15 Canadian Tourist Traps That Are Total Letdowns

12. The Forks (MB): Marketed History, Minimal Magic

The Forks bills itself as Winnipeg’s cultural heart, but what could’ve been a vibrant hub of living history has been glossed over with food courts, curated craft stalls, and a vaguely manufactured sense of “heritage.” It’s pleasant, sure—but it rarely transcends surface-level engagement. The historical layers feel flattened by corporate polish, and what’s left is more mall-adjacent than momentous. You’ll find some good bites and local wares, but little that roots you in the city’s deeper rhythms. Instead, wander into the Exchange District where 20th-century warehouses house indie designers, cafés, and galleries that actually reflect the city’s creative spirit. Or time your visit with a fringe theatre show, music festival, or public art event—anywhere the locals are shaping culture in real-time, not just selling versions of it.