From skiing and snowmobiling to ice fishing, snowshoeing, trying new restaurants, and hitting the spa, Manitoba’s winter attractions are sure to delight.
Take a chance on Manitoba in the winter! Make this year the year you experience all the fun that happens in the heart of Canada once the mercury drops. For outdoor enthusiasts and those who just aren’t content to hibernate, “Manisnowba” is the perfect place to get out there and make the most of winter.
Bundle up in Whiteshell Provincial Park
Tucked in the southeast corner of the province, about an hour-and-a-half-drive from Winnipeg, is Whiteshell Provincial Park, a hotbed for winter activities and cozy getaways.
Snowmobiling is one of the top ways visitors can get some sub-zero thrills in the Whiteshell. With more than 250 kilometres of groomed trails, the park has plenty of terrain to challenge seasoned snowmobilers—from granite ridges to jack pine forests. There are also trails more suitable for riders of all levels. If a snowmobile isn’t your speed, there are plenty of gorgeous snowy trails for hiking, fat-biking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing, too.
Manitoba’s world-class fishing doesn’t stop when the snow hits. Ice fishing spots are plentiful, with a mix of stocked and native fish waiting to get hooked. Lyons Lake is perfect if you’re chasing trout and Big Whiteshell is great for a variety of species including walleye and northern pike.
Get cozy with an array of comfy places to stay
Did you know you can ski in the Whiteshell too? Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes bills itself as an “old-school resort” with alpine and Nordic skiing, tubing, snowboarding, skating, snowshoeing, and special live music events throughout the season.
You’ll find some comfy places to stay in the area, perfect for bunking down after exhilarating days of icy adventure. The Hotel at Falcon Lake has hotel rooms, a lodge for group bookings, and private cabins. There are two on-site restaurants plus a pool with a waterslide the kids will love. The Falcon Trails Resort has several cabins that offer the perfect base for your winter holiday. Cozy up in comfort at one of the Falcon Lake cabins or hike into one of the eco lodges at High Lake (they deliver your luggage for you!), complete with hot tubs and outdoor saunas. The homey lakefront chalets or poolside suites at the Pinewood Lodge are another great place for a family vacation or romantic getaway.
Winning winter at Riding Mountain National Park
Riding Mountain National Park is just under 300 kilometres west of Winnipeg; about 100 kilometres north of Brandon. It’s a great place to make the most of the winter. There are near-endless ways to get your blood pumping, with an extensive trail system throughout the park. Strap on your cross-country skis, hop on a fat bike, or lace up your skates to explore this winter wonderland. Don’t have your own? You can rent winter gear from Friends of Riding Mountain National Park. For an unforgettable experience, grab some ice cleats and head out on a winter hike. Plan your route (rated easy, moderate, or difficult), check the trail conditions online, let someone know where you’re going, and plan to be back by nightfall. It’s an incredible way to see the park under a quiet blanket of snow.
Riding Mountain is one of only five national parks with a resort town, and Wasagaming is certainly worth a visit. You’ll find a warm welcome at the Lakehouse Restaurant and Buffalo Bar, as you fill your belly and plan your next adventure. There are some cool accommodation options in Riding Mountain, including the Indigenous-owned and operated Turtle Village, featuring sustainable, off-the-grid micro cabins and the opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Indigenous-led cultural experiences. Parks Canada has yurts and oTENTiks suitable for winter camping in sites across the park. If luxury is more your style, the Elkhorn Resort and Klar So Nordic Spa has a place for you to relax or check out the upscale comfort at the Lakehouse.
Winnipeg, sometimes playfully referred to as “Winterpeg,” is a city that has embraced its winter city status. Instead of denying the climate, its inhabitants have created ways to make the snowiest days full of fun. The Forks, the bustling area where the Red and Assiniboine rivers converge, is the epicentre for winter celebration. Warming shacks line the way of the picturesque Nestaweya River Trail, where people skate, ski, bike, fat bike, or stroll while taking in the sights of the city.
Culture and adventure in “Winterpeg”
Another winter tradition is the pop-up restaurant RAW:almond, open for several weeks in January and February at The Forks. This unique culinary experience takes place on the banks of the frozen Assiniboine and Red Rivers and is hosted by a roster of incredible chefs from across Canada.
The Festival du Voyageur, held annually in February, is a can’t-miss celebration of Métis and Francophone culture and heritage.
After all of that winter fun, warm up with a cozy visit to Thermea Spa Village. The Nordic spa boasts warm calming spaces to relax, including dry and steam saunas, temperate and hot pools, and, for the very brave, icy plunge pools to activate endorphins.
Manitoba is the warm heart of Canada at any time of year. A winter visit is an exciting time to discover all the fun this province holds for you.
Canada’s heart is calling! Visit travelmanitoba.com to start planning your winter holiday.
