Summer 2020 may just be the year of the Staycation – one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions! Trips and summer travel plans are cancelled, so most of us are looking for fun things to do within our own city and province. Here are some ideas for things to do closer to home.
Camping
Camping has been deemed lower risk for Covid this summer and our campgrounds are open. If you were lucky enough to snag a site, this is a great activity for the family. Don’t forget you now must bring your own toilet paper, hand sanitizer and other personal hygiene products to provincial campgrounds, yurts and vacation cabins.
While provincial parks currently remain open for you to visit, it is important to maintain social (physical) distancing practices even while outdoors, in the campgrounds, washrooms and shower buildings, on trails, beaches, playgrounds and greenspaces. Keep in mind that Manitoba Parks’ staff will be making extra efforts in the cleaning of our facilities to ensure that our visitors have a safe and positive experience at our parks.
Check out the province web site for more information on Covid restrictions
City Parks
Pack a picnic and do a park tour of the major parks in the city. This is your chance to explore new areas and maybe find a new favorite hang out. Its best to find an open area without a lot of other families around to maintain proper social distancing requirements. Here are some of the parks within the City of Winnipeg
- Kildonan Park
- Assiniboine Park
- St Vital Park
- Kings Park
- Vimy Ridge
- La Barrier Park
- Kilcona Park
- St. Norbert Provincial Heritage Park
- Bois-Des-Esprits
- Lyndale Drive Park
- Little Mountain Park
- Assiniboine Forest
Please note: social distancing is still required while within City parks. Individuals must maintain a distance of at least two metres from every other individual in the park outside of their family. The City will not be cleaning or sanitizing playgrounds more frequently than normal. Use of these spaces is at your own risk.
City of Winnipeg Trails
Winnipeg has many trails within the city that feature points of interest, historical sites, nature and fitness. These trails are asphalt or gravel making it easier to take the kids in a stroller or wagon.
Visit the Winnipeg Trails web site for a complete list and map of trails in the city.
Day Trips
When you are looking to go a bit further, check out these day trips that feature great Manitoba scenery and attractions. If you live in Southern Manitoba, most of these are easily drive-able for a day. Many of the parks also feature camping for a longer stay.
- Hecla Island / Grindstone Provincial Park
- Check out the lighthouse trail, take the wetlands boardwalk, or checkout sunset beach in Grindstone Provincial Park.
- Gimli
- Don’t miss the viking statue, walk along the beach or pier, get takeout fish and chips, and grab a great coffee
- Whiteshell Provincial Park
- The Whiteshell park is full of beautiful scenery, sandy beaches and places to stop. Don’t miss the Bannock Point Petroforms or the family friendly Pine Point Rapids self guiding trail.
- Birds Hill Provincial Park
- Located in Central Manitoba and a short drive from the city of Winnipeg, Birds Hill is a quick getaway for city dwellers. The park features many trails, picnic areas, a beach, bike trails and much more. It’s sure to be popular all summer, so plan accordingly!
- Nopiming Provincial Park
- This provincial park in Eastern Manitoba is full of lakes, granite, and forests. Don’t miss the Tulabi Falls Hike or Walk on Ancient Mountains hike.
- Turtle Mountain Provincial Park
- This provincial park in South West Manitoba has lakes, wetlands and rolling hills. Make sure to check out the self guiding trails at Adam Lake.
- Portage La Prairie
- Prairie City Cinema is hosting drive in movies this summer
For more ideas, check out the full listing of Provincial Parks in Manitoba.
