No more excuses, just warm wishes from Winnipeg, Manitoba (where it is currently -14C/+7F). Not bad by Manitoba standards!
Red River Mutual is a 6-km (3.7 mile) skating path and separate walking trail along the river’s frozen surface. Yearly competitions create numerous, funky warming huts along the way.
The downtown intersection of Portage and Main is reputed to be the “coldest and windiest intersection in Canada.” It is featured on the Canadian Monopoly Board. Randy Bachman and Neil Young sang about it in “Prarie Town.” Stompin’ Tom Connors also gave it a nod in “Red River Jane.” On this corner, in 1972, Bobby Hull signed the largest contract in hockey history for his day.
If visiting Winnipeg in winter, remember to bring your extra warm woolies, waterproof boots…and sunglasses. Because you just never know!
Richard, Donna and niece, Brieann, wish you warmth wherever you are.
And George, the cat, has hogged the prime seat near the fireplace!
Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.
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72 thoughts on “Wordless Wednesday: Winter in Winnipeg”
Beautiful winter shots, Donna. I have been complaining here in Maine that our winter has been so rainy. I like it much better when snow settles in and then temps allow for it to stay without the highs and lows we have been experiencing. Winnipeg looks lovely!
Hi, Molly – Winnipeg definitely gets a bad rap for its (often exaggerated) winters. Although it is much colder here than at home, the bright winter scenes were stunning to behold!
Hi Donna,
I’ll bet it is nice and cozy to come in from the cold and snuggle by the fire…maybe with a glass of wine and a good book??? Although I do not miss this type of weather from NH, I must admit the photos make it look lovely. The river skate path is a fabulous idea. How cool! (no pun intended 🙂 )
Hi, Nancy – I like your pun! I don’t usually relish cold weather but….I was totally prepared for it this time. Proper clothing and so many wonderful activities and scenes to enjoy made it a wonderful experience!
Well, I can see why you’re wordless, Donna…your lips must be frozen! Burr…it looks so cold, but beautiful. I love the phone of you and Richard with your niece! As for George, he’s got the right idea. Enjoy!
Very observant about the lips! They were a bit cold indeed! We are now in Edmonton, Alberta which is currently even colder (-17C). You know what they say about “greener pastures”!
Hi, Liesbet – Much of Vancouver Island typically is the warmest place in Canada in the winter. The family time together in Winnipeg and Edmonton has been totally worth it!
Nice to wake up this morning and see the bright smiles and rosy cheeks coming from Winnipeg. This is the first time I have heard about a warming hut. And, yes, to a Canadian “Portage and Main” is a cultural iconic site. Have a fun visit and thank you for sharing, Donna. 🙂
Thank you for your kind comment, Erica. The ‘Warming Huts’ were absolutely wonderful. I love when people creatively make ‘challenging situations’ fun and enjoyable!
Despite the chilly temperatures, we actually saw a couple of people with sweaters, shorts and bare legs (true)!! I guess it’s all relative. In 1947, the weather in the tiny village of Snag (Yukon Territories) hit −63 °C or −81.4 °F. I can’t even begin to comprehend that kind of cold!!
Hi Donna – I recognize the sunny Canadian winter scenery 🙂 I think you meant minus 14C. George has the right idea. Stay warm and enjoy your time in Winnipeg!
Hi, Natalie – Good eye! It was definitely “minus Celsius” weather. I wonder where my little “-” sign went! You’re right about the scenery — very Canadian!!
Wonderful pics of the capital city I spent a couple yrs living during the late 60’s and brought back loads of memories of my home province. Thx so much.
Hi, Connie – Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. There’s nothing like the love for our hometowns and provinces! I frequently drive my husband batty breaking out in the “Ontari-ari-ariooo” song! 🙂
How pretty those pictures are, but I can still feel the cold coming through them! Not a fan of cold, but maybe in short doses to see the beauty and then to go home to a nice crackling fire. Thanks for sharing Donna!
Hi, Janet – I wouldn’t want to work around this type of weather on a regular basis. But, short doses, to hang out with family, has been lovely! And….this will make our +5C rainy weather seem not so cold!! 🙂
I’m pretty sure that I have no idea how truly cold that must be. If it gets into the low 60s/high 50s here, I start whining. I can’t deny the beauty of a recent snowfall, though. I just can’t figure out how I would be able to enjoy it without actually having to feel the cold. George definitely has the right idea! Enjoy your stay!
Woo Hoo!! It is so nice to see you back online! How was your break??
