Winter’s finally here at Assiniboine Park

Winter activities are officially underway, with outdoor skating, cross-country skiing, and tobogganing now open. Once the snow sticks around, this is one of those places people naturally circle back to—it’s familiar, easy to access, and built for exactly this kind of weather.

Skating at the Duck Pond

The Riley Family Duck Pond is open, and it’s the kind of spot that makes you want to stay out a bit longer than planned. It’s wide, open, and more relaxed than a lot of rinks around the city. You can just skate, take in the space, and not feel rushed.

The skating shelter is open daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, which makes it easy to pop by whenever it fits your day. Washrooms are available there, too—one of those practical details that quietly makes the whole experience better.

Just a heads-up: hockey sticks and pucks aren’t allowed, so it’s strictly for leisure skating.

Trails and tobogganing

Hitting the trails

If skating isn’t your thing, the cross-country ski trails are being groomed whenever the weather cooperates. The trails wind through different parts of the park, so it doesn’t feel repetitive, and you’re not boxed in the whole time. It’s a solid way to get a workout in without leaving the city.

You’ll find ski racks near the Duck Pond and The Leaf if you’re hauling your own gear.

The toboggan hill

Then there’s tobogganing, which feels almost mandatory once winter sets in. The hill near the Nature Playground is open, and it’s exactly what you’d expect—simple, fun, and popular for a reason.

Bring your own sled, take a few runs, and decide for yourself when your legs are done hauling the sled back up.

Why it’s an easy win

What works about the park in winter is that nothing feels complicated. It’s all free, there’s no booking system, and you don’t need to commit to a four-hour ordeal for it to feel worthwhile.

You can stop in for a quick lap or let the kids burn off some energy and be back home in an hour. It’s just a low-key way to get outside without turning it into a whole production.