January 8, 2026
Interested in exploring Manitoba on snowshoes? Well you’ve come to the right place! We’re curated a list of everything you need to know, whether you’ve never snowshoed before or if you’re just a bit rusty, we got you covered with anything you need to know.
What You Need
Snowshoes
The most important thing to start with, snowshoes of course! If you don’t already own a pair, there are a lot of ways to purchase or rent in Winnipeg. To rent check out: Wilderness Supply, Kendricks Outdoor Adventures, or check out Living Prairie Museum for free rentals on Snowshoe Saturdays.
Poles (optional)
Snowshoeing poles are optional for snowshoeing but they do help guide you along the way and maintain balance. Poles are recommended for any uphill and downhill snowshoeing.
Winter Boots
Warm winter boots are a must for winter adventures. We recommend having boots rated for around -10 to -20, this will ensure your body stays warm! We recommend also wearing thick wool socks, especially if your boots are rated for a warmer temperature.
Layers of Clothing
Make sure to wear multiple layers of clothing anytime you are exercising outdoors. Starting with a warm base layer is key. For the legs, it can simply be leggings or pyjama pants worn under your clothing, and a good old pair of ski pants to ensure your layers stay dry. For the upper body, start with a moisture wicking layer, then a crew neck sweater, or hoodie are a great place to start, then top it off with a winter coat.
First Aid Kit and Supply Backpack
Make sure to have a full first aid kit and a backpack with any other essentials. This might include a water bottle, clothing layers, medications, a map, a compass, matches, pocket knife, and snacks. When in the wilderness it’s good to be prepared for anything. Learn more on: “How to pack for a hike”
Where to Snowshoe Manitoba
Living Prairie Museum
Snowshoe right in the city! Check out their free drop in snowshoe Saturdays. Learn more here.
Birds Hill
Visit the Prairie Winds Trail in Birds Hill Provincial Park. See map here.
Riding Mountain National Park
Check out one of Manitoba’s national parks and its tons of winter trails! See all trails and conditions here.
Fort Whyte Alive
Rent snowshoes on location and check out their beautiful trails. Learn more here.
Before heading out, check park websites for trail conditions.
Safety Tips
Bring a Map and Navigation Tools
Just in case you find yourself off of a designated trail it is always good to have multiple navigation tools on you, this could be a phone, a GPS, a map, and a compass. It;s always good to have an analog option just in case batteries die, or service is patchy.
Buddy System
Travelling outdoors is always more fun and more safe with a buddy!
Be Aware of your Surroundings
Have a heightened awareness for your surroundings anytime you are in the wilderness. Be on the look out for any animal encounters and carry a bear bell. Read our blog: “How to React if Encountering Wildlife.”
Stay Hydrated
Make sure to bring at least 2 water bottles for an outdoor adventure, its better to have more than not enough!
Trail Tips
Leave No Trace
Always pack out what you bring in, especially any food wrappers. This helps minimize litter and impacts on wildlife.
Follow Trail Signs
Make sure you are on the correct trail! Summer hiking trails, change designations in the winter, make sure you are doing the correct activity on the trails
Ski Trails
Don’t walk or snowshoe on groomed ski trails. These are groomed specifically for cross-country skiing and any other activity can damage the trail and create hazards for other individuals.