Call me crazy, but I prefer Birds Hill Park in the winter rather than the summer.

Sure, summer is a glorious time, with all that greenery fluttering around and splashes of wildflowers colouring the prairies (okay, it really is gorgeous).

But as the last of the golden aspen leaves fall, this little gem (12 minutes from my front door) turns into something of an enchanted forest. It gets quiet. And still. And I love it.

Get Wild

The reasons for my love of Birds Hill Park are many. Let’s start with the wildlife. I wasn’t two minutes inside the park boundary when I had counted a dozen white-tailed deer.

Get that long lens ready on your camera because you’re sure to see a spring calf nestling up to its mamma at some point.

If you’re a birder, you won’t be disappointed with a stroll down one of the trails open for winter walking. Black-capped chickadees and redpolls like to hang out at the bird feeders that are graciously filled by visitors.

If you’ve never seen a male pine grosbeak before, you’ll be astounded by his brilliant red outfit.

Nimowin Trail

My favourite trail is the Nimowin. In Cree, it means peaceful and I’d have to agree.

At 1.8 km, it’s a nice little warm up on those lazy Sunday mornings. It’s also your chance to become a budding botanist. See those low bushes about as big as a round coffee table? Find the berries and give them a crush between your fingers.

If you have a sudden craving for a tall glass of ice and some tonic water, you’ve discovered juniper berries and the flavouring agent of gin.

Don’t be too quick to pack up your picnic gear. Grab some dogs and firewood and head for the east end of the Pine Ridge Trail.

Pour yourself a hot chocolate, then spark up a fire in one of the pits. Food always tastes better outdoors, doesn’t it? (There’s a loo and recycling bins right there).

Park History

Birds Hill Park was a gift to Manitobans to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday back in ‘67. Happily, it’s been a gift that just keeps on giving.

This 35 square kilometre parcel, only 15 minutes from Winnipeg’s north edge, has been spared from urban development.

There’s a little something for everyone inside the park boundaries.

Cross-country skiers enjoy dedicated trails like the Aspen, Chickadee and Esker.

It’s not uncommon to see a dogsled team coursing through the park, or riders on horseback.

When there’s enough snow, Birds Hill become a favourite destination for snowmobilers.

Pineridge Hollow

If all this outdoorsiness is making you a wee bit peckish, make your way to the south edge of the park.

Directly across from the White-tailed Deer Trail is the charming Pineridge Hollow. The restaurant does a beautiful job with breakfast.

How could you resist a plate of lemon ricotta pancakes or a caramel sticky bun delivered to your table in its own baking dish?

 Walk it off with a stroll through the shop next door. I’ll warn you that it’ll be hard to resist the cast-iron garden décor or the sparkling Victorian baubles for your holiday tree.