1) Skating the River Trail at the Forks
The Warming Huts go up mid-January on this every expanding ice trail at the Forks. Skate rentals are available from 10am to 10pm. They’re $5 for adults and $3 for kids and seniors. You can also skate at the Duck Pond in Assiniboine Park and various community club rinks around the city. Find the rink nearest you HERE
2) Ice Castles
New to the city this year, Ice Castles have grown before our eyes at the Forks! They’re stunningly beautiful at night or during the day. Elsa and Anna from Frozen are there on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4pm. Fire performers are there on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10pm. You’ll save money going Monday through Thursday AND by buying online ahead of time. Get more information HERE
3) Snowshoeing at Fort Whyte
For $3 a person, you can walk like the Inuits do at Fort Whyte Alive. It’s a fun way to enjoy the prairie scenery and see wildlife without sinking ankle deep into the snow. They also rent out binoculars, wagons and Nordic walking poles.
4) RAW: Almond
This year, Raw: Almond goes from January 19th – February 13th and for the first time ever, they aren’t completely sold out, so you still have a chance to get tickets! A rotating cast of world-class chefs create meals and cocktails under a stunning structure that architects competed for the chance to design. The dinner on the frozen Winnipeg river (don’t worry, it’s heated) so it’s a totally new eating experience! If the price is too steep for you, they often have skate-up brunches at a much more reasonable price.
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5) Festival Du Voyageur
I probably don’t need to sell you on this one. Festival Du Voyageur is one of the longest running festivals in Winnipeg. Giant snow sculptures and entertainment tents fill St Boniface as honorary voyageurs eat bannock and pea soup along with a shot of caribou. This year it runs from February 16th to the 25th. Get more information here.
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6) Tobogganing
Remember the fun you had as a kid, getting bundled up and sliding fast down a hill? It’s just as fun as an adult! There are plenty of places to do it in the city so all you need to do is supply the sled. Find the full list here. Warning: watch out for those Crazy Carpets….
7) Thermea
Escape to Banff or Finland by turning off of Pembina Highway. Sounds crazy, right? But that’s the experience the spa Thermea will give you and it may be the only time you’re actually HAPPY it’s winter. The grounds have three pools (Warm, Hot and Ice Cold) and the huts have saunas, exfoliation showers, a fire pit and a couple relaxation rooms. The whole idea behind the spa is to re-energize your body by going through hot and cold circuits. Start in the sauna, plunge into the polar cold pool then reset in the relaxation hut with soothing music. It’s invigorating! Find more information here.
8) Ice Yoga
Ever done yoga in a snowsuit? Try Ice Yoga! It’s happening at the Fire + Ice: Yoga Festival on February 3rd. Try yoga on the frozen river, then make some post-practice s’mores, toboggan and make some indoor crafts. The event takes place at Fort Whyte and costs $50 for the public or $40 for Fort Whyte Members. Tickets go on sale on January 15th. If you can’t make it for the February date, they’re having a prequel event on January 14th with a 45 minute yoga class. That one costs $17 for the public and $12 for Fort Whyte members.
9) Ice Climbing
If you’re brave enough, head out to Whittier Park to climb the 20-meter ice tower. Club D’Escalade Du St Boniface maintains 3 different towers there, each one for a different skill level. If you’re a CESB member it’s $8, but it’s $40 for the general public. They’re usually open December through march on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30am to 4pm. Click HERE for more info!
