Many such activities can be found right here on campus.

Explore Winter Activities on Campus

Recreation Services at the University of Manitoba has fantastic options to keep you moving:

• Group Fitness Classes: From yoga to strength training, group fitness classes are a fun and energizing way to stay active. These classes are included for students and members at both Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses.
• Casual Recreation: Drop by to enjoy badminton, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, racquet sports, or even a walk around the track also included for students and members.
• Recreation Clubs & Intramurals: Join a rec club or play intramurals to meet new people while having fun. Registration opens January 2nd at noon.
• Climbing Courses & Adult Programs: Explore exciting opportunities like dance classes, martial arts, and group personal training programs. Registration is now open.
• Group & Personal Training: Looking to improve your health, check out options that are the perfect FIT for you. Registration is now open.  
• Open Climb Time: Perfect for those who enjoy a physical and mental challenge on the climbing wall! Check out more information on climbing.

Pro Tip: Free Trial. Students and members can access adult programs, rec clubs, and open climb time before the winter programs officially kick off. Don’t miss out—Registration opens January 1. For all Recreation Services information visit our website.

Stay Tuned for UM Winter Active

Mark your calendars! For outdoor fun, UM Winter Active runs from February 10–14 and offers a variety of activities designed to keep you moving and having fun. Whether you’re trying a new activity or walking with your friends around campus, there’s something for everyone.

Explore Winnipeg

The Tourism Winnipeg website has a long list of winter activities – some of these are still in the works for this winter (and some are weather dependent) but it is definitely a good place to keep an eye on. The activities include everything from River Trail adventures at the Forks to locations for skiing, snowshoeing and sledding.

The Forks is a common place for winter fun – both indoor and outdoor – but there are numerous other locations around Winnipeg with opportunities for both more structured and unstructured activities. The Windsor Park Nordic Centre has 15km of cross-country ski trails suitable for all levels and they offer rentals for those who need. Fort Whyte Alive has beautiful trails suitable for walking or snowshoeing with chances to see snow-covered Bison. They also host a variety of activities and events throughout the season so keep an eye on their calendar! And there is, of course, Festival du Voyageur in February, which features live music, activities and delicious food.

If you prefer to enjoy the winter from inside, there are lots of options for that as well. For one, you can catch a Manitoba Moose or Winnipeg Jets hockey game at the Canada Life Centre. Besides all the outdoor action, The Forks is also a lovely place to wander around inside and grab a warm drink or a bite to eat. There, you can find an extensive antique shop, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (admission is free on Sundays from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.!) and an arcade, among other attractions. Not far from there, you can also find the Manitoba Museum (the first Friday of every month from 4 – 9 p.m. is free!), the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, the Winnipeg Art Gallery (entry is free the second Sunday of every month!) and the Centennial Concert Hall (check out the student subscription deal for the Manitoba Opera!).

However you choose to spend your free time this winter, we hope that you will find a way to thrive!

“We really want to grow the sport of squash in Manitoba and make Manitoba a centre for squash excellence,” said Peter Reimer, President of Squash Manitoba. 

The new squash courts will serve as a hub for students, faculty, and the wider community, offering a space for players of all levels to participate, train, and compete. 

Why UM?

Squash Manitoba has identified UM as the ideal location for this project due to its strategic positioning and large, diverse community. There are currently no squash courts in the southern part of Winnipeg, and UM’s accessibility makes it a prime location for new squash facilities that the entire community can enjoy.

UM is home to over 30,500 students and 9,400 faculty and staff, providing an untapped potential for growing the sport. Moreover, the location —right next to the Active Living Centre on campus — offers easy access to public transportation and is situated near a large population of new Canadians, many of whom have an interest in the sport.

This project is largely supported by Michael Nesbitt, who has close ties to both UM and Squash Manitoba. Nesbitt, an avid supporter, notes, “Squash is a very popular sport. The fact that there will be an internationally sized court at UM, with its diverse population, will be a game changer. It has the potential to totally change squash in our province.” Supporting this project means expanding access to a sport that promotes both health and community.

