This winter, Winnipeg has become an oasis for ski tracks set in the snow, with designated trails popping up in every corner of the city.
Whether you’re a seasoned skate skier, or eager to learn about the latest winter craze, you’ll find a spot within city parks, birch-filled forests or along Winnipeg’s iconic river trail.
Plus, Winnipeg Trails Association has you covered with its Winterpeg website featuring up-to-date maps showing what's groomed, mobile ski libraries, wheelchair skates, by-donation rentals and more.
Crescent Drive Park
Ski between the endless rows of trees at Crescent Drive Park on this short 2km loop. Warm up at one of the many nearby fire pits after you’ve completed this smooth lap.
FortWhyte Alive
FortWhyte Alive’s frequently groomed ski trails cover over 6km worth of ground surrounded by aspen forest featuring all the sights and sounds of nature. Once you’ve completed the trail, switch over to snowshoes, or try your hand at ice fishing on the nearby lake.
FortWhyte Alive is now open until 9p.m. on Friday, for those wanting to enjoy a ski under the moonlight.
Kildonan Park Trail
The once-green grasses of the Kildonan Park Golf Course have since been transformed into a ski trail nearly 9km long! These flat and level tracks are great for beginners and long enough for seasoned skiers to slide along too.
La Barriere Park
Once you’ve masted the art of skiing, why not involve a furry friend? La Barriere Park is one of the few places in Manitoba offering trails for skijoring and kick sledding with a dog! You can learn more about this activity through the winter club Snow Motion.
You can still enjoy this spacious park dog-less, as you’ll find a 2km ski trail starting at the parking lot.
Living Prairie Museum
This small skiing loop is just over 1km in length, covering the now-rare tallgrass prairie ecosystem hidden underneath the snow. The area also features an aspen forest and is home to wildlife like deer, fox, jackrabbits and owls.
Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation
Winnipeg’s famous river trail is now side-by-side with a cross country ski trail on the Assiniboine River. Slide in tandem with walkers and skaters, day or night and enjoy this scenic trail.
St. Vital Park Trail
Located on the east bank of the Red River, this park is a winter paradise filled with cross-country ski trails, a massive duck pond for skating, outdoor fire pits and an award-winning toboggan slide. You’ll likely see it all, as the 4.62 km ski trail wraps around the outskirts of the park.
Wildwood Community Centre
Groomed for both classic and skate skiing, these trails in Fort Garry are frequently cleared and feature an additional walking trail to ensure social distancing while you glide. The trails pass through the Wildewood Golf Course, Wildwood Community Centre grounds and St. John’s Ravenscourt field.
Windsor Park Nordic Centre
This historic centre in the middle of the city is great for classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing too. Offering over 15km of ski trails that are groomed daily and full of dips and dives, you can enjoy this space both day and night as the entire centre is lit up until 10 p.m. on week nights making it a great place for an after-work workout.
Non-members can purchase a trail pass ahead of time on their website.
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Don’t own skis?
If you’re looking to rent, check out the Icicle Garden inside Plain Bicycle at The Forks where you can rent skis, skates, kicksleds and snowshoes all for a donation; or visit Woodcock Cycle where you can rent gear for either one day or the whole week!
Note: ski trail conditions may vary as weather changes.
