Let’s meet these new restrictions with new prescriptions for getting outside in Winnipeg.
If you simply must hang, keep it in public.
Here’s a few gems across the city that will get you through these latest restrictions. On top of these, you can also use our Spring Patio Guide for al fresco options.
Kildonan Park
You down with KP? Yah, you know me! The jewel of North Main is getting more and more verdant by the day, offering ample space to converse while crossing charming little bridges amongst its century-old trees.
Should you be feeling peckish, Prairie’s Edge offers a Canadiana menu with a patio overlooking the duck pond. Planning a small picnic? Main Street also provides plenty of options along the way, including the sensational French bakery A l’Epi de Ble and everyone’s favourite Lebanese restaurant, Baraka Pita Bakery.
Assiniboine Park & Zoo
The zoo has provided some much-needed respite for many of us this year, and it will continue to do so this spring. With the weather now peachy, it’s a great time to take a stroll and see incredible species like Amur tigers, snow leopards, monkeys, gibbons (which just had another baby!) and all the Arctic animals at Journey to Churchill. While you are exploring, you might also just meet one of the stars of CBC’s Arctic Vets! New/returning to the zoo is the jovial, jaunty Aunt Sally’s Farm, where a merry band of goats traverse rainbow bridges right over your head.
Assiniboine Park itself has some returning acts that haven’t featured since last summer too. This includes Cargo Bar— a pop-up cocktail and local craft beer bar and patio—beside the Riley Family Duck Pond and all manner of pedal-powered transportation from Bee-2-Gether Bikes. For food The Park Café, also nestled alongside the Duck Pond, is ready to serve with indoor dining, a patio and the Park Treats takeout window.
FortWhyte Alive
With long, spacious trails canopied by aspen forest and numerous small lakes, FortWhyte Alive is a true urban oasis. It’s home to North America’s largest urban bison herd, along with a fantastic amount of bird species, many of which have just migrated back to the area. In fact, right now on its Events Calendar you’ll see numerous Migration Morning self-guided experiences for all you birders out there (which is now most of us who have been namely housebound this past year. We’re now all about the backyard bird feeder and are currently on team yellow-rumped warbler).
While there, be sure to get something from the grab-and-go menu at The Buffalo Stone Cafe. FortWhyte's on-site restaurant specializes in unfussy, farm-to-table fare by the team at SMITH at Inn at the Forks, with a patio that overlooks Lake Devonian.
FortWhyte Alive is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kings Park
This tranquil number is located in an oxbow formed by the Red River just south of U of M. It is the poster child for serenity, with a little lake featuring a quaint cascading waterfall, a Chinese pagoda and the Carol Shields Memorial Labyrinth. There’s a walking trail that circles the whole park, along with a giant off-leash dog park for all pooch enthusiasts.
Go golfing
Golf is the sport for social distancing, while most 19th holes involve an outdoor patio too. The city is home to nearly 20 public courses, with one found in almost every area of the city. You’ll find all the courses listed on our Recreation and Sports Page, along with other fun outdoor adventures and outfitters.
To learn more about Bokeh from the heading photo check out this site by the Winnipeg Arts Council.
