Whether you want to challenge yourself by skating the length of a river or you just want to embark on a beginner hike or cross-country ski trail with the family, there are options for every skill level. Bundle up and enjoy the great outdoors!

Flinty's Trail and Boardwalk

Head north to Flin Flon for a winter walk that feels straight out of a storybook. Perched on the Manitoba–Saskatchewan border, this mining town with a quirky name and big personality transforms into a snow-draped wonderland in the colder months. Bundle up and explore Flinty’s Trail and Boardwalk, where frosted spruce trees line the path and scenic lookouts offer peaceful pauses in nature. Don’t forget to stop by and say hello to Flintabbatey Flonatin—the town’s legendary namesake and bronze-clad local celebrity.

Trans Canada Trail

Winter is a great time to explore one or more sections of the world’s longest network of multi-use recreational trails. One notable route found along Manitoba’s portion of the trail is known as the Crow Wing Trail, which was originally built to link the Red River Settlement (Winnipeg) with the Crow Wing Settlement (St. Paul, Minnesota).

Another portion of the Trans Canada Trail to hike this winter is the Neepawa Langford Trail. The trail winds through the charming town of Neepawa and passes by landmarks such as the Stony Creek School No. 133 and the Canada 150 commemorative loop.

In the Interlake region, you'll find the Red River North Trail, a section of trail that starts at the outskirts of Winnipeg along the floodway through Birds Hill Provincial Park, crossing over the Locks and Dams at Lockport, through Selkirk and north to the Mars Sand Hills to Grand Beach/Grand Marais, to Powerview-Pine Falls and ending at the Great Falls Dam.

Birds Hill Provincial Park

Located in Birds Hill Provincial Park, Cedar Bog is an easy, 3.5 km loop that is suitable for beginners. Listen for black-capped chickadees calling through the trees and watch for ruffed grouse rustling in the brush. Move quietly and you might spot white-tailed deer or a snowshoe hare darting by.

Whiteshell Provincial Park

There are several hikes to choose from when planning your trip to Whiteshell Provincial Park. A popular trail for hikers is Pine Point Rapids, which has options for all skill levels. Families may favour the easier trail that goes directly to the rapids, while more avid hikers can opt for the second section that offers a more challenging and longer trek.

With either option, you’ll be treated with beautiful winter scenery as the powerful, rushing water of the falls continues to flow through ice and snow.

Pinawa Dam Provincial Park

Head east from Winnipeg to explore a Manitoban ruin of days gone by. The Pinawa Dam was Manitoba’s first hydro-electric generating station, powering Winnipeg homes and businesses from 1906 until it was closed in 1951.

A wintry day trip to the site includes a walk along the Old Pinawa self-guiding trail to learn about the history of the dam via interpretive signage and to take in breathtaking views of the structure and the rapids surrounding it.

Riding Mountain National Park: Brûlé Trail

If there’s anywhere to soak in the beauty of the season, it’s Riding Mountain National Park. Watch the snow sparkle on branches of the surrounding forest as you hike through the picturesque Brûlé Trail. Entry to the park is free from December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 thanks to the Canada Strong Pass.

Continue along the trail until you reach a photogenic boardwalk which leads to Lake Kinosao. With a total distance of 4.2 km (round trip), the trail takes just under 1.5 hours for most hikers to complete.

Hecla/Grindstone Provincial Park: Lighthouse Trail

A visit to Hecla just wouldn't be complete without a hike or snowshoe to the iconic lighthouse. This short trail will lead you through a forested area until you emerge onto the lighthouse peninsula. Built in 1898, the heritage lighthouse was once vital to those navigating the narrows of Lake Winnipeg. Today, it is an integral piece of the region's history and a beloved photography subject for those who trek out onto its shores.

Portage la Prairie: Crescent Lake

When Crescent Lake freezes over, locals and visitors alike gather with skates in tow to enjoy the paths and rinks carved out on the ice. The oxbow lake curves around Island Park—a popular recreational area in all seasons.

Brandon: Skating Oval

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 rink is well lit, including a Manitoba Hydro Waterfall of Lights display, which encourages skaters to stay out as late as 11 pm.

Winnipeg: The Nestaweya Skating Trail

The Nestaweya Skating Trail at The Forks is one of the longest and best-maintained skating trails in the world. Combining skating with art, the trail also features an amazing variety of warming huts—with new designs added each year.

If the river isn’t quite frozen yet, another option is to skate along the beautifully illuminated trails that wind throughout the grounds of The Forks.

Winnipeg: Riley Family Duck Pond

The Assiniboine Park is one of Winnipeg’s top attractions year round. In the wintertime, Riley Family Duck Pond is the perfect family skating spot. Skate against the backdrop of the Park Pavillion and be sure to stop into the Park Cafe to warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.