We’re excited to host you in Winnipeg in just over three months! On behalf of Tourism Winnipeg, I’m thrilled to welcome you to Manitoba’s vibrant capital city—a place of rich history, diverse culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Winnipeg is your Gateway to the North, the jumping-off point to Churchill, the world-famous polar bear capital. We embrace all four seasons, from sunny summers filled with vibrant festivals to embracing our status as an official winter city—turning cold into cool with world-class winter celebrations and exhilarating outdoor adventures.
For more than 6,000 years, Winnipeg has been an Indigenous meeting place, located on Treaty 1 Territory. Today, visitors can connect with this deep history through authentic Indigenous experiences and cultural sites. We are also a human rights hub, home to the world-renowned Canadian Museum for Human Rights, inspiring reflection and action on global human rights issues.
Winnipeg’s multicultural spirit shines with more than 100 languages spoken and Western Canada’s largest French-speaking population, offering incredible food, festivals and warm hospitality.
We can’t wait for you to explore, connect, and experience everything Winnipeg has to offer. Check out the fun facts and learn about our top attractions in our friendly city. See you soon!
Natalie Thiesen Vice-President of Tourism Winnipeg
Credit: Travel Manitoba
Get To Know Winnipeg
Population: 815, 599
In 1914, First World War veterinary officer Harry Colebourn took a black bear cub to England as his regiment’s mascot. When Colebourn shipped out for France he donated
“Winnie” the bear (named after his hometown) to the London Zoo. A. A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin loved Winnie the Bear so much, Milne crafted the much-adored stories about his boy and the bear that we still enjoy today: Winnie-the-Pooh.
The world’s most famous spy, James Bond, was inspired by born-and-bred Winnipegger Sir William Stephenson. Throughout the First World War, he operated a high-tech lab that would inspire people like Ian Fleming, who trained under Stephenson. After the war, Stephenson and Fleming became friends and neighbours in Jamaica, where Fleming’s spy series took shape.
The Nestaweya River Trail is one of the world’s longest naturally frozen skating trails. It made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008 when it was 8.54 kilometres long. In 2017, the river trail was extended even further to over 10 km.
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is Canada’s oldest ballet company and the longest continuously running ballet company in North America. In 1953, the company received its royal title, the first granted under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.
Premier Wab Kinew is Canada’s first First Nations premier, elected in 2023. Winnipeg itself has Canada’s largest urban Indigenous population.
Credit: JP Media Works, courtesy of Travel Manitoba
What’s New At RVC This Year
You told us; we listened! Based on your feedback on last year’s event, we are making some changes to RVC 2025 that should enhance your experience and help you get the most out of your time. First, we are introducing a slight change in the appointment schedule to accommodate flight schedules and post-FAMs.
Our morning sessions will now start earlier at 8:30am and our Friday afternoon session will end at 3:30 pm. See below:
With the change in the appointment schedule, the Marketplace Indigenous Welcome will take place in the DC/ITAC Booth at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, May 28 – RVC Day 1.
For more information on the Event Schedule, visit the official Rendez-vous website.
The second big change is the return of the RVC Shopping Session. Following the afternoon appointments on Day 1, we will host a Seller-Seated Shopping Session. Sellers will remain seated, giving buyers the opportunity to walk the floor and connect/book appointments.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out.
Sustainability Commitment at RVC 2025
We are proud to maintain the commitments outlined in our Sustainability Pledge and are working towards promoting and supporting environmental, economic and community stewardship among event hosts and attendees. Among the commitments in our Sustainability Pledge are…
Selecting sustainable venues that prioritize responsible values and practices.
Selecting host hotels that are near to the host venue, thereby reducing local transportation needs.
We are proud to share that the RBC Convention Centre is committed to monitoring resource consumption and implements processes and technologies to be more sustainable.
RVC Official Carrier - Air Canada
Air Canada is pleased to provide delegates with a special industry discount fare to be used when booking travel to/from Winnipeg, between Tuesday, May 20, 2025, and Friday, June 6, 2025.
Click here for additional details and to secure your discounted rate.
Where to Stay
You’ve got great options when choosing where to stay in Winnipeg. We encourage Sellers to book accommodations early at one of the official Rendez-vous Canada Host hotels listed on the official RVC site. Great deals don’t last long, and once the reduced rates are gone, they’re gone for good.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Showcase your brand at Canada's premier tourism marketplace. Click here to explore our comprehensive sponsorship packages designed to maximize your visibility and engagement with industry leaders. Act fast - the deadline to secure your sponsorship is March 19, 2025.
Meet Our Sponsors
Rendez-vous Canada would like to thank the following partners and sponsors for their generous contributions to Rendez-vous Canada 2025 and their ongoing support of the Canadian tourism industry.
