2002, the community wanted to dedicate a mural for him to celebrate his life and legacy.
Initially, the mural just showed Zoohky holding a piece of paper, symbolizing a poem he made called Blue Danube. At the request of the residents, a bike was added to make the portrait more accurate as he was rarely seen without it.
2. Sisterhood
— Image credit: ruth.sada
Location: 696 Sargent Avenue, next to El Izalco Market
Artist: Xavier Mutshipayi
If the saying “empowered women empower women” were brought to life as art, it would look like Xavier Mutshipayi’s Sisterhood mural.
Painted in a bold, contemporary style, the mural features two powerful female figures—sisters, both gazing forward with purpose. Their shared vision symbolizes the strength and solidarity needed to overcome challenges together.
This vibrant mural doesn’t just celebrate women’s unity and resilience—it embodies it. It’s also a striking reminder of the importance of sisterhood in building a thriving community.
3. Harry Lehotsky
— Image credit: westendbiz
Location: 518 Maryland Street
Artist: Mandy van Leeuwen and Michel Saint Hilaire
Another community member honored through a mural is Harry Lehotsky, who was a pastor and a passionate advocate for the community.
Lehotsky founded New Life Ministries and dedicated his life to helping marginalized groups. He also advocated for affordable housing, poverty reduction, and further community development in the West End.
Painted in a realistic style, the mural is a portrait of Lehostky, surrounded by all the positive changes he has brought to the neighborhood.
4. Folklorama 50
— Image credit: virginradiowinnipeg
Location: 847 Notre Dame Avenue
Artist: Mandy Vanleeuwen and Franklin Fernando
Folklorama 50 is a 70-foot-long mural, adorning the side of 847 Notre Dame Avenue. It was painted on the 50th year of Folkorma, the longest-running multicultural festival in the world, which is held every year in August.
The mural bursts with color, depicting the many cultural groups and countries that come together for this annual celebration. From traditional costumes to headdresses, every detail mirrors the joy and pride that Folklorama brings to the city.
It’s a beautiful tribute to the spirit of inclusivity and connection that makes Winnipeg’s multicultural landscape so special. Just like the festival itself, the mural is a dynamic, living celebration of community.
5. Nation of Ethiopia
— Image credit: westendbiz
Location: 714 Ellice Avenue, Side of Salem Grocery
Artist: Jennifer Johnson and Carolyn Bernet
Nation of Ethiopia is a beautiful, colorful mural located on the side of Salem Grocery, which you’ll see right from the road. This vibrant tribute celebrates Ethiopia’s incredible legacy in athletics, highlighting four of the country’s most iconic athletes.
Front and center is Abebe Bikila, the man who stunned the world by winning Olympic gold—barefoot! Other runners illustrated in the mural are Meseret Dafar, Haile Gebrselaisse, and Kenenisa Bekele, who are all Olympic gold medalists.
6. Common Ground
— Image credit: westendbiz
Location: 520 Sargeant Avenue
Artists: Antoinette Banquiran and Rachel Goossen
Completed in 2009, Common Ground depicts animals from various parts of the world in a flat, two-dimensional design. From giraffes and whales to bison, they represent the different immigrant communities that have called West End home.
They are all painted on rolling hills, prairies, and marshlands, which are all native habitats you’ll find across Canada. Symbolically, this mural celebrates the gathering of long-time residents and new ones in the West End.
Although Antoinette Banquiran and Rachel Goossen did most of the work, about 50 youngsters from the community lent a helping hand.
7. A Woman’s Parliament
— Image credit: mandy_vanleeuwen
Location: 560 Sargent Avenue
Artist: Mandy Vanleeuwen
They say well-behaved women rarely make history. If that’s true, Nellie McClung and Margret Benedictsson, who are depicted in A Woman’s Parliament, certainly earned their place on the wall.
These trailblazing suffragists didn’t sit quietly. They stirred things up, fought for women’s right to vote, and made sure their voices were heard.
Highlighted in the mural are two key figures, McClung who staged a mock parliament where she hilariously questioned whether men were “fit” to vote, and Benedictsson, who co-founded a newspaper dedicated to women’s rights.
Together, these women ruffled feathers—and changed history. This mural celebrates their rebellious spirit and the victory they fought for.
8. Kamayan
— Image credit: a_gos_
Location: 683 Sargent Avenue, on the side of Hoa Thy Tailor building
Artist: Kevin Celestino
Truly, nothing brings people together like good food. And Kevin Celestino’s mural, one of three permanent installations designed to “energize” Sargent Avenue, captures that sentiment in the most mouth-watering way.
The mural is a vibrant, larger-than-life depiction of a kamayan feast, where friends and family gather around a long table to eat with their hands. But kamayan does more than celebrate food—it brings that sense of connection to Sargent Avenue itself.
