Winnipeg
Photo Credit: Tourism Winnipeg/Desiree Dyck
How are you enjoying the season? Are you tired of spending your weekend watching movies or partying? Or is the season tempting you to snuggle by the fireside with a cup of hot chocolate? Indulge in these fun activities in and around Winnipeg and beat your winter blues. Put on your winter clothes, your mittens, your boots and have a super fun time.
Get outdoors, and enjoy winter in all its glory this season. A list of Winter activities, events and attractions to do in and around Winnipeg this winter season.
Contents:
I. Winter Activities
II. Indoor Attractions
III. Winter Festivals & Events
I. Winter Activities in Winnipeg
Photo Credit: Tourism Winnipeg/The Forks North Portage Partnership
1. Cross Country Skiing, Skating & Tobogganing
Whether you decide to go cross country skiing, skate with friends or delight the child in you by sledding downhill, there are plenty of opportunities to stay active and enjoy great outdoors in Winnipeg.
For more details, see the list of Outdoor skating rinks, Tobogganing and sledding, and cross-country ski trails.
Strap on your skates and head out to the Guinness World Record-holding longest naturally frozen skating trail – the Red River Mutual Trail. The trail is perfect for skating, sledding, snowshoeing, hiking, curling and even hockey. As you move down on a sunny afternoon, the trail with its snow-capped trees will truly remind you of a winter wonderland. You can find warming huts along the trail if you want to take a break from the cold.
2. Ice Fishing
When the temperature goes below freezing, ice fishing at Lake Winnipeg is a fun activity you can do alone, or with friends and family.
Ice Fishing at Fort White Alive.
3. Ice Climbing
Enjoy climbing? Why not try ice climbing? Head to Whittier Par to climb a 20-meter ice tower. Club d’escalade de SaintBoniface maintains three permanent ice towers with varying degrees of difficulty.
When?
end of December – end March, Saturday & Sunday | 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Where?
Whittier Park, 141 Messager Street
How much?
CESB member: $8
All others: $40
4. Snow shoeing & Hiking
Winnipeg boasts of a number of parks and spaces where one can enjoy a great day of snowshoeing. Traverse the snowshoe trails at the La Barriere Park and the Assiniboine Park.
What better way is there to enjoy the winter landscape, than hiking the many trails that run through the city of Winnipeg. Routes on the Red have detailed winter routes for the outdoor enthusiasts.
Alternatively you can go on a Mural Trail and take in the different murals in and around Winnipeg. The Murals of Winnipeg website has a comprehensive list of the murals you can find in Winnipeg, including detailed description and Mural trails you can follow.
5. FortWhyte Alive
Horse-drawn wagon ride at the Forks Market
FortWhyte Alive is an all-season destination in Winnipeg. In winter enjoy toboggan slides, nordic walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating, ice fishing, horse drawn sleigh rides and more.
FortWhyte Alive also conducts Winter day camps to connect youth with nature.
When:
Monday – Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday – Friday: 9:00 AM – Dusk; Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – Dusk; Holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Horse drawn sleigh rides on select days: see event calendar.
Where:
1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg
How much:
Adults: $8.00; Seniors: $7.00; Students & Children: $6.00; Children 2 and under: Free
6. Oak Hammock Marsh
The Marsh is frozen for most of the winter, however, there are still a number of activities that can be enjoyed by its visitors.
Strap on some snowshoes and explore the winter marsh looking for animal tracks. The interpretive Centre provides guided snowshoe hikes throughout the day and snowshoes are available for rental.
Skaters can enjoy skating at the Cattail Pond. Visitors can also play pond hockey here.
On select days take part in Astronomy Night sessions where you can learn to capture the night sky with your lens, watch winter constellations and more.
When:
Year-round | Daily | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Mid September to late October | Daily | 10:00 AM – Dusk
Where:
Located only 20 kilometers North of Winnipeg, on highway 67, between the town of Stonewall and the city of Selkirk.
1 Snow Goose Bay, R0C 2Z0
Lat: 50.173826, Lon: -97.132959
Ph: (204) 467-3300
How much:
Adult $8; Youth (3 – 17 years) $6; Senior (55+) $7; Family (2 adults and 4 children) $26
Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba; Snowshoeing at Oak Hammock Marsh
7. Winter in Manitoba Provincial Parks
As winter sets in, the Provincial Parks in Manitoba transforms into great winter destinations for Winnipeggers. You can go for cross country skiing (groomed trails) or just walk the trails enjoying the crisp winter air and glorious sunshine.
Winter in Whiteshell Provincial Park is an experience not to be missed. Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, skating, cross-country skiing, sledging are but few of the activities that can be enjoyed here.
