6 Best Leisure Centres in Winnipeg That Keep Us Active Year-Round
I once signed up for a light cardio class at my local leisure centre, thinking it’d be a chill way to ease into fitness.
10 minutes in, I was reconsidering all my life choices, holding a plank while the instructor shouted, “You’ve got this!” like she hadn’t just summoned the core strength of a Greek god.
Meanwhile, I was sweating so hard I basically created my own slip-and-slide. Right there. On the yoga mat.
But here’s the thing about our city’s leisure centres—they humble you, entertain you, and keep you coming back for more.
Whether it’s minus 40 outside, or we’re in the 3-week window we call “summer,” these places are open, buzzing, and full of folks trying to stay active without freezing their eyelashes off.
So, if you’re wondering where to find the best year-round spots to swim, skate, shoot hoops, or just awkwardly fumble your way through a plank hold like me, here are the best places that keep us moving no matter what the weather’s doing. Let’s go!
1. Centro Caboto Centre
Media credit: cabotocentre
Location: 1055 Wilkes Ave
Website: http://cabotocentre.com/
Phone number: +1 204 487 4597
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Centro Caboto Centre opened back in 1998, but its roots go way deeper—it’s been part of the Italian Canadian fabric here in Manitoba for over 55 years.
The whole idea behind it was to promote and share Italian culture, not just with Italians but with everyone in the community—and honestly, they’ve done a fantastic job of that!
They offer language classes (yes, complete with all the dramatic hand gestures), musical theatre, lecture series, and sports like bocce and soccer.
I know a few people who play in their leagues, and they say the co-ed teams are a blast!
But my fave part? The cafe right in the middle of it all.
It’s homey, has great espresso, and when the weather’s decent, that patio seating makes you feel like you’re chilling in a little piazza somewhere in Tuscany—except you’re in Winnipeg, so maybe bring a jacket just in case.
Pro Tip:
If you’re thinking of hosting an event here, don’t wait till the last minute. Book early. The good rooms and services go fast, especially during wedding season or cultural events.
2. Central Cheer
Media credit: centralcheermb
Location: 8-130 Midland St
Website: http://www.centralcheer.ca/
Phone number: +1 204 697 0918
Hours of operation:
- Monday: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday: 5 pm – 10 pm
- Friday: 6:30 pm – 8 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 6 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am – 10 pm
If your kids have energy to burn, Central Cheer is a lifesaver!
I’ve taken my crew here a few times, some were tumbling like pros, others were just thrilled to nail a somersault without rolling into someone else, but either way, they all left grinning and totally wiped out.
They offer all kinds of programs: recreational cheer, gymnastics, tumbling, and even preschool tumbling for the tiniest daredevils. It’s kind of adorable watching the little ones try to bounce around like the big kids.
But what really stood out to me was how inclusive it all felt.
You’ve got beginners just finding their feet (sometimes, literally), kids in Tiny Novice getting a taste of what competition feels like, and then the more advanced athletes in Elite Competitive bringing out the wow factor.
Summertime is when the camps kick in—cheer and skills camps that keep the kids moving, learning, and having fun. It’s perfect when school’s out, and you need something active that doesn’t involve screen time or cleaning slime off your carpet.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning a way to celebrate a birthday without trashing your own house, check out their private party packages. They run on Fridays and Saturdays, but fair warning: they book up fast. We tried to book last-minute once… big mistake.
3. RINK Training Centre
Media credit: wearerink
Location: 57 S Landing Dr, Oak Bluff
Website: http://therink.ca/
Phone number: +1 204 489 7465
Hours of operation: Monday to Sunday: 8 am – 11 pm
If you’re into hockey—or just a bit curious about it—go to the RINK Training Centre. It’s basically a heaven crammed into 95,000 square feet!
It’s home to 4 RINK Hockey Academy teams, which is already impressive, but what really stuck with me was how it doesn’t feel exclusive or intimidating.
I’ve seen kids clinging to the boards like baby deer, and older teens slicing across the ice like they have a scout in the stands—everyone’s got a place here to learn, sweat, and level up.
