When it comes to outdoor winter activities, few destinations measure up to Manitoba, Canada. Offering ample snow for five to six months every year, it’s something of a winter wonderland.

Curious as to the types of winter activities that Manitoba, Canada has to offer? Then keep on reading. We’re going to discuss seven of them in detail below, providing you with a bevy of destinations in which to participate in them.

 

1. Snowmobiling

There are very few winter activities as fun as snowmobiling. Jetting through the snow at high-speeds is pure exhilaration and is a great way to spend a day or even a weekend.

Well, what you might not realize is that Manitoba is a snowmobiler’s haven. The province is filled with top-notch snowmobiling destinations, the best of which include the following:

Lac du Bonnet

Located on the Winnipeg River, Lac du Bonnet is one of the best snowmobiling destinations in Canada. Not only does it provide a huge trail system but some of the most beautiful scenery you’ll ever lay your eyes upon. Regardless of your experience level, there’s a trail in Lac du Bonnet that will suit you.

Dauphin

The city of Dauphin offers a number of snowmobile trails as well. Not only does it contain parts of the Trans-Canada Snowmobile Trail but a variety of trails in the Parkland region as well. Surrounded by mountains, forests, and bodies of water, it’s a gorgeous place to go for a ride.

Lake Winnipeg Beaches

You can also find snowmobile trails on the beaches of Lake Winnipeg. Two beaches to consider include Grand Beach and Victoria Beach, both of which are beautiful and both of which are located in proximity to local stores and restaurants.

Swan River Valley

If you’re in western Manitoba, you should consider snowmobiling in the Swan River Valley. This location offers tons of trails, most of which are formally marked and maintained. Whether you’re looking for flat land, rolling hills, or a rough riding experience, the Swan River Valley will accommodate you.

 

2. Skiing

Skiing is huge in Manitoba, both the downhill and cross-country varieties. The province offers not only spacious prairies but steep mountainsides as well, in addition to a variety of other terrains.

So, whether you’re new to skiing or have done it your entire life, Manitoba will serve you well. Some of the top skiing locations in Manitoba include:

Asessippi

The largest ski area in Manitoba, Asessippi offers 26 trails in total. It covers 200 acres, most of which can be skied upon and has a vertical peak of 397 feet. Whether you’re looking for a small hill to help break you in or are on the search for something bigger, Asessippi will accommodate you.

Falcon Trails

Falcon Trails offers both downhill and cross-country skiing and is positioned upon 25 acres of skiable land. It contains 12 trails in total with its peak vertical reaching 150 feet. It’s located on the eastern side of Falcon Lake, Manitoba.

Stony Mountain

Stony Mountain is primarily lauded for its snowboarding. However, it offers plenty of skiing opportunities as well. Appropriate for downhill skiing specifically, it’s characterized by six trails and vertical peaks of 100 feet.

Holiday Mountain Resort

One of the most popular ski resorts in Manitoba, Holiday Mountain Resort is located two hours from Winnipeg in the town of La Riviere. It offers 11 downhill skiing trails, the tallest of which peaks at 315 feet.

 

3. Snowshoeing

If you like hiking, then you might also like snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is an activity in which you simply walk in the snow but with the help of specialized snowshoes. These shoes are designed to evenly distribute weight, thus preventing the feet from sinking down below the surface of the snow.

Manitoba gets tons of snow throughout the year, thus making it a prime location for snowshoeing. Some of the best snowshoeing in Manitoba can be had in the following locations:

Whiteshell Provincial Park

Perhaps the best place to go snowshoeing in Manitoba is Whiteshell Provincial Park. 130 kilometres east of Winnipeg, this park is filled with hiking trails, some of which are heavily curated and some of which are of the more natural variety.

Some of the best trails in this park include the Falcon Creek Trail, the Whiteshell River Bridge Trail, and The Top of the World trail.

Riding Mountain National Park

Another great destination for snowshoeing is Riding Mountain National Park. This mountainous park is surrounded by swaths of prairie land just adding to its awesome aesthetic.

There are tons of trails located in the park, including the Brule Trail, Beads Lake Trail, and the Moon Lake Trail to name just a few.

Duck Mountain Provincial Park

Located in western Manitoba is Duck Mountain Provincial Park, a natural park consisting of bodies of water and dense forests. This park offers ample snowshoeing opportunities.

Some of its best trails include the Copernicus Hill Loop, Timber’s Trail, and the Shell River Valley Trail. Note, though, that the entirety of its surroundings is beautiful and is capable of being hiked through.

Birds Hill Provincial Park

Birds Hill Provincial Park is another solid spot for snowshoeing. Located just northeast of Winnipeg, this park contains both rural and urban elements. So, whether you’re looking for a rough trail or something more curated, it will accommodate you.

Some trails to consider in the park include the Lime Kiln Trail and the Duff Roblin Parkway Trail.

 

4. Ice Climbing

If you consider yourself a bit of an adrenaline junkie, you should consider getting into ice climbing. Ice climbing is the act of climbing up, well, ice. It generally occurs on cliff faces and frozen waterfalls and is facilitated with the help of various climbing tools.

