Winnipeg’s Best Parks and Trails

Walk through the 3 km of nature trails at Canada’s largest urban park. This peaceful and secluded 700-acre forest is also home to 39 species of mammals, including deer, fox and 80 species of birds; see if you can spot some wildlife while walking or jogging along the shady, tree-lined wood chip paths. Connects to the Harte Trail portion of the Trans-Canada Trail in its southwestern corner.

Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset, year-round.
Location: Grant Ave between Chalfont Rd and Shaftesbury Blvd

A walk through this year-round park’s many trails is equally enjoyable in the summer sun or the crisp winter air. If you have little ones in tow, be sure to visit the magical Nature Playground. Covering 153 hectares along the Assiniboine River the park is also home to the Conservatory, Zoo, English Gardens, Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, Lyric Theatre, Tudor-Style Pavilion, Pavilion Gallery, Pavillon Event Centre, Qualico Family Centre and Park Café.

Hours: Park is open 24 hours daily.
Location: Main entrance is at 2355  Corydon Ave. The park is also accessible from Portage Ave, via the footbridge across the Assiniboine River

This riverside trail gives a unique, water’s edge perspective on the city. The one-kilometre path winds along the Assiniboine River from the Esplanade Riel to the Legislative grounds. Perfect for a moonlit stroll, spring afternoon bike ride through the puddles, morning run, or summer walk with ice cream in hand. Along the way, interpretive signs teach about the history of the city and the significance of the rivers on which it was built.

Location: From The Forks to the Legislative grounds.

Located in the north end of the city, this large outdoor recreational complex offers outdoor activities for all seasons. In winter and early spring there are groomed cross-country ski trails, toboggan runs, a manicured skating rink, skate rentals and snowshoeing as well as a warm place to lounge afterwards (weather dependant). Boasts 14.4 hectares of park area, 9 hole golf course, mini golf, sand volleyball, play structure and plenty of gardens and pathways.

Hours: Daily 6 am – 10 pm.
Location: 2.5 km east of Hwy 59 at 1867 Springfield Rd, within Kilcona Park.

Stretching for 6.5 km, this section of the Trans-Canada trail, the longest recreational trail in the world, is connected to the Assiniboine Forest Trail and is accessible from its south-west portion. A favourite for locals, the heavily treed path with a crushed limestone base is perfect for walking, jogging, or cycling. The secluded trail is constructed along an old railway line, the first section of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway built in western Canada in 1894.

Location: Ridgewood Ave & Elmhurst Rd

Besides the lush gardens and park space, Kildonan Park is home to some of the oldest and largest trees in the province. Within the park, visitors can find Hansel & Gretel’s Witch Hut, walking and bike trails. Also home to Rainbow Stage, Canada’s oldest outdoor theatre. If there’s snow on the ground, find some skis or skates to enjoy the park’s groomed cross-country trails and ice skating rink.

Hours: Open daily sunrise to sunset year-round.
Location: 2021  Main St, 1-877-311-4974

Step off the beaten path to this well-maintained nature trail, which winds through old St. Boniface, the city’s historic French Quarter, to the Red River. Mere steps from the neighbourhood, this well-treed trail is home to birds and wildlife like beavers, muskrats, deer and blue herons. Starting from Lagimodière-Gaboury Park, the 1.25 km trail is walkable for families and offers lovely river views.

Location: Lagimodière-Gaboury Park, Thibault St & Provencher Blvd

This urban green space runs along the Red River, providing scenic cycling and hiking trails. A boat launch area makes this a hub for city boaters. Families flock to the tranquil duck pond, home to many species of waterfowl, to feed the ducks and lounge with a picnic. The pond also transforms into one of the city’s largest outdoor skating rinks when the temperature drops. Two toboggan slides on-site.

Location: 190 River Rd