And it’s not just drills and skating laps. The student athletes here are supported like crazy! There’s a whole team behind them—player and goalie coaches, trainers, therapists, custom skate sharpening, and a coaching staff that really knows their stuff.
You can tell they’re not just going through the motions; they’re genuinely invested in helping you get better.
Pro Tip:
They have this progression system where players move up through levels and earn new jerseys as they go. It’s super motivating, especially for the younger kids—it makes each step feel like a real accomplishment.
4. Tuxedo Community Centre
Media credit: tuxedo_cc
Location: 368 Southport Blvd
Website: http://tuxedocc.ca/
Phone number: +1 204 888 8224
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Tuxedo Community Centre has been a neighborhood staple for over 35 years, and they’ve really nailed early childhood programming.
They run a preschool from September to June—a 34-week program—in their own dedicated preschool building, which is easy to find with stress-free parking (a major win for toddler-wrangling parents!).
And right out front, there’s this fully fenced play structure where the kids always look like they’re having the best day ever. It has a welcoming aura, where your kid settles in fast and never wants to leave.
Programs are offered for ages 1 to 4. The 1’s and 2’s meet once a week downstairs, while the 3’s and 4’s attend a licensed program—20 kids in the morning and another 20 in the afternoon—all under Manitoba Families’ Early Learning and Childcare Program.
If cost is a concern, there’s a subsidy help available for families who qualify—just ask the educators; they’ll walk you through it.
But one thing I always appreciate is that they keep things fresh here. The toys and learning materials aren’t just the same dusty stuff year after year. They’re always rotating things in so the kids stay curious and excited to explore.
Pro Tip:
If you swing by in the winter, don’t miss the rinks. They’ve got a little skate park with specific hours during the week and on weekends.
5. South Winnipeg Family Information Centre (SWFIC)
Media credit: swfic
Location: 800 Point Rd
Website: https://www.swfic.org/
Phone number: +1 204 284 9311
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Friday: 9 am – 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
The South Winnipeg Family Information Centre, or as we locals call it, SWFIC, has been around since the ‘70s.
What I love about it is how welcoming it is. You can just drop in—no pressure—and they’ve always got something going on for families.
For the little ones, there’s Wiggle, Giggle, and Munch—a joyful mix of movement, music, and snack time where kiddos get to burn off energy and parents get to connect (and maybe sip some lukewarm coffee in peace).
There are Baby and Me sessions, Stay and Play, and Seniors Connecting too, which brings together older adults for conversation and community—such a thoughtful touch.
They haven’t forgotten about the older kids either, with workshops like Babysitter Training, Study Skills, and my personal favorite—Ready Set Solo, which helps them feel confident and safe when staying home alone for the first time.
Super practical stuff, right?
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on their spring programs. You’ll usually find new stuff for parents, children, and even grandparents. They update their website regularly, so it’s worth checking in every now and then.
6. Dakota Community Centre / Jonathan Toews Sportsplex
Media credit: dakota_community_centre
Location: 1188 Dakota St
Website: http://www.dakotacc.com/
Phone number: +1 204 254 1010
Hours of operation:
- Monday to Thursday: 6 am – 10 pm
- Friday: 6 am – 8 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:45 am – 8 pm
Dakota Community Centre is buzzing all year long. Hockey, ringette, baseball, soccer, and basketball—it’s like every sport got together and decided to move in!
There are adult leagues too, so you’re covered if you still have that competitive streak (or just want an excuse to hang out with friends on the ice).
But here’s the cool part: they run all sorts of programs—karate, kung fu, judo, volleyball, and even bridge and floor curling, if that’s more your vibe.
It’s where your grandma and your teenage nephew could both be doing their thing at the same time, and nobody blinks!
If you’re 55 and up, they have special programming just for you—gentle fitness classes, social events, and workshops. I’ve seen people show up for a yoga session and end up hanging out for coffee after, chatting away like they’ve known each other forever!
Pro Tip:
For anyone who wants to hit the ice, you can book a rink slot online through Catchcorner by Sports Illustrated. Super handy if you have a group and want to reserve without all the phone tag.