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
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.
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 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.
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.
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
Where:
1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg
How much:
Adults: $8.00; Seniors: $7.00; Students & Children: $6.00; 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:
January 24 – February 17, 2019
Where:
The Forks, 1 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg
How much:
Tickets available online on December 15 | 8:00 AM
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
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 2, 2018 – February 24, 2019
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:
Wagon or sleigh rides $120.00
Other fees: vary with activity
For a complete list of attractions, see Things to do in Winnipeg.
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. 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
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:
Lift tickets: Full Day $20 – $23.80; Evening or Sleep in: $18.00 -$20.95
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
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 18/19 season: December 15, 2018
Open weekends + holidays during the winter months.
Lifts open 10:30 AM-4:30 PM
Snow Dance Festival (Music Festival): January 18 to 20, 2019
Where:
100 Ridge Road, Falcon Lake
Whiteshell Provincial Park, Manitoba
~ 2 hours from Winnipeg
How much:
Lift Tickets: Adult (18-61): $27.00
Senior (62+)/Youth (13-17): $23.00
Child (6-12) $18.00
II. Indoor Activities
Winter Sightseeing in Winnipeg. Photo Credit: Canadian Tourism Commission
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, Conservatory: 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
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.
Where:
How much:
Adults: $16.00; Senior (65+) $14.00; Students/Youth (13-17): $13.00; Child (3-12): $9.00
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 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.
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.
III. Winter Festivals & Events in Winnipeg
Photo Credit: Tourism Winnipeg/Red River Exhibition Assoc.
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Performing Arts & Theatre
- Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
- It’s a Wonderful Life: The Radio Play in November 22 – December 15, 2018
- Roald Dahl’s Matilda: The Musical on January 10 – February 2, 2019
- A Doll’s House on January 31 – February 16, 2019
- 887 on February 8 – 10, 2019
- A Doll’s House Part 2 on February 21 – March 16, 2019
- Made in Italy on February 28 – March 16, 2019
- Boom X on March 21 – April 13, 2018
- Gas Station Arts Centre
- The Wonderful World of Disney on December 9, 2018
- Prairie Theatre Exchange
- Munschtopia on December 20, 2018 – January 6, 2019
- New Magic Valley Fun Town on January 24 – February 10, 2019
- Mom’s The Word: Nest 1/2 Empty on February 28 – March 17, 2019
- Centennial Concert Hall
- Nutcracker on December 19 – 29, 2018
- Paw Patrol Live on January 3 – 5, 2019
- Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella on January 6 – 7, 2019
- Romeo & Juliet on February 13 – 17, 2019
- Manitoba Theatre for Young People
- The House at Pooh Corner on November 30–December 30, 2018
- Torn Through Time on January 25–February 3, 2019
- What if Romeo & Juliet… on February 15 – 24, 2019
- The very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favourites on March 15 – 24, 2019
- Celebrations Dinner Theatre
- More Dirty Dancing on stage till January 27, 2019
- Jail House Rock on February 2 – March 24, 2019
- Dramatic Arts Centre
- Anne of Green Gables & Scenes from Avonlea on December 26 – 30 , 2018
- Berney Theatre
- Intimate Apparel on February 2 – 10, 2019
- Club Regent Event Centre
- Reveen on February 22, 2019
- Ballet & The Band on March 28 – 30, 2019
- Burton Cummings Theatre
- Mini Pop Kids Live: Take Flight Concert Tour on March 17, 2019
- Piaf! The Show on March 22, 2019
- Bell MTS Place
- Jim Gaffigan: Quality Time Tour on January 17, 2019
- PBR: Monster Energy Tour on January 26, 2019
- PJ Masks Live! Save the Day on January 27, 2019
- Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic on February 21 – 24, 2019
2. Select Concerts/events from November to March 2018
- Centennial Concert Hall
- The Barra MacNeils: An East Coast Christmas on December 4, 2018
- Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas on December 6, 2018
- United Way Winnipeg Presents RCAF Band Holiday Concert with special guests Doc Walker on December 10, 2018
- The Tenors: Home for the Holidays – Christmas Classics and the Hits! on December 11, 2018
