Spring break is right around the corner and Winnipeg attractions like Assiniboine Park Zoo are gearing up for a busy week.
“We like to say that when school’s out, the Zoo is in,” Laura Cabak, Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s communication director, told CTV News. “We have plenty of family-friendly activities planned.”
This year’s slate of events includes chats about different zoo residents like ring-tailed lemurs, arts and crafts, cookie decorating, and some special guests.
“We are looking forward to a very busy spring break, and you know, most of those visitors will be from right here within Manitoba,” Cabak said.
More Canadians could be staying home during spring break due to the ongoing trade dispute with the United States and President Donald Trump’s threats of annexation.
According to Statistics Canada, travel by Canadian residents to the U.S. and back declined in February from the same month last year.
“Our research shows that, of people who have cancelled their trips, 61 per cent are considering spending it in Canada,” Natalie Thiesen, vice-president of tourism at Economic Development Winnipeg, told CTV News. “So, that means some Winnipeggers are staying home, and Manitobans are staying home to explore their own backyard.”
Thiesen added altered travel plans means Manitoba could see more interprovincial visitors.
“We’re an incredible arts and culture hub,” she said. “And there’s a unique opportunity we have right now to welcome more Canadians to come to our province.”
“We’ve been talking a lot about that,” Adam Dooley, spokesperson for The Forks, told CTV News. “We haven’t seen it quite yet, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see more crowds sticking close to home. This is a great place to show your support for local.”
Dooley said The Forks has hip hop dance workshops taking place every day during spring break and added attractions around the historic site have plenty going on too.
“The Canadian Museum for Human Rights has free admission for kids during spring break, and the Children’s Museum and MTYP both have great day camps all week long and lots of other activities,” Dooley said.
Students in most school divisions are off from March 31 to April 4 for the annual break.
