Winter Wonderland at Manning Park Resort
Why you NEED to plan a family trip to Manning Park Resort this winter
Winter is a magical time at Manning Park Resort, and our family trip there last week proved it’s the ultimate destination for creating unforgettable memories. From cozy accommodations to endless outdoor adventures, Manning Park offers something for everyone. Whether you’re traveling with little ones, your furry friend, or just looking for an adventure-filled getaway, here’s why you NEED to plan your trip this winter.
Enjoying wine by the fire with Summit
Cozy Cabins Perfect for Families (and Dogs!)
We stayed in one of the resort’s Premium Cabins, and it was the perfect home base for our family of four—and our dog, Summit! These spacious cabins (ours slept up to 11!) are fully equipped with everything you need to cook hearty meals and relax after a day in the snow. We loved the cozy fireplace and separate loft area for the kids!
The dog-friendly policy was a big win for us, as Summit loved exploring the snowy surroundings. Mid-week stays are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quieter experience, and the serene atmosphere made it easy to unwind and enjoy quality time together.
Fun for All Ages
Sledding
Aspen had a blast sledding! There’s was a small hill right outside our cabin which was perfect for younger kids to enjoy some safe, easy fun. It was also great for being able to get Aspen outside in the mornings while we enjoyed our coffee before packing up for another day of adventures.
For more excitement, we ventured to the larger sledding hill on the other side of the cabins, which provided plenty of laughs and snowy thrills.
Swimming
Even after long days outside, Aspen was excited to swim every night in the Loon Lagoon, the resort’s indoor pool and hot tub area. The warm water was a great way to relax tired muscles (for both kids and parents!).
Skating
While skating wasn’t open during our visit (it needs to be below -10°C to maintain the ice), we can’t wait to return when the rink is up and running for another fun winter activity!
Exploring the Trails
One of the highlights of our trip was venturing out to explore Manning Park’s incredible trails. From family-friendly routes to more challenging adventures, there’s something for everyone.
Beaver Pond
• Distance: ~5 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~50 m
• Difficulty: Easy
This short, dog-friendly snowshoe or ski touring route was a perfect introduction to the backcountry for our family. Summit loved tagging along (on leash), and the snowy trail meanders through serene forests to the frozen Beaver Pond. It was just the right mix of adventure and relaxation.
More Must-Do Hikes
Three Falls Trail
• Distance: ~6 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~150 m
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
This stunning trail winds through snowy forests to three picturesque waterfalls. It’s perfect for families looking for a manageable hike with big payoffs.
Snowshoeing with Aspen at 6 months, Three Falls Trail - Manning Park Resort
Fat Dog Trail
• Distance: ~9 km round trip (to the viewpoint)
• Elevation Gain: ~600 m
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
For those seeking a bit more of a challenge, the Fat Dog Trail offers breathtaking views of the Cascade Mountains. It’s a great option for snowshoeing or ski touring.
Fat Dog Viewpoint, Manning Park
Coffee with a view - Fat Dog Viewpoint, Manning Park
Mount Kelly
• Distance: ~12 km round trip
• Elevation Gain: ~750 m
• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
This hike offers incredible views of the surrounding peaks and is a rewarding trek for those up for a winter adventure. This is another great option for snowshoeing or ski touring.
Other Activities We Loved
Cross-Country Skiing at Strawberry Flats
Manning Park’s Nordic Center has everything you need to get started with cross-country skiing. We brought our Thule Sport Trailer with ski attachments for the kids, but rentals are also available on-site.
Strawberry Flats is a beautiful area to explore, with well-groomed trails winding through snow-covered meadows. The warming hut along the trail was a highlight—fire crackling, and a cozy spot to recharge before heading back out. We enjoyed a packed lunch and hot drinks here before heading back out on the trails.
NOTE: The nordic trails in Manning Park are NOT dog friendly so leave the pup behind when it comes to this one.
Snowshoeing Around Lightning Lakes
The Lightning Lakes Loop is an easy and scenic option for snowshoeing. For those feeling more adventurous, trails like Windy Joe and Frosty Mountain offer incredible views and a chance to explore Manning’s rugged beauty.
Alpine Skiing
We also managed to squeeze in a half-day each of snowboarding on the downhill resort and Aspen also got a chance to test out her snowboard with bindings for the first time!
Looking Ahead to Summer at Manning Park
Manning Park Resort isn’t just for winter fun. The newly opened Skyview Campground looks like an incredible spot to stay during the warmer months, and we’re already planning a summer trip to enjoy it.
Some of our favorite summer hikes in the area include Mount Outram and the Skyline Trail, but those deserve their own blog! For now, we’ll just say that Manning Park offers year-round opportunities for adventure.
Why You’ll Love Manning Park Resort
Manning Park is a winter wonderland with activities for all ages and interests. Whether you’re sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, or simply relaxing in your cozy cabin, the resort offers the perfect mix of adventure and family-friendly fun.
We already can’t wait to go back. From snowy adventures to cozy cabin vibes, Manning Park Resort gave us a winter experience we’ll treasure forever. Now it’s your turn to plan your family getaway—you won’t regret it!
