
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
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, andcross-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.
New Canadian Skate Program will be running from January 10 – March 13, 2020 for everyone to come out and learn how to skate. Every Friday, adults can enjoy free skate program from 2 hours in the afternoon. Register.
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.
Ice Climbing
Enjoy climbing? Why not try ice climbing? Head to Whittier Par to climb a 20-meter ice tower. Club d’escalade de Saint Boniface 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: $10
All others: $40
Snowshoeing & 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 Redhave 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.
FortWhyte Alive
FortWhyte Alive is an all-season destination in Winnipeg. In winter enjoy toboggan slides, nordic walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and skating, ice fishing, and more.
FortWhyte Alive also conducts Winter day camps to connect youth with nature.
On February 2, 2020 celebrate all that winter has to offer during the FortWhyte Alive Winterfest. The event is Free, with waived admission.
When:
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where:
1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg
How much:
Adults (18 – 64): $10; Seniors (65+): $9; Students & Children (3 – 17): $8; Children 2 and under: Free
Places to go on Sleigh Rides in Winnipeg
RAW:Almond
Raw:almond is an annual pop-up restaurant and Canadian Tourism Award winner, with multi-course meals prepared by some of North America’s (and Winnipeg’s) finest chefs served on long communal tables in an elaborate tent on the frozen Assiniboine River.
When:
On hiatus in 2020
January 24 – February 17, 2019
Where:
The Forks, 1 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg
How much:
TBA
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 $9; Youth (3 – 17 years) $7; Senior (55+) $8; Family (2 adults and 4 children) $28

Photo Credit: Travel Manitoba; Snowshoeing at Oak Hammock Marsh
Winter in Manitoba Provincial Parks
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.
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
Arctic Glacier Winter Park Sunday Programming | Sundays, December 1, 2019 to February 23, 2020
Where:
The Forks, Winnipeg
How much:
Free
Birds Hill Park Ranch
If there is snow on the ground, go for a sleigh ride at Birds Hill Park Ranch. Enjoy 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:
Vary with activity
For a complete list of attractions, see Things to do in Winnipeg.
Warming Huts
Warming Huts is all about celebrating and embracing Manitoba’s winter. This is an annual Art + Architecture Competition on Ice that sees design entries from all over the world. The selected designs are then constructed and brought out to the Forks River trail for visitors to interact with and enjoy. Details
When:
Usually on display from the end of January to the end of the skating season
Where:
River trail, The Forks
Spring Hill 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. Those who doesn’t have the gear for skiing or snowboarding, you can enjoy snow tubing. 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 $34; Student $29; Junior (6-13) $24; Senior (55+) $24
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:
December 3 till Mid April (weather permitting)
Where:
Stony Mountain Ski Area, 11016 E Sellars Hill Road, Stony Mountain
Ph : (204) 344-5977
How much:
Varies with activity
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 Mid December
Where:
Holiday Mountain Resort, #12 Later Way
La Riviere ~ 2 hours drive. Ph: (204) 242-2172
How much:
Lift Tickets
Full Day: Adults $47; Students & Military $42
Senior (65+)/Youth (13-17): $40
Junior (6-12): $29/Tiger (1-5): $ 5
Snow Maze
Home of the Guiness Book of World Record’s Largest Snow Maze! Enjoy warming areas with bonfires, slide down the giant snow mountain, relax in the warming barn or hop on a sleigh ride! Details
When:
January 4 – February 29, 2020
Where:
A Maze in Corn, 1351 MB-200, Saint Adolphe
Ph: 204-883-2048
How much:
$10 – $12
Windsor Park Nordic Centre
Windsor Park Nordic Centre is a not-for-profit nordic recreational facility maintained and operated by the Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba. There are ~15 km of trails are groomed daily for both classic & skate technique. Moreover, all trails are lit for night skiing! Details
When:
Check the trail conditions before visiting.
Regular Season Hours are December through March
Where:
Windsor Park Nordic Centre, 10 Rue Des Meurons, Winnipeg
Ph: 204-253-9236
How much:
Day Pass: Family: $13, Adult: $6, Youth (11-17)/Senior (60+) $5, Child (10 & younger): $4
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 19/20 season: December 14, 2019
Open weekends + holidays during the winter months.
Lifts open 10:30 AM-4:30 PM
Snow Dance Festival (Music Festival): January 17 – 19, 2020
Where:
100 Ridge Road, Falcon Lake
Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba
~ 2 hours from Winnipeg
How much:
Lift Tickets: Adult (18-61): $29.00
Youth (13-17): $25.00, Senior (70+) Free
Child (6-12) $18.00
II. Indoor Activities
Assiniboine Park & Zoo
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: 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 (18 – 59) $20.50; Student (with valid Student ID)/Seniors (60+)/Youth (13 – 17 years) $17.75; Children (3 – 12 years) $11.25; Under 3 years – Free. GST extra
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 & Holidays | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM;
Closed Monday.
For holiday hours, check here
Where:
How much:
1 Area: Adult $12.00; Senior (65+) $10.00; Students/Youth (13-17): $9.00; Child (3-12): $7.00
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 Domeat 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.
