The best walks and hikes around Winnipeg

There are over 30 hiking trails available around Winnipeg, offering diverse experiences from urban greenways to prairie wetlands and provincial parks. Most of these routes are considered easy, making them accessible for various fitness levels.

Yes, Winnipeg and its surrounding areas offer a wide selection of easy hiking trails. Out of the 30 available routes, 27 are classified as easy. For example, the Assiniboine Park Zoo Trail loop — Winnipeg is an easy 2.8 km path, and the Transcona Bio Reserve loop — Winnipeg offers a gentle 2.5 km stroll through natural surroundings.

Many trails around Winnipeg are suitable for families. Within the city, areas like Assiniboine Forest and Bois-des-Esprits offer accessible paths. Just outside the city, Birds Hill Provincial Park features diverse environments, including glacial ridges and oak forests, with trails like the 3.5 km Cedar Bog Trail, which includes a boardwalk. FortWhyte Alive also provides 7 km of trails through aspen forest and lakes, perfect for family outings.

Yes, many parks and trails around Winnipeg welcome dogs, though leash rules usually apply. Assiniboine Forest and the Harte Trail are popular urban choices for walking with dogs. For a more expansive experience, Birds Hill Provincial Park and Beaudry Park also offer trails where dogs are permitted, allowing you to explore diverse landscapes with your canine companion.

The best time for hiking around Winnipeg is generally from late spring to early autumn (May to October) when the weather is mild and trails are clear. Spring brings lush greenery and bird migration, while autumn offers vibrant fall colours. Winter hiking is also possible on groomed trails, especially in parks like Birds Hill, but requires appropriate gear for snow and ice.

Yes, several circular routes are available for hikers who prefer to start and end in the same location. The Seine River Greenway loop — Bois-des-Esprits is a popular 3.6 km option through an urban forest. Other loops include the Assiniboine Park Zoo Trail loop and the Transcona Bio Reserve loop.

Winnipeg's diverse landscapes support a variety of wildlife. In urban forests like Assiniboine Forest and Bois-des-Esprits, you might spot white-tailed deer and various bird species. Prairie wetlands like Oak Hammock Marsh are renowned for birdwatching, attracting nearly 300 species. Provincial parks such as Birds Hill and Beaudry Park are home to deer, foxes, and a wide array of birds.

Yes, several trails offer access to interesting landmarks. For instance, the Seine River Greenway in Bois-des-Esprits is known for its unique tree carvings. Near Birds Hill Provincial Park, you can find Birds Hill Quarry Lake. Further afield, Whiteshell Provincial Park features ancient spiritual rock formations known as petroforms at Bannock Point. Within the city, The Forks National Historic Site is a significant cultural and historical landmark.

Parking availability varies by location. Many urban trails, such as those in Assiniboine Forest or along the Harte Trail, often have street parking or designated lots nearby. Provincial parks like Birds Hill, Beaudry, and Spruce Woods typically have dedicated parking areas, though some may require a park pass. It's advisable to check specific park websites for detailed parking information and any associated fees.

While some urban trails within Winnipeg are accessible by public transport, reaching provincial parks and more remote hiking areas often requires a car. For trails within the city, such as those in Assiniboine Forest or along the Seine River Greenway, Winnipeg Transit may offer routes that get you close. However, for destinations like Birds Hill Provincial Park or Oak Hammock Marsh, driving is generally the most convenient option.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, Whiteshell Provincial Park, a short drive east of Winnipeg, offers rugged Canadian Shield terrain. The 63 km Mantario Trail is a notable multi-day trek in this area, traversing granite outcrops and numerous bodies of water, providing a significant challenge for experienced hikers.

Winnipeg's surroundings offer diverse natural features. For unique sand dunes and winding rivers, head to Spruce Woods Provincial Park, home to the Spirit Sands & Devil's Punch Bowl trail. If you're looking for rugged Canadian Shield landscapes with granite outcrops and forested areas, Whiteshell Provincial Park is the place to go, offering trails like the scenic 12 km Hunt Lake Trail with views of West Hawk Lake.