As I was sitting here flipping through the busy schedule for the next few weeks, I noticed one thing: there's officially less than a month left of winter! Of course, the white stuff will likely be with us for a while after March 20, but in case it disappears early and green woolly lambs start popping up around St. Patrick's Day, I figured now would be a good time to take a look at how to make the most of the remaining season.
"Winterpeg" has definitely embraced its nickname with pride this year, and there are no shortage of options when it comes to fun in the February sun. Whether you're flying solo, looking for a unique date option with your sweetheart, seeking some group camaraderie or entertaining the little ones, there are heaps of things to do.
Need for Speed: Photo courtesy of Kip Alexander
One surefire way to raise your temperature is to launch yourself down one of the city's many toboggan hills and winter slides! Four giant hills await your toboggans and snow saucers (some offering warming shelters), and eight winter slides will ensure high-speed thrills. Check the city's website for locations, maps and hours.
Lace up your skates and feel your power flurry through the air into the ground (and your soul spiral in frozen fractals all around... I can't be the only Disney fan here!). Skate, snowshoe, ski or sled along the Red River Mutual Trail, the record-holding longest naturally frozen skating trail in the world. See the sights of the city, check out the weekend programming filled with free activities for the family, or just enjoy a leisurely walk. This week is the perfect time to get your geek on: from March 1-2 at The Forks Market, it's a two-day Doctor Who festival! Costume contests (to see Who wears it best!), trivia, artist tables and even a Dalek obstable course await Whovians—get your mitts, 14 ft. scarves and sonic screwdrivers and head on down! (Just beware The Snowmen.)
If the last few sentences were completely foreign to you (thanks for staying with me!) and you just want to enjoy some skating that isn't wibbly-wobbly, check out one of the city's plethora of rinks (click here to find one closest to you.)
Try out cross-country skiing on one of Winnipeg's many beautiful ski trails. The trails are groomed weekly, and there are no fees to use any of them. Many offer change facilities, warm-up shelters, washrooms, ski rental, skating ponds and toboggan slides. To find your closest trail, click here.
Another fun activity is to bundle up, take your camera, and go for a trek in our winter wonderland. Beautiful shots of the city can be captured while we're blanketed in frost and snow. While you're at it, why not take some snaps and enter our 2014 Winter Photo Contest to share the memories and have the chance to win great prizes?
Snowshoers on a Frosty Morning: Photo courtesy of Ken Gillespie
All that winter fun is sure to elicit an appetite, and with more than 1,100 great eateries, choose one in which to warm up with hot chocolate or a tasty meal. Check out the hottest nosh in the city over at Peg City Grub.
What are some of your favourite winter activities?
Only in The Peg Chronicles the adventures of the peg family–Missus, Mister and Lil’ Peg as they discover everything there is to see and do in Winnipeg. Follow them at @tourismwpg on Twitter or visit them on Facebook. For even more info on Winnipeg, visit www.tourismwinnipeg.com.
