Looking for a cool winter adventure? Why not give snowshoeing a try and explore Eastern Manitoba like you never have before? Take in the tranquillity of nature that surrounds us while winding through the wooded trails. Follow the tracks left behind by deer, fox, rabbit, wolf and various species of birds and discover a whole new world.

If you’re new to snowshoeing, there are opportunities for you to try it in Eastern Manitoba.

Have a Wildly Good Time

Wild Harmony Canoe Adventures says, “When the paddles are put away for the season, winter hiking and snowshoeing offer a welcome respite from those long days and nights spent indoors.” Stay safe and comfortable as you enjoy the clean, crisp air of winter while exploring pristine forest and wetland areas, that are largely inaccessible by any other means of travel. Wild Harmony provides guided snowshoeing tours through the Whiteshell, Agassiz Forest, Whitemouth Falls, Bird River, the Brightstone Sandhills and the Pinawa back-country area. Enjoy the day being led on bush trails, and getting off the beaten path and across frozen streams and see if you can catch a glimpse of white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, pileated woodpeckers and bald eagles. Text or call Adrian at 204-348-7122 to book your outing. Snowshoes provided.

Adventures await you in the Whiteshell!

With crisp, white, crunchy snow underfoot and hot chocolate and warm fires awaiting you after your snowshoeing adventure, Whiteshell Provincial Park is the perfect snowshoeing getaway destination. With many trails to choose from, you’re sure to find one that suits your experience level and distance requirements. Make this a weekend adventure by booking yourself a stay at one of the local accommodations. Take a break this winter and Explore the Whiteshell and breathe in the outdoors! Bring your own snowshoes.

Whiteshell Winter Arts Festival

Speaking of the Whiteshell. The community of Pinawa is host to the Whiteshell Winter Arts Festival, an event held in February that combines a thriving arts community with the many winter activities available in this picture perfect town, located only 115km northeast of Winnipeg. Enjoy a snowshoe led through the many trails of Pinawa. Don’t forget to bring your own gear.

Girls Weekend Getaway

After the holiday season, there is no better way to decompress than getting together with your girlfriends. Instead of the same old girls night in routine, why not try a weekend getaway to Wilderness Edge in Pinawa? Of course, you’ll want to take advantage of the Snowshoeing Advantage Package, where you’ll ramble through the brush, stick to the designated trails while winding through wooded lake country in Whiteshell Provincial Park. Afterwards, warm up in the sauna or hot tub and chat the night away while sipping your favourite beverage. Snowshoes provided. Snowshoe rentals available.

Head to Bird’s Hill for the Day

Birds Hill Park is one of the few locations in Manitoba that offers designated trails for snowshoeing. With four trails to choose from, the longest being 3.5 km Cedar Bog Trail, you’ll enjoy hours of outdoor fun in the snow. Enjoy a variety of terrains, including aspen-oak parkland, grasslands, and a stand of cedar. You can also explore the open-spaces and unmarked trails that criss-cross the park’s predominantly aspen and oak forest. Making the trip even better is the chorus wintering chickadees and white-tail deer sightings. Bring your own snowshoes.

Have a Grand Time at Grand Beach

Most of us wouldn’t consider hitting the beaches this time of year, but Grand Beach is the perfect winter destination for your snowshoeing adventure. Spend the day experiencing this Manitoba hot spot in a whole new way as you trek through the fresh winter snow. Take to the designated and mapped ski trails that run from 5 km to 13 km or hit the path less taken by finding the hidden gems through the bush. Whatever you decide to do, don’t forget to pack your snowshoes, a winter picnic of chocolate, graham wafers, marshmallows, and hot chocolate for that late day rest and fuel stop.

Photo credits: Alicia Thwaites (chickadee), top and bottom photos by Kevin & Sande Wolk.