The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Fortwhyte Alive

The Journey to Churchill exhibit, one of the most popular in the zoo, is an immersive Arctic-themed habitat where visitors can explore tundra and coastal landscapes to learn about northern species like polar bears, muskoxen, snowy owls, caribou, and seals. In the “Sea Ice Passage,” tunnels let you watch polar bears and seals, separated only by a transparent barrier. The exhibit also features the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, with interpretive displays on climate change, conservation research, and the rescue and rehabilitation of polar bears.

Assiniboine Park Zoo covers about 32 hectares of walkable space, with long, well-maintained paths that let you move easily between its naturalized habitats. For hikers, a high point of the zoo is Journey to Churchill, where viewing tunnels and outdoor walkways bring you close to polar bears, muskoxen, and other northern wildlife in spacious, open-air settings. The mix of forested routes, boardwalk sections, and quieter back paths makes it a surprisingly rewarding place for a slow, scenic wander within the city.

Sturgeon Creek is a beautiful, winding tributary of the Assiniboine River that flows through Winnipeg’s St. James area. Lined with trees, grasses, and restored wetlands, it supports a wide variety of fish, birds, and other urban wildlife. The creek’s natural corridor also provides a scenic backdrop for trails and parks along its course through the city.

Woodhaven Park hugs the banks of Sturgeon Creek, blending open fields with shaded paths and quiet creek overlooks. The park’s central hub, the Woodhaven Community Club, is surrounded by two hockey rinks, a soccer field, a basketball court, and a playground, making it a popular spot for families and local events. Whether you’re walking the trail, watching birds, or pausing by the water, it’s a peaceful greenspace with plenty of room to enjoy spending an afternoon.

The Sturgeon Creek Trail is a lovely, four kilometre crushed limestone multi-use path that traces a peaceful corridor through west Winnipeg, following the creek past open meadows, shaded woods, and quiet residential pockets. You’ll cross several footbridges and pass interpretive signs that highlight the area’s natural and cultural history, including connections to Indigenous communities. There are plenty of benches and picnic spots along the way that are ideal for birdwatching or a relaxed afternoon by the water.

The Aspen Trail leads through beautiful aspen forests, past small ponds that are often visited by waterfowl. If you're lucky, you can spot deer in the open meadows. The dense treetops of the forest also offer pleasant shade and peace in the hot summer months.

The park is open year-round and is particularly impressive in autumn when the foliage is ablaze with colour. Make sure you bring plenty of water as there are no food options in the forest.

The Preston Trail offers scenic views of nature and the surrounding forests all year round. It is particularly quiet in the mornings, making it ideal for relaxed exploration. Be sure to follow the marked trails to protect the natural environment.