“Beyond the financial aspect, he has really worked hard to make this happen. And never once did he think we can’t do it. It was always, ‘Let’s find a way. Let’s do this.’” said Lynn Colliou, Executive Director, Squash Manitoba.

With this support in hand, Squash Manitoba in partnership with UM, has committed to raising the remaining $550,000 to fund the development of the new courts.

The vision: a world-class facility in south Winnipeg 

The upgraded squash centre at UM will feature four international-standard courts with glass backs, offering a modern, open feel that encourages participation and spectator engagement. The renovation will transform the current outdated North American courts, which are in poor condition and underutilized, into a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting tournaments, leagues, and training programs.

Key features of the new facility will include:

• Four international squash courts designed to the highest standards;

• Glass-back walls for improved spectator viewing and coaching opportunities;

• A spacious and open design with improved lighting and flooring; and

• A dedicated viewing area for tournaments and events.

When designing the new squash facility, every detail was carefully considered to meet the high standards of competition-level play. As Simon Wang, Director of the Facilities and Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation, explains, “As the facility will be used for competition, much of the design of the courts themselves (flooring, glass, walls, lighting) is dictated by World Squash Federation guidelines. We were allowed to have a little more fun with the entry and lounge areas – the wood ceiling was chosen for its warmth and acoustical properties, while the rubber flooring was chosen because it is non-porous and easy to keep clean. We took inspiration from squash ‘line markings’ for the flooring’s pattern. The selected furniture adds warmth and sophistication, and can be easily re-configured for competitions or everyday use.” 

These new courts will provide endless possibilities for programming, from beginner lessons and university leagues to provincial team training and national competitions. This facility will not only serve the university but will be a major asset for the entire squash community in Manitoba.

Inclusive programs for all levels 

The new squash courts at UM will cater to a wide range of programs, ensuring that there is something for everyone. Squash Manitoba is committed to making the sport accessible to all, with programs that focus on inclusivity and diversity. Some of the tentative offerings include:

• Junior Programs: Junior team practices, try-outs, and summer camps.

• Beginner Lessons: Free group lessons for university students and staff, as well as introductory programs for children and new Canadians.

• Leagues and Tournaments: Mixed leagues, women’s leagues, university leagues, and tournaments for all skill levels.

• Specialty Programs: Indigenous squash, wheelchair squash, and LGBTQ2S+ squash programs.

• Coaching and Development: Private lessons, high-performance training, and programs for aspiring coaches.

With over 1,800 hours of programming scheduled annually, the new squash centre will become a vibrant hub of activity, fostering the growth of the sport and creating opportunities for players at all levels to improve their skills.

A brighter future for squash in Manitoba 

Squash is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life. It promotes physical health, mental resilience, and a sense of community. The new squash courts at UM will inspire the next generation of players, offering them an accessible world-class facility to hone their skills and compete. “These courts will help us achieve our mission to grow and promote the game of squash in Manitoba. We are lucky to have a pretty good membership base for a small sport, and a passionate group,” said Reimer. “That will grow this sport in Canada and add players to us in the future, so we’re very excited about that.”

The projected completion for the court upgrades is August 2025, introducing a vibrant, state-of-the-art hub where the energy of the community and campus unite. This inclusive space is designed to inspire connection, foster competition, and create memorable experiences for all who walk through its doors. Dr. Doug Brown, Professor and Dean of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, shares, “The renovation represents the type of beautiful collaboration that amateur sport needs to thrive. We are grateful to our partners Mike Nesbitt and Squash Manitoba for their passion and willingness to invest in this sport and the University of Manitoba.” For more information about the squash courts upgrade, please visit  Squash Manitoba or visit UM’s Squash Court Renovations donor page.

The open house showcases membership benefits, provides access to fitness facilities, and helps build community both on and off campus. The facilities will be open to the community for free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with various activities will be scheduled throughout the day. 

