WINNIPEG LIVING · BY ALIA LIVING
Warming Huts: Looking at Winnipeg’s Winter Architecture
Turn a winter walk into a closer look at public art and architecture on ice.
Winnipeg’s Warming Huts bring art and architecture into the winter landscape. The competition has paired experimental design with the city’s cold season since 2009, giving residents a reason to look beyond the usual skating route.
Look before you go
Browse the project information on the official Warming Huts website. Choose two or three designs that interest you and notice what the artists are exploring: shelter, light, material, play or the way people gather. The resulting walk becomes more engaging than simply collecting photographs of every structure.
Separate the exhibition from ice access
A design announcement does not mean a structure is already installed or accessible. Check the current installation information and The Forks’ trail conditions before visiting. Use only open routes; do not cross closed ice to reach something you can see in the distance.
A simple activity for families
Ask each person to choose a favourite and explain why. Which shape looks inviting? How does it change when someone stands inside or beside it? You can sketch a shape on paper afterwards without needing architectural knowledge or expensive equipment.
Dress for an outdoor visit. The name “warming hut” should not be read as a promise of a heated room at every installation. Keep a separate indoor warming stop in your plan, allow others room to experience each piece, and respect any directions about touching or entering the work.
Plan your visit: Warming Huts. This is a seasonal planning guide, not a confirmed future event listing. Check the organizer for current dates, access and prices. Reviewed November 1, 2026.