Few things scream “Prairie winter fun” more than piling onto a sled, shrieking down a hill, and trudging back up for another go. Winnipeg’s snowy landscape makes it the perfect playground for families, couples, and anyone looking to add a little thrill to the season. Whether you’re into classic snowy slopes or engineered wooden slides built for speed, here’s your guide to the city’s best tobogganing spots.
1. Garbage Hill (Westview Park)
1 Midland St. (12 min drive from 300 Main)
No Winnipeg list is complete without this icon. Known affectionately as “Garbage Hill,” this former landfill has one of the tallest, widest open hills in the city. It’s perfect for everything from GT racers to cardboard improvisations. The views from the top, especially at sunset, are some of the best in town. Just note: there are no lights or warm-up shelters, and the road up is closed in winter, so bring your own thermos of hot chocolate.
2. St. Vital Park – The Manitoboggan
190 River Rd. (15 min drive from 300 Main)
This award-winning architectural slide has become Insta-famous for a reason. Designed by Public City Architecture, the Manitoboggan has two runs: one universally accessible via ramp, and another steeper track with a roofed launch. Both slides carve through a stand of trees, adding a scenic backdrop to your ride. Bonus: the lookout tower and modern warming shelter make it easy to stretch the outing.
Learn More: https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parks/st-vital.stm
3. FortWhyte Alive – The Richardson Rrrun
1961 McCreary Rd. (25 min drive from 300 Main)
FortWhyte’s Richardson Rrrun is the granddaddy of all Winnipeg slides. This luge-style wooden run shoots you right out onto frozen Lake Devonian, fast, thrilling, and just the right amount of wild. Free toboggans are provided, so no need to bring your own. Warm up at the Buffalo Stone Café after with hot chocolate or a full meal, and pair the trip with snowshoeing, skating, or even a peek at FortWhyte’s resident bison.
Learn More: https://www.fortwhyte.org/explore/experiences/tobogganing/
4. Crescent Drive Park
781 Crescent Dr. (15 min drive from 300 Main)
A classic wooden slide that feels like a bobsled track, Crescent Drive’s chute zigzags you down into a frosty landing pad of ice. The setting is gorgeous, with mature trees and a pavilion nearby. Washrooms are available, making it a good choice for families spending a full afternoon outside.
Learn More: https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parks/crescent-drive.stm
5. Kildonan Park
2015 Main St. (15 min drive from 300 Main)
With two side-by-side red slides, Kildonan Park offers double the fun (and less wait time). The slides are about 12 feet tall and provide a fast but manageable ride, perfect for kids and adults alike. Night lighting and a washroom nearby make it an easy pick for evening adventures. Don’t leave without visiting the whimsical Witches’ Hut, which looks straight out of a fairy tale in the snow.
Learn More: https://legacy.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parks/kildonan.stm
Tips for Safe Sledding
Always keep an eye out for other sledders when climbing back up.
Dress in layers, snow pants, mitts, and boots are non-negotiable.
Check the City of Winnipeg’s website for hill/slide status before heading out.
Leave pets at home, most slides are not designed for them.
From the iconic Garbage Hill to the sleek Manitoboggan, Winnipeg’s tobogganing scene has something for every level of thrill-seeker. If you live at 300 Main, you’re never more than a short drive from one of these hills. Pack the sleds, grab a thermos, and get ready to make sledding a core memory this winter.