“Our goal is to encourage the community to come together, move their bodies, and connect with others who share similar interests,’ says Tanya Angus, director of Recreation Services at UM.

“We believe in the power of physical activity and social interaction to enhance well-being. Our Get Active open house is not only about showcasing what we have to offer in terms of programs and facilities but also about creating a sense of belonging and community.”

The facilities will be open to the community for free from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a variety of activities will be scheduled throughout the day.  Get Active is open to all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or new to recreational activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Schedule

Fort Garry Campus (430 University Cres)

The Active Living Centre, Frank Kennedy Centre, and Joyce Fromson Pool facilities are free for the public to use throughout the day. Please see the schedule of activities to plan your visit.

Active Living Centre fitness floor

All-day access from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for those 15 and over. If you’d like to learn more about the spaces, we’re hosting two group tours of our facilities.

Tours start at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. and last approximately 45 minutes. Meet at our customer service desk give minutes before the start time to take a tour of the facilities.

Group fitness

Try a fitness class led by one of our certified instructors. All fitness and experience levels are welcome. Participants must be 17 and older to attend.

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.

• Abs & Glutes:  Second floor, Dance Studio
• Cycle Xpress: Third floor, Cycling Studio

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

• Yoga Flow: Second floor, Multipurpose Studio 264
• Zumba: Second floor, Multipurpose Studio 274

Open gymnasium

Pick up a racket and try out some court sports. In the morning, the Brown Gym on the second floor will be open to play pickleball and badminton. In the afternoon, drop-in volleyball.

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• Pickleball/Badminton
  • Bring your own or rent a racquet. Balls/birdies can be purchased and other equipment can be borrowed from the customer service desk.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 pm

• Volleyball
  • Equipment can be borrowed from the customer service desk.

Mini U games

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Bring your children, grandchildren or other young ones aged 5-12 in your life for games led by our Mini U team. Games take place in the Brown Gym on the second floor.

Recreational swim

2:00 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Take advantage of lane swimming in our 25m pool with six lanes or enjoy the deep end. A guardian must accompany minors in the pool and bathing suits are required.

Climbing wall

2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Try out our 35-foot climbing wall on the third floor of the Active Living Center. All climbers must pre-register, and equipment is available at the wall.

Joe Doupe Recreation Centre (030-Brodie Center – 727 McDermot Avenue)

Fitness floor and Gymnasium

 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Guests must be 15 and over to use the fitness floor facilities and guests below the age of 15 must be accompanied with a guardian when using the gymnasium.

Group fitness

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.

• Zumba: Studio

Join us!

Please remember to bring indoor shoes, clothes to be active in, and photo ID. All guests will be required to complete our gym waiver to access our spaces.

While you’re at the gym, you can enter to win a 4-month membership from UM Recreation Services.

Listen here

Since the inception of Climbing Manitoba, the province’s first provincial sport organization (PSO) for climbing, in the fall of 2021, Manitoba is now able to send athletes directly to national competitions.

This year, Russell and Pereira’s involvement marks a significant moment in Manitoba climbing history, putting this prairie province on the national climbing map. “In the past if competitive climbers in Manitoba wanted to climb at the national level, they would actually have to go through a PSO in another province, which was quite a large barrier,” explains Russell, “So now we have a more direct route.”

Russell fell in love with climbing while on a backpacking trip in Ecuador. After hiring a climbing guide and trying outdoor rock climbing “it was all I could think about,” he explains, “it consumed me.”

Alex Russell

“I think my true passion is outdoor climbing,” says Russell, who spends his summers working as a rock-climbing guide in B.C. Since he only spends the winter and parts of the shoulder seasons in Manitoba, he does most of his outdoor climbing out west.

Still, he notes that climbing is gaining popularity in Winnipeg, with new indoor climbing facilities popping up across the city. Russell has trained at a number of them, including Vertical Adventures, the Hive, and at the climbing wall in the Active Living Centre (ALC) at UM’s Fort Garry campus.

