Don’t hole yourself up this winter! Even though it’s cold, winter still holds plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. If you’re looking for things to do outside in and around (~2 hours drive) Portage la Prairie, here are 25 awesome things you can try.
Visit the World’s Largest Coca Cola Can
Yep, that’s right. Portage la Prairie is home to what is considered the world’s largest Coca-Cola Can! The can is painted onto an old water tower constructed in 1905 that was later relocated to this city.
Address: 2445 Saskatchewan Ave W
Check out Portage la Prairie’s Architecture
One of Portage la Prairie’s distinguishing features is its beautiful and unique architecture. Spend some time exploring the city and learning about its history through its buildings. Pack your camera and don’t forget to take pictures!
See Murals
Portage la Prairie has a surprisingly vibrant art scene. Hit the town and get to know it better by checking out the murals on the sides of buildings. See how many murals you can find!
Go Ice Fishing
If you consider yourself something of an angler, Portage la Prairie is a great place to go for some ice fishing. Head to Lake Manitoba and set up on the ice, spending a few hours catching your dinner. This is a great activity for those who don’t mind practicing a lot of patience!
Cost: $25.10 for seasonal fishing license
Visit Delta Marsh
Even in the winter, this marsh is still beautiful. It is recognized as an important area for waterfowl and bird migration. Keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife that may still be out and about in the cold weather!
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Go Tubing at Valley View
This activity is great for the whole family! Pack your car and visit this hill, perfect for anyone who wants to spend a few hours tubing. Just don’t forget your mittens and toque!
Address: 60070 Rd 60 N, MacGregor
Cost: $10.00 per person
Hit Portage la Prairie’s Walking and Biking Trails
Going for a walk or a bike ride is a great way to explore the city. Portage la Prairie has plenty of trails for those interested in a stroll, or for those who want to try their hand at winter biking. You’ll get in some exercise and get the chance to truly get to know the city. Trail Map (PDF)
Hike Around Island Park
Island Park is an island located within the centre of Portage la Prairie. This park was made by an oxbow lake and is a hub of activity in the summer. In the winter, the walking trails around the park make for great exercise.
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Visit the Great Grey Owl
One of Portage la Prairie’s many roadside attractions, the Great Grey Owl statue is a must-see for any visitors. Grab your camera and snap a few pictures next to this city icon. You’ll be glad you saw it!
Address: Pine Cres.
Explore the Crescent Walking Path
This walking path is open and well-lit year-round. In the winter, the 5.2km path makes for a great place for a stroll on a clear day. If you’re feeling brave, you can also try some winter biking.
Head to Saint Ambroise Beach Provincial Park
If there’s anything you learn living in Manitoba, it’s that beaches and parks aren’t just for summer! Visit this beautiful provincial park, and admire the way it looks blanketed in snow. Pack your cross-country skis or snowshoes for a true winter experience.
Address: 25045 85 Rd N, Saint Ambroise
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
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Wander along the Rotary Republic Walking Path
This path is a great way to stretch your legs for an afternoon. Walkthrough the park on the lovely gravel path on a clear day to really appreciate this city. This is a great way to get in a little light exercise!
Address: Cambridge St
Go Skating on Crescent Lake
Once Portage la Prairie’s Crescent Lake freezes over, it makes for a great location for skating. Hit the ice by yourself, or bring a friend or your date! You’ll have a great time practicing your moves on the ice.
Explore Riding Mountain National Park
Just two hours outside of Portage la Prairie, you’ll find Riding Mountain National Park. There’s no shortage of things to do here! Hit the hiking trails or pack your skis or snowshoes. Remember to keep an eye out for any wildlife still active in the winter.
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
You might like: A Short Guide to Planning a Trip to Riding Mountain National Park
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Check out the Spillway
Visit the location where the Assiniboine River empties into the Portage Diversion. Even in the winter, the spillway is incredible to see. It’s a great place to learn a little more about the area’s history.
Explore Spruce Woods
This beautiful provincial park is just over an hour’s drive away from Portage la Prairie. Hit the hiking trails with your boots or snowshoes and start exploring. Even the Spirit Sands are still stunning in the winter.
Address: MB-5, Glenboro
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
Visit Turtle Mountain Provincial Park
This park is full of things to do, and places to explore. If you’re interested in getting on a good hike, this is the place to go! You’ll have an amazing time getting back to nature and checking out the snowy landscape.
Address: Boissevain; Leaving Brandon, follow PTH 10 south, 100 km/62.1 mi
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
You might like: Top Hiking Trails near Brandon
Go Skiing at Birch Ski Area
If you’re in the mood to get in a little cross-country skiing, then visit the Birch Ski Area! There are 7.5km worth of ski trails of varying difficulties. This is a great way to get some exercise and explore the area!
Address: 40120 RuralRoad 32 North
Cost: $40.00 for a membership
Go Hiking Around the Souris River
This river is absolutely beautiful, even during the coldest months of the year! You’ll get to explore the woodlands and riverbanks surrounding the stunning Souris River. Pack your camera and try your hand at a little nature photography.
Address: Near Wawanasea
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
Visit Rivers Provincial Park
This park may be small, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting! Located on lake Wahtopanah, meaning “canoe people,” Rivers Provincial Park is a great place to spend the day. You’ll love this quiet little retreat from city life.
Address: Rivers
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
Look Out for Wildlife
This little park is home to many animals! Spend a few hours hiking along the trails, or pack your snowshoes or skis for a true winter experience. Remember to pack your binoculars for some birdwatching while you’re here.
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.
You might like: 25 Fabulous Places to Enjoy Winter Scenery in Manitoba
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Visit Beaudry Provincial Park
This provincial park is less than an hour away from Portage la Prairie, and the perfect place for a day trip. Hike or snowshoe through the snow-blanketed forest, following the Assiniboine River. Make sure you watch out for the white-tailed deer that call the park home.
Address: MB-241, Springstein
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass
Ski at Ski Valley
If you feel like pumping up your adrenaline this winter, visit Ski Valley. You’ll be able to hit the slopes, and with hills of varying levels of difficulty, there’s something for everyone here. Whether you’re interested in skiing, tubing, or snowboarding, Ski Valley is the place to go!
Address: 34 MB-16A, Minnedosa
Cost: $410.00 for season passes
Go Snowmobiling
The areas around Portage la Prairie offer great opportunities to partake in this winter sport. Explore the snowy countryside on your snowmobile for a few hours to truly get to know the area. Portage la Prairie’s Club Snow has all the guides and information you need to make your snowmobiling venture a success.
Cost: $150.00 for a Snopass
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Visit Yellow Quill Provincial Park
This lovely park is a great place to spend a few hours hiking and exploring. Grab your mitts and your scarf and prepare to experience the true beauty of winter here. The best part of this park is the dog play area, where you can watch your dog romp around freely!
Address: 2 Cemetery Rd, Southport
Cost: $7.90 for 1-day park pass