Hockey Rink at CN Stage in the Arctic Glacier Winter Park /Credit: Lorie Shaull/Flickr
Winnipeg, a city of extremes, comes alive in winter with a wide variety of activities and events. While temperatures may plummet, there’s no shortage of things to do to keep the season vibrant and exciting. Here are 25 incredible experiences to explore in the Winnipeg Metro area this winter!
Places to Go For A Winter Walk in Winnipeg
Events
Festival du Voyageur
Every February, the Festival du Voyageur transforms Winnipeg into a lively celebration of French-Canadian culture. Enjoy local music, arts, crafts, and traditional delicacies like maple syrup on snow. Bundle up to immerse yourself in this joyous event that highlights community spirit and cultural pride.
Date: February 14 – 23, 2025
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
Embrace the holiday spirit at this spectacular drive-through light display at the Red River Exhibition Park. With thousands of twinkling lights and festive scenes, this event is perfect for families and couples alike. Open from December to January, it’s a dazzling way to enjoy the season.
Date: November 28, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Oyster Nights Under Patio Lights
Join us on Thursday evenings this winter at The Forks patio for fresh seafood, oysters, and drinks under twinkling lights. Cozy up by the fire with a blanket, sip on a special drink from The Common, and enjoy the winter magic. Perfect after skating the Nestaweya River Trail!
Address: The patio at The Forks, Winnipeg
Date: Thursdays, January 1 – March 26, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
2026 Warming Huts
Once winter hits and the Red River freezes over, spend some time skating along it and checking out the warming huts. This is an annual art installation where artists design and construct different warming huts along the river where you can stop and rest for a few minutes to rest. You’ll see unique designs from all over the world with this one-of-a-kind exhibition. This winter, see the winners of the Warming Huts v.2026 competition. There will be six new designs that will debut alongside returning favourites on the Nestaweya River Trail.
Address: Nestaweya River Trail, the Forks, Winnipeg
Learn to Winter
Embrace winter with free, family-friendly activities every weekend in January and February. From wellness classes to storytelling, this free, family-friendly programming is all about embracing winter together.
Address: The Forks, Forks Market Rd., Winnipeg
Date: Weekends in January and February 2026
Outdoor Activities
Skate the Nestaweya River Trail
Glide along the world’s longest naturally frozen skating trail. This Guinness World Record-holding trail offers scenic skating and other activities like walking, snowshoeing, and sledding.
Address: River Walk, Winnipeg
Winter Park
Glide along over a kilometre of beautifully lit skating trails at The Forks, twirl under The Canopy, or enjoy a casual spin at the CN Stage rink while soaking in the winter magic. For more fun, bring a toboggan for the hills, snap a selfie under the Prairie Garden archway, or enjoy music as you skate.
Address: River Trail, the Forks, Winnipeg
Oak Hammock Marsh
Escape the city and explore Oak Hammock Marsh, where you can snowshoe through scenic trails or skate on Cattail Pond. Don’t miss “Astronomy Nights,” offering fascinating insights into winter constellations.
Address: 1 Snow Goose Bay, Stonewall
Get Lost in the Snow Maze
A Maze in Corn transforms into the world’s largest snow maze during winter. Challenge yourself to navigate the snowy labyrinth, marvel at intricate snow carvings, and slide down Snow Mountain for a thrilling adventure. Warm up by a cozy bonfire, enjoy snow games, or brave the Giant Luge run. Don’t forget to savor a cup of hot chocolate or an adult beverage at The Snow Bar for the perfect end to your frosty escapade!
Address: 1351 MB-200, St. Adolphe
FortWhyte Alive
Discover 660 acres of winter adventures at FortWhyte Alive, including hiking, tobogganing, and skating. Afterward, warm up with a meal and learn about sustainability at the interpretive centre.
