Sweater Weather Activities with Annie

Fall in Manitoba is best enjoyed outdoors. Whether you’re exploring a small town or hiking a trail, there are so many ways to enjoy the season. Manitoba is ready for everyone from adventurers and foodies to nature lovers and families looking to enjoy fresh air. 

Here are a few fun ways to spend your fall days. 🍂🦌 

Take a Historical Walking Tour 

Manitoba is full of history waiting to be discovered! Exploring local history can be a fun and eye-opening way to reconnect with the place you call home. Take a tour through the Exchange District, or get spooky with the Lower Fort Garry’s Ghost Walking Tours throughout October. Explore the iconic Manitoba Legislative Building with a guided tour. Prefer to go at your own pace? Self-guided tours are available too. 

Selkirk and The Pas also offer walking tours filled with local lore. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or just visiting, a historical walking tour is a great way to spend time outdoors, learn something new, and appreciate your surroundings in a different way. 

Go Wildlife Watching 

Manitoba is home to some incredible wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Within Winnipeg, FortWhyte Alive is a very popular spot for bison viewing. In fact, it’s home to the world’s largest urban bison herd! If you’re up for a day trip, the Lake Audy Bison Enclosure in Riding Mountain National Park also has a herd of free-roaming bison. When I visited with my family a few years ago, it was incredible to see so many up close. Riding Mountain National Park is also a hotspot for sightings of black bears, elk and moose, and if you’re lucky you might even see a lynx. 

For some incredible bird watching, Oak Hammock Marsh is the place to be! You can also visit the Alfred Hole Goose Sanctuary in Whiteshell Provincial Park to watch geese and migratory birds soar overhead. 

For a truly unforgettable experience, consider travelling north to Churchill. In the summer, thousands of beluga whales make their way through the Churchill River, while mid-October to early November is the best time to see polar bears when they gather near the shores of Hudson Bay, waiting for the sea ice to form so they can return to their seal-hunting grounds. 

Wildlife watching is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to enjoy the outdoors. Bring your binoculars and slow down to take in the sights and sounds around you. You never know which animals you might spot along the way. 

Wander Through a Farmers Market 

From the lively markets in Downtown Winnipeg to the smaller community gatherings across the province, you’ll find there are no shortages of places to connect with local growers and creators. 

Grab a reusable bag and enjoy the vibrant fruits and vegetables, the scent of baked goods, and warm chats with friendly vendors. As a kid, I loved scanning the rows of colorful homemade jams in their cute jars and savoring the taste of freshly baked bread. Not only will you be supporting Manitoba’s producers, but you’ll also enjoy fresh local flavors packed with nutrients, perfect for cooking up a delicious, healthy meal at home.

Curious about all the benefits of visiting a farmers market? Read our article here!

Play Pickleball or Tennis with Friends 

Pickleball and tennis are both exciting sports that are trending right now and it’s super fun to play with a partner or a group! Pickleball is especially beginner-friendly, with a smaller court and lighter ball which makes it super easy to learn and enjoy right away. I tried it recently and was surprised by how fun and simple it was to learn! 

If you’re looking for a bit of a challenge, tennis is a classic sport that makes for a great workout. Both games are accessible and can be played by people of all ages and skill levels. There are lots of free tennis and pickleball courts all over Winnipeg, so grab a friend and give one (or both) a try! 

Explore a Small Town 

Manitoba is filled with charming small towns. A small-town day trip is a super fun way to stay active and explore the province! Enjoy a walk by Lake Winnipeg and learn about the Icelandic heritage of Gimli or visit Altona, the Sunflower Capital. 

When I visited Souris, seeing peacocks roaming around town was such a unique and cool experience, as was walking across Canada’s longest pedestrian swinging bridge was also a highlight. 

You can also stop by Carberry, nicknamed King Spud Country, or visit Minnedosa, whose name means ​“flowering water” in the Dakota language. There’s lots to do, so wear your walking shoes, pack a water bottle, and get ready to discover the hidden gems in Manitoba’s small towns! 

Visit a Provincial Park 

Camping, hiking and stargazing are probably my favourite activities. There’s nothing better than spending time outdoors and connecting with nature.

Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, paddling across Manitoba’s many lakes, fishing by the shore or enjoying a beautiful sunrise or sunset, spending time outdoors is great for both your physical health and mental wellness. 

Manitoba has an incredible variety of provincial parks. If you’re looking for something close to Winnipeg, Birds Hill and Hecla/​Grindstone are popular destinations with plenty of activities to enjoy. In the southern part of the province, Pembina Valley has beautiful river valley scenery and is an ideal spot for birdwatching. 

To the north, I was impressed by the crystal-clear waters of Baker Narrows, Paint Lake, and Clearwater Lake when I went camping with my family. If you’re into hiking and exploring rocky landscapes, Whiteshell and Nopiming, located on the Great Canadian Shield, are my personal favourite parks. 

Out west, discover the forested trails of Duck Mountain or the sand dunes of Spruce Woods. 

Park entry is free this year, making it the perfect time to explore new trails and reconnect with nature. Check out park maps and locations to plan your next adventure! 

Bike the trails 

Biking is an easy way to stay active, and even a short 15-minute ride around your neighborhood or park improves your balance and cardiovascular health. 

I love to bike along the Awasisak Meskanow Greenway Trail. It’s a nice path that stretches around 18km from east to west in south Winnipeg, making it a convenient and accessible option for anyone living nearby. The Assiniboine Forest is another local option offering numerous treed trails, while the Trans Canada Trail stretches across the province with scenic sections perfect for a longer ride. 

Birds Hill Provincial Park has routes for every skill level. If you’re looking for something more adventurous and want to try out mountain biking, check out the Bison Butte Trails at Fort Whyte Alive. It was the site of the 2017 Canada Summer Games Mountain biking competition! 

With so much to do, don’t let the season slip away without spending some time outdoors making it an awesome autumn.