There’s something special about winter on the prairies. The snow quiets everything – except nature. In Western Manitoba, winter is one of the best times to spot wildlife, with animal tracks telling stories against a white backdrop.
From forested escarpments to sandhills, here are some of the best places to experience Winter wildlife in Westman!
1. Turtle Mountain Provincial Park (Adam Lake & James Lake Trails)
Located near Boissevain, this area is known for its abundant wildlife and diverse habitats, making it a prime location for Winter sightings.
- Wildlife you may spot: moose, white-tailed deer, birds, beavers
- Best trails: Adam Lake Trail, James Lake Trail
- Why it’s great: Dense forest and lakes makes for high animal activity
2. Spruce Woods Provincial Park (Épinette Creek & Yellow Quill Trails)
Just East of Brandon, Spruce Woods Provincial Park offers a completely different landscape.
- Wildlife you may spot: deer, fox, coyotes, birds of prey
- Best trails: Épinette Creek Trail system, Yellow Quill Trail
- Why it’s great: Unique mix of forest and open sandhills
With dozens of kilometres of groomed winter trails, it’s easy to explore deep into wildlife territory.
3. Assiniboine River Corridor Trails (Brandon Area)
Right in Brandon, the Assiniboine River corridor offers surprisingly rich wildlife viewing.
- Wildlife you may spot: white-tailed deer, rabbits, owls, songbirds
- Best areas: Brandon Riverbank trails, Grand Valley Provincial Park
- Why it’s great: Easy access and frequent sightings
These trails are perfect for a quick winter walk where you’re almost guaranteed to see tracks—or the animals themselves.
4. Melita & Area: Manitoba’s Grasslands Bird Capital
If you’re looking for birdlife – Melita is in a league of its own.
Known as the “Grasslands Bird Capital of Manitoba,” this region attracts birdwatchers from across North America thanks to its rare prairie ecosystem and species diversity.
- Wildlife you may spot: Snowy owls, hawks, grouse, prairie songbirds, and winter raptors
- Best areas: Manitoba Grasslands Birding Trail, Gerald W. Malaher Wildlife Management Area, and surrounding prairie roads
- Why it’s great: Open landscapes make spotting birds easier – even in Winter
The Melita area is home to several rare and endangered prairie birds, including the Ferruginous Hawk, Burrowing Owl, Loggerhead Shrike, and Baird’s Sparrow – species that draw birders from around the world.
Even beyond those headline species, the Southwest corner of Manitoba is considered one of the best places in the province to experience grassland birdlife, with a mix of habitats supporting a wide range of species.
5. Rivers Dam & Lake Wahtopanah Trails (Near Rivers)
- Wildlife you may spot:
Bald eagles, owls, waterfowl (in open water), deer - Best areas:
Shoreline trails, dam lookout points, and surrounding paths - Why it’s great:
Open water and wide sightlines make wildlife easier to spot
Even in winter, sections of open water can attract birds, while the surrounding trees and fields create a diverse habitat for both mammals and raptors. It’s also an easy-access location, making it ideal for a quick wildlife walk without heading deep into the backcountry.
Experience Winter Differently
Winter in Western Manitoba isn’t something to endure – it’s something to explore. These trails offer a front-row seat to nature at its most peaceful and raw, where every footprint in the snow tells a story.
Bundle up, step outside, and you might just spot something unforgettable.
Tips for Winter Wildlife Viewing
- Go early or late: Dawn and dusk are peak activity times
- Look for tracks first: Snow reveals movement you’d otherwise miss
- Stay quiet & patient: Wildlife is more active when undisturbed
- Dress for the conditions: Layer up and bring traction or snowshoes