Province proclaims February 8th as Manitoba Winter Trails Day
Posted February 7, 2025 4:33 pm.
Last Updated February 8, 2025 11:16 am.
Manitobans looking to embrace winter have a new reason to head outside, with the announcement of a new inaugural Manitoba Winter Trails Day.
The annual event invites residents and visitors to explore the province’s vast network of winter trails, from cross-country skiing and snowshoeing to snowmobiling and ice skating.
“I’m so honored to be proclaiming the first ever Manitoba Winter Trails Day this is happening tomorrow February 8th,” said Mike Moyes, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
“There’s so many different activities that are maintained by such great organization and if we can get out to enjoy that for physical wellness for mental wellness and see the beauty Manitoba has to offer that’s such a bonus for us.”
Manitoba is known for its unique outdoor experiences, with thousands of kilometers of trails currently open to the public. The day is designed to not only highlighting the trails, but also celebrate those who maintain them.
“These folks are the unsung heroes, and it is because of them we get to celebrate this day,” said Tim Coffin, the executive director of Trails Manitoba.
These trails also play a major role in winter tourism for Manitoba’s economy, with tourism generating over $1.8 billion in visitor spending in 2023.
“Our parks and the trails within them play an important role in driving tourism and showcasing the natural beauty of our province,” said Nellie Kennedy, the Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism.
To mark the occasion, Travel Manitoba hosted a snowshoe race on the Nestaweya River Trail at The Forks Friday, with media personalities including CityNews’ Mitchell Ringos, competing alongside local trail experts, and let’s just say it was one for the books.
Winning the race may be one of the greatest life achievements for CityNews’ own, Winnipeggers can experience the joys of the trails for themselves.
