Looking to pass the time in Brandon? There are plenty of fun things you can get up to in the area, even in winter! Here are 25 fun activities you can do in and around Brandon that will help stave off those winter blues.
Explore Brandon’s Murals
Brandon has a great art scene, and there’s no better way to experience it than by checking out the murals around town. The city of Brandon offers a walking tour guide of all the murals. Go by yourself or with a friend and see how many you can find!
Explore Brandon Hills Wildlife Management Area
If you’re up for a hike, you’ll want to visit this park. Spend some time away from the business of the city and getting back to nature. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for any animals in the area.
Where: 10km south of Brandon on HWY #10, 3km east of Beresford Road and 1km south.
Information on the area can be obtained from Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship at 1-800-214-6497, while trail maps are available at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.
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Visit Rivers Provincial Park
If you’re looking for a quaint park to spend some time in, this park close to Brandon is for you. Although it’s best known for its summer activities, it’s still great to visit in the winter. Plus, you’ll have to deal with fewer crowds!
Address: Rivers; 14 km north of Brandon on Highway 10, 22 km west on Highway 25 to park entrance
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
Go Tobogganing
Sliding down the tobogganing hills is fun for the whole family! Grab your toque and mitts and spend a few hours sliding down the hill. You just can’t go wrong with this classic winter activity.
Visit Downtown Brandon
Brandon’s downtown is a vibrant place. It’s perfect for people who feel like doing a little shopping while they explore, or for those who enjoy people watching. Pop into one of the restaurants for a snack and a drink if you start getting too cold.
Visit Riding Mountain National Park
This stunning national park is just an hour’s drive away from Brandon. Pack your snowshoes or cross-country skis and hit the snowy trails on a clear day. Visiting this park is the perfect way to get back to nature!
Check out the new skating rink and trail system in the park located near the main pier on Clear Lake.
Address: 135 Wasagaming Dr., Onanole
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
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Visit Brandon’s East End
This part of Brandon is delightful no matter when you visit. Take a walk around the neighbourhood, or spend some time visiting Rideau Park. You’ll also want to visit the banks of the Assiniboine River, where this little community sits.
Go Skating at the Skating Oval
Brandon’s Skating Oval offers free skating for anyone looking to test their moves on the ice. Go with a friend or by yourself, and spend a few hours gliding around the Oval. The rink is lit in the evenings, making it a great date spot!
Address: McGregor Ave.
Visit Criddle Provincial Park
Not far from Brandon, you’ll find this delightful park. Criddle park is named after the Criddle family, who settled in Manitoba in 1882. Today, it’s a great place to spend a few hours walking and exploring.
Address: East of Brandon; From Brandon, follow PR 457 east to PR 340. Continue along PR 340 south. There is an access road approximately 10 kilometres south of Shilo that provides access to Criddle/Vane Provincial Park. Around 40 kilometres southeast of Brandon
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
Go Horseback Riding at Phoenix Ranch
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or you feel like giving horseback riding a shot for the first time, Phoenix Ranch is the place to go. The trails are beautiful in the winter and you’ll love exploring them with your horse. If you love the experience, you may even want to sign up for long-term lessons!
Address: 54091 – 65th St. E.
Cost: Prices vary
Spruce Woods Provincial Park
Not far from Brandon, you’ll find this amazing provincial park. Do some winter hiking, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing and explore the area. Even in winter, the woods and nearby Spirit Sands are simply gorgeous.
Address: MB-5, Glenboro
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
Snowmobile Through Brandon
Brandon has plenty of great snowmobiling trails for anyone interested in the sport. Check out the snowmobile routes and hit the trails for a few hours of fun and exploration! Just remember to dress for the weather!
Ski at Asessipi Ski Resort
If you’re a lover of snow and adrenaline, then head to Asessipi Ski Resort. Whether you prefer skis or your snowboard, the slopes at this ski resort are perfect. There are varying levels of difficulty here, so it’s great for both beginners and pros!
Address: Provincial Trunk Highway 83, Inglis
Cost: $52.00 for lift tickets for 1 day
Go Skiing at Ski Valley
If speeding down the slopes is more your style, check out Ski Valley for some downhill skiing. Their slopes range in difficulty, so there’s something here for everyone. Just remember to dress warm!
Address: 34 MB-16A, Minnedosa
Cost: $410.00 for season passes
Ski Around Brandon
Brandon is full of awesome ski trails for those who love cross-country skiing. Check out the trail map and grab your skis for a wonderful outdoor adventure. The Wheat City Golf Course is the perfect place to explore this time of year.
Address: 3500 McDonald Ave.
Visit William Lake Provincial Park
Although this park is most well-known for its summer fishing, it’s still a great place to explore in the winter. Set out for a snowshoeing adventure and check out the beautiful lake. The quiet scenery seems even more ethereal in winter.
Address: Ninga
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
Visit Turtle Mountain Provincial Park
Get back to nature by visiting this beautiful park. Hit the trails with your snowshoes or skis, and spend some time enjoying the beautiful rolling terrain. If you’re feeling brave, you might even want to give winter camping a shot here.
Address: Boissevain; Leaving Brandon, follow PTH 10 south, 100 km/62.1 mi
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
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Explore Brandon’s Campuses
Brandon is home to several post-secondary campuses, including the Assiniboine Community College and Brandon University. If you’re an architecture buff, you’ll have a great time exploring these buildings. Brandon’s campuses are the perfect place for an urban walk!
Visit Brandon’s Outdoor Rinks
The Skating Oval isn’t the only opportunity for skating you’ll find in Brandon. Check out one of the city’s several outdoor rinks. Whether you go alone or with a friend, you’ll have a great time on the ice!
Learn About Nature at the Assiniboine Food Forest
Located on Brandon’s east side, this forested area is the perfect place for nature lovers. Here, you’ll be able to learn all about the area’s natural wildlife through their tours and workshops. Take a walk through the oak trees and sprawling field that’s still beautiful in winter.
Address: 1735 Rosser Ave. E.
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Go Birdwatching
The Souris River Bend Wildlife Management Area is a great place to visit for anyone interested in birding. Grab your binoculars and hit the trails, exploring the beautiful landscape. The river is hauntingly beautiful in the winter, and it won’t be hard to spot the birds against the background of white snow.
Address: Near Wawanasea
Go Fatbiking
Fatibiking is a great way to get out and stay active during the winter months. The snow adds an extra level of difficulty for anyone who likes a challenge. You can rend a fatbike from A&L Cycle if you don’t have one of your own!
Cost: Prices vary for rentals
Hit Brandon’s Walking Trails
Whether you’re up for a leisurely stroll or something more challenging, Brandon’s walking trails are for you. Spend some time exploring both the urban and natural areas of the city. It’s a great way to get to know Brandon better!
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Explore the Brandon Riverbank
Strap on a pair of snowshoes and explore the riverbank. Snowshoeing is not only a fun recreational activity but also a great way to exercise and get back in touch with nature.
Visit Grand Valley Park
This small park right in the Assiniboine River Valley is a great place to spend a few hours, even in winter. Climb to the top of the viewing tower to get an amazing view of the area. Or you can hike along the 1.5km interpretive hiking trail to learn more about the area’s incredible history.
Where: Highway 1 and 459 Forrest; (204) 573-3798