I honestly believe that the secret to enjoying cold weather is proper clothing. Or…that’s just my excuse to do more shopping. Either way, that’s what works for me! I look forward to reading your next post!
Hi, Joanne – I haven’t skated for years. I absolutely loved that there was a separate walking trail for people who wanted to enjoy the ice without skating. It was truly perfect!
And it actually makes sense for parents who want to stay close to their older kids who may be skating. It’s a great idea. If you can’t beat winter, you might as well enjoy it 🙂
Gorgeous photos Donna and the sky is beautiful and clear. We don’t experience winter like that here in Australia and I would love to. It all looks so gorgeous but I think the novelty would wear off when it is so cold! Thank you for sharing with us at #MLSTL and it is wonderful to have you back with us again. xx
Oh my, it looks like a winter wonderland. I’m reading this at nearly 9am on a Thursday morning where I’m already contemplating switching the airconditioning on!
Hi, Brenda – I completely agree! I lived in Ottawa for four years and skated on the canal quite often.
BTW – I just finished “The Big Sleep” and plan to begin “Of Human Bondage” on the plane tomorrow! 🙂
Wow this looks so amazing Donna! It’s much different here at the moment but I won’t tell you in case you get jealous 🙂 Enjoy that gorgeous scenery and stay warm #mlstl
Hi, Debbie – Our trip to Winnipeg was amazing. We loved every minute of it. From there we went to visit more family in Edmonton, Alberta — which was ironically even colder!! Luckily, Vancouver Island has a very mild winter (by Canadian standards). We are headed home now! Thanks for stopping by — and thanks for not letting me know how warm it is there!
That first pic just takes me breath away. I’ve never seen real snow – a little flurry and some sludge in Europe at the end of their winter, but I can’t even begin to imagine how cold and white and amazing all that snow would be (I think I’d be sitting next to your cat in a very short amount of time though!)
thanks for linking up to MLSTL – I’ve shared this on my SM 🙂
Thanks, Leanne – I got lucky with that shot. Especially because I did not want to have my gloves off for long. Thanks for sharing on your SM. I greatly appreciate it.
Thanks, Christie – Ironically, the weather are on this trip was warmer than what we expected. We were delighted every step of the way. Thanks for dropping by and commenting
Brr. It may be mild by Manitoba standards but it looks a might frosty for mine. Makes my throat hurt! Ha! What a wimp I am. Just settle me in with George, and I’ll be fine. Happy new year!
I’ve only been to Winnipeg once, in the summer. Had a great time, found a spa, an adorable coffee place, and saw the Winnipeg Ballet.
Winnipeg in the winter? I’d be curled up with George 🙂
Hi, Aimer – I’ve only been to Winnipeg twice so far – April and January. It was this January trip that really made me fall in love with the city. I look forward to giving summer there a try as well (minus the mosquitoes)!
BRRR! Looks quite chilly there, no not chilly but extra cold and icy! I thought that large pic at the top was a painting when I first saw it. Stay warm ♥
Thanks, Dee – I definitely got lucky with that photo — especially as it was a quick shot. I am back home on Vancouver Island now. It was a balmy 11C (51.8F) today. Bliss!!
There you are again, dear Donna, finding happiness in the most extreme conditions and sharing the experience with us. 😉 I have no idea what it’s like to live in such conditions, so the song/video you added was a nice authentic touch. In fact, I had to look up who this Randy was! Bachman Turner Overdrive! They had a song “Taking Care of Business” that I almost requested for my retirement party last March! Anyway, it’s nice to see your enjoying each day, whether it’s walking under the searing sun of Palm Desert, or slogging through piles of white stuff up northern way.
Hi, Susan – I’m glad that you liked the clip from Randy Bachman and Neil Young. Ironically, I saw Neil Young perform in Palm Desert (Desert Trip). It really is a small world! I am hopping over to your site to read your latest post now! 🙂
Oh, my goodness, Portage and Main in the winter, you ARE brave, Donna! As a prairie chicken (or prairie flower—take your pick), I’m well versed in below zero weather! I loved the video—Neil Young always stirs my heart!
Thanks, Diane – The weather on Portage and Main was amazingly lovely when we were there (+1C and sunny)! However, we did push our luck when continuing on to Edmonton (-18, ice and snowy)! When I was looking through Neil Young and Randy Bachman videos, I saw one where Randy said that he, Neil and Burton (Cummings) used to have their mothers phone into the local radio show (Beefs and Bouquets) and pretend to be an anonymous fan saying how well they had performed at a local hangout. I LOVE tidbits like that!
