What comes to mind when you think winter in Manitoba? If it's about time to start changing your perspective on this notorious season, trying something entirely new is a great place to start. Here are 9 activities to do this winter, that you probably haven't done before...

Race in a canoe on the ice

Missing the great paddling adventures of summer? Fear not, there's a completely Canadian way to get reunited with a canoe this winter. The Wild Winter Canoe Race is 'a race like no other' where you can put together a team and race down the icy track as a unit. It's fun, it's weird and it's a great way to get outside and enjoy the subzero temperatures.

Sip a unique beverage

Nothing warms the winter soul better than a hot beverage on a cold day. Head to the creative interior of Maison du Saigon for a totally customized latte (yes, that's a thing) made with a high-tech latte art machine. Or, if you prefer something with a little more colour, head to Cafe Postal in St. Boniface for a blue matcha latte - PERFECT for Instagram photo ops. Not a fan of espresso? Go instead for a sweet-spicy hot chocolate concoction from Chocolatier Constance Popp, also in St. Boniface.

Go dog sledding

While dogsledding is a common activity in northern Manitoba (particularly, Churchill), southern Manitoba has somewhat been lacking in dogsledding opportunities - until now. A dogsledding tour with Harness Adventure Mushing Co. is the best (and possibly most adorable) way to spent a wintry morning or afternoon.

Listen to a symphony on ice

Those who love both music AND winter will be utterly delighted at the flagship event for this year's New Music Festival, Glacial Time. Taking place on January 25, the Symphony Orchestra will perform this entirely unique show in an ice amphitheatre (Pavillion Sub Zero), designed by Peter Hargraves on the Assiniboine River at The Forks. But that's not all: the show will also feature musicians playing instruments carved out of ice. Now that's embracing winter! Individual tickets for Glacial Time are $25 +fees and available to WNMF Pass Holders only (tickets are available as an add-on when purchasing a WNMF Pass).

Get lost in a snow maze

If you love making your way through the corn mazes of fall, you'll love this NEW St. Adolphe attraction. A Maze in Corn is heading into 2019 with a bang as they work to create a giant snow maze - with hopes to set a new world record. Opening date: January 5!

Do yoga in the snow

Is the cold weather making you feel a bit tense? Stretch it out at an ice yoga session at FortWhyte Alive. This truly Manitoban experience takes place on a froze lake, led by Ash Bourgeois of WildPath.

Take a winter walking tour in downtown Winnipeg

Get a sense of downtown Winnipeg in the winter months with a Downtown Biz tour! There are three walking tour options for winter: Tap In: for beer + appetizers at three spots, The Breakfast Club: for breakfast samplings at three stops and the Cocktail Crawl: for drink samplings at three downtown bars, without ever stepping outside.

Participate in a hockey tournament

If Minnedosa isn't already on your list of places to visit this winter, be sure to add it, in particular for its annual Skate the Lake hockey tournament. With 8+ groomed outdoor rinks, you won't want to miss your chance to register a team for this well-oiled community event. This year's dates are: February 16 + 17, 2019.

Stay in a winter bed & breakfast

While some B&Bs only stay open in the summer months, these lovely accommodations are open all year long! Experience the beauty of winter in Riding Mountain National Park by making the quaint Riding Mountain House your home base (located minutes from the southern entrance to the park) or explore a piece of the Interlake at Aaron's on the Lake in Gimli, Manitoba (which as it happens, is an amazing winter destination too).