October 31, 2025
By the CPAWS Manitoba Team
Autumn in Manitoba brings a special kind of magic. Crisp air, golden forests, and that unmistakable scent of leaves on the ground. It’s the season of migration, moose calls, and quiet reflection before winter sets in.
At CPAWS Manitoba, we believe that connecting with nature year-round deepens our appreciation for the lands and waters we work to protect. Our team members each have their own ways of celebrating fall outdoors, from hikes through boreal forests to chilly swims and cozy walks close to home.
Here’s what we’ve been up to this season and how you can enjoy these same places and experiences too.
Claire — Leaf Piles and Lazy Bugs
Favourite Fall Activity: Raking up a big pile of leaves and jumping in!
There’s something timeless about leaping into a pile of crunchy leaves. Claire loves the simple joy of this tradition and she’s quick to remind us that leaving leaves on your lawn is good for nature too.
“Leaves are nature’s mulch,” says Claire. “They protect pollinators and other insects, along with other small creatures through the winter.”
Try it yourself: Rake a pile for fun, then spread the leaves over your garden beds. You’ll help the soil and give bugs a cozy place to overwinter.
Ron — Hiking the Forest Trails of Grand Beach
Favourite Fall Activity: Hiking the forest trails at Grand Beach Provincial Park.
While most people think of Grand Beach for its white sand and summer crowds, Ron treasures it for its quiet fall trails. These paths — often used for cross-country skiing in winter — are peaceful and full of migrating birds in October.
“With the scent of pine, the pitch and roll of the landscape, and the towering old trees, it’s the perfect escape from city noise,” says Ron.
Plan your visit: Located about 1.5 hours north of Winnipeg, Grand Beach’s Boulder Hill and Squirrel Run trails are perfect for a day hike.
Carly — Seed Collecting and Tamarack Watching
Favourite Fall Activity: Visiting Belair Forest, Birds Hill, or Beaudry Park to collect native prairie seeds and watch the tamaracks turn gold.
Carly loves this time of year for its soft light and quiet beauty. She collects prairie seeds to grow native plants in her own yard, helping pollinators and birds thrive, while also practising reciprocity by scattering seeds along her route, (non-invasive species of course. ;).
“The tamaracks are my favourite part of fall. Their golden needles feel like a farewell song to summer,” says Carly. “When they change, I know it’s time to collect seeds for next year’s garden. Gardening doesn’t end for me in autumn; it just takes on a new rhythm of gratitude and preparation.”
Plan your visit: Belair Forest, Birds Hill Provincial Park, and Baudry Park are all within an hour’s drive of Winnipeg. Bring a notebook and camera to capture the colours and only collect seeds where it’s permitted and sustainable.
David — One Last Swim in the Whiteshell
Favourite Fall Activity: The final plunge of the season at his family cabin in the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Every fall, David takes one last (chilly!) swim before closing up the cabin. It’s a family tradition that marks the changing seasons and a bracing reminder of how alive you feel in nature.
“It’s shockingly cold every time, but once you’re in, you just have to embrace it,” says David. “There’s something tender and bittersweet about that last swim, when you know the season’s warmth won’t return for a while.”
Plan your visit: Whiteshell Provincial Park is about two hours east of Winnipeg and offers lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails like the Hunt Lake or Pine Point Rapids Trails. Even if you skip the swim, the scenery is spectacular.
Chelsea — Walks in Bois-des-Esprits
Favourite Fall Activity: Walking with her dog, Lenny through Bois-des-Esprits, a lush urban forest in Winnipeg.
Bois-des-Esprits follows the Seine River and is alive with deer, beavers, and songbirds, all within the city limits. Watching the leaves change colour here is a reminder that nature exists right outside our doors.
“It’s incredible to see so many deer or beavers so close to home,” says Chelsea. “You realize you don’t need to go far to feel connected to nature.”
Plan your visit: The Bois-Des-Esprits trails is about 5 km long, with trailheads at John Bruce Road and Shorehill Drive. It’s a peaceful walk for all ages (and dogs).
Deb — Spooky Yard Decorating for Trick-or-Treaters
Favourite Fall Activity: Transforming her yard into a Halloween wonderland for trick-or-treaters.