Hi, Pam – The scenery was definitely stunning. With our fog and drizzle during the past few days, I found myself missing the Winnipeg weather. (Shhh, please don’t tell anyone)! 🙂
Hi, Jude – You can rent skates from the Forks Complex at the one end of the path. You can even get a nice hot or cold drink, plus a wide variety of food, from the same complex. They have thought of everything! 🙂
Hi Donna – bet it’s colder there today. I hadn’t realised how interesting Winnipeg’s history is … just watched Michael Portillo’s Great Canadian Train Journeys on Winnipeg … and I’ve loved being able to co-join and overlay a little more geographical history onto Canada – bringing your wonderful country to life. There’s more episodes to see …
Love the photos – wonderful to have that skating path … such an interesting city – loved reading that the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has been located there …
Cheers and enjoy the somewhat warmer weather on VIsland … even we have snow spattering on the Downs today! – Hilary
Hi, Hilary – I am so glad that I visited Winnipeg in the beginning of January when it was +1C as opposed to today when it is -31C there. Brrrrr!!!! It was +4 degrees in our little corner of the Island today. I am incredibly grateful for our mild weather!
Retirement Reflections 
Beautiful winter shots, Donna. I have been complaining here in Maine that our winter has been so rainy. I like it much better when snow settles in and then temps allow for it to stay without the highs and lows we have been experiencing. Winnipeg looks lovely!
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Hi, Molly – Winnipeg definitely gets a bad rap for its (often exaggerated) winters. Although it is much colder here than at home, the bright winter scenes were stunning to behold!
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Hi Donna,
I’ll bet it is nice and cozy to come in from the cold and snuggle by the fire…maybe with a glass of wine and a good book??? Although I do not miss this type of weather from NH, I must admit the photos make it look lovely. The river skate path is a fabulous idea. How cool! (no pun intended 🙂 )
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Hi, Nancy – I like your pun! I don’t usually relish cold weather but….I was totally prepared for it this time. Proper clothing and so many wonderful activities and scenes to enjoy made it a wonderful experience!
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Well, I can see why you’re wordless, Donna…your lips must be frozen! Burr…it looks so cold, but beautiful. I love the phone of you and Richard with your niece! As for George, he’s got the right idea. Enjoy!
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Very observant about the lips! They were a bit cold indeed! We are now in Edmonton, Alberta which is currently even colder (-17C). You know what they say about “greener pastures”!
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Yikes! Keep that cute hood on your head, Donna! 🙂
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Wait a minute… you’re going to colder than Vancouver Island placets now? 🙂 Beautiful scenes and comfortable looks, though. Enjoy your visit!
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Hi, Liesbet – Much of Vancouver Island typically is the warmest place in Canada in the winter. The family time together in Winnipeg and Edmonton has been totally worth it!
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Nice to wake up this morning and see the bright smiles and rosy cheeks coming from Winnipeg. This is the first time I have heard about a warming hut. And, yes, to a Canadian “Portage and Main” is a cultural iconic site. Have a fun visit and thank you for sharing, Donna. 🙂
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Thank you for your kind comment, Erica. The ‘Warming Huts’ were absolutely wonderful. I love when people creatively make ‘challenging situations’ fun and enjoyable!
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You had me at 7 degrees! Yikes! Warm wishes coming to you!
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Despite the chilly temperatures, we actually saw a couple of people with sweaters, shorts and bare legs (true)!! I guess it’s all relative. In 1947, the weather in the tiny village of Snag (Yukon Territories) hit −63 °C or −81.4 °F. I can’t even begin to comprehend that kind of cold!!
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There comes a point where it’s hard to feel the difference.
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That’s likely true…but I’d hate to have to find out for sure! 🙂
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That’s so interesting how one particular intersection can have such a distinction. Note to self: only go there in summer! Stay warm, Donna. – Marty
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Hi, Marty – With four rivers running through the city limits, you may want to check out the mosquito maps before booking your flights. Just sayin’! 🙂
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Hi Donna – I recognize the sunny Canadian winter scenery 🙂 I think you meant minus 14C. George has the right idea. Stay warm and enjoy your time in Winnipeg!
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Hi, Natalie – Good eye! It was definitely “minus Celsius” weather. I wonder where my little “-” sign went! You’re right about the scenery — very Canadian!!
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Gorgeous photos Donna – those skies! George has the right idea 🙂 Can’t wait to go to Canada next month 🙂
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Happy Skiing, Sam. If you come out to Vancouver or Vancouver Island, definitely let me know!