“I train quite a bit at the wall at the Active Living Centre,” he says, “that wall is kind of Winnipeg’s best wall—in my opinion— to do any sort of rope climbing at present.”

The competition in Richmond will feature a specific type of rope climbing called lead climbing. For this type of climb, athletes are harnessed to a rope that is attached to the ground and controlled by a belayer with a friction-based device that will arrest their fall. At certain points along the route, they will clip into intermediate points of protection, and attempt to reach the top.

For the Senior Lead Climbing Nationals, climbers will only have very limited ability to prepare for their routes. For the qualifiers, held on Feb. 19, they will be allowed to study videos of people climbing the routes before getting on the wall themselves. But, for semi-finals and the finals on Feb. 20, athletes will be held in isolation prior to the climb, and will only be given about a minute to assess the wall before they have to climb it.

The Nationals are evidentially an advanced exercise in strategy, strength, and endurance, but Russell says that what he enjoys the most about climbing is simply the way it builds confidence and creates community.

“One of my favourite things about climbing is you’ll look at a route and it will seem completely impossible, and . . . then you train for it, you practice it, you repeat the movements, you gain strength, and eventually you do it and it feels like you’ve achieved the impossible,” says Russell.

“Most of my friends I’ve made are through the climbing community,” he adds “so there’s a very social aspect to it.”

For anyone at the University of Manitoba, or in the FRKM, who is looking for a challenging and stimulating workout, Russell recommends checking out the climbing wall at the ALC, or another wall in the city close to them.

For those who can’t motivate themselves to do repetitive workouts, climbing can offer an exciting alternative, says Russell.

“I always tell people that (it) is one of the best ways to get fit,” he explains. “It’s easy to find intrinsic motivation to train for climbing, because your objective is just to get to the top and you’re focused on that. You’re focused on your movement, on your body.”

Watch Russell and Pereira discuss the competition on CTV News.

Anyone looking to try out the climbing wall in the ALC can attend open time slots, or book a climb time through Recreation Services. Regular and drop-in rates are available. For more information, please visit the Recreation Services website or contact the climbing coordinator: zachary.wronski@umanitoba.ca.

The good news is that with snow, comes outdoor winter fun. That’s why the Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management has arranged for groomed cross country ski trails on the Southwood Lands at UM’s Fort Garry campus.  The trails are free, and open to anyone – UM students, staff and the community.

There are two trails, separated by University Crescent. To ski both you must remove your skis and cross at University Crescent. The trails are open for anyone to use at any time of the day, but you must bring your own equipment and lights are not available for evening skiing.

This may be the winter activity you didn’t know you love or forgot how much you do.

Get out this winter and enjoy the best of what it has to offer.

Discover more ways to be active with Recreation Services.

To help increase community engagement and healthy living, Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management has announced their first ever Get Out of the Cold Indoor Triathlon. It is the first competitive event of its kind that the FKRM has organized since the beginning of the pandemic. Participation in the event is open to anyone 12 years and older and all experience levels are encouraged to participate.

Money raised from the event will be earmarked to the faculty’s community subsidy program, which helps reduced costs and barriers for children participating in sport and recreation programming, including Mini U Programs’ summer camps.

“I decided to participate in this event as it is providing the opportunity to give back to our community through the promotion of healthy living while also connecting people who normally would spend their winter apart,” says student Nathalie Nash. “It is the perfect occasion to bring together like-minded individuals, young and old, newcomers and veterans, to give back through sport.”

The event will take place December 18 at the Joyce Fromson Pool and Max Bell Centre. If you would like to support the event through volunteering, please email Brandi Smith at brandi.smith@umanitoba.ca.

Participants will be divided into two age groups (junior races: age 12-17, adult races: age 18+).  An indoor triathlon is a great way to try the sport of triathlon in a safe, fun, welcoming way. The race format is simple: swim, bike, and run for a pre-determined set amount of time. The farther participants go within the time, the more points they score. The swim is in a pool, the bike portion is on a stationary bike (provided) and the run is on an indoor track.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to challenge themselves to do whatever they can do, regardless of their previous athletic experience,” says Brandi Smith, business manager for FKRM and race director. “No one gets left behind. You don’t need to be a great athlete to try an indoor triathlon. Being fast or slow only matters to you – everyone swims, bikes, and runs for the same amount of time, whether you tear up the course or take it easy and go at your own pace.”

