The Royal Canadian Mint in Winnipeg is one of Canada's two coin-making plants, and its guided tour takes you behind the scenes to see how a blank piece of metal becomes money. The building is a distinctive glass pyramid-like structure in the south of the city, and the tour begins in the lobby before moving to the viewing gallery above the production floor. Guides explain the stages of coin making, from blanks to striking, and the security measures that protect the product. Because production schedules vary, a tour may not always show live coin production, and the guides are upfront about that. There is a boutique with coins, collectibles and gifts. The tour is short and easy, so it fits comfortably into a morning or an afternoon between larger sights. Booking ahead is wise, particularly on busier days and school holidays.
What you see
Tours last about 45 minutes and run in English and French. You learn how coin designs are created, how dies are made and how blanks are struck, and you look out over the production area from a gallery. The Winnipeg plant makes the great majority of Canada's circulation coins and also produces coins for other countries, which is one of the details guides enjoy sharing. Photography rules apply in some areas, so listen to your guide.
Planning around the schedule
In the winter season the boutique and tours are generally offered Tuesday to Saturday during the day, and tours are not generally offered on Sundays and Mondays. Check the Mint's tour page for current times, because they change by season. Tickets are sold online through the Mint's booking page, with lower rates for seniors, children and families, and free admission for Indigenous peoples and for active and retired Canadian military. Admission is modest compared with many attractions, and it is worth reserving a time ahead.
Getting there and pairing
The Mint is in the south of the city, away from the downtown core, so most visitors drive, take a taxi or use a rideshare. Parking at the site is usually straightforward. It pairs well with a day out in the south of the city, such as FortWhyte Alive, or with an afternoon back at The Forks. Bring identification if asked, expect a security check, and dress comfortably for a mostly standing visit that is fully indoors.
What to expect
The experience
A guided tour of about 45 minutes with a viewing gallery over the production floor and a boutique at the end.
Best time
A weekday morning, booked ahead, in the Tuesday to Saturday winter schedule.
How long
About 45 minutes for the tour, plus time in the boutique.
Tips
Book a time slot on the Mint's website, arrive a little early for the security check, and expect that live coin production may not be running.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Curious travellers who like seeing how things are made.
- Families
- A short, engaging tour that school-age children usually enjoy, with lower family rates.
- Couples
- A light, different stop in a day that also includes a meal and a museum.
- Pair with
- FortWhyte Alive or Assiniboine Park are reasonable neighbours on a south-of-the-city day.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half including travel to the entrance and the boutique.
Good questions
How long is the Mint tour?+
Tours last about 45 minutes and are offered in English and French. Allow extra time for arrival and the boutique.
Will I see coins being made?+
Sometimes, but not always, because production schedules vary. The guides explain the process either way.
Is the tour open every day?+
In the winter schedule the Mint offers tours Tuesday to Saturday. Always check the tour page for current days and times.
How much does it cost and who gets in free?+
Admission is modest, with discounts for children, seniors and families. Indigenous peoples and active or retired Canadian military are admitted free.
Is the Mint close to downtown?+
It is in the south of Winnipeg, a drive of around twenty minutes from the centre depending on traffic. Taxis and rideshares are straightforward.
