Tourism Winnipeg

Photo courtesy of the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature: Nordik Group Assiniboine Park is also all about the winter magic. For starters, the Journey to Churchill at Assiniboine Park Zoo is the world's foremost Arctic exhibit, so if you really want to see who does winter right look no further than their polar bears — who will swim and wrestle right over your head in their giant Sea Ice Passage, along with the Arctic fox, wolves, snowy owls and muskox. Outside the zoo, all of Assiniboine Park sparkles with the season with acres of tree-lined paths that you can hike and cross- country ski on, while the balmy oasis of the Assiniboine Park Conservatory — which houses over 8,000 tropical trees, plants, and flowers (not to mention turtles and butterflies) — provides the best-ever respite from the cold (or in the case of Frosty, turning the poor guy into a carrot, hat, and some coal). For a winter attraction that's not a walk in the park, put Adrenaline Adventures on your list. It features a snowboard terrain park for people looking to shred the slopes and perform some rail slides, along with snow tubing courses that are suitable for all ages. Adrenaline provides the tubes, while a rope tow will take you back up to the top of the course, making this an ideal spot to get into the action without having to wear yourself out. Arguably the most winter activities you can do in one spot in the city is at FortWhyte Alive, Winnipeg's stunning nature reserve. It's home to North America's largest bison herd, who are at home in the snow, along with countless trails which you can traverse via a fine selection of snow shoes that they have onsite. There's also skating on their lakes, horse-drawn carriage rides, and more weekly events than seems possible in the winter, including day camps for kids where they can do fun things like learn to fling a spear (an atel atel) and cook bannock over an open fire with FortWhyte's expert guides. And if you are not feeling too outdoorsy, and yet you still want to experience Winnipeg's winter air in the best way possible, you best head to Thermëa by Nordik Spa-Nature, Winnipeg's incredible outdoor spa. Frosty wouldn't last a minute in their thermal pools, Scandinavian saunas, and heated relaxation rooms, but you will literally want to spend all day here (which us Tourism Winnipeg peeps do all the time). Once you set out on their thermal experience — which involves going from a hot pool, to an ice cold shower under a waterfall, to a sauna or steam room, then back to do it all over again — you won't want to stop. Although, should you want a break from all that relaxation underneath the snow- capped trees, be sure to hit up Thermëa's excellent restaurant, where eating delish Scandinavian inspired local cuisine in your robe is mandatory. Get Your Game On Whether it's Jets, Bombers, Moose, or the thrill of the casino, it's always game time in The Peg. For the most passionate fans in the NHL, you don't have to look any further than the MTS Centre. The smallest arena in the NHL has also become the loudest and most-envied by visiting players, as the atmosphere of the MTS Centre is often bombastic, with crazy chants and the always impressive belting of "True North" (an homage to the team's owners) during "Oh Canada." The Jets have a young, tall and fast team this year, with all eyes being on new 2nd overall draft pick, 18 year-old Finnish sensation Patrik Laine (perhaps he'll be our next Teemu!). And let's not forget about our AHL team, the Manitoba Moose, whose games at the MTS Centre are both affordable and fun. For those of you who like to get right in the game(ing), there's the Casinos of Winnipeg: Club Regent and McPhillips Station Casino — both of which feature all the big games like black jack, poker tournaments, roulette and slots — while Shark Club Gaming Centre also has slot machines, roulette, blackjack and VLTs. Finally, be sure to get into full gallop at Assiniboia Downs. Even though live horse racing on the track only happens in the summer, you can still catch Simulcast races all winter long in their inviting, exciting environment, which also houses a great casino. www.tourismwinnipeg.com 13 WELCOME TO WINNIPEG ITINERARIES

• Cover