The 1200 hectares of wilderness at the Beaudry Provincial Park boasts of many trails for the visitors to explore in winter. A popular destination for cross-country skiers, the Park also offers great spaces for the snowshoer along the frozen Assiniboine River. Visitors at the Provincial Park can also enjoy snowmobiling.
Birds Hill Provincial Park offers designated trails for shoe-shoeing, the longest being the 3.5 km Cedar Bog Trail. Also enjoy cross-country skiing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and tobogganing. Keep your eyes open for white-tailed deers along the trails. In February, the Park hosts Winter Safari- a family event with theatre, campfire, bannocks and more.
8. Arctic Glacier Winter Park
A truly wonderful winter destination right in the middle of the city: Arctic Glacier Winter Park is the place to be this winter with activities including skiing, tobogganing, & snowboarding. Enjoy wagon rides and various other indigenous programming.
When:
Late December – February
Where:
The Forks, Winnipeg
How much:
Free
9. Adrenaline Adventures
Get ready for snow tubing on specially groomed hills all winter long at the Adrenaline Adventures! There are several lanes open for tubing with a variety of bumps and lots of speed. Adventure seekers can try extreme snow tubing lanes.
When:
Snowtubing from December 3 – April 2
Friday | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
December 26-31 & January 3-5 | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Closed on December 25
Where:
600 Caron Road, Headingley
Ph : ( 204) 800-2060
How much:
Snow tubing: 1 h pass: $11.99; All Day pass: $18.99; Evening Pass: $14.99
10. Birds Hill Park Ranch
If there is snow on the ground, go for a sleigh ride at Birds Hill Park RanchEnjoy trail rides while taking in crisp air and spectacular scenery and wildlife.
When:
Monday – Sunday | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM Friday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
( Wagon or Sleigh Rides, Pony Rides, Horse rides)
Where:
59 North Drive, Oakbank. ( 20 minutes east of Winnipeg)
Ph : ( 204) 222 -1137
How much:
Wagon or sleigh rides $120.00
Other fees: vary with activity
For a complete list of attractions, see Things to do in Winnipeg.
11. SpringHill Winter Sports Park
Located 15 minutes from downtown Winnipeg is a place for all kinds of winter adventure. The hill stands at 130 vertical feet and has three lifts: one quad chair lift, and two rope tows and includes Manitoba’s top terrain park, a mogul run, a race run, and open areas for learning. Details.
When:
December – April | Daily | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where:
65036 Oasis Rd, Winnipeg Ph: 204 224-3051
How much:
Lift Tickets (Day tickets): Adult $32; Student $27; Junior (6-13) $22; Senior (55+) $22
12. Stony Mountain Ski Area
Visit this ski area known as Manitoba’s snowboarding capital and have an exhilarating time skiing, snowboarding or learning how to do it at Stony Mountain.
When:
Opening Day December 3, 2016 till Mid April (weather permitting)
Where:
Stony Mountain Ski Area, 11016 E Sellars Hill Road, Stony Mountain
Ph : (204) 344-5977
How much:
Lift tickets: Full Day $20 – $25; Half Day: $15 – $20
13. Holiday Mountain Resort
Have a ski-in and ski-out winter holiday and take your pick from freestyle terrain park, 11 downhill runs at Manitoba’s most popular ski resort. Details.
When:
Tentative opening December 17, 2016
Where:
Holiday Mountain Resort, #12 Later Way
La Riviere ~ 2 hours drive. Ph: (204) 242-2172
How much:
Lift Tickets
Full Day: Adults $44; Students & Military $40
Senior (65+)/Youth (13-17): $38
Junior (6-12): $28/Tiger (1-5): $ 5
14. Falcon Ridge Ski Slope
Whether you explore 30km of world class nordic ski trails, test your skills at terrain park or twelve alpine ski runs, this ski resort with its hand crafted cabins and private hot tubs is a great winter weekend getaway near to home. Details.
When:
Projected opening date for the 16/17 season: December 17, 2016
Open weekends + holidays during the winter months.
Lifts open 10:30 AM-4:30 PM
Snow Dance Festival (Music Festival): January 20- 22, 2017
Where:
100 Ridge Road, Falcon Lake
Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba
~ 2 hours from Winnipeg
How much:
Lift Tickets: Adult (18-61): $25.00
Senior (62+)/Youth (13-17): $21.00
Child (6-12) $16.00
II. Indoor Activities
Winter Sightseeing in Winnipeg. Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
1. Assiniboine Park & Zoo
Summer or Winter there’s always fun at Assiniboine Park. From cross-country skiing to tobogganing to ice skating, winter at the park is time like no other. Enjoy the winter air while walking through the park’s many trails. Head to the McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre to enjoy sleigh rides.