As people pass by, they’re reminded of the joy that comes from shared experiences. Just like a true Filipino feast, this mural invites everyone to come together and celebrate the richness of life.
9. Power Play
— Image credit: mandy_vanleeuwen
Location: 619 Portage Avenue
Artist: Mandy Vanleeuwen and Michel Saint Hilaire
Painted in a contemporary, almost comic-book style, Power Play celebrates the return of the Winnipeg Jets.
Dynamic and bold, I like this piece because it captures the passion for hockey that runs deep in the city. From kids playing at homemade outdoor rinks to professionals competing at arenas, it encapsulates our love for the sport.
You’ll also see the many achievements of our hockey stars illustrated on this mural. That includes the Smythe Trophy, Calder Cup, Allan Cup, and more.
10. O Kanata
— Image credit: westendbiz
Location: Corner of Ellice Avenue and Spence Street
Artist: Annie Beach and Brianna Wents
The O Kanata mural in the West End is a striking tribute to Canada’s Indigenous heritage and vast, natural beauty. From the golden prairies to the coastlines, it captures all the stunning landscapes you’ll see throughout the country.
What makes it special is the contribution of the youth through the local Mentorship Program.
Look closely, and you’ll spot tiny fish swimming through the waters—painted by young hands, symbolizing new generations carrying forward the spirit of their ancestors.
Where to Eat Nearby
Sargent Taco Shop
— Image credit: wpgfoodieyouwannafollow
Website: https://sargent-tacoshop.com/menu/
Location: 698 Sargent Avenue
Phone: +12045051121
Opening hours: Tue-Sun, 11:30 AM to 7 PM
If you’re looking for a quick bite or a grab-and-go meal, Sargent Taco Shop is a local gem you want to visit. This is a small, mom-and-pop shop with only limited seating inside.
Everyone raves about the tres cuates (amigos): the beef quesabirria, chicken rajitas, and the chorizo. But other options on the menu like the lengua are just as delicious.
Then, you can indulge in churros dipped in chocolate, vanilla, or caramel sauce. Just get them after your meal so that they’re still hot and a little crisp on the outside.
Feast Cafe Bistro
— Image credit: feastcafebistro
Website: http://www.feastcafebistro.com/
Location: 587 Ellice Avenue
Phone: +12046915979
Opening hours: Tue-Sat, 11 AM to 10 PM
Feast is an upscale bistro serving Indigenous and Manitoba-style cuisine with a modern flair. It’s a unique experience you won’t find elsewhere.
Here, you can order dishes like fire-roasted buffalo lasagna and pizza bannock pops stuffed with alder-smoked bacon, bison sausages, and mozzarella. Everything comes in generous portions, a perfect treat after a day of exploring the West End.
Don’t forget to try their sweetgrass ice cream. You can get it with a cone or add it to their many dessert options.
Pho Kim Tuong
— Image credit: wpgeats
Website: https://www.phokimtuong.com/
Location: 856 Ellice Avenue
Phone: +12046618888
Opening hours:
Mon-Tue and Thu-Fri, 11 AM to 8 PM
Sat-Sun, 12 PM to 8 PM
One of the best places to get hearty soups and refreshing salads in the West End is Pho Kim Tuong. It’s a Vietnamese restaurant with an extensive menu, ranging from spring rolls and shrimp satays to all sorts of soups.
I’ve got to warn you though: each order of pho comes in a massive bowl and is packed with fresh veggies, good enough to be shared.
What I like about this spot is that they also have boba. From pina coladas to raspberry and peach blends, they’ve got a pretty interesting set of flavors for you to try.
Other Things to Do Nearby
Visit the Winnipeg Art Gallery
— Media credit: travelmanitoba
Website: https://www.wag.ca/
Location: 300 Memorial Blvd
Phone: +12047866641
Opening hours: Wed-Sun, 11 AM to 5 PM
Just a 6-minute drive from West End, you’ll find the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG), which is home to 27,000+ works of art. Although it has everything from European to contemporary pieces, it’s best known for its vast collection of Inuit art.
Whether you’re an art aficionado or a casual gallery-goer, WAG provides an inspiring and enriching experience, making it a must-see stop in the city.
Explore the Manitoba Museum
— Media credit: manitobamuseum
Website: http://www.manitobamuseum.ca/
Location: 190 Rupert Ave
Phone: +12049562830
Opening hours: Wed-Sun, 10 AM to 4 PM
The Manitoba Museum is only 10 minutes away from the West End by car, so you can easily stop by after seeing the murals. You’ll need more time here as it has 9 immersive galleries, which will take you from the icy coast to the windswept prairies.
Everyone comes here to see the Nonsuch, a full-size replica of a 17th-century merchant ship that you can actually board!
With its immersive displays and ever-changing exhibitions, the museum offers an unforgettable experience, making it well worth a visit for anyone exploring Winnipeg.