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Winter family fun in Morden Winkler

Venture to the Pembina Valley, where two thriving communities are waiting to be explored. Located only 10 minutes apart, Morden Winkler has all the amenities you can expect from small cities with the big hearts of a small town.

Two cities in one trip? Yes please! This winter, plan a family trip to Morden Winkler, located only one-and-a-half hours from Winnipeg.

Snuggle your family into a quaint bed and breakfast and get ready to explore the area’s many offerings – from art and culture to restaurants and shopping. One of the most unique attractions is housed within the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre – where Bruce, the world’s largest publicly displayed mosasaur – will impress you with its size and its many sharp teeth.

Plan a visit around the holidays and complete all your Christmas shopping, or visit in the heart of winter for skating, winter festivals and more.

Morden Winkler is located on Treaty 1 territory.

Fall-Winter Trip

Top Stops

  • Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre: Home of the largest collection of marine reptile fossils in Canada – including Bruce, the world’s largest publicly displayed mosasaur
  • Mount Nebo’s Christmas Tree Farm: Sip hot chocolate and shop for the perfect tree at this white spruce tree farm, open Saturdays and Sundays leading up to Christmas.
  • Burwalde Woods Nordic Centre: Open on weekends, rent cross-country skis and hit the main, groomed trailhead from Froese’s yard

Where To Stay

  • Hotels: Quality Inn & Suites, Star Motel, Best Western Plus, Super 8 Morden, Triangle Oasis Morden, Days Inn & Suites, Morden Motor Inn
  • Unique Stays: Bella’s Castle Tea House Bed and Breakfast, Wakerobin Bed & Breakfast, Siemens Bed & Breakfast

If There’s Time

  • Elevaro Escape Rooms: Put your problem-solving skills to the test in an exciting escape room, suitable for ages 8 and up.
  • Morden Welcome Sign: Photo op! Stop on the way into town and snap a photo with Bruce the mosasaur

Book Your Stay

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PART 1 – Dig into history near and far

Go back in time – way back – at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden. Here, you will find Canada’s largest collection of marine reptile fossils as well as Bruce – the world’s largest publicly displayed mosasaur. Take a tour or wander through on your own and discover the fascinating geological history of Manitoba and the creatures that once swam in its depths.

Upstairs from the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre, get a little closer to present day with the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame. The space holds records from some of the greatest legends in the province’s history, as well as baseball memorabilia dating back to the 1900’s.

A tour group looks at a model of a mosasaur at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre.

PART 2 – Shop and eat your way through town

It doesn’t matter which of these twin cities you start in – as long as you have plenty of time to explore a plethora of local boutiques and restaurants.

Get your caffeine fix in Winkler with a specialty coffee from small batch roaster, Other Brother Roasters or from local café, Whitecap. Both options are perfectly paired with a croissant from the Valley Bakery and Pastry Shop. In Morden, pick up fresh-from-the-oven pastries from As Told in Legends Bakery.

Shopping in Morden includes stops at Saban & Company, Stephen Street Wear and The Quilter’s Den. Meanwhile in Winkler, don’t miss shopping at Ten Thousand Villages, Willow Creek Home Décor, Pure Anada, Love is in the Details, Copper & Sparrow and the Village Toy Shop.

Morden Winkler is also one of the best destinations in the province for authentic Mexican food – with options like Resturante Dos Banderas and Flavors of Mexico. Other food options include theme nights at Bella’s Castle, traditional German fare at Ralph’s German Restaurant and Café, and classic sandwiches from King’s Deli Market & Eatery.

Winkler Harvest Festival
Major Festivals & Events

Winkler Harvest Festival

Held the second weekend in August, this is a free community festival that features great entertainment, a midway, kids activities, parade, fireworks, food and much more.

Morden Farmers' Market
Farmers' Markets

Morden Farmers' Market

The Farmers’ Market is held in downtown Morden on the corner of Stephen & 8th Street. Over 20 vendors sell homegrown vegetables, fresh baking, locally raised meat, pasta, handmade soap/beauty products, art, crafts, jewellery and much more! While...

PART 3 – Winter adventures: Skiing skating and ice fishing

BYOS (bring your own skates) and spend a picturesque winter day gliding along the skating trails of Lake Minnewasta in Morden or at the outdoor skating rinks in Winkler.

Next, strap on your skis for some cross-country action on trails along Dead Horse Creek, starting at Morden Park. Five miles west of Morden, ski through the forest canopy at Shannondale Ski Trails. Or, head to the Burwalde Woods Trails, where ski rentals are available on the weekends from the Nordic Centre.

In the mood for ice fishing? Come prepared with your own gear. Lake Minnewasta is known for its trophy Black Crappies!

Snow covered pergola just after sunset, during a gentle snowfall.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Join into a community celebration of culture at Morden’s Multicultural Winterfest, a FREE indoor/outdoor winter festival with activities like snow sculpting, sleigh rides, bonfires and traditional food and culture demonstrations.