Parks & recreation

St. Boniface, Norwood, and Norwood Flats boast abundant parks, green spaces, and recreational facilities that reflect both their cultural heritage and riverside location. A focal point is Whittier Park, situated along the Red River near St. Boniface Cathedral. This sprawling area offers scenic trails, picnic spots, and seasonal activities like cross-country skiing in winter. The park often becomes a bustling site for Festival du Voyageur, bringing the community together with ice sculptures, music, and traditional French-Canadian cuisine.

Near Provencher Boulevard and within walking distance of local shops and cafés, you’ll find smaller neighbourhood parks that cater to families and casual outdoor enthusiasts. Lined with mature trees, these parks often include playgrounds, splash pads, and sports fields, providing space for children to play or for locals to gather for picnics. Coronation Park, for instance, offers open green areas for ball games, as well as benches and shady spots for relaxation.

The Tache Promenade runs along the Red River, linking several vantage points with beautiful views of downtown Winnipeg and the city’s skyline. It’s popular for walking, jogging, and biking year-round. Access to the Red River allows for kayaking or canoeing in warmer months, adding a water-based recreational component to the area.

The neighbouring Forks, is a premier outdoor recreation destination where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet. It features scenic walking and cycling trails, riverfront green spaces, and historic sites. In summer, visitors enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and outdoor concerts, while winter transforms The Forks into a skating paradise, with the Nestaweya River Trail offering miles of skating and ski paths. The CN Stage & Festival Park hosts year-round events, and the expansive outdoor market areas provide a vibrant atmosphere. With public art, nature trails, and breathtaking river views, The Forks is a hub for outdoor adventure in Winnipeg.

Community centres form an important hub for indoor and organized sports. The Norwood Community Centre hosts hockey, soccer, and basketball leagues for youth and adults, while also offering fitness programs and drop-in events. St. Boniface’s own community facilities provide similar programming, plus space for cultural festivities, making it easy for residents to stay active and socially engaged.

Overall, these neighbourhoods offer a balanced mix of green spaces for relaxation, multi-use trails for active pursuits, and well-equipped community centres for structured sports and events—blending their historic charm with a modern, active lifestyle.