8 Ways to Make the Most of Winter in Manitoba

Posted: January 23, 2025 | Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes

Winter in Manitoba brings a special kind of magic—snowy trails, starry skies and cozy moments by the fire. Whether you’re discovering a new favourite activity or revisiting a beloved location with a fresh perspective, these eight experiences offer a unique way to connect with the season. Bundle up and see where winter takes you!

Oak Hammock Marsh

1. Experience the Marsh in Winter

Nestled just 20 minutes north of Winnipeg, Oak Hammock Marsh is a haven for nature enthusiasts and families alike. This sprawling wetland is a year-round destination, but winter adds a special kind of magic. Here are two events coming up this winter:

Moonlight Snowshoe Walk: February 15

Experience the serenity of the Marsh under the moonlight on a guided snowshoe walk. Trek through snowy trails for an hour then gather around a bonfire to warm up.

Voyageur Day: February 17

Celebrate Manitoba’s Voyageur heritage with snowshoeing, friendly competitions and fun games on Voyageur Day. Make bannock over an open fire and participate in the “Concours des Meilleurs” for ultimate bragging rights.

Note that the Wetland Discovery Centre is temporarily closed, but outdoor activities are still on! For even more activities in this area of Manitoba, visit Red River North Tourism.

Falcon Beach Ranch, Whiteshell Provincial Park

Go on a Winter Horseback Ride

Escape to Falcon Beach Ranch, where cozy chalet-style cabins meet the beauty of the boreal forest. The cottages also have full kitchens, wood-burning fireplaces and serene forest views from private decks--what could be better than that? Plus, enjoy the ranch’s cedar log sauna, outdoor hot tub and fire pit for a relaxing stay. Other winter activities include:

Sleigh Ride: Take a private sleigh ride through snowy trails, perfect for families or couples. Kids can enjoy a toboggan ride pulled behind the sleigh.

Hot Chocolate Sleigh Ride: Enhance your sleigh ride with a trailside warm-up stop featuring hot chocolate and a roaring fire.

Winter Horseback Ride: Explore forest trails on horseback and look for animal tracks.

International Peace Garden, Boissevain

Discover Winter at the International Peace Garden

Maybe you know the International Peace Garden in the spring or summer - but did you know this attraction is also open in the winter?

Stop by the Don Vitko Cacti & Succulents Collection—one of the world’s most diverse collections of cacti and succulents—housed in the stunning Conservatory building. Open daily, the Conservatory also features a horticulture library and gift shop filled with local art and collectibles.

For outdoor adventurers, groomed ski trails wind through the Garden, offering something for everyone—from a beginner loop through the Oak Grove to a 3.5-mile advanced trail across Lake Stormon. Cabins are also available to rent in the winter, so you can make it a weekend getaway in this peaceful retreat.

The Forks, Winnipeg

Dine on the Ice

January 23 to February 16

Step into a culinary experience unlike any other at RAW:almond, a three-week fine dining pop-up hosted on Winnipeg’s frozen rivers. This one-of-a-kind restaurant, set in a stunning temporary structure, brings together world-class chefs to craft unforgettable meals.

Co-founded by Chef Mandel Hitzer of Deer + Almond and Joe Kalturnyk of RAW:Gallery of Architecture and Design, RAW:almond blends cutting-edge design with incredible cuisine. Multiple seatings are still available—don’t miss your chance to book tickets and savour this iconic Manitoba winter experience!

FortWhyte Alive, Winnipeg

Reconnect with Nature

FortWhyte Alive brings a whole new level of winter appreciation to the province! Snowshoe or ski along 7 km of scenic trails through prairie and aspen forest, try your hand at ice fishing on frozen lakes or join a hands-on event to learn the basics. For classic winter thrills, slide down the Richardson Rrrun toboggan hill or skate across the natural ice rink. Snowshoes, skis, and more are available for rent to make your visit even better.

There's always something on at FortWhyte Alive! Here are just a few of the highlights from the calendar:

Astronomy Night: February 12, 2025

Take a cosmic journey under the winter sky at FortWhyte’s portable Star Dome. This engaging evening is perfect for stargazers of all ages as you explore the constellations, planets and celestial wonders visible during Manitoba’s crisp, clear nights.

Marshmallow Roast: February 16, 2025

Nothing warms up a winter day quite like a crackling fire. Head to FortWhyte for a marshmallow roast and relax by the bonfire as you take in the snowy scenery.

Pine Point Rapids, Whiteshell Provincial Park

Hike to Rapids

When it comes to winter hiking, the Pine Point Rapids Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park offers the perfect mix of adventure, stunning scenery and the soothing sounds of rushing water.

Start your day with a detour to the Spicy Radish Café in Whitemouth for a grab-and-go breakfast sandwich, then head east into the park from the north side to access the trail. At the clearly marked trailhead, you’ll find parking and an outhouse.

Choose the 2.7 km trail to the rapids, which features mixed terrain and a scenic lookout point. As you hike along the frozen landscape, the sound of rushing water will let you know you’re nearing the rapids. Stop at the picnic table overlooking the rapids to enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking views. Extend your adventure with an optional 2.8 km loop to Acorn Falls and Viburnum Falls for even more natural beauty.

For the return journey, take the shorter, picturesque mixed-use trail lined with evergreens. Remember to stay off groomed ski trails to preserve them for skiers.

Turtle Village, Riding Mountain National Park

Glamp and Ice Fish

Nestled in the heart of Wasagaming Campground, Turtle Village offers cozy year-round glamping accommodations surrounded by the natural beauty of Riding Mountain National Park. Each unit features a Murphy bed, solar-powered lighting, a USB charging port and propane heating. Enjoy a fire pit, picnic table and easy access to trails and the Wasagaming townsite.

Ice Fishing Adventures

The Ice Fishing Village Huts provide a warm and inviting space for up to six people, complete with predrilled fishing holes, a wood stove and hot beverages like tea and hot chocolate. Fishing gear rentals are available on-site, with RMNP fishing permits required. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a first-timer, this is the ideal way to embrace winter on the ice.

Enhance Your Experience

Take your visit up a notch with add-ons like a bannock-making kit, a guided “Learn to Fish” session or the Feast Bag for a delicious camping-inspired meal. Turtle Village makes it easy to turn a simple outing into a memorable adventure.

Snowboarder in yellow heading down a slope at Mystery Mountain Winter Park.

Mystery Mountain Winter Park, Thompson

Go North for Downhill Skiing

Tucked away in northern Manitoba near Thompson, Mystery Mountain Winter Park offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure for downhill skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. With four lifts servicing 18 runs—including a tow rope, T-Bar and pomas—this hidden gem caters to all skill levels. The terrain park, maintained by the local freestyle community, features kickers, boxes and rails for those looking to level up their ride.

After a day on the slopes, retreat to the main chalet to dry your gloves and warm your feet by the fire. Enjoy a hot chocolate from the canteen or, for those 18 and over, unwind in the Polar Lounge with a range of drinks and cocktails.

8 Ways to Make the Most of Winter in Manitoba

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