- Aaron Pritchett – Out On The Town tour on January 21, 2019
- HOME FREE – Timeless World Tour on February 19, 2019
- Il Divo Timeless Tour on March 6, 2019
- Burton Cummings Theatre
- Cirque Musica on December 6, 2018
- JP Hoe Hoe Hoe Holiday Show, Presented by Winnipeg Folk Festival on December 14, 2018
- Fred Penner on December 15, 2018
- Tre Twitty & Tayla Lynn on December 16, 2018
- The Game on January 19, 2019
- The Nellie McClung Foundation presents; Let them Howl on January 20, 2019
- Mother Mother: Dance and Cry Tour w/ guest Said the Whale on February 17, 2019
- Young the Giant: Mirror Master Tour on February 26, 2019
- Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox on March 5, 2019
- Clutch: Book Of Bad Decisions Tour 2019 on March 6, 2019
- Coeur De Pirate, Presented by Winnipeg Folk Festival on March 11, 2019
- The Cat Empire, Presented by Winnipeg Folk Festival on March 12, 2019
- The Noise Presents: Cradle of Filth: Cryptoriana World Tour on March 18, 2019
- Colin James on March 30, 2019
- Bell MTS Place
- Dierks Bentley: Burning Man 2019 on January 22, 2019
- Justin Timberlake: The Man Of The Woods Tour on February 4, 2019
- Paul Brandt: The Journey Tour With High Valley & Special Guests on February 8, 2019
- Arkells: The 2019 Rally Cry Tour on February 11, 2019
- Little Big Town: The Breakers Tour on February 19, 2019
- Foreigner on March 2, 2019
- Lynyrd Skynyrd: Last Of The Street Survivors Farewell Tour on March 8, 2019
- Marianas Trench: Suspending Gravity Tour on March 22, 2019
- Club Regent Event Centre
- Boney M on December 11 & 18, 2018
- Rory Allen on December 14, 2018
- Michael Bolton on December 19, 2018
- The Trews on December 31, 2018
- Purple Madness – Tribute to Prince on January 18, 2019
- Doc Walker on January 26, 2019
- The Inclines – Sweet Dreams of Patsy Cline on January 27, 2019
- The Honeymoon Suite on February 2, 2019
- Jeremy Hotz on February 8, 2019
- Snake Oil on February 15, 2019
- Great White & Slaughter on February 23, 2019
- Street Heart on March 1, 2019
- Charlie Major on March 2, 2019
- Yesterday Once More on March 8, 2019
- Rick Springfield on March 21, 2019
- Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir
- Christmas with The Phil: Here We Come a-Caroling! on Decemebr 16, 2018 @ Crescent Fort Rouge United Church
- Verdi’s Requiem on March 15 – 16, 2019 @ Centennial Concert Hall
- Winnipeg Singers
- In Winnipeg It’s Christmas! on December 9, 2018 @ Westworth United Church
- European Connections on March 20, 2019
- Manitoba Chamber Orchestra @ Westminster United Church
- Scott Yoo, Susan Hoeppner, & Emmanuel Ceysson on December 5, 2018
- Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra: JS Bach: The Circle of Creation’ on January 30, 2019
- MCO tour de force concert —New Concerto Project showcase on March 19, 2019
- Virtuosi Concerts @ Eckhardt-Gramatté Hall – University of Winnipeg
- Madeline Hildebrand T The WSO String Ensemble on December 15, 2018
- Donald Sinta Quartet – No Strings Attached on January 12, 2019
- Ensemble Made In Canada – The Mosaique Project on February 2, 2019
- Janina Fialkowska – Poland & Paderewski 1919 on March 4, 2019
Canad Inns Winter Wonderland
When:
November 30, 2018 to January 5, 2019 | 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.
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 23 – 27, 2019
Where:
Downtown Winnipeg
How much:
$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 18 – 20, 2019
Where:
Various venues
Friday January 18 @ Whiteshell Community Club
Saturday January 19 @ Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes & Falcon Lake Bar
Saturday January 20 @ Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes
How much:
Passes are $65 for the weekend and include one full day lift ticket for the Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes
S N O W F L A K E :: winter wellness festival + mindful market
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:
January 20, 2019
Where:
The Fort Garry Hotel, Spa & Conference Centre, 222 Broadway, Winnipeg
How much:
Early bird All-inclusive $135
Regular All-inclusive $155
Half-day $100; Single Workshop $40
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:
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:
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 15 – 24, 2019
Where:
Voyageur Park, Winnipeg
How much:
Voyageur Pass: $10 – $75
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 10 – 17, 2019
Where:
Centre Culturel Franco-Manitobain, 244- 340 Provencher Blvd, Winnipeg
How much:
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 9, 2019 | 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 23, 2019
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:
2019 – TBA
Where:
Osborne Village, Winnipeg
How much:
Free for spectator
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