Museums
Manitoba Children’s Museumis a wonderful way to spend a whole day indoors when it is snowing heavily outside. Learn science through fun anplay.
Manitoba Sports Hall of Famehouses 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.
The Manitoba Museum is a gem to visit any season. The museum offers many immersive experiences all dealing with Manitoba.
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- theSeven Oaks House Museum.
Royal Canadaian Mint: Explore this state-of-the-art facility to see how coins are made. View their extensive memorabilia collection.
III. Winter Festivals & Events in Winnipeg

Photo Credit: Tourism Winnipeg/Red River Exhibition Assoc.
Performing Arts & Theatre
- Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
- Fun Home in November 14 – December 1, 2019
- Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley on November 27 – December 21, 2019
- As You Like It on January 7 – February 1, 2020
- Every Brilliant Thing on January 22 – February 8, 2020
- The New Canadian Curling Club on February 12 – March 7, 2020
- Women of the Fur Trade on February 26 – March 14, 2020
- A Thousand Splendid Suns on March 18 – April 11, 2020
- Gas Station Arts Centre
- Love’s Labour’s Lost on November 26 – 30, 2019
- Seasonal Affective Hillarity on December 8, 2019
- Prairie Theatre Exchange
- The Wedding Party on November 20 – December 8, 2019
- The Paper Bag Princess on December 19, 2019 – January 5, 2020
- Ghost Light on January 22 – February 9, 2020
- Exciting Consequences on February 19 – 23, 2020
- By Grand Central Station on March 11 – 29, 2020
- Centennial Concert Hall
- Susannah on November 23 – 29, 2019
- The Nightmare Before Christmas on November 30 – December 1, 2019
- PAW Patrol Live! “The Great Pirate Adventure” on January 4 – 5, 2020
- Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour on February 1, 2020
- Manitoba Theatre for Young People
- A Year with Frog and Toad on December 6 – 29, 2019
- New Owner on January 30 – February 2, 2020
- The Mush Hole on February 21 – 29, 2020
- Beep on March 20 – 29, 2020
- Celebrations Dinner Theatre
- Best of Friends on November 15, 2019 to February 9, 2020
- Country Star on February 14 – April 19, 2020
- Berney Theatre
- Two Birds One Stone on February 8 – 16, 2020
- Club Regent Event Centre
- Jay & Silent Bob on January 29, 2020
- Tracy Morgan: No Disrespect on March 7, 2020
- Rodney Carrington on March 19, 2020
- Burton Cummings Theatre
- Bianca Del Rio: “it’s Jester Joke” on November 27, 2019
- A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage on November 28, 2019
- Danny Bhoy – Age of Fools on November 30, 2019
- Frozen in Time on January 11, 2020
- Diavolo – Architecture in Motion on January 31, 2020
- Kidz Bop World Tour on February 28, 2020
- Fred Penner: Cat Came Back 40th Anniversary Tour on March 8, 2020
- The Simon & Garfunkel Story on March 11, 2020
- Celtic Illusion on March 14, 2020
- Masters of Illusion on March 18, 2020
- Bell MTS Place
- Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party on March 13 – 15, 2020
2. Select Concerts/events from November to March 2019
- Centennial Concert Hall
- Johnny Reid – My Kind of Christmas on December 4, 2019
- Shen Yun 2020 World Tour on March 4, 2020
- Wilco Ode To Joy Tour on March 11, 2020
- Burton Cummings Theatre
- Formidable! Aznavour – The Story of a Legend on November 26, 2019
- The Nadeau Ensemble – A Prairie Christmas on December 5, 2019
- Amero Little Christmas on December 6, 2019
- JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday Show on December 13, 2019
- The Strumbellas with Neon Dreams on January 17, 2020
- Half Moon Run – A Blemish in the Great Light on January 21, 2020
- Legends of Motown on February 15, 2020
- Alan Doyle – Tough Side Out Tour on February 21, 2020
- Classic Albums live: Damn The Torpedoes on February 27, 2020
- Petric on February 29, 2020
- Steve Hackett: Genesis Revisited Tour ‘Selling England by the Pound’ on March 1, 2020
- The Iron Maidens on March 21, 2020
- Ariel Rivera: Coming Home on March 22, 2020
- The Celtic Tenors on March 23, 2020
- Bell MTS Place
- The Glorious Sons on March 21, 2020
- Club Regent Event Centre
- Four by Four Tribute on November 23, 2019
- Boney M featuring Liz Mitchell on December 5, 2019
- Rocking Elvis Christmas on December 6, 2019
- Chantal Kreviazuk on December 58, 2019
- The Tenors on December 12, 2019
- Dreams & Rods and the Mods on December 13, 2019
- Kim Mitchell on December 31, 2019
- Free Ride on January 10, 2020
- The Inclines on January 11, 2020
- Joey Gregorash on February 6, 2020
- A Salute to Stompin Tom on February 13, 2020
- Theory of a Dead Man on February 14, 2020
- Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir
- Christmas with the Phil: Making Spirits Bright on December 15, 2019 @ Crescent Fort Rouge United Church
- Happy 250th Ludwig! on March 22, 2020 @ St. Boniface Cathedral
- Winnipeg Singers
- Christmas with BRASS on December 8, 2019 @ Crescent Fort Rouge United Church
- Icons & Incense on February 23, 2020 @ Crescent Fort Rouge United Church
- Manitoba Chamber Orchestra@ Westminster United Church
- Manson, Winnipeg SIngers, Gauvin on December 4, 2019
- Anne Manson, Ariel Barnes on February 12, 2020
- MCO & Cluster Festival Collaboration on March 24, 2020
- Virtuosi Concerts @ Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall – University of Winnipeg
- Artists of Manitoba – The Brandon Connection on December 14, 2019
- Hommage A Schumann on January 11, 2020
- Nordic Gods on February 1, 2020
- Russian Fairy Tales on March 8, 2020
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
When:
November 29, 2019 to January 4, 2020 | 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Closed on Christmas Day
Where:
Red River Exhibition Park
How much:
Family vehicle (7 passengers): $15.00 Advance; $20.00 at the Door.
