Here For It - Outdoor Experiences | Tourism Winnipeg

Autumn fun for everyone

The crunch of leaves, the smell of freshly cut hay and the rustling of corn stalks – get your fall fix at these local attractions. A Maze in Corn and Deer Meadow Farms deliver the quintessential autumn experience, each offering unique, twisting corn maze adventures. Along with bale pyramids, petting zoos and pumpkins for purchase at both locations, you can hop on a hayride at A Maze in Corn, or hitch a ride on the wagon train at Deer Meadow Farms to its wild game preserve to view rescued fallow deer.  

Fall also means nature puts on one of its greatest shows with geese staging for migration at FortWhyte Alive (offering ticketed sunset geese flight nights in October) and Harry J. Enns Wetland Discovery Centre. Thousands of geese descend on these birding hot spots for a viewing experience you soon won’t forget. While here, walk or cycle the trails, or head out on the water for some paddling and breathe in the crisp fall air. For an Arctic animal encounter, make plans to visit Assiniboine Park Zoo where cooler temperatures often mean more activity – check out swimming polar bears, caribou, muskox and more. 

Savour the season’s bounty with fresh produce, baked goods, handicrafts and food stands at local farmers’ markets, where you’ll get the ultimate taste of Manitoba. While markets are scattered across the city, the province's largest is found at St. Norbert Farmers’ Market.  

As steam slowly rises above bubbling pools, admire the changing leaves while unwinding in the hot and cold thermal cycle at Thermea by Nordik Spa-Nature. You’ll breeze between indoor and outdoor relaxation areas, like a crackling fire, set in nature. Be sure to take time to savour culinary delights with locally sourced ingredients inside the reopened restaurant.

Halloween howl

Get your costume on to celebrate the year’s scariest season at these Winnipeg attractions delivering a bag of tricks and treats. 

Don’t be surprised if you feel a chill run down your spine at A Maze in Corn’s haunted forest for an interactive, outdoor experience as residents of the forest provide spooky thrills. Have kids aged 4-12 in your group? Enjoy the experience during daylight hours for a less intense scare. 

At Deer Meadow Farms, you’ll take a haunted hayride to the forbidden forest featuring elaborate sets, special effects and costumed characters ready to give you a frightmare (rated 14+). Storybook Lane is the alternate attraction for kiddos 11 and under to meet storybook and nursery rhyme characters along the forest trail.    

Since 1998, Six Pines Haunted Attractions has been scaring Manitobans and visitors alike with its haunted attractions. Guaranteed frights for all as you wander through its three main areas including the terror train, carnEvil and legendary barn of doom.  

At Heebie Jeebies, you’ll live to tell a frightful tale at the end after walking through four mazes featuring fog, strobe lights and more than 100 creepy characters found around every corner. Afterward, enjoy food, play zombie carnival games and take advantage of photo ops in this 70,000 sq. ft. outdoor space.  

For the kids for Halloween, Assiniboine Park and Zoo  is doing something different this year event for 2020. From October 29 to 31 the zoo will be offering a Halloween experience for visitors of all ages during the day from October 29 to 31 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Staff and volunteers will be in costume and visitors are encouraged to do so too while there will be Halloween-themed enrichment for the animals throughout this time (we’re telling you, there’s nothing cuter than watching a snow leopard or Amur Tiger play with a Jack-o-lantern).

Step into Winnipeg’s famed Exchange District National Historic Site for a one-of-a-kind walking tour offered through Square Peg Tours. Offered only in October, author and ghost expert Matthew Komus is your tour guide on a ghost walk through the neighbourhood’s dark streets to learn about some of the city’s most haunted buildings.

​Happy trails

When you hit the trails on wheels or by foot, you’ll uncover Winnipeg’s fascinating past, uncover treasures and admire its natural beauty. 

Wrap yourself in cozy fall gear and head out on a leaf peeping adventure. Warm, golden tones of red, orange, yellow and brown dot trees along the paths of city parks, such as Assiniboine Park, St. Vital Park and Kildonan Park, making it a beautiful backdrop for photos or to enjoy some fresh air. The Riverwalk at The Forks is another top spot with serene riverside views and a unique vantage point of the city. 

For a curated urban walk that takes you past 60 points of interest, check out The LoopThis 9.5 km guide circles through downtown, The Exchange District and Old St. Boniface past iconic landmarks and attractions from the St. Boniface Cathedral, to the Manitoba Legislative Building, and Cube stage at Old Market Square. 

As Manitoba celebrates its 150th anniversary into confederation, there’s no better time to brush up on local history. The Forks is a great first stop, located at the conjunction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Play its guided audio tour to brush up on the area’s 6,000 years of history as a centre for culture, trade and gathering. Just across Main Street is Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park, a former Hudson Bay Company trading post. It’s now home to an interpretive park explaining the area’s historical significance through public art, sound, light greenery and even a GPS-based app. 

Winnipeg’s unique character neighbourhoods each have their own distinct vibe and attractions (check our Neighbourhoods guide for recommendations). Whether you’re strolling around boho cool Osborne Village, admiring the incredible artworks by local painter Kal Barteski in Wolseley’s Back Arctic Alley, or enjoying the European charm in St. Boniface -- there are new discoveries to be found around every corner.

Winter Delight

Whether you explore by skis, skates, snowshoes or foot, there are plenty of ways to fully embrace the season once the snow flies.  

Rent some skates at The Forks Market then glide on down the river trail on the frozen Red and Assiniboine Rivers. As you crisscross the ice, check out and snap selfies at the stunning Warming Huts that have been celebrated in the New York Times, LA Times and countless design publications. Also on site is Arctic Glacier Winter Park featuring tobogganing, skating and more unique winter activities.   

For an Arctic animal encounter, make plans to visit Assiniboine Park Zoo where winter temperatures mean these animals are in their element – check out caribou, muskox, swimming polar bears in overhead tunnels and more. 

For snow-mazing adventures, head to the world’s largest snow maze (as verified by Guinness) at A Maze in Corn. As you navigate this maze spanning more than 30,000 sq. ft. and 1,300 meters of snow-packed walls, you’ll encounter fire pits, various snow sculptures and other fun surprises tucked along these polar passageways. Afterward, whizz down the snow mountain toboggan run. Thrill seekers will love flying down the giant luge – a 60 ft. slide. The 18+ crowd can cap off the adventure off with a visit to the snow bar for spiked hot cocoa and other libations.   

You’ll glide past snow-capped trees while cross-country skiing along groomed trails at Windsor Park Nordic Centre. Here, you’ll find rentals and lessons available as well. For those looking for a bit of downhill ski or snowboarding action, head to Springhill Winter Sports Park where lessons, rentals and a tubing park are all included in the outdoor fun. 

Feel the wind whizz through your hair as you take your toboggan for a spin on a winter slide or hill. Bunn’s Creek Park in River East offers both, plus lighting and an attendant on most days. Other slides include Crescent Drive Park, Fraser’s Grove Park, Kildonan Park, St. Vital Park and Whittier Park. For those looking for a hill, Assiniboine Park, Civic Park, Harbourview Recreation Complex and Westview Park (aka Garbage Hill) are some local favourites with more information here. 

Immerse yourself in nature without leaving the city at FortWhyte Alive. Listen to the crunch of snow underfoot while snowshoeing, feel the thrill of the catch while ice fishing and enjoy the fresh air while tobogganing, cycling and countless special events and experiences to enhance your visit. Stroll through the woods, making sure to climb the viewing mound to catch a glimpse at the urban bison herd. Cozy up afterward at the Buffalo Stone Café with a cup of hot chocolate or a late lunch.