With lower temperatures, you may feel like you’re stuck in the house but, thankfully, we have many fun, winter activities for you and your family right here in the West End! From skating to skiing, or just a warm cup of hot chocolate from one of our many local shops, you’re bound to find something that will inspire you to pull out your boots and bundle up.
Skating
Now, what’s better than a nice skate on a sunny winter’s day? Here in the West End, we have several rinks – both indoor and outdoor – so no matter the temperature, you can still lace up your skates and either go alone or get a few friends together for a good old hockey game.
Indoor:
- Sargent Park Arena (1111 Wall Street)
- Cindy Klassen Recreation Complex (999 Sargent Avenue)
- Weekly schedule for speed skating oval is made available on Mondays
Outdoor:
- Central Park (400 Cumberland Avenue)
- Vimy Ridge Memorial Park (821 Preston Avenue)
- Valour Community Club, Orioles Building (448 Burnell Street)
- Magnus Eliason Recreation Centre (430 Langside Street)
Don’t know how to skate and are interested in learning? The West End BIZ will be hosting the ‘New Canadian Skate Program’ from January 28th to March 18th. We’re offering FREE skating lessons for all adults (18+) every Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. (weather permitting). We will meet at Central Park (400 Cumberland Avenue), where you will be required to show proof of vaccination, and we will supply helmets and skates to all participants. If you’re interested in registering for this program, please call (204) 954-7900 or email events@westendbiz.ca. There are limited spots, so don’t hesitate to register!
The Winnipeg Trails Association is hosting ‘Winterpeg,’ giving community members the option to ski even if they may not own a pair themselves. If you’ve always wanted to ski but never had the opportunity, there are a few special events coming up in the West End:
January 20th
- Youth Ski with IRCOM (TBA) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Must RSVP
- Young Adult Ski with IRCOM (TBA) from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Must RSVP
Skiing
January 20th, February 3rd, and February 17th
- Indigenous Youth Ski at Central Park (400 Cumberland Avenue) from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Ages 10-16; must RSVP
January 22nd
- Clifton Community Club (1315 Strathcona Street) from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Mobile Ski Library
- Night Ski at Vimy Ridge Park (821 Preston Avenue) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
January 29th
- Ski at Central Park (400 Cumberland Avenue) from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Mobile Ski Library
Skiing isn’t your thing? No problem. Winnipeg Trails also provides rentals for snowshoes, skates, and more. For more information, to view the full calendar, or to register, please visit www.winterpeg.org. To rent any winter gear, please visit https://icicle-garden.booqable.shop/.
Mobile Ski Library = equipment available on-site.
Cozy Drinks to Warm Up
Whether you choose skating or skiing, you’ll need a nice beverage or snack to warm you back up again.
- Scout: Coffee & Tea (859 Portage Avenue): Scout is Winnipeg’s only play café, meaning that they not only have delicious lattes and white chocolate mochas for adults, but babyccinos, hot chocolate, and steamers for your littles, as well.
- Seven Café (745 Wall Street): Not only does Seven carry delicious coffee and house-made food, but they also carry Ramen Kits and Wontons, which means you don’t have to think about what to make for dinner after a long day outside.
- Eadha Bakery (577 Ellice Avenue): Eadha is notorious for their sourdough, but they also have great drinks. Even better, Eadha is dedicated to serving the community and, through their ‘Pay-it-Forward Food Voucher’ program, they provide fresh bread, pastries, and beverages to those who may not be able to afford it that day.
- Hildegard’s Bakery (686 Portage Avenue): Hildegard’s is another great option if you’re looking for something warm – be it coffee, tea, soup, or pizza! With both meat and vegan options, and a fridge full of to-go items, you will be home and back in your pyjamas in no time.
