Best Things to do in Manitoba in Winter

Oh, how we miss driving through the vast landscapes of Manitoba in winter, along snow-covered roads flanked by skeletal trees and frozen lakes.

While living in Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, we came to appreciate the cold, frosty -25°C days. Even if it meant wrapping ourselves in numerous base layers, our faces framed by scarves and toques, it was all worth it for the beautiful moments experienced in the snowy surroundings. From watching the aurora borealis in a frozen field, horse riding through the snow, ice skating on a frozen river and making our way through the world’s largest snow maze, we loved every minute of it.

Dare we say, we even miss the Manitoba winters—not because of the cold and snow, but because of the way Manitobans embrace it. Their enthusiasm for outdoor activities defies the cold and there’s a communal joy in celebrating the unique charms of the season.

If you’re thinking of experiencing a true Canadian winter, here are the reasons why Manitoba should be at the top of your list:

Manitoba is the Polar Bear Capital of the World

Located on the shores of Hudson Bay, the town of Churchill holds the key to Manitoba’s polar bear fame. This remote outpost is the launching point for incredible polar bear encounters, earning it the well-deserved title of the ‘Polar Bear Capital’.

Every autumn, polar bears, the world’s largest land carnivores, gather near Churchill, anticipating the sea ice forming on Hudson Bay. Tundra Buggy expeditions offer a front-row seat to this migration, with expert guides leading you to optimal viewing spots. The adventure often extends beyond polar bears, providing a subarctic safari experience. You might encounter other Arctic wildlife, such as Arctic foxes, snowy owls, and even the elusive Northern Lights painting the night sky in vibrant hues.

Manitoba takes pride in its conservation efforts, with educational programs, research initiatives, and sustainable tourism practices contributing to the ongoing mission of preserving the Arctic ecosystem.

Manitoba is a prime spot to see the Northern Lights

Manitoba stands out as a prime location for viewing the aurora borealis compared to other Canadian provinces due to its strategic geographical positioning within the auroral oval. This specific location increases the likelihood of witnessing the Northern Lights, as the aurora borealis is more frequently visible in regions situated within or near the auroral oval. The province also benefits from relatively low light pollution levels, enhancing the clarity and visibility of the celestial display. 

The province’s expansive and untouched landscapes, including boreal forests and frozen lakes, further contribute to the appeal of Manitoba as a destination for aurora borealis enthusiasts. 

Read more: Chasing the Northern Lights: Our Journey to Manitoba’s Hecla Island

We had been wanting to see the Northern Lights for years, and we finally found ourselves in the right place to see them several times in a short period. If you’re near Winnipeg, head to Bird’s Hill Provincial Park or Oak Hammock Marsh. Other places where we were able to witness the northern lights were Hecla Provincial Park and Falcon Lake. Of course, Churchill is one of the prime locations to view the Northern Lights due to almost no light pollution and its excellent location within the auroral oval.

Manitoba is the Ice Fishing Capital of the World

Manitoba proudly holds the title of the ‘Ice Fishing Capital of the World’ due to a combination of factors that make it an unrivalled destination for ice fishing enthusiasts. With an extensive network of lakes and waterways, ranging from expansive bodies to remote lakes, Manitoba offers anglers an abundance of options to explore during the winter months. The province’s diverse fish species, including northern pike, walleye, perch and lake trout attract anglers seeking a variety of fishing experiences and the possibility of catching some of the largest specimens in the world.

Read more: Ice-fishing Around Hecla Island: A Quick Guide

Our first ice fishing experience was in Hecla Provincial Park, where we headed with the SnoBear onto Lake Winnipeg, the largest lake in Manitoba. A SnoBear is a unique vehicle designed specifically for ice fishing. This all-terrain vehicle can easily navigate the snowy and icy terrain and can even travel across the frozen lake to reach the best fishing spots. We were able to explore the lake in the warmth and comfort of the vehicle while it was -20°C outside!

It’s a sustainable and responsible way to catch fish if done within regulations and with consideration for the health of the fish populations. Ice fishing is an excellent way to connect with nature and appreciate the winter landscape and can be a fun and educational activity for both kids and adults. By being mindful of the environment and the health of fish populations, you can enjoy the beauty of the park while also respecting and preserving its natural resources.

Read more: Discovering Hecla Island: The Ultimate Winter Escape

Biggest winter festival in Western Canada

In the dark and cold months of winter, one particular highlight stands out: Le Festival du Voyageur. We loved it so much that we didn’t attend just once or twice but three times during its 10-day run.

Le Festival du Voyageur is an annual winter festival celebrating the rich cultural heritage and history of the fur trade era, as well as the French-Canadian voyageurs who played a significant role in the exploration and development of Canada. Typically taking place in February, the festival transforms the historic French-Canadian neighbourhood of Saint-Boniface into a lively and vibrant cultural hub.

It’s not just a cultural event; it’s a vibrant music celebration with live acts spanning across genres. Spread across several tents, the festival caters to every musical taste; from lively folk tunes to contemporary sounds, reflecting the diversity of the Canadian landscape.

The festival is also renowned for its unique culinary experiences. The Caribou Cocktail, made with red wine, whisky and spices, warms you up during winter celebrations. La Cabane de Sucre, or the Sugar Shack, is another highlight where we indulged in a classic treat: Maple taffy on snow, showcasing Canada’s sweet culinary traditions.

Ice skate on a frozen river

Ice skating on the frozen rivers of Winnipeg is a unique experience that became one of my all-time favourite activities while living in Manitoba! Once the river is frozen and safe to walk on, the city transforms it into a river walkway and a skating trail. Over 6 km of the Red River and Assiniboine River are meticulously groomed for ice skating, walking and even cross-country skiing.