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I will Donna & happy skiing to you x
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Wonderful pics of the capital city I spent a couple yrs living during the late 60’s and brought back loads of memories of my home province. Thx so much.
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Hi, Connie – Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting. There’s nothing like the love for our hometowns and provinces! I frequently drive my husband batty breaking out in the “Ontari-ari-ariooo” song! 🙂
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How pretty those pictures are, but I can still feel the cold coming through them! Not a fan of cold, but maybe in short doses to see the beauty and then to go home to a nice crackling fire. Thanks for sharing Donna!
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Hi, Janet – I wouldn’t want to work around this type of weather on a regular basis. But, short doses, to hang out with family, has been lovely! And….this will make our +5C rainy weather seem not so cold!! 🙂
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Oh my! I get freezing with weather in the 50’s!
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Wow, I thought we had it cold at -1C this morning! Good for George, cats a,ways find the best spots.
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Hi, Anabel – Richard and I just got back from a -17C walk….and George was hogging the fireplace once again! Cats are VERY clever!
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I’m pretty sure that I have no idea how truly cold that must be. If it gets into the low 60s/high 50s here, I start whining. I can’t deny the beauty of a recent snowfall, though. I just can’t figure out how I would be able to enjoy it without actually having to feel the cold. George definitely has the right idea! Enjoy your stay!
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Woo Hoo!! It is so nice to see you back online! How was your break??
I honestly believe that the secret to enjoying cold weather is proper clothing. Or…that’s just my excuse to do more shopping. Either way, that’s what works for me! I look forward to reading your next post!
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wow – you’re right. That isn’t bad for Winnipeg 🙂
I love the idea of a 6km skating trail. I am such a bad skater, it would take me all day 😆
… but George has the right idea!
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Hi, Joanne – I haven’t skated for years. I absolutely loved that there was a separate walking trail for people who wanted to enjoy the ice without skating. It was truly perfect!
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And it actually makes sense for parents who want to stay close to their older kids who may be skating. It’s a great idea. If you can’t beat winter, you might as well enjoy it 🙂
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Gorgeous photos Donna and the sky is beautiful and clear. We don’t experience winter like that here in Australia and I would love to. It all looks so gorgeous but I think the novelty would wear off when it is so cold! Thank you for sharing with us at #MLSTL and it is wonderful to have you back with us again. xx
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Hi, Sue – It’s wonderful to be back. You are right about the Canadian snow and cold. It can be absolutely stunning…in small doses! 🙂
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Oh my, it looks like a winter wonderland. I’m reading this at nearly 9am on a Thursday morning where I’m already contemplating switching the airconditioning on!
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Yikes — air-conditioning?! Heck with the beautiful scenery — I am completely jealous!!
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The ice cannel reminds me of winter in Ottawa. Have fun skating and sipping hot coco
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Hi, Brenda – I completely agree! I lived in Ottawa for four years and skated on the canal quite often.
BTW – I just finished “The Big Sleep” and plan to begin “Of Human Bondage” on the plane tomorrow! 🙂
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Wow this looks so amazing Donna! It’s much different here at the moment but I won’t tell you in case you get jealous 🙂 Enjoy that gorgeous scenery and stay warm #mlstl
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Hi, Debbie – Our trip to Winnipeg was amazing. We loved every minute of it. From there we went to visit more family in Edmonton, Alberta — which was ironically even colder!! Luckily, Vancouver Island has a very mild winter (by Canadian standards). We are headed home now! Thanks for stopping by — and thanks for not letting me know how warm it is there!
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That first pic just takes me breath away. I’ve never seen real snow – a little flurry and some sludge in Europe at the end of their winter, but I can’t even begin to imagine how cold and white and amazing all that snow would be (I think I’d be sitting next to your cat in a very short amount of time though!)
thanks for linking up to MLSTL – I’ve shared this on my SM 🙂
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Thanks, Leanne – I got lucky with that shot. Especially because I did not want to have my gloves off for long. Thanks for sharing on your SM. I greatly appreciate it.
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It looks cold, but beautiful, Donna. Have a lovely day and keep warm!
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Thanks, Christie – Ironically, the weather are on this trip was warmer than what we expected. We were delighted every step of the way. Thanks for dropping by and commenting
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I live in Long Jetty, Australia. It is summer, warm, very warm. Lots of swimming and stone fruit.
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Thanks for stopping by Sean. I must admit that I am a tad jealous about your warm weather and fresh local fruit!