Take time out to visit the Zoo and learn about your favourite animals during the Weekend Keeper talks. Explore the award winning Journey to Churchill exhibit. Experience the beauty of the tundra as you move on to see snowy owls, moose, caribou, artic fox and other species. You can see polar bears swim and frolic with the seals through underground viewing tunnels. Step into an Artic landscape and experience the wonder of Northern lights at the domed Theatre. End your journey at the town of Churchill, where children can enjoy the Polar Playground.
When:
Assiniboine Park Zoo, Pavillion, Cpnservatory: Daily | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Nature Playground | Daily | 8:00 AM – Dusk
Where:
2355 Corydon Avenue, Winnipeg
Ph: (204) 927 – 7203
How much:
Zoo: Adults: $19.75; Senior (60-+)/Youth (13-17): $17.50; Children (3-12): $10.50; Under 3: Free
2. Manitoba Planetarium
Love the beauty of the Cosmos? The Planetarium at the Manitoba Museum can show you the galaxy in all its glory. The Planetarium offers three different shows on Sundays and Saturdays including a guided tour of the night sky. If you are inspired by your visit to do some real star gazing, head out the Assiniboine Park. Their open light-free fields are great for night sky viewing.
When:
Tuesday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM;
Saturday & Sunday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM;
Closed Monday.
Where:
How much:
Adults: $11.00; Senior (60+)/Students/Youth (12-17): $9.00; Child (3-11): $7.50
3. Play Golf
Just because the weather is cold doesn’t mean you should put away your golf clubs away for winter. There are two places nearby where you can enjoy this sport during the winter time.
The Golf Dome at Wilkes Avenue, boast of an indoor golf dome with over 50 stations on a three tier driving range. They also have virtual golf simulators that transplants you to the driving ranges at Banff Springs, Pebble Beach and other well known-golf courses. If you are new to this sport, you can try their 18-hole miniature golf course. This is a great option both for recreational and serious golfers.
You pay per minute and not per bucket which gives you better value for the money you spend. If you are serious about improving your game, you can even avail the services of a professional coach.
Cool Dozen Micro Golf at Selkirk Town Plaza, located just half an hour from Winnipeg, provides some tropical golfing fun at their 18-hole mini Golf. Their Glow Golf is great fun for kids. You either choose to pay by round or by the hour. Either way, you, your friends and family are bound to enjoy the golf holes including the spectacular waterfall, sand traps and more.
4. Museums
Manitoba Children’s Museum is a wonderful way to spend a whole day indoors when it is snowing heavily outside. Learn science through fun anplay.
Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame houses extensive collection that tells the history of sports in Manitoba.
Visit the Fort Garry House Museum and Archives to learn about Canadian military’s contribution. Explore the galleries that houses ethnic artifacts, art, and military history.
Spend the day at the Canadian Museum of Human Rights, the first national museum built outside Ottawa. Take part in their interactive programs and see their thought-provoking exhibits. learn about Canada’s journey to greater rights and more,
Picture the life at the Red River in the 1800’s. See one of the oldest surviving building in Manitoba- the Seven Oaks House Museum.
Royal Canadaian Mint: Explore this state-of-the-art facility to see how coins are made. View their extensive memorabilia collection.
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Photo Credit: Tourism Winnipeg/Red River Exhibition Assoc.
