Amazing End-of-Summer Activities to Try Around Winnipeg

Summer is coming to an end, but there is still time.

Can you believe that it’s almost fall? With summer coming to an end, it’s important to take advantage of the beautiful weather and to soak up as much vitamin D as possible! Getting enough sunshine is essential for regulating our mood, managing stress and even regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in our bodies. If you’re stuck on finding fun end-of-summer activities to try outside, why not explore some of our amazing local parks, trails and neighbourhoods!

Getting around Winnipeg

We absolutely love to bike! And luckily, Winnipeg has several options for getting around the city, and that includes biking! There are a lot of great trails along the river and around the city, with plenty of rental bikes available for the public. Walking, running or cycling can be a great outdoor activity because they combine physical exercise with the chance to get outside and soak up the sun.

When the weather is right, you can catch plenty of people biking or walking around Winnipeg. Surrounded by massive lakes and white sand beaches, our city definitely boasts several scenic spots to help keep you active and boost your mood.

Check out some of our favourite outdoor activities to do in – and around – Winnipeg:

1. The Historical Exchange District
The Exchange District is a National Historic Site of Canada and is one of the most iconic and vibrant neighbourhoods in Winnipeg. Home to an exceptional collection of heritage buildings built between 1880 and 1920, the Exchange District is great for sightseeing. Whether you’re looking to shop around or check out some amazing architecture, this neighbourhood is a great place for an afternoon stroll. It’s definitely a must-see for both visitors and locals!

2. The Forks
If you’re looking for something a little more scenic, be sure to check out The Forks! Located in Downtown Winnipeg where the Red River and the Assiniboine River meet, The Forks is perhaps one of the most picturesque places to visit in the city. With a number of riverfront paths and active transportation initiatives, The Forks is also home to a 24/7 bike repair station. So, if you happen to experience some bike issues along the way, no need to worry!

We highly recommend you ditch your cars and hop on your bikes – we promise that it’s worth it!

3. The Great Trail
Although there’s plenty to do within Winnipeg, the surrounding landscape is a hiker’s dream! The Great Trail measures over 24,000 kilometers, and seeks to connect the East, West and North coasts of Canada. It’s the longest recreational trail in the world and offers a wide range of activities through a variety of scenic landscapes, including greenways, waterways, wilderness, urban areas and much more. This is one of our favourite spots to escape the city and we guarantee you’ll feel the same!

4. Seine River South Trail
If you’re looking for a quick escape from the busy city, we’ve got the perfect place for you. This trail is located very close to the city but features all the charms of the great outdoors. It’s accessible year-round and easy enough for children or dogs to come along as well! Great for biking or a nice nature walk, you can even see a variety of wildlife such as deer.

5. Mantario Trail
Looking for more of a challenge? The Mantario Trail in Whiteshell Provincial Park is not an easy trek for most people. Located an hour from Winnipeg, the trail is 63 kilometers long and is known for its difficult terrain. It’s a multi-day trip that should only be attempted by those with backpacking and back-country hiking experience. If you’re up for an outdoor challenge, The Mantario Trail could be the perfect option for you!

COVID-19 may have affected our summer vacation plans, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy our local city and outdoor nature walks! There are plenty of great activities that you can still try out this summer and fall to promote your health and wellbeing before that cold weather creeps up on us again!