Free winter activities around Winnipeg

Plenty of outdoor options to keep active this winter

Person lacing up their skates on an outdoor rink
A person laces up their skates outdoors.

With many free family-friendly activities, winter is a great time for you to get outside in Winnipeg.

“We can all get that much-needed fresh air, and enjoy the many great amenities that have started to open up for our winter season,” said Dave Domke, Manager of Parks and Open Space. "Staying active has many benefits to our health and overall wellness."

Skating

If you are looking to hit the ice,  we have dozens of pleasure rinks around Winnipeg. You can also lace up your skates at the skating ponds in Kildonan Park, Harbourview Recreation Complex, and at the St. Vital Duck Pond as conditions allow. Please remember that organized hockey is not allowed on ponds or pleasure rinks.

Before heading out for a skate, make sure to check to see if the location you plan on visiting is open.

Tobogganing

Feel the wind in your face as you rush down one of our toboggan hills or slides. We have four toboggan hills and several winter slides. 

The conditions of the hills and slides depends on the weather so make sure to check to see if the slides are open before getting bundled up. 

Keep in mind sliding is at your own risk and many of the locations do not have lighting or washroom access.

Cross-country skiing

Cross-country ski trail at Kildonan Park
The cross-country ski trail at Kildonan Park.

See Winnipeg from a different perspective by cross-country skiing. We groom our trails weekly, weather permitting.

They are free to use and can be found in Crescent Drive Park, La Barriere Park, Harbourview Park (ski rentals available), Kildonan Park, St. Vital Park, and at the Living Prairie Museum

Dogs are not allowed and we ask that you only ski on the cross-country trails.

Lit trails are also at the Windsor Park Golf Course. That site is maintained and operated by the Cross Country Ski Association of Manitoba

Snowshoe Sundays

 

Explore the prairie preserve in winter at the Living Prairie Museum. On top of the self-guided and cross-country ski trails, the museum will be hosting Snowshoe Sundays again this winter. 

The free event begins January 15 and runs every Sunday through the end February  from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. No experience is necessary and snowshoes are loaned out for free on a first come, first served basis. Just make sure to bring winter boots. You can also sit by the fire or visit the interpretive centre.

Snowshoeing depends on having enough snow, so check first to confirm the conditions are suitable. If you'd rather book a group outing, call 204-832-0167 in advance.

Trails and pathways

If you love to go for a walk or run, all of our parks are open with a variety of trails and pathways, as well as playgrounds, to discover. Our active transportation routes and cycling network are also great ways to stay active and explore the city. 

Don’t forget about your furry four-legged friend. Our off-leash dog areas are great for exercising even the most energetic pooches.

Originally posted on December 19, 2018

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