From Grand Estates to Green Spaces: Exploring Tuxedo, Winnipeg
Who needs a fancy car when you can spend an afternoon wandering the streets of Tuxedo? This neighborhood in Winnipeg feels like stepping into a postcard.
Everywhere you look, there’s another grand mansion with meticulously kept gardens, or a characterful home bursting with charm.
There are so many tree-lined streets that provide shade for pensive walks, and parks and green spaces pop up around every corner.
I have so many fond memories of exploring this suburb, from childhood bike rides with friends to breezy weekend strolls. Come with me and explore Tuxedo – a neighborhood steeped in history with a touch of delightful eccentricity.
Best Time to Visit Tuxedo, Winnipeg
To experience Tuxedo at its most vibrant, visit during the summer (June to August) when the temperature ranges from 18°C (64°F) to 28°C (82°F).
The warm weather brings people out to enjoy the parks or even paddle on the Assiniboine River.
On the other hand, fall (September to November) presents a delightful change of pace with comfortable walking weather with temperatures ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 15°C (59°F) and a breathtaking display of fall foliage.
I personally prefer the summer as it’s when more community events are held, but ultimately, the best time depends on your interests.
How to Get to Tuxedo
From the Airport (By Bus)
Firstly, take the Route 15 Winnipeg Transit bus towards downtown and get off at Portage Avenue and Hargrave Street. You can then transfer to the Route 66 bus heading towards Polo Park and disembark at Portage Avenue and Tuxedo Avenue.
From there, it’s a short walk south on Tuxedo Avenue to the residential area and many establishments around Tuxedo.
From the Airport (By Car)
To drive from Winnipeg Airport to the east side entrance of Assiniboine Park, near Tuxedo, Head north on Route 90 and continue until you reach Taylor Avenue.
Proceed east until you reach Kenaston Boulevard, where you’ll make a left turn. Drive north until you reach Corydon Avenue, then make a right turn.
Continue east on Corydon Avenue until you reach the east side entrance of Assiniboine Park just next to Tuxedo. This route should take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
From Anywhere in Winnipeg (By Car)
Since Tuxedo is just adjacent to Assiniboine Park, you can follow guides to the park throughout the city. Follow the Corydon Avenue entrances to the park since they’re closest to Tuxedo.
Things to Know About Tuxedo, Winnipeg
In the early 1900s, real estate developers envisioned “Suburb Beautiful” for the city – a stark contrast to the bustling downtown. The suburb blossomed into an enclave of wide, tree-lined boulevards with grand estates designed by renowned architects.
What’s interesting is that the area was originally slated to be the new home for the University of Manitoba, but those plans were shelved.
Despite the change of plans, Tuxedo became a magnet for prominent Winnipeg figures, with their impressive houses becoming unofficial landmarks. Even the street names hold a touch of whimsy, like Birkenhead Avenue and Folkestone Boulevard.
Tuxedo wasn’t all about keeping up with the Joneses, though. The Assiniboine River provided a natural playground for residents, and Olmsted Park (along with many other parks) offered a green escape.
Its quirks are what mostly draw me in; it’s a place where you might spot a jogger in posh activewear sharing the sidewalk with someone strolling a poodle in a coordinated leash and sweater set.
Things to Do in Tuxedo, Winnipeg
1. Satisfy your cravings at Stella’s along Grant Avenue.
Tuxedo has a reputation for being upscale, but let me tell you, skip the fancy cafes. Stella’s, a local legend, serves up fresh-baked bread, hearty soups, and delicious sandwiches at wallet-friendly prices.
Their strong coffee will kickstart your Tuxedo adventure – trust me, I’ve had plenty there!
2. Explore the beautiful Assiniboine Park.
This massive park is Tuxedo’s crown jewel. You can rent a bike and conquer the trails, or simply take a walk around the serene duck pond.
If you have kids (or if you’re a kid at heart!), visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo for a dose of the exotic. At times, in the summer, there are also free concerts at the Lyric Theatre.
3. Get active (or not so active) at the Tuxedo Tennis Club.
— Media credit: wpg_nsa
Channel your inner champion at the Tuxedo Tennis Club. You can take lessons, rent a court, or just watch a match and soak up the atmosphere.
If you prefer an entirely different workout, you can opt for the nearby Rady Jewish Community Centre with its massive gym that has a pool, squash courts, and everything in between!
4. Giggle ’til your stomach hurts at Rumours Comedy Club.
This Winnipeg institution is one of my favorites when I’m on a night out with friends, You can catch up-and-coming comedians or seasoned headliners test out new material.
Prepare to chuckle (or your money back, maybe not, but trust me, it’s hilarious!).
5. Escape to the Assiniboine Forest.
— Media credit: jenniferleephotographywinnipeg
This area is exactly the antidote to feeling the city squeeze. It’s right next to Tuxedo and it’s the ideal spot for hiking and biking lush trails and meadows.
If you just want to have a laid-back day, there’s no stopping you from just breathing in the fresh air and watching wildlife pass by!
6. Catch a live performance at the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre.
Looking for other ways to support the arts community in the city? Why not head down to the Winnipeg Jewish Theatre and catch works by prominent Jewish playwrights and performers?
It’s certainly a unique cultural experience you won’t find downtown.
7. Splurge on goodies and grub at Tuxedo Park Shopping Centre.
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Tuxedo’s not all nature. If you love to shop but dislike the downtown crowd, you could always go to Tuxedo Park Shopping Centre.
There are various food stalls in the area too, including Momma Helen’s, which is known for Mexican taquitos!
8. Explore various parks around the neighborhood.
— Media credit: muskratmoose
Tuxedo is peppered with parks of different sizes. You could simply take a walk and find a park or a field at every turn.
One of the biggest parks in the area is Frederick Heubach Park along Park Boulevard and Grant Avenue. The field here is perfect if you have active toddlers, kids, or pets!
There’s also Tuxedo Park on the Cuthbertson Avenue-Southport Boulevard intersection. This area has a community center with lots of toys and educational activities for the little ones.
Some of the smaller but equally scenic parks in Tuxedo are Aldershot and Birkenhead Strips and the fields along Lancaster and Glastonbury Boulevards.