Giant snow sculptures, historical re-enactments and maple syrup on everything (including snow...). These are just a couple of the things that make Festival du Voyageur so great. Western Canada’s largest winter festival celebrates the region’s fur-trading, Métis and Francophone history with huge tents where live music plays day and night and the French food flows like fiddle solos during the jigging contests. There are also contests for beard-growing, wood carving, cheese carving and the marquee pea soup contest.

Even by Canadian standards, the city’s love of hockey is borderline cultish. Between the outrageous (and often comedic) chants during Winnipeg Jets games and the roof- rattling boom of “True North” during the national anthem, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better atmosphere than Winnipeg to watch NHL hockey. Our AHL Manitoba Moose also call Canada Life Centre home, offering an affordable, fun and family friendly atmosphere as the Moose pursue the Calder Cup.

There’s nothing more “winter in Winnipeg” than gliding on skates along man-made trails and frozen bodies of water right in the city. The Forks’ Arctic Glacier Winter Park has over 1 km of on land trails that will see you skating past the WINNIPEG sign and right over the Assiniboine River via the Rail Bridge. From The Forks Harbour, glide down the Nestaweya River Trail, where warming huts dot the trails along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The city is also chock-full of ponds and small bodies of water that make for perfect skating surfaces in winter. This includes Assiniboine Park’s Duck Pond, St. Vital Park’s Duck Pond, and Fort Whyte Alive’s small lakes. Plus, there’s countless community centres that always have freshly flooded sheets ready for shinny.

Embrace the winter wonder at FortWhyte Alive with an array of thrilling activities. Traverse the snowy trails on cross-country skis or snowshoes, immersing yourself in the serene beauty of the winter landscape. For a delightfully fun family day, head to the Richardson Rrrun Toboggan slide and experience the joy of sliding down its slopes. Adventurous souls can also partake in the tranquil yet exciting pursuit of ice fishing, adding to the myriad winter experiences that make FortWhyte Alive a destination where the spirit of the season comes alive in each snowy escapade.

Step into a winter wonderland at Assiniboine Park and immerse yourself in the magical allure of the Zoo Lights display. The Zoo transforms into a mesmerizing spectacle with enchanting light installations, creating a festive atmosphere that captivates visitors of all ages. As you stroll through the illuminated pathways, the Zoo Lights offer a captivating blend of charm and holiday spirit, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking the joyous enchantment of winter nights in Winnipeg.