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Brr. It may be mild by Manitoba standards but it looks a might frosty for mine. Makes my throat hurt! Ha! What a wimp I am. Just settle me in with George, and I’ll be fine. Happy new year!
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I love this comment! George isn’t great at sharing….but there are a few more comfy chairs near the fire that we can offer you if you visit!
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I’ve only been to Winnipeg once, in the summer. Had a great time, found a spa, an adorable coffee place, and saw the Winnipeg Ballet.
Winnipeg in the winter? I’d be curled up with George 🙂
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Hi, Aimer – I’ve only been to Winnipeg twice so far – April and January. It was this January trip that really made me fall in love with the city. I look forward to giving summer there a try as well (minus the mosquitoes)!
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I keep telling myself to get out and enjoy the winter, but it never happens 🙂
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BRRR! Looks quite chilly there, no not chilly but extra cold and icy! I thought that large pic at the top was a painting when I first saw it. Stay warm ♥
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Thanks, Dee – I definitely got lucky with that photo — especially as it was a quick shot. I am back home on Vancouver Island now. It was a balmy 11C (51.8F) today. Bliss!!
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There you are again, dear Donna, finding happiness in the most extreme conditions and sharing the experience with us. 😉 I have no idea what it’s like to live in such conditions, so the song/video you added was a nice authentic touch. In fact, I had to look up who this Randy was! Bachman Turner Overdrive! They had a song “Taking Care of Business” that I almost requested for my retirement party last March! Anyway, it’s nice to see your enjoying each day, whether it’s walking under the searing sun of Palm Desert, or slogging through piles of white stuff up northern way.
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Hi, Susan – I’m glad that you liked the clip from Randy Bachman and Neil Young. Ironically, I saw Neil Young perform in Palm Desert (Desert Trip). It really is a small world! I am hopping over to your site to read your latest post now! 🙂
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Oh, my goodness, Portage and Main in the winter, you ARE brave, Donna! As a prairie chicken (or prairie flower—take your pick), I’m well versed in below zero weather! I loved the video—Neil Young always stirs my heart!
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Thanks, Diane – The weather on Portage and Main was amazingly lovely when we were there (+1C and sunny)! However, we did push our luck when continuing on to Edmonton (-18, ice and snowy)! When I was looking through Neil Young and Randy Bachman videos, I saw one where Randy said that he, Neil and Burton (Cummings) used to have their mothers phone into the local radio show (Beefs and Bouquets) and pretend to be an anonymous fan saying how well they had performed at a local hangout. I LOVE tidbits like that!
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The cat must have been very cold to secure a place around the fire place. Very nice pictures you have.
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Thanks for dropping by and commenting. I’m sure if George was actually cold….or just preferred to hog the prime location!
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I feel so much warmer here in London now. We really don’t know what winter is.
This a lovely post, thank you.
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Thanks for commenting. I feel the same on Vancouver Island. Lots of winter rain…but otherwise quite mild weather!
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I spent winter in the Himalayas once. You do get used to living with the cold. But you don’t go outside much at night!
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Brrrr, that does sound cold! I wouldn’t go out at night either if I could avoid it!
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Brrrrr. But winter has its own magnificent beauty, shown here in your photos.
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Hi, Pam – The scenery was definitely stunning. With our fog and drizzle during the past few days, I found myself missing the Winnipeg weather. (Shhh, please don’t tell anyone)! 🙂
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Your secret is safe with me! 🙂
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That skating path looks like so much fun. Of course, you would have to have packed skates with you to have enjoyed it.
Jude
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Hi, Jude – You can rent skates from the Forks Complex at the one end of the path. You can even get a nice hot or cold drink, plus a wide variety of food, from the same complex. They have thought of everything! 🙂
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Hi Donna – bet it’s colder there today. I hadn’t realised how interesting Winnipeg’s history is … just watched Michael Portillo’s Great Canadian Train Journeys on Winnipeg … and I’ve loved being able to co-join and overlay a little more geographical history onto Canada – bringing your wonderful country to life. There’s more episodes to see …
Love the photos – wonderful to have that skating path … such an interesting city – loved reading that the Canadian Museum for Human Rights has been located there …
Cheers and enjoy the somewhat warmer weather on VIsland … even we have snow spattering on the Downs today! – Hilary
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Hi, Hilary – I am so glad that I visited Winnipeg in the beginning of January when it was +1C as opposed to today when it is -31C there. Brrrrr!!!! It was +4 degrees in our little corner of the Island today. I am incredibly grateful for our mild weather!
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