The Interlake region may be famous for its big lakes, but plenty of winter charm lies in the heartland.
This season, discover a network of centrally located trails that will take you on a journey through historic settlements, sweeping prairies, quiet forests, and warm, welcoming communities.
Here in the heartland between our inland oceans, you’ll find trails perfect for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, river skating and sightseeing attractions filled with history and local flavour.
Ready to lace up your boots or click into your bindings?
Here are four top trails to explore this winter:
1. Oak Hammock Marsh Trails: A Snowshoer’s Paradise
For the ultimate winter nature immersion, Oak Hammock Marsh offers over 30 kilometres of trails surrounded by sky, cattails, and wildlife.
Though a world-class destination for birdwatching, the marshlands in winter are transformed into the perfect snowshoeing escape with vistas of untouched snow, bald eagles hunting for prey, hoarfrost-covered reeds and a crisscross of jackrabbit and coyote tracks that send the first hint that life is bustling in every direction.
This free trail network is clearly marked, providing an easy navigation in a pristine city escape that’s only 20 minutes North of Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway.
To deepen your visit, you can warm up inside the newly updated Wetland Discovery Centre (admission applies), where exhibits, displays, and viewing areas help you better understand the marsh’s incredible biodiversity and its importance to migratory birds.
The Centre also features a modern on-site café, where you can warm up while still enjoying sweeping marsh views through its wrap-around windows. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. until late afternoon, it serves a high-quality selection of breakfast and lunch options. Don’t miss the bison chili or the wild rice burger.
Whether you’re snowshoeing with family, chasing sunrise over the snow, or just craving a break from the city, Oak Hammock is winter at its most serene.
Winter Birds
to Watch For:
> Snowy Owls
> Black-Capped Chickadees
> Redpolls
> House and Purple Finches
> Downy & Hairy Woodpeckers
> Snow Buntings
> Bald Eagles
> Common Ravens
2. Teulon’s Expanded All-Season Escape
Right in the heart of Teulon, you’ll find a beautiful, newly expanded 4-kilometre (2.5-mile) community trail that feels like a winter-ready ribbon of green space. The town plans to groom it through the season, offering an accessible outdoor loop perfect for walking, jogging, or pulling a sled behind you.
This scenic loop showcases some of Teulon’s best-loved spaces. Your journey begins as you wind past the iconic Teulon Rodeo Grounds, then continue alongside the soccer pitches and baseball diamonds, where summer’s action gives way to peaceful, snow-covered fields. From there, the trail carries you into a quiet, treed corridor, where birds flit through the branches and the soft sound of a small creek adds calm to the day’s soundtrack.
It’s the perfect spot to grab some fresh air, stretch your legs, and experience Teulon’s small-town charm in every season. No long drive required.
Itinerary Additions
To warm up or grab a bite during your adventure, head down Main Street to Farmhouse Café. You’ll find a wide selection of hot drinks, along with hearty breakfast and lunch options served with genuine small-town charm. With a varied menu, there’s something to satisfy the whole family.
If you’ve finished the trail and want to keep moving outdoors, continue south on Highway 7, then turn right onto 91 Rd N to reach the Teulon Cross Country Ski Club.
The club offers four professionally maintained trail loops ranging from 250 m to 1.4 km.
On site, you’ll find warming shelters and washrooms.
Non-members are welcome for a $10 per person or $30 per family trail fee, and must sign in at the chalet before heading out.
3. The Prime Meridian Trail: Following the Rails of History
For a true “middle of the Interlake” adventure, RM of Rockwood’s Prime Meridian Trail delivers. First laid out as the baseline for all western Canadian land surveys, it spans 116 km along a former CN rail bed, offering four-season opportunities to snowmobile, hike, ski, cycle, or ride horseback through a landscape that still represents our province’s agricultural tradition.
At its southern trailhead in Grosse Isle, the trail connects to a Trans Canada Trail spur and passes both the Grosse Isle Heritage Site and a rare tall-grass prairie preserve. While the heritage site is closed for the season, it still makes an atmospheric winter photo stop and the perfect place to park your vehicle for your hike.
Its keystone train station (visited each summer by a historic steam locomotive) has appeared in television shows and films such as The Pinkertons and The Porter.
If hiking on a summer weekend, arrive around noon when Canada’s oldest still-operating steam locomotive pulls into town. If exploring in winter the grounds, station, and pioneer buildings makes for an atmospheric winter stop.
Heading north, the route leads to Argyle, home of the Settlers, Rails & Trails Museum, where stories of railroading and settlement come to life.
In both communities, you can find free outdoor skating rinks that round out the perfect winter afternoon outing.
For those craving a longer journey, the trail continues north into the RM of Armstrong’s Narcisse Snake Dens, home of the world-famous dens.
While the snakes are asleep for the season, the interpretive signs and quiet winter landscape still add depth and intrigue to one of Manitoba’s most iconic wildlife stories.
4. Icelandic River Skating Trail – Community Spirit on Ice
Winding down the frozen Icelandic River, this 3 km skating trail connects Arborg and Bifrost-Riverton, offering riverside views and winter amenities that make it a perfect cold-weather destination.
Lovingly maintained by a dedicated crew of local volunteers and community partners, the trail offers:
> A large skating rink for casual laps or a friendly game of shinny
> A groomed cross-country ski trail
A snowmobile route tying into the wider Interlake network
After your skate, warm up in town with fresh pastries, donuts, and baked goods at the nearby Arborg Bakery.
This local favourite has served “just as good as when I was a kid” treats since the 1940s. It’s the ideal stop for a post-skate snack and a hot drink.
Before heading out, check the Town of Arborg’s Facebook page for the latest trail and ice updates. Volunteers post frequent reports on conditions.
For a winter photo stop, swing by the Arborg & District Heritage Village; though the buildings are closed in winter, you can still explore. The snow-covered windmill makes for an iconic backdrop.
Find More Winter Fun
Looking for more ways to enjoy the Interlake this winter? Keep exploring our website for the latest updates, adventures, and events.
And if you know of any other hidden gems or amazing trails we should cover, please reach out. We’d love to hear about them!
Beginning of Prime Meridian Trail
