Where to connect with nature in Winnipeg
We've all spent plenty of time indoors over the past many months. It's time to feel the sun on our faces again. Here's where to connect with nature in Winnipeg – just remember to wear some sunscreen.
Assiniboine Forest
If you've never ventured into Assiniboine Forest, prepare to be impressed. This isn't some little group of trees surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the city. This is a 287-hectare (700-acre) natural wilderness park. A true urban forest with many hiking and biking trails winding through the dense canopy. Some of these trails are paved and well populated, but you can also find smaller, meandering trails too. If you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a white-tailed deer or two. The Assiniboine Forest Parking Lot is located at 3000 Grant Avenue, less than a 20-minute drive from home at The Arts Residences.
Assiniboine Park
Just across the street from Assiniboine Forest, on the north side of Grant Avenue and continuing all the way to Roblin Boulevard, you'll find Assiniboine Park. Here you'll find many great ways to spend a day in the great outdoors. The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden & English Garden is open year-round from 9 am to 9 pm. The Outdoor Gardens at The Leaf are now open, too! The gardens cover close to 12 hectares (30 acres) of the south-east corner of the park. If you've never visited before, you can get better acquainted with an Assiniboine Park GPS-guided audio walking tour for $6. There is also a zoo that is open from 9 am to 5 pm daily.
Fort Whyte Alive
If you want to feel alive, spend some quality time at Fort Whyte Alive, a 259-hectare (640 acre) nature preserve. There are many opportunities for outdoor adventure here -- strolling the floating marsh boardwalks, hiking the 7 km of forest trails, wildlife watching, canoeing and fishing on it's 5 lakes! This is truly a special place to explore and one of the best spots to connect with nature in Winnipeg.
Bois-des-esprits
Bois-des-esprits is a 47-hectare (117-acre) urban forest. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring the five distinct ecosystems within the forest – the riverbottom, wetland, oak forest, aspen forest and grassland. Bois-des-esprits is part of the 27-km Seine River Greenway. It's the perfect escape from the stress of city living – without having to leave the city!
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