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Winnipeg, Canada, is world-famous for its winter fun. Each year, the city attracts thousands of visitors looking for a jolly retreat at the coldest time of the year. Famous for its views, festivals, and outdoor sports, the location is a hot spot for lovers of cold spots.
As the capital of Manitoba, Winnipeg (nicknamed "Winterpeg") is at the heart of seasonal traditions in the Great White North. The city boasts winter wonders found nowhere else on earth. From the world's largest snow maze to fine dining on a frozen river, there is so much to explore. However, wait too long, and the joy of the holidays will melt away like the city's fluffy snow in summer. Here are a few reasons why Winnipeg should be on everyone's winter radar this season.
Winnipeg: A Winter Wonderland
Canada is well-known for its snow-covered towns. Like Ottawa, there are plenty of things to see and do in Winnipeg during the holidays. Its towering skyscrapers are blanketed by pillowy snowflakes and intricate frost patterns in the winter (a fact not lost on Hollywood, which has shot many Christmas movies in the area).
The picturesque Exchange District is an especially beautiful example of the city's landscape. Nestled in the artistic and cultural center of downtown Winnipeg, the block is designed in the style of the 1920s, complete with arching windows and colorful exteriors. The district embraces its bohemian spirit and offers visitors a chance to explore the artistic side of the city through local shops, tours, and theater performances. The spot offers opportunities to explore the spirit of Christmases past as well as present.
- Address: Downtown Winnipeg (between City Hall and the intersection of Portage Avenue and Main Street)
- Local Favorites: Old Market Square and Artspace Building
- Amenities: Family-friendly, pet-friendly, food and beverages, parking, and wheelchair access
Winter Sports In Winnipeg
Canada features many amazing spots for athletes and nature lovers. The Great White North is famous for its beautiful ski resorts and its scenic frozen lakes. Winnipeg embraces this legacy and includes its own athletic arenas in the open air.
It wouldn't be a winter in Winnipeg without some winter sports. The city is famous for its ice skating, cross-country skiing, and more. If you're looking for thrills to go with your chills, there is plenty to do in Winnipeg.
Skate On A Frozen River
Canada is home to many spectacular outdoor skating rinks. The Nestaweya River Trail is Winnipeg's spot for skaters and skiers. The frozen route is one of Canada's longest skating paths. It opens annually for ice skating and a variety of other snowy sports. Stretching along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, the trail offers plenty of opportunities to see the area's natural and artistic beauty. Aesthetic warming huts decorate its shores, offering an opportunity to thaw in style after a day of enjoying the cold. Visitors can bring their own gear or rent equipment from Iceland Skate Rentals at The Forks.
- Cost: Free
- Length: 4-6 miles (depending on conditions)
- Opening Times: January - March (depending on conditions)
- Activities: Ice-skating, cross-country skiing, ice-cycling, fat-tire biking, and kick sledding
Visit Winnipeg's World-Class Snow Maze
Another seasonal must-see is the world's largest snow maze at A Maze In Corn. This seasonal delight is typically open from January until mid-March. The labyrinth consists of winding alleyways built of layered snow blocks and ice carvings. At over 30,000 feet squared, this frozen architectural marvel is definitely cool.
- Address: 1351 Pr 200, Saint-Adolphe, Canada
- Estimated Walking Time: 30 minutes
- Cost: $12 - $20 USD (depending on age and season)
Opening Hours
- Thursday & Friday: 3:00 pm - 9:00 pm
- Saturday: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
- Sunday: 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
A Maze In Corn also features other festive activities and treats. It includes a Snow Mountain Slide, Giant Luge, and sleigh rides for those wanting to keep the frozen fun going. Fortunately, those wanting something a bit warmer can gather around the park's bonfire and enjoy some steaming hot chocolates or adult beverages from The Snow Bar.
Snow Mountain Slide
- Amenities: Toboggans provided, washrooms nearby
Giant Luge
- One slide: ~$2.21 USD
- Unlimited slides: ~$3.68 USD
Sleigh Rides
- Saturday & Sunday: 12:30 pm - 4:30 pm
- Cost Per Rider: ~$2.95 USD
Where To Wine And Dine In Winnipeg
After a long day of winter fun, there's nothing better than to gather for a delicious meal. Luckily, Winnipeg has some truly outstanding venues. From a bustling historic market to a designer dome on a frozen river, the city offers its most spectacular culinary settings in the winter.
The Forks: A Festive Marketplace
Winnipeg's foremost gathering place is The Forks. Located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, it was historically used for fur trading. In the present day, it accommodates an indoor marketplace with easy access to the Nestaweya River Trail. Charming boutiques and local eateries line its courtyard and are decorated for extra holiday cheer.
- Address: 1 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg, Canada
- Retail Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Food Hall Hours: Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Friday & Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
- Local Favorites: Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company
Enjoy A Meal On Ice At RAW: almond
If you're looking for a more unique dining experience, look no further than Winnipeg's RAW: almond. This annual fine-dining event lasts 22 days, from January 26 - February 18, 2023.
The pop-up restaurant is perched on Winnipeg's frozen river and serves specially-prepared cuisine by some of the US and Canada's most accomplished chefs. As a collaboration between Mandel Hitzer, the owner of the popular deer + almond restaurant, and architect Joe Kalturnyk, the director of RAW: Gallery of Architecture and Design, the venue provides plenty of atmospheres. Guests can enjoy a luxurious 7-course meal while basking in the dome's ambiance, complete with geometric paneling and swirling hues that resemble the Northern Lights.
Tickets generally sell out within minutes. So, don't get cold feet if you want to enjoy fine dining on a frozen river. Tickets will be on sale at 8:00 am on December 11th, 2022. If additional spots are available, they will be listed on the event's website on December 12th. If you're looking for a warm meal like no other, Winnipeg should definitely be on your itinerary this winter.
- Ticket Price: ~$166 + tax + 17% gratuity USD
- Where To Get Tickets: The Forks, Winnipeg