Manitoba’s First-Ever Winter Trails Day Proves Nobody Does Winter Better

Winnipeg, Manitoba, February 7, 2025 - Manitobans are encouraged to embrace the season and hit the trails in celebration of the inaugural Manitoba Winter Trails Day on February 8, a new annual day promoting the thousands of kilometres of winter trails that crisscross the province.

From cross-country skiing and skijoring to snowshoeing, hiking, running, fat biking, dogsledding, skating and snowmobiling, Manitoba offers endless ways to explore during the winter season. More than just a fun day outdoors, Manitoba Winter Trails Day promotes awareness of the province’s winter trails and activities, celebrates partners across the province who build and maintain trails and encourages Manitobans to spend quality time outdoors.

“With thousands of kilometres of winter trails throughout the province, Manitoba is home to many incredible outdoor experiences,” said the Honourable Nellie Kennedy, Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. “Manitoba Winter Trails Day is an opportunity to celebrate our vast trail networks and encourage Manitobans and visitors alike to get outside, stay active and explore the natural beauty that makes our province special.”

The declaration of Manitoba Winter Trails Day was made by the Government of Manitoba’s Department of Environment and Climate Change.

“By celebrating Manitoba Winter Trails Day, we’re shining a light on trail networks across the province and the dedicated partners who maintain them, ensuring everyone can enjoy the outdoors in winter," said the Honourable Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “With free entry to Manitoba Parks in February, more Manitobans will have the opportunity to experience these trails firsthand.”

To mark the occasion, Travel Manitoba organized a “friendly” snowshoe race on the Nestaweya River Trail at The Forks, pitting media personalities against some of the province’s winter trail experts.

“Nobody does winter better than Manitoba and trails are at the heart of our winter experiences,” said Colin Ferguson, President & CEO of Travel Manitoba. “Support for Manitoba’s winter trails drives tourism, generates positive economic impact, improves the quality of life for all Manitobans and builds capacity to conserve these spaces for future generations.”

Over two-thirds of Manitobans say they use trails for a wide variety of activities including hiking, cross-country skiing and running, a 2024 Leger Research study found.
Tourism is an economic multiplier that delivered $1.82 billion in visitor spending and generated $373 million in provincial tax revenues for Manitoba in 2023. The province saw over 10.4 million visitors that same year, including Manitobans travelling throughout their home province.

Representatives from trail-related associations emphasized the role of trails in fostering community connections, promoting sustainable outdoor recreation and enhancing Manitoba’s reputation as a top-tier winter destination.

"With thousands of kilometres of designated winter trails, Manitoba offers some of the best snowmobiling experiences in Canada," said Yvonne Rideout, Executive Director, Snoman Inc. "These trails are more than just a recreational asset—they drive winter tourism, support rural businesses and showcase the province’s incredible landscapes in a way only snowmobilers can experience."

"Manitoba’s winter trails are more than just pathways through the snow, they’re gateways to adventure, wellness and connection with nature," said Tim Coffin, Executive Director, Trails Manitoba. “By exploring these trails, we not only discover the seasonal beauty of the province but also create meaningful experiences with others, fostering a sense of shared belonging and respect for the natural world.”

"Winter trails are essential to Winnipeg’s culture; they help define who we are and offer opportunities for everyone to stay active and have fun," said Anders Swanson, Winnipeg Trails Association. "Whether you're gliding along a skating trail, exploring on cross-country skis or snowshoes, blazing trails to your favourite ice fishing spot or exploring a wintry landscape from the seat of your wheelchair, Manitoba Winter Trails Day is a perfect reminder to celebrate the unique beauty of the place we call home."

For more information, please contact:
Louise Waldman
Director, Communications
Travel Manitoba
lwaldman@travelmanitoba.com
204-619-5953

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Travel Manitoba is a Crown Corporation under provincial legislation that leads and stimulates sustainable tourism growth in Manitoba’s $1.82 billion tourism industry. In partnership with the tourism industry, the agency is responsible for tourism marketing, visitor information services, research and public information.