There are certain winter activities that, if you live in our province, you absolutely must experience. Even if you’re not a winter person, these Manitoba winter experiences are so iconic, that it’s actually embarrassing to admit that you’ve never done one.
Since January 31 is National Hot Chocolate Day, there’s no better excuse to indulge in this decadent winter treat than to spend a few hours out in the cold having a blast.
World’s Largest Snow Maze
You heard that right. Literally the largest snow maze on the entire planet exists right here in St. Adolphe. This maze is created by the Masse family, the same people who create A Maze in Corn in the fall, so you know it’s going to be great.
This Guinness Book of World Record’s confirmed snow maze is not to be missed, with plenty to do for the entire family. Enjoy the challenge of the snowy maze, admire the snow carvings and buildings, slide down Snow Mountain, warm up by a bonfire, be brave and try the Giant Luge run, try a variety of snow games, take a sleigh ride, and of course, savor a cup of that all-important hot chocolate or a more adult drink at The Snow Bar.
Want to really amp up the uniqueness? Make a reservation at The Den, a man-made cavern carved out of 250 tons of snow, hosting a world-class dining experience catered by some of Manitoba’s finest chefs. Your ticket of $244 (which includes gratuity) includes the snow maze, a 4-course dinner, a signature cocktail and live entertainment, with full bar service available. Visit www.thedenrestaurant.ca to make a reservation.
The maze is open Thursday to Sunday. Tickets can be obtained at the door or online at $25 + GST for ages 13+ and $15 + GST for ages 6-12, while children 5 and under are free. Visit their website at www.cornmaze.ca for details.
Nestaweya River Trail
The entire length of the Nestaweya River Trail at The Forks is now open. People can skate, cycle and run on the six-kilometre trail that stretches from the Hugo Docks on the Assiniboine River to Churchill Drive along the Red River.
A highlight of this trail are the warming huts scattered along its length. From a gift to a half sunken car, from a school made of snow to a beaver, from a grain elevator to a prototype of a transitional home, this year’s six new Warming Huts bring feature designs from artists around the world. Explore, admire, and warm up in these new huts, along with your favourites from past years.
Returning for a third year, free walking tours of Warming Huts are taking place on Saturdays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, and 22 at 1 pm. Guests must register for their free ticket as space is limited to ensure the best experience at www.3common.com/warminghuttours2025
If you don’t feel like skating, you can adopt a metre of the Nestaweya River Trail instead. With a charitable gift of $50 to The Forks Foundation, you can “adopt” a metre of the Nestaweya River Trail and make winter more fun for everyone! Donations to The Forks Foundation ensure The Forks is always cared for and remains a vibrant, engaging, fun place to be for our community, and for visitors from every part of Canada and the world, so a very worthy cause. Visit www.theforks.com for more info.
RAW:almond Pop-up
Ready for another unique fine-dining experience like no other? RAW:almond is back on the ice!
This is a three week fine dining festival hosted on the junctions of our frozen rivers in a one-of-a-kind temporary structure. World class chefs gather to create a pop-up restaurant experience like no other. RAW:almond is co-founded by Deer + Almond Chef, Mandel Hitzer and the founding director of RAW:Gallery of Architecture and Design, Joe Kalturnyk.
This delicious event only runs until February 16, so hurry and don’t miss out! Tickets for RAW:almond 2025 are $250 + 18% (service) 7% PST = $315.65. Each ticket to this epic dining experience includes a unique set tasting menu created specially by your chef, telling their story through food with a 7-10 course meal. The service fee ensures their whole team from servers, chefs and everyone who helps put this project together are recognized. Visit www.raw-almond.com for details and reservations.
Festival du Voyageur
Hého! Reignite your joie de vivre at Western Canada’s largest winter festival with over 150 artists performing every year. This incredible celebration of all things French Canadian runs from Friday, February 14 to Sunday, February 23 for its 56th edition. It’s coming up fast, but you have lots of time to plan.
Located at Whittier Park, 836 Rue St Joseph, you can admire giant snow sculptures, dance and jig to lively music, attend concerts, enjoy French Canadian foods, enjoy sleigh rides or snowshoeing, craft, workshops, and meet the historical characters of Fort Gibraltar. Festival du Voyageur is a kitchen party like no other that perfectly melds the traditions of the past with the vibrancy of the Franco-Manitoban community of today.
The Festival cost structure varies according to the passes or tickets chosen, but note that for the first time, they’re offering the option of purchasing a weekend pass so you don’t miss a single moment of fun. It’s best to get your tickets online in case they sell out. Visit heho.ca for more details.