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City life can wear you down over time, and natural attractions beyond downtown Winnipeg can help you recharge. From ice skating at Oak Hammock Marsh to weekend escapes at Whiteshell or Grand Beach, this is your guide to exploring Winnipeg's most awe-inspiring outdoor adventures. What's waiting inside and just outside the city might surprise you!
Assiniboine Forest is one of the largest urban nature parks in Canada and a favourite for anyone looking to explore Winnipeg beyond the city core. Located near the Harte Trail and surrounded by towering trees and aspen forests, it offers peaceful walking paths, bike-friendly routes, and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Just a short drive from Assiniboine Park Zoo and the immersive Journey to Churchill exhibit, the area blends outdoor adventure with nearby cultural attractions. If you're looking to live near this natural gem, our Charleswood apartments place you minutes from trails, parks, and everything you need to recharge in nature.
Just outside the city, Birds Hill Provincial Park offers one of the most diverse outdoor escapes near Winnipeg. From paved bicycle paths to oak forest trails, it's a fun place to unwind and explore. In addition, the park features glacial ridges, wetlands, and prairie wildflowers, plus over 200 animal species to discover along self-guided tours.
Also, during summertime, locals flock here for swimming, camping, and the iconic Winnipeg Folk Festival. You can easily spend an entire day hiking or birdwatching. Compared to other popular destinations like Grand Beach or Whiteshell Provincial Park, Birds Hill is popular because of its proximity to the city.
FortWhyte Alive transforms Winnipeg's southeast corner into a hub for outdoor activities and wildlife encounters. Spread across 640 acres, this natural retreat offers guided tours, scenic bicycle paths, and up-close views of bison, waterfowl, and many birds year-round.
There are many popular events, like the Bison Safari, that connect visitors to the land's prairie history. Whether you're taking a peaceful bike ride or exploring eco-tours that rival the charm of Kings Park or Grand Beach Provincial Park, FortWhyte is a local favourite for reconnecting with nature just minutes from the Red River and The Forks Market.
Located in Winnipeg's northwest corner, Kildonan Park is a beautiful place for a relaxing BBQ or an active afternoon. With scenic bicycle paths, colourful gardens, and open soccer pitches, it's a great spot for lawn bowling or a peaceful walk. This park offers timeless charm year-round.
Bois-des-Esprits is a remarkably untouched 117-acre urban forest. This is the perfect place to visit for nature lovers, art enthusiasts, and anyone looking to reconnect with something deeper. With five distinct ecosystems and hand-carved wooden sculptures honouring Indigenous people, the site blends natural beauty with meaningful storytelling. As you follow the bicycle path along the Seine River, keep an eye out for native plants and wildlife.