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1. Performing Arts & Theatre
- Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker on Thursday, November 24, 2016 @ Burton Cummings Theatre
- Merry Christmas Stephen Leacock from December 1 to 4, 2016 @ Laudamus Auditorium,Canadian Mennonite University
- Am I Not King? The Last Concert of Richard 2 from December 14 to December 18, 2016 @ West End Cultural Centre
- Jerry Seinfeld on Saturday, December 17, 2016 @ MTS Centre
- Nutcracker from December 22 to 23, 2016 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- As Though I had Wings from December 31, 2016 to January 8, 2017@ Rachel Browne Theatre
- Million Dollar Quartet from January 3 to 28, 2017 @ Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
- Hand to God from January 28 to February 11, 2017 @ Tom Hendry Warehouse
- Banff Mountain Film Festival on February 4, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Black Coffee on February 8 to March 4, 2017 @ John Hirsch Mainstage
- Disney On Ice presents Passport To Adventure from February 14 – 19, 2017 @ MTS Centre
- Once Upon a Dance! from February 17 to 19, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Jim Jefferies: The Unusual Punishment Tour on Saturday, February 25, 2017 @ Pantages Playhouse Theatre
- Love Lies Bleeding from March 1 to 5, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- The Watershed from March 15 to 18, 2017 @ Tom Hendry Warehouse
- Bittergirl: The Musical from March 16 – April 8, 2017 @ John Hirsch Mainstage
- Kill Me Now from March 29 to April 15, 2017 @ Tom Hendry Warehouse
- Dirty Dancing from April 1 to 2, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
2. Select Concerts from December to March 2017
- Peter & the Wolf Live on Sunday, November 27, 2016 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Messiah from December 2 – 3, 2016 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- A Prairie Christmas Celebration on Sunday, December 4, 2016 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Christmas from Winnipeg to Ukraine on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 @ Westminster United Church – Details
- E.T. – the Extra-Terrestrial, Film with Orchestra on December 11, 2016 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Dvořák’s 5th on Friday, January 13, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Papa Haydn from January 13 – 14, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Blue Rodeo With Ron Hawkins And The Do Good Assassins on Saturday, January 14, 2017 @ MTS Centre
- Presto, Mambo! on Sunday, January 15, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Sam Roberts Band on January 30, 2017 @ Burton Cummings Theatre
- Dierks Bentley on February 1, 2017 @ MTS Centre
- Arkells on February 7, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hal
- Romantic Melody from February 10 – 11, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Valentine’s Special on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Frontier Fiddlers on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 @ Westminster United Church
- Billy Talent: Afraid of Heights Tour on Thursday, February 23, 2017 @ MTS Centre
- Gershwin & Shostakovich from February 24 – 25, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall.
- Colin James: Blue Highways Tour on February 25, 2017 @Burton Cummings Theatre
- Blackie and the Rodeo Kings on Saturday, March 04, 2017 @ Burton Cummings Theatre
- Schubert and Brahms on Sunday, March 5, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Eric Church – Holdin’ My Own Tour on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 @ MTS Centre
- Angela Hewitt plays Ravel from March 10 -11, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Second City Guide to the Symphony from March 17 – 19, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Chris Stapleton on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 @ MTS Centre
- Elijah from March 24 – 25, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Melodius Prime vs The Boyz of Noise! on March 26, 2017 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- The Lumineers ‘Cleopatra World Tour Continues’ 2017 on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 @ MTS Centre
- Gemma New, Sam Casseday: young prodigies concert on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 @ Westminster United Church
3. Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
Enjoy an evening at Manitoba’s largest drive-through light show. Winter Wonderland. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays (weather permitting) enjoy a complimentary sleigh ride, complete with built in fireplace.
When:
December 2, 2016 – January 7, 2017 | 06:00 – 10:00 PM
Closed December 25.
Where:
Red River Exhibition Park
How much:
Family vehicle (7 passengers): $10.00 Advance; $15.00 at the Door.
3. Big Fun Festival
Big Fun Festival features some of the best of Manitoba’s current as well as upcoming artists. The festival showcases multiple genres of music. Details
When:
January 25 – 29, 2017
Where:
Downtown Winnipeg
How much:
Festival Pass $70.00
4. Festival Du Voyageur
Festival Du Voyageur is a celebration of French Canadian culture with great music, amazing food, captivating shows, sensational snow sculptures, and lights. Visit Winnipeg’s French quarter, Saint-Boniface, as it transforms into a winter paradise to host the largest winter festival in Western Canada.
When:
Feruary 17 – 26, 2017
Where:
Voyageur Park, Winnipeg
How much:
Park Day Pass: $9 – $18; 10-day Pass: $11 – $32
5. Freeze Frame International Film Festival
Presenting films for all ages from all over the world, the Freeze Frame International Film Festival also conducts workshops as well as free events for the whole family.
Winefest allows the opportunity to ‘try before you buy’ within a casually refined atmosphere – every sip and sample is included in the ticket price. Wine experts are available to share their knowledge as consumers taste their way from booth to booth, suggesting tasting notes while educating the palate and senses. Details
When:
March 5 – 12, 2017
Where:
Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, 244- 340 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg
How much:
Feature/Shorts: $6.00; Family: $5.00; Family Pass: $45.00
6. Winnipeg Scottish Festival
The Winnipeg Scottish Festival features programs and performances of Scottish tradition with bagpipers, drummers, musicians, vendors and various cultural displays. Details
When:
March 4, 2017
Where:
Canad Inns Polo Park, Winnipeg
How much:
Free and ticketed events
7. Festival of Fools
A 7-day family festival with jugglers, clowns, acrobats, trapeze and circus workshops together with hilarious shows. Details
When:
Spring Break
Where:
The Forks, Winnipeg
How much:
Free
8. Osborne Village Winter Classic
A 4 on 4 street hockey tournament. Details
When:
January 28, 2017
Where:
Osborne Village, Winnipeg
How much:
Free for spectator