1. Enjoy winter as a family in Winnipeg

Winnipeg is full of winter activities that are perfect for families. At The Forks, fireplaces crackle, lights twinkle and the youngest visitors are rushing into the snow as soon as the season begins. The Nestaweya River Trail, one of the longest naturally frozen skating trails in the world, winds its way between art installations and heated warming huts. You can skate, walk or simply admire the scenery.

A few miles away, Assiniboine Park offers an equally wintery atmosphere. The Riley Family Duck Pond becomes an illuminated skating rink, ideal for skating under the stars, with a heated shelter in which to take breaks. Right next to it, the toboggan hill is sure to be a delight for children who will enjoy repeated descents. The park also offers several kilometres of cross-country ski trails.

Winnipeg is full of little winter moments that, when put together, have everything you need for a perfect family day.

2. Celebrate winter at Festival du Voyageur

Every February, St. Boniface comes alive with Festival du Voyageur. For ten days, Fort Gibraltar becomes an immersive space where Francophone and Métis history are celebrated. Families can meet all-dressed interpreters who showcase life in 1815, witness traditional crafts, go tubing, snowshoeing, discover Indigenous arts and culture or simply warm up around a fire.

Food also plays an essential part in the experience. Tourtière, bannock, pea soup, pets de sœur and maple taffy attract food lovers, while caribou, an alcoholic beverage sometimes served in a glass made of ice, remains a must for adults. In the evening, music and shows take over. In 2026, a special youth evening, designed for teenagers and young adults who want to experience the festival differently, will take place on Thursday, February 19.

Tips for Your Visit

• Location: St. Boniface, Fort Gibraltar (Winnipeg)
  
• Dates: February 13 to 22, 2026
  
• Languages: French and English
  
• More info: https://heho.ca/

3. Learn to ice fish in Gimli with Prairie Gal Fishing

Just over an hour north of Winnipeg, the village of Gimli transforms into a real ice fishing village every winter. The rows of wooden cabins, the roads traced across the frozen lake and the white horizon create a setting that combines serenity and a change of scenery.

This is where Roselle Turenne, founder of Prairie Gal Fishing, welcomes families and curious individuals for their first ice fishing experience. You'll learn everything from scratch: how to choose your equipment, tie a knot, use a reel, select bait, drill through the ice and more. Roselle has nearly 30 years of experience in education and her caring approach immediately puts you at ease.

The half-day session takes place in small groups, usually up to four people, which is perfect for a family outing. After the workshop, everyone can fish at their own pace in a calm and authentic atmosphere. Heated cabins, insulated tents and hot drinks make for a comfortable experience, even in the middle of winter.

Tips For Your Outing

• Location: Gimli (1 hour north of Winnipeg)
  
• Season: January to March, depending on ice conditions
  
• Languages: French and English
  
• More info: www.prairiegalfishing.com

What if winter became your favourite season?

Whether you’re gliding across Winnipeg’s rivers and ponds, celebrating culture at Festival du Voyageur or experiencing your first ice fishing trip in Gimli, winter in Manitoba offers a multitude of opportunities to have fun and create memories. For those who dare to explore it, the season quickly becomes synonymous with discovery, the outdoors and moments of family fun.