Winnipeg winters often get a bad reputation. Yes, it is cold! But because of our extreme cold temperatures, there are a lot of experiences to get out and enjoy that are unique to our cold climate.

I really enjoy Winnipeg winters (maybe this has something to do with me pretty much being raised in an ice rink) But I promise there is no reason to stay indoors and hibernate this Winter! There are so many things to do here in Winnipeg over the winter and we should consider ourselves lucky as some of them are very unique and cannot be experienced anywhere else! Here is a list of some of my favorite outdoor winter activities offered here in Winnipeg.

Skating on The Nestaweya River Trail

This is one of my favorite Winnipeg winter activities, I find that when the river trail opens up each year I finally dust off my figure skates and enjoy a few outdoor skating sessions. You can access the river trail from The Forks, but there are also many access points along the trail. Each year you will find warming huts along the trail which are the product of an Arts and Architecture competition. – This year there were over 122 submissions from over 30 countries. Six new warming hut designs will join old favorites along the river this year. If Ice skating is not your thing don’t worry you can also enjoy the trail by foot, cross country skis, or even big tire bikes! Equipment can be rented at The Forks.

Celebrate “Joie de Vivre” at Festival de Voyager

Festival de voyager is the largest winter festival in western Canada and once a year Saint Boniface (Winnipeg’s French quarter) is transformed into a “winter paradise”. Voyageur, Metis, and first nations histories are brought back to life through historical interpretation as well as throughout the attractions within voyageur park. The festival de voyager has something for all ages! You will find traditional cuisine, an ice bar, snow sculptures, live entertainment as well as recreational and educational activities for kids.

Check out festival de voyager this winter between February 17th- February 26th 2023

Explore Fort Whyte Alive

Fort Whyte Alive is a nature center and a wildlife refuge that aims to connect individuals to nature. They offer over 640 acres of protected green space and daily activities and programs. In the winter you can hit the trails via snow shoes, skis, or big tire bikes. You can also try your hand at ice fishing! Fort Whyte alive is home to the “Richardson Rrunn” toboggan slide which sends tobogganers onto the frozen lake. If you are looking to try a new winter activity check out fort Whyte Alive’s winter programming. They rent equipment and encourage embracing the cold weather to enjoy sparkling snow and crisp winter air.

Challenge the Snow Maze at Amaze in Corn

Head out to A Maze in Corn to challenge the largest snowy maze. A Maze in Corn is home to The Guinness Book of World Record's Largest Snow Maze! You will also find snow carvings and buildings, a slide down Snow Mountain, a giant luge run, bonfires to keep warm, and a variety of snow games. After the fun, you can warm up with a cup of hot chocolate, or an adult drink at The Snow Bar. The snow maze usually opens in January weather/ snow depending

Enjoy the festive Zoo lights at Assiniboine Zoo

Take in the light spectacular “Zoo Lights” this holiday season. During the holiday season, Assiniboine zoo creates a stunning winter wonderland for the whole family to enjoy. Not only are there a ton of light displays, but you can also mingle and enjoy a drink at the Ice Bar, try some tasty treats, and listen to live music and entertainment.

This year Zoo lights runs from Dec. 1st 2022- Jan. 8th 2023

Relax at Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature

So I know, this one is open all year round but my favorite time to enjoy this Scandinavian Nordic spa is during the winter months. Spend the afternoon relaxing in a winter wonderland at Winnipeg’s premier outdoor spa. The facility includes steam rooms, Finnish saunas, relaxation chambers, heated hammocks, numerous fire pits, and much more.

This is not an extensive list by any means as “Winterpeg” truly does have so much to offer throughout the winter season. So try to get out and enjoy some fresh crisp air this Winter season, you won’t regret it!

#AgentSam

Samantha Scribilo

Tel: (204) 960-8851
Email: Sam@JenniferQueen.com

Over the last year I have helped several families move into this amazing Province and it really got me thinking about why I love this city. Initially, I moved to Winnipeg from North Western Ontario (NOW) to attend the University of Manitoba and play hockey. I was never keen on the idea of living in Winnipeg mostly because it was too close to home and at the age of 18 you feel like you need your own space to grow. However, the city grew on me very quickly and honestly, I can’t imagine living anywhere else, even when it is -40! There are so many things to love about Winnipeg but here are a couple of my favourites!

The Food Cultural: I love food. I love cooking. So, the fact that Winnipeg is known for its food culture makes me very happy! Everywhere you go in this city there is a restaurant waiting for you. There is such a variety from Asian, tapas, traditional Indigenous, French, Italian, American, Indian, honestly you name it, you can find it in Winnipeg. I wish I had more time to explore more restaurants. Often times we get stuck in what is easy and comfortable, but I try and make a goal of trying a new restaurant every month in hopes of keeping it interesting! My most recent favourite is Harth Mozza and Wine Bar.