Illuminate 150
Illuminate 150 will both light up the capital of Manitoba and also be the launch of a year long effort to shine light on the unique beauty of Manitoba. Details
When:
December 14, 2019 to July 2020
Where:
Manitoba Legislative Building, Broadway, Winnipeg
How much:
Free
Big Fun Festival
When:
2020 dates TBA
January 23 – 27, 2019
Where:
Downtown Winnipeg
How much:
2020 rates TBA
2019 – $60 – $80
Snowdance Festival of Winter and Music
Find those mittens your grandma made for you. Borrow your roommate’s boots. Put on all your long johns at once. Wear that really cool scarf that brings out the blue in your eyes. And head out to the woods for Snowdance, the wintery music festival at the Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes. Details
When:
January 17 – 19, 2020
Where:
Various venues
How much:
Passes are $65 for the weekend
Prairie Snowflake 2020
An urban escape that infuses movement, rejuvenation, inspiration + connection into the midst of a prairie winter. Come to gather with your community to move, heal, and take care in our harshest season. Details
When:
February 1 – 2, 2020
Where:
The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre, 222 Broadway, Winnipeg
How much:
$98 – $298
Wild Winter Canoe Race
What is a Winter Canoe Race?
It’s a race…in a canoe… in February! This high-octane contest is held on a snow-packed 200-meter course, using tripping canoes. The only “paddling” required comes from the team’s legs – one leg in the canoe, one leg out – a synchronized crew that works foot power to glide to the finish line. Details
When:
2020 dates TBA
Saturday, February 16, 2019
Where:
Red River Trail at The Forks
How much:
Free for Spectators
Manitoba Ice Dragon Boat Festival
The Dream Factory is proud to partner with the MB Paddling Association to host one of Canada’s most unique winter events: The Manitoba Ice Dragon Boat Festival! Dragon boating is one of Winnipeg’s most popular summer events, so we are thrilled to “unleash the dragons” on the frozen water this February!! Details
When:
2020 dates TBA
Sunday, February 17, 2019 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where:
Manitoba Canoe and Kayak Club, 80 Churchill Drive, Winnipeg
How much:
Free
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:
February 14 – 23, 2020
Where:
Voyageur Park, Winnipeg
How much:
2020 tickets On sale November 27th 2019
2019 – Voyageur Pass: $10 – $75
Floppet: Falcon Lake Loppet 2020
The Floppet is a weekend long nordic festival that offers fun for all skier types and challenges for competitive athletes. There are multiple events with distances of: 7.6km, 17.5km, and 35km, all taking place in the community of Falcon Lake around the Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes.
When:
February 29, 2020
Where:
Falcon Lake around the Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes.
How much:
$5 – $60
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. Details
When:
March 8 – 15, 2020
Where:
Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, 244- 340 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg
How much:
2020 rates TBA
2019 – Single Day ticket $10/person; Single Senior Film Ticket: $4/ person; Family Day Ticket: $25/maximum four people; Family Festival Pass: $45/ maximum four people; Single Festival Pass: $25/ person
The Lake Shaker
An unforgettable evening in the wild, the Lake Shaker comes complete with all of your favorite winter experiences. You can count on warm bonfires, cold beverages, live music, outdoor adventure — and a few surprises. Details
When:
March 7, 2020 | 7:00 PM – 11:59 PM
Where:
FortWhyte Alive, Winnipeg
How much:
$30; $25 for FortWhyte Alive Members
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 21, 2020
Where:
Canad Inns Polo Park, Winnipeg
How much:
Free and ticketed events
Osborne Village Winter Classic
A 4 on 4 street hockey tournament. Musical entertainment will be seen and heard during the day long festivities from the covered band stage and heated hospitality tent. Classic rock, blues, and country bands will be featured on the musical stage. Bringing our hockey players and fans from the rinks to tapping their toes and dancing inside the tent. Details
When:
2020 – TBA
Where:
Osborne Village, Winnipeg
How much:
Free for spectator