I loved the experience so much I bought my own skates and headed to the river almost every day, regardless of the weather.

To add to the charm, there’s an annual competition for warming huts along the trail. Past and present huts, creatively crafted, dot the route. While the term ‘warming hut’ might be misleading, as some are visually stunning but not necessarily warm, they all contribute to the unique atmosphere around the frozen river.

Dine on a frozen river

RAW:almond is an annual pop-up restaurant in Winnipeg that takes place during the winter months and gained popularity for its unique setting on the frozen Assiniboine River. The restaurant is set up in a temporary structure, providing a distinctive dining experience on the frozen river.

RAW:almond showcases the talents of local chefs who create special menus for the event. The pop-up restaurant aims to celebrate Winnipeg’s culinary scene, highlighting locally sourced ingredients and offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience in a stunning winter environment. The experience is extremely popular, with tickets selling out as soon as they go online.

Ski and/or snowboard

Manitoba is renowned for its vast prairies and stunning lakes, so it might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of skiing. But don’t let its flat landscapes fool you!

Some of the most popular ski resorts, such as Asessippi Ski Resort and Winter Park, Stony Mountain Ski Area and Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes, make Manitoba an ideal destination for beginners. The slopes are gentle and not overrun by hordes of winter cruisers. Falcon Ridge Ski Resort, where I tried skiing for the first time, turned out to be the perfect place. Excellent private lessons, a gentle bunny hill, and easy beginner runs made it the perfect spot to start my skiing journey.

Read more: First Time Skiing: My Experience On the Slope

Falcon Ridge is also a haven for cross-country skiers, boasting an extensive trail system that allows you to explore the park’s pristine beauty. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced skier, the variety of offerings at Falcon Ridge makes it a well-rounded destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Winter adventure weekend RMNP

If there’s one place where you can tick most of the boxes of what winter in Manitoba is all about, it’s during the Winter Adventure Weekend at Riding Mountain National Park. Ice skate along the forest trails, ski the many cross-country trails, snowshoe through the deep packed snow and reach quiet corners of the park.

After spending a day outdoors, warm up inside the snow globe at the Lakehouse, where you can gather with friends and family to indulge in freshly baked pizza and sip delicious cocktails. Alternatively, book a table inside the spruce hut for a cosy four-course dinner. For those who want to enjoy their time well into the evening, trivia nights and live music events are on at several locations.

Biggest snow maze in the world

With sustained freezing temperatures throughout winter, creating a snow maze, let alone the world’s biggest one is a no-brainer. The towering snow walls guide you through a myriad of turns, coming across beautiful snow sculptures along the way carved by talented artists.

We visited on a crisp -25°C afternoon and wandered the pathways with almost no one around. Once we made our way out, we headed to the ice bar & restaurant, carved entirely out of snow, to warm up with some excellent drinks and food.

Winter trails all over the province

Winter doesn’t mean you have to stay inside for months. The cold months also mean plenty of sunshine, powdery snow and lots of trails to explore. Many of the summer trails are also accessible in winter, either with snowshoes or cross country skis.

Whiteshell Provincial Park

Nestled in the rugged wilderness, Whiteshell Provincial Park becomes a snowy paradise in winter. Navigate a network of trails blanketed in fluffy snow, surrounded by frozen lakes and majestic forests. Some of our favourites are Pine Point Trail and the Sturgeon Falls Trail.

Riding Mountain National Park

Cross country skiing, snowshoeing or fat biking along one of the nearly 130 km of winter trails is the best way that you can embrace Riding Mountain National Park in the winter season.

Some of our favourites are Ominnik Marsh, Brûlé Trail, and Bead Lakes. After spending time in freezing temperatures, head to the Lake House for hot chocolate and warm up in their pop-up globe!

Spruce Woods Provincial Park

For a unique winter hiking experience, venture to Spruce Woods Provincial Park. The Spirit Sands and Devil’s Punch Bowl trails, normally popular in the summer where the trails take you through vast sand dunes, take on a unique look when blanketed in snow.

Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes and Trail System

Remember Falcon Ridge, the haven for cross-country skiers? Well, it’s not just for skiers! The trail system surrounding Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes offers a spectacular playground for winter hikers and snowshoers alike. Explore the rolling hills and dense forests, and be rewarded with breathtaking views of frozen lakes and snow-covered landscapes.

FortWhyte Alive

For a more accessible yet equally beautiful winter experience, head to FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg. This urban oasis transforms into a winter wonderland, offering trails that wind through frozen ponds and tall grasses. Strap on your snowshoes and meander through the scenic beauty, catching glimpses of winter birds and perhaps even some resident wildlife.

Nordic Spa days

A winter getaway wouldn’t be complete without a visit to a Nordic spa. When we called Manitoba home, Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature in Winnipeg was the only Nordic Spa in the province; however, a second one, Klar So Nordic Spa in Riding Mountain National Park, has just opened.

Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature

This relaxation and healing centre mainly focuses on thermotherapy and relaxation techniques. It offers a multisensory experience in an immersive natural setting and aims to contribute to the health and well-being of its guests. There are 4 outdoor baths, 4 saunas, plus a lounge and restaurant.

Klar So Nordic Spa

The new Klar So Nordic Spa is located at Elkhorn Resort. With 2 saunas, 2 hot tubs, a temperate pool and a cold plunge, the spa is smaller than the Nordic spa in Winnipeg but still offers a relaxing experience while visiting Riding Mountain National Park.