A Complete Guide to Crescent Drive Park in Winnipeg
When I feel like having a laid-back day, one of the best things I like to do in the city is go on long walks and have a picnic with friends or family. There are so many spots in Winnipeg for such an occasion, but one of my favorites is Crescent Drive Park.
Its location by the river is the perfect setting for picturesque walks, especially when the weather cooperates.
Your visit to Winnipeg doesn’t have to be all major attractions. If you simply want to take a step back and have a breather, this is the place to do it!
Here’s a complete guide to Crescent Drive Park in Winnipeg.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Crescent Drive Park is during the fall months, from September to November. It’s the height of the color changes of the leaves and the temperature typically ranges from around 4°C (39°F) to 14°C (57°F).
The park is open all year long, but to me, fall is the perfect time to see Crescent Drive Park. The temperature’s just chilly enough so I can wear cozy layers that feel like a hug but not too cold that I can’t enjoy an afternoon stroll.
How to Get Around
If you have a vehicle or a rental, you can simply pin your navigator to Crescent Drive Park. There’s a designated parking space on the river side of the park.
If you happen to be taking public transportation from different parts of the city, here are some of your options:
1. From Downtown Winnipeg
Have the Winnipeg Transit app ready on your phone for easy navigation. If you don’t have this option, the bus routes that serve Crescent Drive Park from some areas downtown include routes 75, 76, and 78.
If you’re starting your journey from The Forks, you can take the Route 75 bus. It runs from downtown to Southdale Centre via St. Vital Centre, and it passes by Crescent Drive Park along the way.
You can catch a Route 75 bus from various stops near The Forks area, such as Union Station or nearby stops along Main Street.
2. From the Airport
If you’re coming from the international airport, your best bet is to take a combination of buses. First, take the Route 15 bus from the airport to the downtown area. This bus goes downtown via the Polo Park Shopping Centre.
Once you’re downtown, you can transfer to the Route 75 bus.
3. From Southern Winnipeg or the St. Norbert area
If you’re close to Pembina Highway or St. Anne’s Road, you can easily take the Route 75 bus and follow the steps above.
If you are coming from the University of Manitoba area, take the Route 60 bus to downtown first then transfer to a Route 75 bus.
Things to Know about Crescent Drive Park
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The establishment of the park began in the early 20th century, in the local government’s efforts to create green spaces for its residents.
It was once part of the rural municipality of Fort Garry and evolved into a lush expanse of greenery bordered by the meandering waters of the Red River.
The name Crescent Drive pays homage to the crescent-shaped bend in the river nearby.
It is made up of 25.3 hectares of woods and vast landscapes with a playground and pavilion. There’s a golf course and a three-kilometer walking trail as well.
Things to Do at Crescent Drive Park
1. Have a picnic.
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The park features picnic tables where you can bring and set up your own spread. If you prefer to cook at the park, there are barbeque pits available in some areas; do note that access to them is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
2. Play on the structures and play elements.
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There are several play structures and elements around the park, including an obstacle course with ropes, slides, and swings. This is especially ideal for families looking to spend a day out in the sun.
3. Go skating and toboggan sliding in the winter.
The park opens an ice skating rink and a toboggan slide during the winter. While I’ve mentioned that fall is the best time to visit Crescent Drive Park, if you are visiting in the winter, skating and tobogganing are two of the fun things you can expect to do here!
4. Go cross-country skiing.
That’s right, this park is big enough to have a space for cross-country skiing in the winter too. Feel free to bring your gear for extra fun in the cold!
5. Play golf.
Visitors to the park will have easy access to a nearby golf course.
6. Go kayaking or canoeing.
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The park has a designated floating dock near Stretford Road for those who wish to paddle their canoe or kayak along the Red River.
I’d advise that you bring your own gear as there isn’t a rental shop in the vicinity.
7. Go wildlife watching.
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More often than not, you’ll find deer wandering in the area, especially in the afternoon. Keep in mind that you shouldn’t feed them.
8. Go sightseeing and people-watching.
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One of the things I like about this park is that there are benches along the riverbanks. It’s an ideal spot to sightsee and just watch people passing by.
9. Go on a walk with your pup.
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That’s right, Crescent Drive Park is pet-friendly! Visitors can bring their pups along for free.