Take a hike Or a bike ride on these local trail options By: AV Kitching Posted: 6:00 AM CDT Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 Last Modified: 8:39 AM CDT Monday, Aug. 10, 2026 Updates

We’re halfway through the 10-week summer holiday and if your family is anything like mine, it’s very likely you’ll be in full-blown survival mode at this point.

You’ve already visited all the popular ice-cream spots in the city (and if you haven’t then you’ll find a list of our faves here) , you’ve ticked every box in our Road Trip Bingo Card and answered every single question in the our How Well Do You Know Your Province Quiz (Part 1 and Part 2) … and there are still 29 days to go before school starts on Sept. 8.

If you’re running low on ideas, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered, with not one, not two, but three cycling/walking routes to help you squeeze a bit more fun from what’s left of the holidays. Grab your helmets, lace up your sneakers, pack water bottles and get outside to explore different neighbourhoods in the city.

NOTE: Check the Winnipeg Trails website before you leaving to make sure paths are open and in working order, especially if we’ve had a bout of nasty weather.

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ROUTE 1

Park and Play in North Kildonan

Best for: Families with children in strollers and/or independent bike riders aged nine and older

Ride it: Start at Fraser’s Grove Park, and follow the river path north towards McBeth Park, taking in the peaceful river views. Take a right onto the tree-lined Bunn’s Creek Trail and stay east, keeping your eyes peeled for deer, ducks and other wildlife. There is a spot for a bathroom break and a quick run round the playground at Bunn’s Creek Centennial Park.

Get back on your bikes and head towards Rothesay Street riding south for two blocks to family-friendly Scout Coffee + Community (1199 Rothesay St. ) for sustenance and a play. Once fortified, pedal one block east to the Northeast Pioneers Greenway, which follows the old Marconi rail line, stretching for more than 6 1/2 kilometres. Keep on the paved trail, riding north towards the dedicated crossing at Gateway and Springfield Road and ride into Kilcona Park. Loop around the ponds, check out the boardwalks and green spaces. When you’re ready to call it a day, head towards Norris Road then turn right onto Springfield Road and get on the Chief Peguis Greenway/Northeast Pioneers Greenway and ride all the way back to where you started.

Total ride time: About two hours with stops

Walk it: Park your vehicle at Bunn’s Creek Centennial Park and explore the playground, then walk down Bunn’s Creek Trail towards the Red River mouth.

Total walk time: About 40 minutes

Option: Make a detour when walking back and head towards Rothesay Street to check out Scout: Coffee + Community.

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ROUTE 2

Back Alley Expedition in Wolseley

Best for: Everyone

Ride or walk it: Start on Westminster Avenue, and grab a cinnamon bun from Tall Grass Prairie (859 Westminster Ave.) or a smoothie from Verde Juice Bar (887 Westminster Ave.) before you get going.

Pedal south heading towards the alley tucked between Canora and Ethelbert streets; this is Back Alley Arctic. Slow it right down and take in all the Back Alley Arctic art courtesy of artist Kal Barteski. Marvel at the polar bears, belugas and other wildlife painted on garage doors and fences.

Finish at Halter Park and Omand’s Creek, where you can explore the dirt trails along the riverbank, look for frogs and other little critters.

Total ride time: Five to seven minutes

Total walk time: 25 to 30 minutes

Option: Grab a selection of goodies from the bakery and juice bar to pack for a picnic at the end of your adventure.

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Route 3

Grand Trunk Trail in Headingley

Best for: Families with independent bike riders aged 10+

Ride it: Park your vehicle at the parking area on Wescana Street and get on the 10 km-long car-free Headingley Grand Trunk Trail which cuts west through open prairie, quiet wetlands and thick forest canopy. Keep riding straight into Beaudry Provincial Park (MB-241, Springstein). Ditch the bikes for a bit so the kids can explore the riverbank trails under towering cottonwood and maple trees, keep an eye out for wildlife, or just climb around. When you’re done, turn around and enjoy a smooth, peaceful ride back the way you came.

Total ride time: About 90 minutes round-trip

Walk it: Head west from Wescana Street until you reach the eastern edge of Beaudry Provincial Park.

Total walk time: 90 minutes

Option: Stop at Nick’s Inn (5392 Portage Ave., Headingley) for a bite to eat and a milkshake

av.kitching@winnipegfreepress.com