Address: 1961 McCreary Rd., Winnipeg
Windsor Park Nordic Centre
Address: 10 Rue Des Meurons, Winnipeg
Try Crokicurl
This unique game combines croquet and crokinole for a fun outdoor game you can play with friends and family. Head over to the special rink made for the game at the Fork. You won’t regret checking out this incredibly Manitoban experience!
Address: 1 Forks Market Rd., Winnipeg
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Go Ice Fishing
For a truly peaceful winter activity, try ice fishing. Head out to the Village of Dunnotar with your fishing gear for a day spent on the frozen Lake Winnipeg, where you and your fishing rod can try your luck. Just remember to dress warm!
Address: Village of Dunnottar
Toboggan at Westview Park
Westview Park, affectionately known by Winnipeg locals as “Garbage Hill,” is a former landfill site. Here, you’ll be able to spend a few hours skiing or tobogganing down the hill. Although the park itself is small, there are enough changes in elevation on the hill to offer varying levels of difficulty for anyone looking for a challenge.
Address: 1501 King Edward St., Winnipeg
Others
Assiniboine Park
Come winter, Assiniboine Park transforms into a winter wonderland with various activities for all ages. Skate on the Riley Family Duck Pond, illuminated by magical lights, or enjoy drinks at the cozy Cargo Bar. Experience thrilling tobogganing at Toboggan Hill or serene cross-country skiing on groomed trails. Unwind in a cedar barrel sauna or join guided snowshoe tours for a perfect winter escape.
Address: 55 Pavilion Cres., Winnipeg
Take a Trip to Birds Hill Park
Spend some time exploring the many trails that make up this beautiful park. Pack up your snowshoes, skates, and toboggan, since you’ll find plenty of opportunities for all of those activities in this park. If you have a snowmobile, Birds Hill Park is a great place to take it for a ride!
Address: St. Clemens
Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature
If you’re looking for a truly unique spa experience, you’ll want to visit Thermea. Alternating between the outdoor hot and cold pools as well as resting, Thermea’s thermotherapy promotes feelings of relaxation and wellbeing. You’ll also enjoy the on-site restaurant, as well as the massage services they offer.
Address: 775 Crescent Dr., Winnipeg
Explore St. Boniface Cathedral
Uncover the history of Winnipeg’s French roots with a visit to this iconic cathedral. The ruins of the fire-damaged structure and the cemetery, including Louis Riel’s resting place, tell fascinating stories.
Address: 190 Avenue de la Cathedrale, Winnipeg
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See Winter Loving Animals at Assiniboine Park Zoo
Sure, many of the animals at the Assiniboine Park Zoo tend to be more active during the summer. But heading over to this zoo in the winter gives you the perfect opportunity to check out the animals that thrive in the winter. Visit and learn more about the zoo’s polar bears, arctic foxes, and muskoxen.
Address: 2595 Roblin Rd., Winnipeg
Explore Assiniboine Forest
You don’t have to leave Winnipeg to get a taste of nature. Assiniboine Forest, located in the centre of Winnipeg, offers a chance to explore hiking and walking trails, and all without leaving the city. The trails are still accessible during the winter, and you’ll enjoy the scenic views as you explore the park.
Address: 996 Grant Ave., Winnipeg
Beaudry Provincial Park
Spend some time enjoying some winter hiking in Beaudry Provincial Park. Even in the winter, you’ll enjoy the several trails going through the park, appreciating the maple, basswood, and cottonwood trees that are some of the largest in the area. Remember to pack your camera and keep an eye out for the deer, beavers, foxes, and owls that call this park home.
Address: MB-241, Springstein
Check out the Murals of Winnipeg
Winter Scenery at St. Vital Park
Head down to this beautiful park and enjoy some time walking through the winter scenery, or cross-country skiing. While you’re here, make sure to pay a visit to the park’s other attractions. Check out the park’s totem pole, Treetop Lookout, and toboggan slides, and remember to pack your skates for some skating on the duck pond!
Address: 190 River Rd., Winnipeg