Photo Credit: @mycanadianlife14, Courtesy of Travel Manitoba
You don’t need to lock yourself away this winter! There are plenty of fun things you can do in the snow—yes, even in chilly Manitoba winters. Here are a few activities you’ll want to check out before winter ends.
1. Lace-up to Skate on some fabulous outdoor skating trails
Sharpen your skates and head down to one of Manitoba’s many skating trails or rinks. The Nestaweya River trail at the Forks is, of course, a classic for Winnipeggers. You can also head down to FortWhyte Alive and get a taste of nature as you skate on the park’s rink or their 1.5km looping trail. Or, consider driving out to Hecla, where you can skate at the Hecla Lakeview Resorts‘ rink.
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2. Go downhill skiing
Load up your skis and pack your things! Manitoba has plenty of great ski resorts, including Springhill Winter Park in Springfield. You might also want to consider Holiday Mountain, which has been in operation for over 60 years.
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Photo Credit: Springhill Winter Park
3. Outdoor Hiking
Birds Hill Park in St. Clements is a Manitoba staple, and full of a variety of hiking trails. Or, visit Whiteshell Provincial Park where you’ll get to explore the Precambrian Shield, as well as the lakes that make up the park. You might also want to plan a visit to Duck Mountain Provincial Park, or the stunning Spruce Woods Provincial Park.
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4. Crunch some snow under your feet
Whether you prefer sticking to Manitoba’s capital city or venturing to more remote areas, Manitoba has plenty of snowshoeing opportunities. Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg has great snowshoeing trails. You can also visit Riding Mountain National Park if you’re looking to get away from city life.
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Photo Credit Travel Manitoba
5. Glide across the snow
You’ll find many great cross-country ski trails throughout Manitoba. Check out Assiniboine forest, where you can escape into nature without leaving the city of Winnipeg. You can also join the Whiteshell Cross-Country Ski Club and go skiing along one of their many trails.
6. Slide down some hills
What’s more fun than sledding down a hill on a toboggan? St. Vital Park in Winnipeg has a great toboggan slide that is kid-friendly. You can also visit Westview Park in the city, lovingly referred to by locals as Garbage Hill. Hanbury Hill in Brandon is another great location for a few hours of tobogganing.
7. Sleigh Rides/Wagon
8. Watch Wildlife/ Winter Birds Watching
Spend some time communing with nature and checking out Manitoba’s wildlife. Oak Hammock Marsh offers endless opportunities for winter bird watching. If you’re willing to truly brave the cold and visit one of the more remote areas of the province, Churchill offers chances to see polar bears, arctic foxes, and other wildlife.
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9. Catch some fish
Ice fishing is a classic Manitoba winter activity. If you’re interested in trying your hand at it, visit Wekusko Falls Lodge. You can also visit Manitoba’s city of Dauphin and fish at Riverside Lodge. Or, head to Lake Winnipeg and rent an ice fishing shack.
You can fish for free during the Louis Riel Day weekend in February.
10. Take some scenic winter pictures
There are so many hidden gems in Manitoba, it’s hard to know where to start. Cape Merry, near Churchill, offers some stunning coastal views. Or spend some time in Riding Mountain National Park hiking up to Bald Hill and looking over the rest of the park.
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Must Visit Scenic Lookouts in Manitoba
11. Go fat biking
If you’re up for some real adventure and exercise in Manitoba this winter, fat biking is a great option. Bike along the Crow Wing Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail. If you’re up for a serious challenge, take part in the Lake Winnipeg Fat Bike Adventures.
12. See some frozen waterfalls
Manitoba is known for its flat prairie land, but there are still plenty of beautiful waterfalls in the province. Pisew Falls is just as stunning in the winter outlined against the crisp white snow as it is in the summertime. You can also visit Tulabi Falls for some more waterfall views.
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13. Cross some suspension/scenic Bridges
Stick close to Winnipeg and visit La Barriere Park‘s beautiful bridge. You can also head to Pinawa to check out the Pinawa Suspension Bridge. Or, check out the Senkiw Bridge crossing over Manitoba’s Roseau River.
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14. Camp out in winter
Pack up your camping gear and drive out to Turtle Mountain Provincial Park for a winter camping experience.
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15. Enjoy some unique Manitoba winter experiences
Manitoba is full of one-of-a-kind experiences to partake in. Visit the world’s largest snow maze at A Maze in Corn in St. Adolphe. In February, join in on Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur, an outdoor festival celebrating the province’s history.
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Photo Credit: Dan Harper, Courtesy of Travel Manitoba
16. Check out outdoor artworks/ruins
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17. Go dog sledding
For those who are dog-lovers and those who crave winter adventures, dog sledding is the best of both worlds. Book a ride with Harness Adventure Mushing Co. You can also check out the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival to watch the legendary 3-day dog sledding race.
18. Explore on a snowmobile
Ride along any of Manitoba’s expansive snowmobiling trails. Venture to Thompson, Manitoba, or visit a park, like the Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park and go on one of their well-groomed trails. You can also head to Duck Mountain National Park for any of their snowmobiling paths.
19. Enjoy a Winter Safari
Whether you’re starting in Winnipeg or from Churchill itself, there are lots of chances to take a northern Manitoba winter safari excursion. Heartland International offers a tour starting in Winnipeg to see polar bears. You can also book a tour with Lazy Bear Expeditions.
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20. Play some winter sports
There are tons of sports you can partake in during the winter. Try your hand at Crokicurl at The Forks for a unique Manitoba activity. For a challenge, check out the Ice Climbing Tower in St. Boniface.
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Photo Credit: The Forks Winnipeg, Courtesy of Travel Manitoba
21. And some hockey
Hockey is such a Canadian staple it’s worth putting it into its own category. You can stick to the Winnipeg area and play a game at one of the many skating rinks in the city. You could also drive to Thompson and set up a game at one of the rinks there. Or visit Brandon for a game or two there.
22. Explore Christmas Lights
Before the holidays end, check out some of the many public Christmas lights exhibitions around Manitoba. Winnipeg, of course, has plenty including Canad Inns Winter Wonderland, Candy Cane Lane, and Polar Bear Lane. You can also visit Selkirk’s Holiday Alley. Brandon has their own beautiful Christmas lights display that will get you into the holiday spirit.
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
23. Self-guided outdoor historical tours
No matter what Manitoba city you visit, you’ll find no shortage of self-guided outdoor historical tours. Walk around Winnipeg’s Exchange District, photograph the Inglis Elevators, or head up north to Flin Flon and explore the history of this mining town. You’ll never run out of things to learn in Manitoba!
24. Winter walk on a beach
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25. Explore some of Manitoba’s gorgeous forests
Walkthrough Porcupine Provincial Forest and venture through the rugged woodlands. Or visit the Swan-Pelican Provincial Forest, which is part of the Kettle Stones Provincial Park.