The Get Out of the Cold Indoor Triathlon requires that all participants be fully vaccinated to compete.

Spots are filling up fast! For more information on this event, visit the Get Out of the Cold Indoor Triathlon registration page.

As you make your way back to the gym, either at the Fort Garry or Bannatyne campus, remember that a few changes have been made due to COVID-19, and there are a few things to note about booking workouts and pricing [for UM staff].

UM students

UM students who wish to book a workout:

1. Must complete a gym waiver that outlines the assumption of risk (including risk due to COVID-19), the release of liability, waiver of claims and indemnity agreement.
   1. If you are 18 years of age or older, you can do this online by logging into your Aurora account and following the pathway outlined below:

Enrollment and Academic Records > Declarations > Gym waiver/agreement

1. If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian must sign your Gym Waiver/Agreement. Please visit our website to download and print the form. After you have fully completed the form, you must email it to rec_services@umanitoba.cato be processed. 

2. Your completed Gym Waiver/Agreement will take 48 hours to be processed, and we will notify you once your account is active. 
3. Once your account is active, you can start booking your workouts online. 

UM staff

Recreation Services is pleased to offer UM staff, alumni and on-campus staff (UM staff rate) a variety of membership options with consideration being given to budget and schedule.

As part of this membership group, you can access discounted rates for membership with no enrollment fees, along with the option to pay your membership through payroll deduction. 

Further, your partner/spouse can receive the same UM staff rate as the primary membership holder as long as proof of address can be provided (must be the same as the primary membership holder). Partner memberships can be added when applying for membership online.  

Note that UM staff must also book time slots for their desired workout times.

Visit the membership page for more information.

COVID-19 vaccination requirements

Following public health restrictions, proof of COVID-19 vaccination status and government-issued identification is required to access all UM sport and recreation facilities. 

As of December 6, we will only accept Manitoba Immunization Cards, Manitoba Digital QR codes, Pan-Canadian PVC QR codes, ArriveCAN and National Defence Canada Covid-19 Vaccine Record/Cards as immunization proof for entry into our facilities for individuals 18+. We will not accept any immunization records from out-of-country or other provinces or territories outside Manitoba, except Alberta. Any printouts of immunization records that do not contain scannable QR codes will not be accepted.

Masks

Participants using indoor UM sport and recreation facilities can remove their face masks when engaging in physical activity and while in their individual workout spaces (i.e., at equipment). Movement in and between equipment/activities will always require masking.

Facility Capacity

All sport and recreation facilities are now open at 75 percent capacity.

• Showers and lockers are available
• Member towel service has resumed

Visit the UM sport and recreation facilities and COVID-19 page for more information.

Whether you are looking for a new challenge or want to return to an activity you love, UM Recreation Services offers something for everyone, students, staff and alumni alike. 

With the official start of the winter season on the horizon, there’s never a better time to enjoy the benefits of being active, such as stress relief, improved mental and physical health, and challenging or developing your skills in a safe and welcoming space. Welcome back.

Whether you want to try something new or rekindle previous interests in fitness and sports, now is the time to take the chance. Participating in clubs and programs also has a wide range of benefits: stress relief, testing and working on your skills in safe and welcoming spaces, as well as building on transferable skills that help with career development. Registration for winter programs, clubs and intramurals opens on November 10 at 12 p.m.

Adult instructional programs

Recreation Services offers a variety of adult instructional programs aimed to engage participants from all skill levels and backgrounds. These include activities in ballroom dance, boxing, Muay Thai, law enforcement conditioning, Judo, Aikido, S\skating, and k-pop.