If you’re wanting to be more hands-on and experiment in your own kitchen, try taking some cooking classes. There are a number of different organizations that offer speciality classes. Something I have always wanted to do but never done. Maybe I’ll make it part of my 2022 goals! If you have any suggestions, please send them my way.

Real Estate: Yes, I realize I might be a little biased on this one, and I’m sure you have heard it before, Winnipeg is one of the most affordable cities in all of Canada. Yes, we aren’t a major hub like Vancouver, Calgary or Toronto, but if you are looking to put down some roots, start a family, start investing or expand your investing portfolio - Winnipeg is an exciting and affordable city to do that in. The average price for a single family detached home in Winnipeg is coming in just under $400,000. While other cities like Calgary or Halifax have much higher average prices for homes of closer to $500,000, and don’t even get me started on Vancouver and Toronto where you would need a much large commitment of $1M plus just to break into the market. Winnipeg has always seemed like a smart and safe investment to me!

The Nature Trails and Parks : As you know by now I grew up in NWO. I spent a lot of time outdoors, camping, fishing, sports, etc. Nature and getting outdoors is something that is very important to me and my family. Winnipeg (and surrounding area) has spectacular parks and trails. Parks like Assiniboine, St Vital Park, La Barriere are popular destinations for my family as well as many fellow Winnipegers! They always have so much going on. You can choose to get caught up in the excitement of the crowds or relax and enjoy the serenity. I also have a couple parks closer to home that I take my dog, Provie, and my son, Gavin, to on a weekly basis. There are so many parks with lovely walking trails, I feel guilty for not exploring them more but honestly there are so many it is sometimes hard to choose!

Fort Whyte Alive is something I haven’t explored enough but it needs to be highlighted. It is 660 acres of green space in the middle of the city. They provide programming, natural settings, and facilities for environmental education, outdoor recreation, and social enterprise. In so doing, FortWhyte promotes awareness and understanding of the natural world and actions leading to sustainable living. They have endless things to do: tours, biking, water sports, snowshoeing, ski trails, skating, fit pits. Honesty, there is no way I could fully explain what Fort Whyte Alive is, you need to explore it for yourself.

Culturally Diverse: Winnipeg is one of the most diverse cities in all of Canada. We have a lot of larger industries that attract people with all kinds of backgrounds; manufacturing, aerospace, agribusiness, creative industries, energy and environment, financial industries, information, communications and technology, life sciences, tourism, transportation, distribution and the list goes on. Did you know that there are at least 100 different languages spoken here?  Incredible! Folklorama is a terrific two-week annual festival that explores the multicultural diversity of Manitoba. It allows all of the cultures within our province to showcase their uniqueness during the festival in August. I usually get to 1 or 2 of the pavilions each year and I have never been disappointed!

Manitoba Museum: The Manitoba Museum is the province’s largest, not-for-profit centre for heritage and science learning. They pride themselves on the interpretation of Manitoba’s rich and diverse history and do a wonderful job at it. There are also Planetarium shows, and Science Gallery exhibits, which I haven’t visited yet but need to in the near future. The Museum’s collections are based off the heritage of Manitoba and other regions of the world. There are nine interpretive galleries to explore each with their unique qualities and attractions. The Museum is known for its three-dimensional walk-through galleries. One of which is a full-size 17th-century sailing vessel, and the Urban Gallery, which takes you back in time to Winnipeg during the 1920s. Full disclosure, I hadn’t been to the Manitoba Museum in about 10-15 years but I went a couple weeks ago with my 3-year-old son and it was amazing! I thought my son would only be interested in the “big ship” but he was interested in everything. They have done an amazing job renovating and upgrading the facility. We could have spent the entire day in there – the ship alone is pretty spectacular!

The Forks: This one is a classic and I think most people have heard of this meeting place but I need to mention it. The Forks is such a special place. It is located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The area as been transformed over the last 30 years, from Indigenous trading grounds to abandoned railyard and now The Forks. Their goal:

“The Forks shall be developed as a meeting place a special and distinct, all-season gathering and recreational place at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, through a mixed-use approach including recreational, historical and cultural, institutional and supportive commercial uses.”

Everyone should experience The Fork at one time or another in the life, and may I add in every season! The grounds have so much to offer in the spring, summer, fall and my favourite - the winter!

So please join me, in exploring Winnipeg and if you have any other recommendations, please be sure to share in the comments section below!

#AgentAmy

Amy McDermid

Phone: (204) 470-5356
Email: Amy@JenniferQueen.com