For Deb, fall fun means going all out for Halloween. Each year, she and her husband spend an entire weekend setting up fog machines, lights, giant spiders, and a massive web that stretches across the yard. It’s a labour of love and one that turns their home into a favourite stop for neighbourhood kids.
“We love seeing the kids’ faces light up when they walk by,” says Deb. “If the weather’s nice, I’m always out there in costume handing out candy. It’s so much fun connecting with everyone.”
This year is bittersweet, though. Her oldest son is away at university and missing out on the family tradition for the first time. Still, the display will shine as bright (and spooky) as ever — a celebration of creativity, community, and the joy of sharing a little seasonal magic.
Neil — Family Moose Hunt Tradition
Favourite Fall Activity: The annual family moose hunt with his dad, cousins, and friends.
For Neil, fall is about tradition, connection, and respect for the land. His family has been hunting together for decades, carrying forward teachings about stewardship and sustainable harvest.
“It’s not just about hunting, it’s about spending time together and honouring what the land provides,” says Neil.
This deep connection reflects the same values that guide our work at CPAWS: respect, reciprocity, and balance with nature.
Nadia — Peaceful Walks in Agassiz Forest
Favourite Fall Activity: Strolling through Agassiz Forest near Lac du Bonnet with her dogs.
For Nadia, fall is best enjoyed at a slower pace, just her, her dogs, and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot. The Agassiz Forest, with its mix of towering pines and golden aspen, offers a peaceful escape where every trail feels like a new discovery.
“I love watching my dogs run ahead through the sandy trails and weave between the trees,” says Nadia. “The forest helps me let go of everything else. You can smell the pine, hear the birds, and feel your worries loosen their grip.”
Plan your visit: Located near Lac du Bonnet, about 90 minutes northeast of Winnipeg, Agassiz Forest is a beautiful mix of wetlands and woodlands. You’ll find wide trails for walking, birdwatching, or simply soaking in the stillness of the boreal. Don’t forget your camera, (and maybe a thermos of something warm to enjoy along the way).
Katie — Picnics, Journals, and Coffee in the Park
Favourite Fall Activity: Grabbing a warm drink and heading to the park for a cozy fall picnic.
For Katie, fall is the perfect season to slow down and soak in the colours, preferably with a latte or matcha in hand. She loves picking up a beverage from her favourite local cafés, Thom Bargen or Little Sister Coffee Maker, then heading out to Churchill Drive Park or Assiniboine Park for a picnic.
“I usually bring my journal or a board game to play with a friend,” says Katie. “It’s such a simple way to enjoy the day, fresh air, good coffee, and a little time to reset before winter.”
Plan your visit: Both parks are beautiful spots for a crisp fall afternoon. Churchill Drive Park, along the Red River, is perfect for quiet walks and people-watching, while Assiniboine Park offers endless trails, art, and open space for games or lounging under the trees.
Why Fall (and Every Season) Belongs Outdoors
Spending time outdoors isn’t just good for your body, it’s nourishment for your mind and spirit. Studies show that time in nature reduces stress, improves focus, and helps us feel more connected to each other and the earth.
Whether it’s a walk in your neighbourhood park or a weekend road trip to a provincial trail, fall is the perfect time to slow down and reconnect.
But these experiences depend on having healthy, protected natural spaces. Forests, wetlands, and rivers don’t just provide recreation, they store carbon, filter water, and give wildlife a home.
Take Action for Nature
We’re calling on the Manitoba government to develop an Action Plan for Nature — one that includes dedicated funding in the provincial budget to make conservation real.
Sign our online postcard today
Help protect the lands and waters that make your favourite fall moments possible.
Get Outside In Every Season
No matter the weather, every season in Manitoba has something to offer. From frosty forests to summer lakes and autumn trails, there’s always beauty to be found.
So grab your boots, your camera, (or your dog) and head outdoors. Nature is waiting.
Explore With Us!
If you’re looking for inspiration on where to explore next, join one of our CPAWS Manitoba Nature Club hikes! We host free, family-friendly outings year-round to help people connect with the incredible landscapes right in our backyard. You can also visit our Trail Guide page to discover more great places to walk, paddle, and explore across Manitoba.