What can you do at La Barriere Park Winnipeg? [An Insider’s Guide]
Growing up in Winnipeg, my family would often take weekend trips to the countryside, and my favorite part was always when we’d find a quiet spot by the river.
You see, ever since I was a kid, I’ve always had this inexplicable fascination with the sound of flowing water, the rustle of leaves in the wind, and the symphony of birdsong that enveloped me in a sense of peace unlike anything else.
It’s like nature’s lullaby, soothing my soul and washing away all the stress of the day.
To be honest, I’ve been feeling distressed lately, burnt out, and like I’m stuck in an endless loop of chaos.
Until one particularly rough (super) day, I decided I needed to hit the reset button and go to my comfort place whenever life overwhelms me—La Barriere Park.
Yup, I know exactly where to go to find solace and serenity. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like sitting by the lake, letting its gentle rhythm wash away my worries and remind me of the beauty that surrounds us, even in the midst of madness.
About La Barriere Park
— Media credit: imagesofcanada
La Barrière Park is a massive, 84-hectare park on the southwest edge of Winnipeg. It’s open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., so there’s plenty of time to enjoy everything it offers.
You’ll love the winding nature and cross-country trails—perfect for a peaceful hike or an invigorating bike ride in the summer—and come winter, you can switch it up with some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.
The place is super versatile, with spaces for all sorts of special events, ball diamonds, cricket pitches, and even a new beachfront boat launch. So whether you’re into canoeing, fishing, or just lounging by the water, La Barrière has got you covered.
One of my favorite things to do there is the La Barrière Park Loop. It’s almost 3 km long and takes about an hour to walk.
It’s such a great way to explore the park and soak in the scenery. Trust me, you’re going to love spending time here!
Things to Do at La Barriere Park
Hike or bike the trails.
— Media credit: jimmie_athletics
If you love hiking or biking, La Barriere Park has a bunch of trails that cater to all kinds of adventurers.
For a nice, easy walk, I’d recommend the Riverside Trail. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll as it winds along the La Salle River.
The views of the water and the surrounding nature are just stunning—especially if you’re here around sunset.
Now, if you’re up for something a bit more challenging, check out the Wooded Trails. These take you deeper into the forest, and you might find some steeper inclines and uneven terrain.
It’s a great workout and a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the park’s natural beauty.
And don’t forget—all these trails are awesome for biking too! Whether you’re a casual rider or a hard-core cyclist, you’ll find a trail that’s just right for you.
Go canoeing or kayaking on the La Salle River.
— Media credit: jackie_blox
Another fun thing to do here at La Barriere Park is canoeing or kayaking on the La Salle River. It’s super peaceful, and the calm waters make it ideal for a laid-back paddling experience.
If you don’t have your own canoe or kayak, no worries; there are a few outfitters nearby where you can rent one.
As you paddle along, keep an eye out for all the birds; you’ll see tons of them. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot a turtle or two sunning themselves on the rocks.
Fishing is also allowed in the river, so if you enjoy it, bring your rod. The river’s got pike, walleye, and smallmouth bass.
Just make sure to check the fishing regulations before you cast your line.
Have a picnic.
— Media credit: yzl_pige
La Barriere Park is one of the best places in Winnipeg for a relaxing outdoor meal. The park is dotted with all sorts of picnic shelters and tables, so you’ll definitely find a good spot.
If you’ve got a big group, there are covered shelters that are perfect for larger gatherings. For smaller, more intimate picnics, the individual tables are just right.
Plus, many of the picnic areas have fire pits—just check which ones are designated for fires. There’s nothing like roasting marshmallows or enjoying a campfire under the stars.
It’s a local favorite for a reason!
Play disc golf.
— Media credit: discgolfforgood
At La Barriere Park, you can play some disc golf. You know, it’s like regular golf but with frisbees!
Instead of hitting balls with clubs, you throw discs into baskets spread throughout the park. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, this course offers a fun challenge for all ages.
If you don’t have your own discs, no worries! You can swing by the park office and see if they’ve got any for rent.
Go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter.
— Media credit: iuliia.rezvukhina/
When winter blankets La Barriere Park, it’s like stepping into a whole new world! The trees wear a snowy mantle and the trails beckon for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing adventures.
The park staff grooms specific trails just for cross-country skiing, offering a serene way to explore the snow-covered landscape.
But if you’re more into snowshoeing, you’ve got options too! You can stick to the groomed trails for a relaxed stroll or venture off the beaten path to explore deeper into the wintery woods.
Attend a guided nature tour.
— Media credit: Juancastrophotography21
La Barriere Park offers guided nature tours. Open through the year, this kind of activity is awesome for getting to know the ins and outs of this place.
You’ll have these super-knowledgeable guides leading the way, showing you all the interesting facts about the park’s flora and animals. They’ll point out all kinds of cool things, from the different plant species to where the best spots are for birdwatching.
And if you’re into history, they’ll fill you in on the backstory of La Barriere.
Just a heads up, though: these tours are pretty popular, so it’s a good idea to reach out to the park office beforehand to see when the tours are happening and if you need to book ahead.
Play tennis or pickleball.
— Media credit: marshalltoews_
For those seeking a more active experience, the park features tennis and pickleball courts that are perfect for a game with friends or family.
The best part? They’re open to everyone on a first-come, first-served basis.
Just bring your own gear and get ready for some friendly competition.
Relax and enjoy the scenery.
— Media credit: snotloc
Sometimes the best thing you can do is just chill and appreciate the gorgeous scenery—this place is perfect for that. You can find a nice, quiet spot by the river, kick back under a shady tree, or even relax in a secluded meadow.
The fresh air is amazing, and the sounds of nature will just melt your worries away. It’s one of those places that really lets you unwind and feel connected to nature.