Things to Do During Winter in Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the perfect city for those who love the cold and snow. You’ll be warm in your brand-new home, so you won’t mind getting out there to explore some of the town’s best winter-season fun. We’ve looked around town and found some activities that will appeal to everyone. You’re sure to discover a few new favourites.
Outdoor Activities
You’ll feel like a kid again when you head out to experience all the fun winter activities throughout Winnipeg. The hills at the Harbourview Recreation Complex are perfect for tobogganing, but perhaps the best thing about this location is that there’s a warm-up room. It’s easy to take a break and head out for another round.
For the ice skating enthusiasts, the Red River Mutual Trail is a great experience. It’s an all-natural frozen trail that you can skate on. It’s a different experience than skating around on a rink. Skate rentals are available, so you don’t need to be a serious skater.
Even young children can enjoy cross-country skiing at the Windsor Park Nordic Centre. The trails here are lit for night skiing so you can enjoy your time a bit longer. Ski lessons are available. Stony Mountain Ski Area, on the other hand, appeals to snowboarders. Give it a try.
Indoor Attractions
If you’d rather stay warm, the winter is the perfect time to check out some Winnipeg’s fabulous museums. The Manitoba Children's Museum is always a popular choice for those with young children. With so many things to do and see this could easily turn into an all day event.
The Manitoba Museum always has a variety of exhibits focusing on natural history and science. This winter, there will be a travelling exhibit featuring a model of the HMS Erebus Wreckage. Even if you've been before, there's always a chance to see something new.
Alternatively, maybe it's time do some shopping. At the Outlet Collection of Winnipeg, you can shop for everyone in the family. From shoes to clothing to designer tea, the collection of stores has a wide range of options. There are also plenty of small restaurants, so you certainly won't go hungry.
Fun for Nature Lovers
The Assiniboine Park Zoo is open year-round, and it’s fun to check out what the animals are like in the winter months, especially animals from colder climates like the polar bears. If you want a more natural experience, consider FortWhyte Alive. This nature preserve has a herd of bison and other animals in their natural habitat. They also offer fun winter activities like snowshoeing and hiking.
The Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature is a nice retreat for nature-lovers. It features therapeutic hot springs set outside. You’ll absolutely love the way that the hot water heats you up while the cold air cools you down. They are well known for their thermal cycle where you alternate between hot, cold, and rest. Be sure to spend some time getting a massage or other type of treatment to make the most of your visit.
Festivals
When it can feel like everyone’s staying inside and hibernating, it’s nice to get out and be around other people. The 2017 Master Playwright Festival at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is featuring the work of Irish-American playwright John Patrick Shanley. Take in some culture from a variety of productions shown from January 30th to February 18th, 2018. The Festival du Voyageur is another festival happening mid-February, and you can see snow sculptures, listen to live music and taste some of the best French Canadian foods.
Ultimate Family Fun
For the first time ever, Winnipeg has its own ice castles. These are man-made castles carefully built up from ice. It will be at the Forks National Historic Site. You can tour the castle and slide down some slides. The floors are made from crushed ice, so wear boots and consider bringing a sled for the kids rather than a stroller.
You can spend your winter comfortably sitting in your new home, baking cookies and having Netflix marathons, but it's also fun to get out and about. Pencil in several of these events, and you'll soon find that your winter is packed full of fun.
