In Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, nearly 45 inches of snowfall each year. In northern Manitoba, certain areas can receive as much as 87 inches of snowfall every year.

No matter where you are in Manitoba, it will be an ideal place to engage in some fun outdoor winter activities.

Whether you are visiting the area, new to the area, or simply looking to try some new things, you’ll find that there are nearly endless opportunities to spend quality time outside during the winter.

Are you looking for some thrilling winter activities to try out in Manitoba? If so, take a look at the seven outdoor winter activities to keep you busy, active, and happy all winter long.

 

1. The Forks, Winnipeg

This historic site is located in downtown Winnipeg where the Assiniboine River and the Red River meet.

Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1974, there have been 6000 years of human activity at this location. Containing 14 acres of ground, The Forks is open all year round.

If you are looking for fun winter activities that combine a rich history and outdoor winter fund, this is the spot for you.

It has been found through several different archaeological digs that the site hosted early Aboriginal groups 6000 years ago. It is believed that several different indigenous groups visited the site, including the Cree, Sioux, Nakoda, and Anishinaabe. This location acted as a rest stop and a trade link because of its location on the seasonal migration routes between the southern plains and the northern forest.

This is also a location where European fur traders interacted with local peoples and use them as middlemen for trade.

The Forks was used as a spot to store and ship first and supplies by both the North West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company between 1716 1821.

Railway development further continued to use of The Forks starting in the mid-19th century.

Filled with public spaces for both recreation and celebration, Be Forks is a wonderful public space for families to spend time any time of year. There is The Forks Market, which was originally built as to different staples for competing railway companies. Here you’ll find a six-story tower including a viewing platform, which you can ride an elevator up to or climb the stairs.

Inside the market, you’ll find shops selling a wide variety of items such as crafts, artworks, fresh fruit, meat, wine, cigars, bread, aromatherapy products, and more.

There is so much to explore at The Forks that one expedition won’t be enough. Instead, you’ll find yourself coming back here year after year.

You’ll also find that this is a great place to start be Red River Mutual Trail, which includes nearly 9 km of trails and is known to be one of the world’s longest skating tales. Along the hike, you’ll find a bunch of warming huts to escape from the winter wind.

 

2. Cross Country Skiing

You also will want to check out the Windsor Park Nordic Centre, where you’ll find 15 km of groomed trails. This is a wonderful spot for any outdoor winter enthusiasts. Here you’ll be able to rent skis if you are new to the sport.

You can also find lighted trails if you are looking to go night skiing through a winter wonderland. At the end of your excursion, you can head to the rustic clubhouse and sit in front of the fireplace, enjoying some hot chocolate in the company of others.

Cross-country skiing is one of the best ways to enjoy the unique beauty of winter in Manitoba, Canada. If this becomes your hobby of choice, you will enjoy nearly endless paths all over the province to enjoy fresh powder, wide-open skies, and boundless natural beauty.

Whether you are in Winnipeg or elsewhere in the province, there is no shortage of wonderful places to go cross-country skiing. You’ll find a number of popular cross-country skiing trails at the Duck Mountain Provincial Park.

Manitoba might not be known for its mountains, but it is the ideal place to go cross-country skiing. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for something a little more challenging, there is literally something for everyone in this Canadian province.

If you are looking for truly challenging cross-country skiing, the Pumpkin Creek, Shannondale, and the Birch Ski Area are all great places to go for people that are looking for an extra challenge on the ride. These trails also have small clubhouses built at their trailheads, so you have a nice place to relax when you are done with your adventure.

Turtle Mountain, located in the southwest corner of Manitoba, is a spot that probably has the most elevation gain in the province. Containing 37 km of groomed trails that loop around James Lake and Adam Lake, this is a beautiful spot to travel a challenging trail.

There are even races and meets they could participate in if you are very serious about cross-country skiing. Whether you race in Manitoba Loppet, the Turtle Mountain Loppett, or the Floppet Loppet Ski Race, there are a number of ways to challenge yourself and test your skills.

 

3. Relax in a Sauna

If you’re wondering what to do in Manitoba, Canada, after a long day of winter sports and expeditions, you’d be wise to consider unwinding in a sauna.

There is nothing quite like enjoying a traditional sauna on a snowy, frigid evening. This is particularly true if you have spent the day exploring all of the different fun winter activities in the area.

Saunas are a traditional Finnish pastime that has grown in popularity in the United States over the last several decades.

Whether you outfit your own home with an outdoor sauna to spend quality time with your friends and family, or you check out a number of the saunas you can access in Manitoba.

You can find incredibly unique and adorable saunas at the Writing Mountain National Park. If you book the Fiddle had Cabin at Crooked Mountain Cabins, you will find one of the sweetest and most whimsical saunas out there.

