In 1876, the YMCA named Winnipeg the wickedest city in Canada. Ninety minutes of outrageous—but true—stories will show you why.
Step inside the Manitoba Legislative Building and hear the antics they left out of the history books—on a relaxed, story-driven walking tour.
A booming city with a scandalous past…
Between 1876 and 1910, Winnipeg grew from a small village into one of Canada’s largest cities—but behind the wealth and rapid growth was a reputation for vice, crime, and intrigue. Things were so bad, the YMCA named us the ‘wickedest city in Canada’.
Booming, brash, and sometimes brazenly corrupt, Winnipeg was a place where the police chief got caught in his own brothel raid, the first mayor spent his nights in the drunk tank, and a radio announcer accidentally swore live on air in front of the King.
On this 90-minute walking tour of the city’s historic government district, you’ll step inside the stunning Manitoba Legislative Building—that many believe is secretly a replica of an ancient temple—and hear the outrageous true stories that didn’t make it into the history books.
Funny, surprising, and completely true. This is Winnipeg history the way it deserves to be told.
We’ve dug deep to find the forgotten, edgier history you won’t hear anywhere else, that most Winnipeggers don’t even know. Here’s just a taste of what you’ll hear:
Step inside one of Winnipeg’s most beautiful landmarks. “The Leg” is widely regarded as one of the most stunning government buildings in North America. With exclusive interior access you’ll enjoy a guided visit and have time to look around on your own, so you can check this must-see stop off your Winnipeg bucket list.
We want you to relax and enjoy our favourite stories. Our groups are small, the walking distance is short, and we find places to sit at most stops so you won’t be standing for the full 90 minutes.
Friendly, passionate, and genuinely fun to tour with.
There’s a reason we’ve been Winnipeg’s #1 tour company on Tripadvisor for 12 years! Our guides are warm, knowledgeable, and passionate about Winnipeg history and culture. Expect engaging stories, laughs, and the kind of genuine hospitality that feels like exploring our city with a friend. Our tours are designed for curious travellers and Winnipeggers alike—you’d be surprised how many locals leave having learned things they never knew about their own city.
“Gary, the tour guide, was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and funny. Even having lived in Winnipeg all my life I found out things I never knew.” — Debbie G., Winnipeg
After the tour, our guides are happy to point you toward their favourite places to eat, drink, and explore, so you can make the most of the rest of your day.
With limited availability inside the Legislative Building, tours often sell out in advance. We recommend booking early to secure your spot.
Book directly through this page to get the best available rate. If you find a lower price elsewhere, we’ll refund the difference.
Plans can change—so we offer a full refund up to 30 minutes before your tour starts. Not sure your plans are locked in yet? Book now to secure your spot and cancel for free if anything changes.
We highly recommend purchasing in advance by clicking on the Check Availability button on this page, or by giving us a call at 204-226-8687. Remaining tickets are available for walk-up sale 30 minutes before the start of the tour, but we cannot guarantee walk-up availability and our tours frequently sell out.
Yes, all guests 18 years old and up must present valid photo identification (e.g a driver’s license or a passport) to visit inside the Manitoba Legislative Building. If you do not have identification or would prefer not to show it, you can join our tour for the outside portions, and can wait outside while the group is inside.
As well, everyone must also go through security (like at the airport) to enter the Legislative Building, so reducing the number of bags you bring with you will make it an easier process for you – but you are welcome to bring bags and backpacks should you wish.
If you see an empty box on our calendar, it is because we are not running tours that day. Please look for dates in green on the calendar to select a ticket for purchase.
If you would like to pay with cash while still guaranteeing your seat, please email info@winnipegtrolley.ca or call us as 1-204-226-8687 and we can reserve your tickets (subject to availability) and you can pay when you arrive for your tour.
Yes, tickets are fully refundable up to 30 minutes before the start of the tour, please just email us at info@winnipegtrolley.ca or call us at 204-226-8687 if you need to cancel.
Our tours begin at the Canadian flag right on Broadway directly in front of the Manitoba Legislative Building, 450 Broadway – click HERE for a map and to find directions to our starting point.
Our tour runs approximately 90 minutes.
There are eight stops on the tour, as well as some free time, both to explore the interior of the Manitoba Legislative Building and its grounds.
Our tour begins at the Manitoba Legislative Building, 450 Broadway. It is a 25-minute walk from The Forks Market, and within walking distance of most downtown hotels. You can also ride Winnipeg Transit; select stop 10585 (Eastbound Broadway at Osborne East), which is just two minutes from our starting point. Winnipeg is also served by Unicity Taxi, Duffy’s Taxi, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.
Click HERE for a map and to find directions to our starting point.
There is paid street parking on all streets around the Manitoba Legislative Building. You can enjoy two hours of free parking on Saturdays—more than enough time to take our tour! Need assistance with parking? Just find a spot to park, then come ask our staff; they will be happy to help!
Yes! When we go inside the Manitoba Legislative Building you will be able to use the restrooms.
Yes, we run rain or shine, but may be adjusted for extreme weather conditions. If the weather is not quite what you are looking for during a tour, however, you can cancel up to 30 minutes before the start of the tour.
Winnipeg is one of the sunniest cities in North America! During the spring and summer when our public tours run, most days are quite warm and sunny.
Because we believe strongly in the quality of our tours, we offer a 100% money-back guarantee. If you are not satisfied after taking our tour, please Contact Us and we will gladly refund your ticket price, no questions asked.
Yes, at this time we are only offering tours in English.
We do allow pets on the tour; however, they are not permitted inside the Manitoba Legislative Building nor can they be tied up on the grounds, so you would need to wait outside with your pet while the rest of the group is inside.
Yes! We are pleased to arrange a private tour for your group. Please email us at info@winnipegtrolley.ca or call us at 204-226-8687 to arrange a custom booking at a time that works for you.
We are here to help! Simply send us an email at info@winnipegtrolley.ca or call us at 204-226-8687 with any additional questions or concerns.
With limited access inside the Legislative Building, our tours do sell out—book now to secure your spot. Free cancellation up to 30 minutes before the tour.
General Admission:
$29.95
Senior: (65+):
$27.95
Student (with valid ID):
$19.50
Child (6-12):
$5.50
Infant (5 and under):
Free
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