Sure.

If I understand Via properly, you'd gt off the train and then not be able to get on for a cou0p-le of days, until the next train comes through.

Winnipeg's got some nice parks, including where two rivers meet, a good art gallery, some fine restaurants, and some buses. With good shoes, a few bus tickets, and a couple of twenties reserved for taxis, you'll relax, see some intereting sights, and generally have a good time.

I used to be there over weekends from time to time, and it was OK.

BAK

i haven't done it for a couple of years but i remember their bus system being pretty good

Winnipeg is a great place to visit- we moved back from BC here in part because there is so much to do. Most weeks in the summer there is some kind of festival going on (Folk, jazz, Folklorama....). You do not need a care to get around unless you decide to rent one for the day to drive out to Grand Beach (one of the 10 best fresh water beaches in the world by report). Lots of walking, sightseeing, good eating, and museums, art gallery etc. if you are interested. The downtown bus shuttle is free. If you are getting off at the train station you may even wish to see if the Hotel Fort Gary still has their $99 special rate (includes a really good breakfast and use of facilities) as it is only a 3 minute walk from the train station. Also in the same area is The Forks, a good place to walk, meet people, and soak up some sun. Winnipeg is usually hot and sunny in the summer. The independent music scene is exceptional so there are many many music venues to choose from. The sporting scene is pretty good tool. I would "highly recommend" winnipeg as a good way to break up your train trip. Make sure you take a few days to stop off and enjoy the Rockies enroute.

We recommend the Hotel Fort Gary. We stopped in Winnepeg on our train trip across Canada a few years ago. As Karenp28 said, it is a short walk from the train station (walk straight ahead of the exit for three blocks or so). The rooms are large albeit a little dated. The food is good. There is a shopping mall within easy walking distance. There was a casino a short cab ride away. The town is a good walking town.

We stayed at Hotel Fort Garry for 2 nights. We did a lot of walking, took a few cabs.

Many restaurants were in walking distance, as was the place where we saw the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, which was a wonderful treat.

You can see my report at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=29&tid=34455306

Hi Daniel,
I grew up around that neighbourhood, so am very familiar with it. Summer in Winnipeg is fantastic! So much to see and do. If you want to stay by the train station, Hotel Fort Gary is a great historical hotel. It’s been there for ages, and there are rumours that one of the floors is haunted! It is basically kitty corner to the train station, but it is pretty up scale. If you are looking for a better deal in that area, you can go south down the street to the Norwood hotel. Very nice, and at a good rate. (I have booked rooms there for my wedding guests in August!) $89/night.
If you go North down the street you are downtown. Too many hotels to name individually. If you do not want to rent a car, I will suggest you definitely stay in this area, everything you mention is in easy walking distance. ( I would also suggest going down to Assiniboine Park and the Zoo, but you will need a bus to get there) Winnipeg Transit covers the whole city, but the downside of the system is that most trips require some transfers, and therefore can take a while.
Definitely go to the Forks (it is located where the 2 rivers meet, as posted) it is actually right behind the train station. Lost of history, great restaurants, antique stores, and the river path starts/ends there, so lots of opportunity for river viewing! There are also water taxis that run along the river throughout the day.
I can go on and on about things to do in Winnipeg, and this reply is already running long, so let me know if you have any other specific questions. I will be happy to answer!