Explore Manitoba winter festivals

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/01/2024 (705 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Like it or not, winter is here to stay for a while. And whether you like the snowy season or not, one great thing is that it brings about fun and interesting seasonal events all over Manitoba. Like these ones.

The 77th Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival in The Pas, taking place Feb. 14-18, has a long and evolving history. It began in 1916 as The Pas Dog Derby, named after the multi-day dog race from one northern town to another and spanning 225-320 kilometres. In 1948, after a 17-year hiatus, the races returned and traditions were revived. Over the next seven decades, the gathering would grow into what it has become today. Highlights include Fur Queen and King Trapper contests, culinary and talent competitions, logger events, a scavenger hunt, and sled-dog tours.

Since 1970, Festival du Voyageur has been a mainstay in Winnipeg. The 10-day festival from Feb. 16-25 at Fort Gibraltar Heritage Site is billed as Western Canada’s largest francophone event. Inspired by the fur trade voyageur era of 1815, it offers artistic and educational experiences through music and dance, outdoor activities, and historical interpretation. There are five performance stages throughout the festival site, arts and crafts, a beard growing contest, and a variety of traditional foods to taste. Be sure to keep an eye out for extraordinary snow sculptures gracing the streets of St. Boniface.

Steinbach’s Winter Carnival at Mennonite Heritage Village is an annual event on this turn-of-the century Russian Mennonite site. Over two days during Louis Riel long weekend, Feb. 16 and 17, families can partake in things to do both inside and out, with entertainment, demonstrations, and a new photography exhibit. This fascinating museum complex has 30 restored heritage buildings and monuments, and collections of historical artifacts collected from all over the province. It’s a really neat place that lets you step back in time a little bit, and is worth checking out at any time of year.

The lucky 13th Gimli Ice Festival from March 1-3 happens along the shores of Lake Winnipeg – and also literally right on top of Lake Winnipeg. This three-day jam-packed fest will make you want to be outside and walking around on frozen water. Adrenaline junkies will love spectating car racing on icy winding surfaces, and the daredevil motorcycle demos. Other ice-themed activities are the frozen t-shirt competition, and the very popular Vikings Challenge ice-fishing derby. Tamer and warmer pursuits include bannock and tea around the fire, and art and film exhibits. And you can do any or all of this with your face painted, too.

For over 115 years, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair has been an annual tradition in Brandon. It’s now one of the largest agricultural events in the entire west, and takes place March 25-30. Fun fact, it’s one of only two fairs in all of Canada to receive royal designation, when it was recognized by Queen Elizabeth II in 1970. (The other was Toronto’s Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, designated by King George V in 1922.) Attractions here include equestrian and cattle shows, a petting zoo, a giant sandbox, and a sunrise breakfast to start you on your way — there’s no better way to start a wintry Manitoba day.