Winter in Winnipeg is a season full of magic, with crisp snow, sparkling ice, and clear starry nights that invite us to make the most of this frosty season. From cozy indoor hobbies to exhilarating outdoor adventures, Winnipeg offers endless ways to stay active, creative, and connected during the winter months. Here’s your guide to some of the best winter hobbies in the city, guaranteed to make you forget about the cold!
Discovering Winnipeg’s Winter Wonderlands
1. Skating at the Forks
A true Winnipeg classic, skating along the frozen trails at The Forks is both invigorating and scenic. With kilometres of skating paths winding through the area, you can spend a full day gliding through snow-covered landscapes, exploring paths adorned with lights and art. Don’t forget to warm up with a hot chocolate from one of the local vendors nearby!
2. Winter Photography
Winter brings stunning, unique opportunities for photographers. Whether you’re capturing frozen rivers, snow-covered architecture, or glittering icicles, winter photography in Winnipeg is like no other. Point Douglas and Assiniboine Park offer fantastic backdrops for beginners and pros alike. Plus, the serene, snowy landscapes add a dreamy effect to any shot.
Cozy Indoor Hobbies for Snowy Days
3. Knitting and Crocheting
Winnipeg winters are long, which makes knitting or crocheting a rewarding way to pass the time. It’s an ideal hobby for creating cozy scarves, blankets, and hats for yourself or as heartfelt gifts. Local shops like Wolseley Wool offer classes and have a wide selection of yarn to inspire any project, making it easy to get started with all the supplies you need.
4. Winter Baking and Cooking
Embrace Winnipeg’s cozy side with winter baking and comfort cooking. From experimenting with bannock recipes to crafting sourdough loaves, winter is the perfect time to explore new recipes. Try a local cooking class or browse the aisles of St. Norbert Farmers’ Market for locally sourced ingredients to add a Winnipeg twist to your culinary creations.
Exploring the Outdoors: For the Adventurous Spirit
5. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing
For an adventure that doubles as an intense workout, give snowshoeing or cross-country skiing a try. Winnipeg’s parks and surrounding areas, such as FortWhyte Alive and Birds Hill Park, have groomed trails for both activities, and rental gear is often available if you’re just starting out. Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to explore winter landscapes while keeping active!
6. Ice Fishing on the Red River
Ice fishing is a quintessential Manitoban pastime, and winter is prime time for it. Head out to the frozen Red River or nearby lakes, where local guides offer ice fishing tours and equipment rentals. You’ll experience a serene day on the ice with friends or family, and with a bit of luck, you might even catch a prize-worthy walleye!
Creative Hobbies to Brighten Cold Nights
7. DIY Candle Making
Candle making is a cozy, creative activity that’s perfect for dark winter evenings. Winnipeg has several shops, like The Soap Dispensary and Refillery, where you can find supplies for homemade candles. Crafting your own scents and designs can make for a fun activity alone or with friends, and the results make great gifts or additions to your own cozy setup.
8. Journaling and Creative Writing
Winter is the perfect time to dive into journaling, poetry, or creative writing. Journaling lets you unwind and reflect, while creative writing brings an imaginative escape from cold winter nights. Consider joining a local writing workshop or signing up for online Winnipeg-based creative writing events to connect with fellow writers and get inspired.
Indoor Gardening for the Green-Thumbed
9. Starting an Indoor Herb Garden
An indoor herb garden brings greenery into your space, perfect for winter when outdoor plants lie dormant. Local shops like Shelmerdine Garden Center carry herb kits and indoor gardening tools that make starting easy, even for beginners. Basil, mint, and parsley are all hardy and delicious herbs you can grow and use in your winter cooking.
10. Learning Botanical Art
For those with an eye for detail, botanical art combines the love of nature with the art of drawing and painting plants. Winter is the ideal season to learn this intricate art form. Look for classes at Winnipeg Art Gallery or try online courses to start illustrating the plants and flowers you love.
Make the Most of Winter in Winnipeg
Winter in Winnipeg doesn’t have to be spent waiting for spring. With so many hobbies and activities to explore, it’s the perfect season to dive into new skills, connect with the community, and stay active and creative. Whether you’re lacing up your skates or setting up a cozy indoor workspace, these winter hobbies will keep you energized and inspired all season long.
Did You Know?
Winnipeg is known as one of the sunniest cities in Canada during winter, with nearly 300 hours of sunlight each season. Perfect for soaking up some vitamin D while exploring your winter hobbies outdoors!
