Assiniboine Park

Established in 1904 with 283 acres of green space, this beloved park situated along the Assiniboine River in the Tuxedo neighbourhood has expanded to over 1100 acres of verdant scenery and attractions. Winnipeggers flock to the fields of green for impromptu games of football, volleyball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee and even cricket. Numerous picnic tables and fire pits dot the meandering river banks, providing perfect spots for relaxing barbeques. Biking and hiking trails wind throughout the park. The Tudor-style Pavilion, with its distinctive bell tower, is the focal point of the park. Built in 1908, the original structure was destroyed by fire and was rebuilt in 1929. Inside, the Pavilion houses the upscale restaurant Tavern in the Park, where global gourmet is enthusiastically served in a glass atrium and on the terrace. On the second floor, the Pavilion Gallery showcases local artists’ masterpieces. Just behind the Pavilion, the Lyric Theatre brings bandshell concerts to the 21st century, with free outdoor concerts for all musical and artistic tastes. The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden features the bronze works of the Winnipeg master sculptor, set along treed paths where deer and other critters gambol. A glass-enclosed space housing Mol’s smaller pieces overlooks a beautiful lily pond. The Formal Gardens, located at the southeast entrance, is a gorgeous rendition of the highly geometric features of French formal gardens while the much-revered English Garden exemplifies the whimsy of nature in its free-form flower beds. The Conservatory is a lush oasis, where an array of exotic plants and flowers bloom in the palm room, floral display and atrium. The adjacent Ruby Begonia’s offers casual dining. The Assiniboine Park Zoo, situated on the west side of the park, houses close to 2000 animals representing over 300 species. The monkey house, polar bear exhibit and prairie dog mound are all popular with the kids, but the recent addition of Blizzard, a rare white bison, is sure to please young and old.

Fort Whyte Centre

A literal environmental oasis in urban southwest Winnipeg, Fort Whyte Centre is a Mecca for outdoor and nature aficionados. Over 600 acres of prairie grasslands, placid lakes, dense forest and wetlands are available for visitors to explore. While walking the paths, climb up to the family treehouse, visit the sod house or feed the birds at the birdfeeding stations. Kids will have a ball dip-netting for insects and other critters on the boardwalks in the pond and wetlands. Canoe, kayak and sailing rentals and programs are offered for those who wish to explore the large urban lakes. Try your hand at fishing, which is available year-round. A 70 acre bison sanctuary with viewing mound lets you get up close and personal with the prairie icons. Inside the Interpretive Centre, visit Manitoba’s largest indoor aquarium and discover the fish of the prairies or take a peek at the ducklings in the waterfowl room. The Alloway Reception Centre houses a gift shop and the Buffalo Stone Cafe, which offers tasty prairie treats.

Kildonan Park

Located in north Winnipeg just off Main Street is Kildonan Park. Founded in 1909, this lush green space is a haven for bikers and walkers, who tour the worn paths throughout the grounds. Besides the beautiful floral displays and expansive greenery, the park is home to some of the oldest elm and cottonwood trees in the province. Children will delight in the Witches Hut, a replica home inspired by the Hansel and Gretel fable. An outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool cools off sunbathers in the summer. Kildonan Park also houses Rainbow Stage, a canopied outdoor theatre venue that has held heartwarming musical productions by Rainbow Stage Theatre Company since 1955.

St. Vital Park

Along the Red River in south Winnipeg, you’ll find the sprawling greenery of St. Vital Park. Walking and biking trails wind through the trees for those who seek a natural setting for their excursions. Barbeque pits and picnic shelters are found throughout the grounds—perfect for a picnic lunch or a rousing party. Visitors can feed the ducks at the duck pond, which is home to many species of water fowl. A boat launch is available for pleasure craft large and small, from tiny kayaks to huge motor boats. The launch makes an excellent take-off point for water-skiing and wakeboarding enthusiasts.

Publication Date: 7/2006