The Forks, Winnipeg

The Forks is a popular spot in Winnipeg for ice skating, by locals and out-of-towners alike. The Nestaweya River Trail is one of the longest and best-maintained skating trails in the country. Not to mention, there are unique stops along the trail like the designer warming huts, including Travel Manitoba's new Heartwarming hut, where you can catch your breath or snap that perfect selfie.

Skating Oval, Brandon

Brandon keeps finding ways to ensure you get out and enjoy winter and one of the best spots for doing that is at the skating oval located at the Parks Complex on McGregor Avenue. If you’ve been hibernating all winter long, a trip to this rink will change that mindset with the warmth of its fire pits and ambient music that the entire family can enjoy.

The Flats, Neepawa

There's no shortage of outdoor community rinks in towns across rural Manitoba but the Town of Neepawa, is home to one we’re especially fond of. Their well-groomed rink located at The Flats at the bottom of the Brown Avenue hill is where you can spend an hour or two doing laps.

Crescent Lake, Portage La Prairie

Portage la Prairie residents are proud of Crescent Lake and that pride extends into the winter season when the lake freezes over and the town comes out to enjoy their surroundings in a completely different way. The path length varies each year but the skating is still as good as ever with maybe even a few hockey rinks and curling lanes added for extra fun.

City Of Winnipeg Duck Ponds

Winnipeg’s city parks are home to duck ponds that turn into great winter skating spots. They’re easy to overlook, but well worth a visit. Here are two to check out:

Assiniboine Park

Assiniboine Park’s Riley Family Duck Pond is a favourite spot for family skating. When it’s time for a break, you can wear your skates right up to the Park Café take-out window for a hot chocolate, coffee or snack, open daily from 10 am to 4 pm.

St. Vital Park

Open to the public 12 hours each day, St. Vital Park’s Duck Pond is set within the 46 hectares of the park. Benches galore surround the pond, so finding a place to tie up your skates at a safe distance is easy. Hit the ice and do a figure eight around the two islands in the pond.

In addition to these locations, the City of Winnipeg maintains seasonal outdoor pleasure rinks and skating ponds across neighbourhood parks each winter. These rinks are free to use and open to the public when conditions allow.