My Favourite Spots in Winnipeg to Work Remotely

Working remotely sounds like a dream and it is but when your office is also your home, sometimes the laundry, dishes, and half-eaten snacks on the counter start calling your name louder than your inbox.

I work full-time (actually, more than full-time) running my Graphic Design and Web Design business from home. I’ve got a great home office setup for client meetings, but every once in a while, I need to escape my house, recharge, and get work done somewhere that doesn’t come with chores attached.

When I really want to focus like deep into design work or catching up on emails — I grab my laptop, my charger (outlets are non-negotiable), and head out. Here are a few of my favorite spots in Winnipeg to work remotely.

The Forks

If I had to pick one spot that’s equal parts inspiring and practical, it’s The Forks. I like sitting upstairs in the coworking-style area where students and other professionals work too. It has a great atmosphere, and if you go early enough, you can usually grab a spot with an outlet.

For breakfast, I love getting a London Fog latte and a cinnamon bun from Tall Grass Prairie(if you’re local, you know). When I need a mid-day break, you’ll find me at Phantom Amusement playing StepMania. I’m actually a big DDR fan… I can even play on heavy difficulty. It’s the best kind of brain break and workout rolled into one.

Between the coffee, the river views, and the culture, The Forks always leaves me feeling refreshed and recharged.

Starbucks

Starbucks might not be the most original pick, but it’s definitely reliable and that’s part of the charm. I usually go to the Pembina location, but honestly, they’re all good. It’s one of those places where it just feels normal to pull out your laptop and get to work.

I’ve actually met a few people there just by showing up. My laptop is covered in geeky stickers, which tends to be a conversation starter. Once, someone came up and asked what I was working on turned out they were a startup founder. I handed them my business card, and just like that, a new connection. Another time, I ended up chatting with someone who worked in government about the importance of design and how you can literally track its impact with analytics.

My go-to order is a chai tea latte and a lemon loaf. I always wear headphones, so it’s not really about the noise it’s about the energy. There’s something about being in a place where people are working and talking that feels social, even if you’re in your own little zone.

IKEA

If you’re a mom who works remotely, let me tell you IKEA is a hidden gem.

They’ll watch your kids for an hour and a half for free if you’re an IKEA Family member. There’s literally nowhere else that does that. My kids loves Smaland! There’s a ball pit, coloring, and movies. It’s like a little hideout for them, and I get 90 uninterrupted minutes to work in peace.

I usually grab my laptop, headphones, and some soup or a drink and sit by the window. Sometimes I even sneak in a bit of shopping afterward. I love their office supplies or just walk around to get my steps in. I haven’t met another parent doing the same yet, but honestly, it would be fun to team up with another working mom one day.

Scout: Coffee + Community

Scout Coffee is a mix of cozy and chaotic — in the best way. It’s got good coffee, snacks, and a big play area for kids. It’s not always the easiest place to concentrate (especially if your kids are still little), but it’s perfect if you want to get out of the house without hiring a babysitter.

I usually grab a regular coffee and whatever the special is that day. My kids love the juice boxes and donuts, and there are plenty of toys to keep them entertained.

If your little ones can play independently and you can tune out the background noise, Scout is a win.

Other Winnipeg Work Spots Worth Checking Out

Here are a few other great places around the city where I’ve worked or plan to work soon:

• CMU
• The Leaf
• Thom Bargen (Sherbrook)
• Public Library
• Seven
• Mountain Bean
• Daily Grind
• Little Sister (South Osborne)
• Café Postal
• VA Café
• Thom Bargen (Corydon)
• St. Vital Mall Food Court
• Lounge @ Silver Heights
• Kilter
• Local coworking spaces

Each one has its own vibe — from calm coworking energy to lively café chatter — depending on what kind of focus (or inspiration) you’re craving.

Final Thoughts

Working remotely is amazing, but it’s even better when you find the right environment to match your mood. Whether it’s the creative buzz at The Forks, the social hum of Starbucks, or the glorious childcare hack that is IKEA, Winnipeg has plenty of spots that make working remotely feel a little less like “work” and a little more like you time.