The Forks really has it all. In addition to shopping, drink, food, and skating trails, The Forks even has saunas. You’ll find several barrel shape saunas, a changing area with the wood stove, and outdoor bonfires here. You can be rented in 90-minute time slots.

If you are looking for the ultimate relaxation experience, you can check out Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature to experience a true outdoor oasis.

If you are looking to try out a truly unique experience, you can head over to the Hot Snow Spa, which is the first spot in Winnipeg to offer Korean Jjimjilbang. Here you’ll also find a T bar, exercise facilities, and board games.

If you are looking for what to do in Manitoba, Canada, at the end of a long exhilarating day out on the trails, there are countless wonderful places to relax and saunas across the province.

 

4. Snowshoeing

It’s time to put away your power sports vehicles for the winter. What now?

Snowshoeing is another fun winter activity that you can do all over the province of Manitoba.

At FortWhyte Alive, you can experience 640 acres of softly groomed trails. Along the way, you could go ice fishing, thought wildlife, and take tours with interpreters that tell stories of early settlers.

This spot is located About 20 Minutes from Downtown Winnipeg. Offering recreational programs throughout the year, there are a number of additional fun winter activities you can experience here. These include ice-fishing, cross-country skiing, igloo building, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to traverse the winter landscape. Whether you are following designated trails or bushwhacking through the brush, you can experience an ancient form of human foot our transportation.

You could also head over to Beaudry Provincial Park, where you can snowshoe spotting woodpeckers and dear along the way, following the Assiniboine River for many miles.

At Birds Hill Provincial Park, there are plenty of designated snowshoe trails where you can watch for white tailed deer as you travel through stands of oak, Aston, and cedar.

At La Barriere Park, you can ramble through the forest, plains, and riverbank of this 300-acre location.

If you are a more experienced snowshoe or, you might enjoy going for a walk along the lower Bird River. Here you’ll find a waterfall and rapid. This shall is considered intermediate in skill level.

 

5. Ice Skating

The Red River Mutual Trail, as mentioned earlier, is the longest naturally frozen skating trail in the world. This is a great trail for skating, snowshoeing, siding, curling, hiking, and even hockey.

This is a true winter wonderland filled with snow-capped trees and warming huts.

Winter would be complete in Manitoba without going ice-skating. You’ll find outdoor ranks in schoolyards, backyard, and parks across the province. This treasured winter tradition is something that people of any age can enjoy.

 

6. Snow Maze

Manitoba is home to the world’s largest snow maze. Located just outside of Winnipeg in St. Adolphe, this snow maze spans over 30,000 ft.² To build the snow maze. They bring in 300 truckloads of snow.

This snow maze was only recently confirmed as the world record holder. It overtook the title from a snow maze located in the Fourth William Historical Park in Thunder Bay. The owner of this new record-holding made had created a corn maze for many years and so chose to create a snow maze as a wonderful and delightful winter option.

With 1300 m of snow-packed walls that are all 2 m tall, this is a wonderful family activity to experience in Manitoba in the winter. The average visitor takes roughly 45 minutes to navigate this labyrinth. Along the way, you’ll find snow sculptures and a fire pit that will help you to find your way.

 

7. Snowmobiling

Manitoba is a truly amazing place to go snowmobiling. With the snowiest periods starting in mid-November in the last significant snowfall, usually around the end of March or early April, you can spend much of the year practicing your favourite pastime.

You can check out The Pas, where there are tons of lakes, wide-open areas, river views, and bush trails. This area links into 350 km of groomed trails. Along the way, you’ll find seven warm-up cabins that are well maintained.

The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association hosts 375 km of trails in Western Manitoba around the Swan River. The terrain consists of bush trails, rolling hills, and flatlands. This network is incredibly fun to explore, as well as easy to navigate.

You also want to check out Lac du Bonnet. Here you’ll find tons of family trails and lots of powder riding.

There’s also Whiteshell Provincial Park, which is home to a snowmobile club that keeps the trails in absolutely perfect conditions.

Before you head out, be sure to check out our list of the best of the best snowmobile gear for 2020.

 

There Are So Many Thrilling Winter Activities to Choose From… Which Will You Try First?

There is something almost magical about a fresh winter landscape. You can experience the pristine beauty of nature in Manitoba during the winter in a way that is rare and incredibly special.

Whether your idea of a good time in the winter include spending hours skiing on trails or relaxing in a traditional Finnish sauna, you’ll find something in Manitoba that strikes your fancy. Whether you’re looking for something to do alone, with your spouse, or with the whole family, there’s no reason to be locked up indoors during the gorgeous winter season.

Which of these winter activities are you going to try this year?

Is it time for you to take the plunge and own your own snowmobile? There is undoubtedly no better way to get around the snowy landscape of our beautiful province. Take a look at our new and used snowmobile inventory today!