REC clubs

REC Clubs foster opportunities for the UM community to participate in their favourite sports; for students, by students. These include climbing, ringette, rugby, synchronized skate, tennis, ultimate, volleyball, and wrestling. Certain clubs offer leisure and/or competitive environments.

Intramural sports

Intramural sports at UM also provide great opportunities for students and staff to actively engage in a variety of organized sports. Sports being offered are basketball, ice hockey, soccer, volleyball, and dodgeball. Applicable registration fees are applied for each sport, to all participants.

UM students who have access to all that Recreation Services offers through the Sport and Rec Fee are eligible for the program, though additional intramural registration fees are applied for each sport.

Building up the community

Beyond the overarching benefits of these programs on your physical and mental well-being, participants can meet new people, make connections and develop a sense of community and belonging.

“I started rock climbing at the Active Living Centre about 4 years ago as an undergraduate student, and since then I’ve met so many wonderful people who are now my close friends,” says Jocelyn, avid climber and Faculty of Science graduate student who also works at the ALC climbing wall.

Jocelyn and her friends on a climbing trip.

Jocelyn explains: “I made more connections and friendships there than I did in any of my classes. Within the confines of that climbing wall there were countless birthdays celebrated, climbing trips planned, and laughs shared. It was always a place to go where I know I’d either run into at least a few friends or meet new ones. The sense of community that developed at the climbing wall, and the effect that it had on the Winnipeg climbing community is extraordinary.”

For other ways to exercise and enhance your fitness routine on campus, also note that the Active Living Centre and Joe Doupe Recreation Centre are open! The Sport and Rec Fee allows UM students access to available facilities at the Fort Garry campus, and the Joe Doupe Recreation Centre at the Bannatyne campus, as well as eligibility to participate in intramural sports.

Visit the Recreation Services website for more information on these programs, including contact and registration information for programs and services that interest you.

Now, as most programs and services are back and being offered in-person, the Recreation team wants to remind students, staff and alumni that there is something to keep everyone active at UM with a catalogue of diverse options to choose from.

Through the Sport and Rec fee, UM students have access to sport and recreation facilities at the Fort Garry campus, including the Active Living Centre, Frank Kennedy Centre, Wayne Fleming Arena, James Daley Fieldhouse, Joyce Fromson swimming pool and the Joe Doupe Rec Centre at the Bannatyne campus.

Additionally, offerings like REC Clubs offer students an opportunity to join competitive clubs like synchro skate, ringette, or ultimate (frisbee) or participate in a more casual club like wrestling, volleyball, climbing and tennis.

Intramural sports provide students an opportunity to form a team, or register as a free agent and compete against other students in a handful of leagues throughout the term.

UM staff and alumni also have access to discounted pricing on membership and a multitude of options to encourage active living.

Adult instructional programs provide an outlet to get moving and learn a new skill simultaneously. Learn activities like dance, martial arts and climbing from renowned instructors.

Group Fitness classes are offered daily for those who would like to participate in instructor-led fitness classes.

Positive correlation between recreation and academic success

Campus recreation comes in many forms and provides a variety of benefits for participants. The National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA) widely promotes the link between staying active with campus recreation and improved academic success, citing:

Physical Health
Individuals who participate in campus rec tend to report higher levels of physical health, improved quality of life and better sleep patterns than non-participants. 

Mental Wellbeing
Post-secondary education can be stressful, particularly during exam periods. Rec programs emphasizing mindfulness and exercise can reduce perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and negative mood, with participants more likely to report improved feelings of wellbeing.

Engagement and belonging
Being a part of a rec club, intramural sports team, or perhaps a group of regulars on the fitness floor enhances students’ sense of belonging.

Retention
One of the effects of belonging is improved retention. Students who participate in rec programs are more likely to stay in school and graduate.

Employment opportunities
Employment with UM Recreation Services lets students develop professional and leadership skills while taking classes. It teaches students to plan, organize and prioritize their work, and provides experience working in team environments.

Get involved and stay active with UM Recreation services.