A treasure in the middle of Charleswood

Charleswood

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/06/2025 (459 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Did you know?

Winnipeg is home to the largest natural urban forest in Canada – the Assiniboine Forest.

The forest is 285 hectares (just over 700 acres.)

Now maybe this is common knowledge to most, but I did not know that until someone who recently read my column told me. He is part of the Charleswood Rotary Club. which was tasked with stewarding the forest a few decades ago, raising funds to develop its accessibility and maintain its natural beauty.

The Assiniboine Forest, however, may not have been in existence at all if not for certain historical events. I always assumed it was the result of brilliant city planning — how else would we now have such a gem in our city?

How this large piece of land initially managed to survive undeveloped is more a story of thwarted plans, owing to the stock market crash in 1929. Subsequently, the open land was used for a few small landfill sites and a bit of recreation then, gradually, through the vision of various individuals and organizations, the area became what it is today.

My husband and I recently took a long walk along the edge of the northern portion (across from Assiniboine Park) and then through a small part of what is south of Grant Avenue. It was incredible to think we were still in a busy city as we looked around, surrounded by nature, peace and quiet.

From a small parking lot, we started our journey on a paved path that took us past a meadow, into the aspen trees, and onto a boardwalk past a wetland. Then, we changed over to a woodchip path and looped back to where we started.

We had only visited the forest once before, when our kids were small, and had no idea where we were going, but the paths were clear and well-marked, and it was a lovely time. We met a few fellow walkers along the way, a photographer, and a family on bikes. I’ve been told that coyotes are part of the wildlife there, but we didn’t see any. Just the usual deer.

Now that I’ve done some research, I’ve realized how many trails there actually are and how many kinds of trails (bare earth, limestone, mulched wood, boardwalk, asphalt). There are even plans for cross-country ski trails.

If you’re an explorer-type, you may want to search for three abandoned vintage cars rusting in various places. If you want to see the beauty of the forest from your armchair, check out https://www.youtube.com/@DonRousselPhotography and scroll his videos. He has two.

The Assiniboine Forest is a rare urban treasure, and I hope to return many times in every season. (Thanks, Jack, for the info.)