What do most Manitobans do for rest and relaxation? There are many choices! Aside from exploring nature and enjoying culture and the arts, there are many things you can do to relax and recover from a busy work week. Here are some of the most common ways you can have fun on the weekends:

Barbecues

Who doesn’t love barbecues? Look at most Manitoban backyards and you’ll see a grill. Summer is the season for barbecue parties, but you can do it even until late fall or as long as you’re not knee-deep in snow! A barbecue is a great way to get together with your neighbours and friends and start getting to know them over yummy food and beers (and other drinks, of course).

Explore family parks

In Winnipeg, your all-weather park is Assiniboine Park. It is where you can take long strolls, play sports, or barbecue outdoors in spring, summer and fall. In winter, you can learn to ice skate on a kilometre-long ice trail (Terry Fox Fitness Trail). The Assiniboine Park Zoo also has various attractions all year-round.

Manitoba has many water parks and spray pads. Check out the Winkler Aquatic Centre, Splash Island Water Park in Portage la Prairie and Steinbach Aquatic Centre. Please check if they are open before going.

Fishing

Fishing is one of the major pastimes in the province. But before you go out into the water, read The Manitoba Anglers’ Guide 2024 to know the latest guidelines, how and where to get a licence, what fishing methods to use, and other important information. Also check out Fishing in Manitoba (Travel Manitoba site) and Manitoba’s fishing hot spots for more great tips.

Shopping

If retail therapy is your only cure, Manitoba has malls and shopping centres where you can treat yourself (pun intended). Around Winnipeg, there’s Polo Park, St. Vital Centre, Portage Place, Johnston Terminal, and the Forks Market (or read Winnipeg Shopping Guide: The top 5 shopping districts in Winnipeg for more upscale and/or quaint shops around the City). Brandon has Brandon Shoppers Mall, Portage la Prairie has Portage la Prairie Mall and Steinbach has Clearspring Shopping Centre.

Restaurants and clubs

Aside from the many bistros, bars and restaurants that offer western food, Manitoba is a great place for authentic international cuisine (read Craving for your native dish? You just might find it here). In Winnipeg, Corydon Avenue features a strip of restaurants and bars offering anything from Mediterranean to Thai. Foodies will have many dining experiences to look forward to in the city.

Relax at home

Who’s up for two stress-free, relaxing days spent at an easily accessible venue with comfortable and familiar surroundings? Plus, accommodations are free (technically you do pay rent or mortgage, but you know what I mean)! The ultimate staycation is spent at home, sleeping in late, cooking and having meals together with your family, exchanging stories and catching up with each other. You can also play board games, jigsaw puzzles, or even develop a quiz on Canadian culture to make learning fun. Just make sure everyone (even the little ones) can join and participate in all the activities. Enjoy your weekend!
 
Article updated June 3, 2024.