There are quite a few places in Manitoba in which you can participate in ice climbing. The most prominent of these places include:

Whiteshell Provincial Park

Whiteshell Provincial Park offers a variety of cliff faces upon which you can ice climb. Located just east of Winnipeg, it’s within most of the province’s general proximity. Two of its best climbing spots include Castle Rock and Lily Pond Cliff.

Wekusko Falls Provincial Park

Higher north up into the province is Wekusko Falls Provincial Park, a welcome spot for climbers of all experience levels. Its best climbing destination is Snow Lake, a scenic area that’s just as great to look at as it is to explore.

Winnipeg

When you think of ice climbing, you likely think of rural areas. As such, you might be surprised to hear that the city of Winnipeg offers ice climbing opportunities. These can be found at The Club d’escalade de Saint-Boniface in Whittier Park.

Every winter, the park breaks out a steep ice tower, giving climbers a challenge smack dab in the middle of the city. If you’re living in the Winnipeg area or if you’re thinking about visiting, this is definitely worth checking out.

 

5. Dog Sledding

One of the more unique activities in which you can engage in Manitoba is dog sledding. This is an activity in which you sit in a sled and are pulled by a team of cold-weather dogs such as Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. It’s a lot of fun and is different from just about any other winter activity you can think of.

There are quite a few places to engage in dog sledding in Manitoba. Some of the best options are:

Churchill River Mushing

Located in the town of Churchill, Churchill River Mushing offers dogsledding packages from mid-November to mid-May. Whether you’re going solo or have a big group with you, Churchill River can accommodate you. Note, this location also offers you the ability to view arctic wildlife as well as take in the Northern Lights.

Bakers Narrow Lodge

Another destination at which you can go dogsledding in Manitoba is Bakers Narrow Lodge. Located in Flin Flon on the western border of the province, Bakers Narrow accepts groups of up to 90 people.

In addition to dogsledding, the resort also offers boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing opportunities. Put simply, it’s a great place to spend an outdoor vacation.

Frontiers North Adventures

Another Churchill destination at which to go dogsledding is Frontiers North Adventures. This is also one of the top polar bear attractions in Manitoba. So, if you’re looking to go dogsledding and nature watching simultaneously, it’s the place to be. Frontiers North Adventures is also a great place to see the Northern Lights.

Wapusk Adventures

One last dogsledding destination is Wapusk Adventures. This is, again, in the town of Churchill. This particular location possesses the aesthetic of a trapper camp, giving it a little more of a rustic feel when compared to the other options on this list.

 

6. Snow ATVing

Like to go ATVing? Sad to give it up when the winter rolls around? In Manitoba, you don’t have to.

The province offers a variety of locations for ATVers to conquer in the winter months. The best of these locations include the following.

Swan River

Swan River is one of the most popular ATVing destinations in Manitoba. It’s entirely open to ATVers, offering a number of trails and designated spots upon that they can ride.

The primary ATVing trail in the Swan River area is the Mossberry. This rough, natural trail goes on for over 25 kilometres, bringing riders through rocky terrains, muddy terrains, and swaths of forests.

Sandilands Provincial Forest

Sandilands Provincial Forest is another fun spot to go ATVing. This area has a 56-mile loop trail that winds and turns, allowing riders to slip and slide all over the place. Fortunately, it’s fairly well-curated, making it a good spot for inexperienced riders.

Woodridge

As far as Manitoban towns go, few are as inviting to ATVers as Woodridge. Woodbridge is home to countless ATV trails, the most prominent of which is the 75-kilometre Little Bigfoot Trail. Sporting an open and natural setting, it’s best reserved for the experienced ATVers out there.

Note, the Woodbridge area is home to a variety of shops and restaurants. So, if you want to make an extended trip of it, Woodbridge will accommodate you.

Belair

Situated next to Lake Winnipeg, Belair is another solid spot for ATVers. Not only does it home to the 56-kilometre North Star Trail, but it’s also endlessly beautiful. If you’re looking to take in some scenery while you ride, Belair is the place for you.

 

7. Winter Safaris

Ever wanted to see polar bears, caribou, arctic foxes, and other northern wildlife in their natural habitat? If so, you should consider taking part in a winter safari.

Manitoba has a winter safari in the town of Churchill, located on the eastern side of the Hudson Bay. This safari hosts everything from polar bears to beluga whales to caribou to foxes and more. Note, though, that it’s in the northern part of the providence, meaning that it can be brutally cold.

You should also make note that Churchill is a great place to see the Northern Lights. They’re visible almost every night of the year, though are easiest to see from January to March.

 

Ready to Participate in These Outdoor Winter Activities?

And there they are, some of the most fun outdoor winter activities that Manitoba, Canada has to offer. Ready to participate in some of these activities yourself? If so and if you need winter recreational videos, you’re in the right place. Westshore Marine & Leisure has you covered.

We offer snowmobiles, ATVs, utility vehicles, boats, and more. Offering both new and used models, we’re sure to having something that fits your budget.

Any questions? Contact us now!