The Forks embraces winter

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This article was published 19/12/2022 (736 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Forks is Winnipeg’s winter hot spot.

People who want to have fun outside can head to the downtown site for activities geared toward all ages, interests, and abilities.

The Arctic Glacier Winter Park officially opened at The Forks this week. The park offers more than a kilometre of skating and walking trails that wind through historic site, including across the rail bridge.

“The on-land trails are great because they give people the opportunity to come down to The Forks and skate early before the river trails are open,” said Zach Peters, communications manager.

In addition, there are two skating rinks, located at the CN Stage and under the Fork Market canopy. Skaters will be able to enjoy music from a playlist curated by Manitoba Music featuring songs by Manitoba artists.

For the first time since the pandemic, a skate-changing facility is available inside the Forks Market.

“We’re excited to be able to have that back this year, to offer a warm place for people to go inside and put on their skates and to warm up a little bit afterwards,” Peters said.

Skates and skate-assisting devices are available for rental from Iceland Skate Rentals inside the Forks Market.

“It’s a great way for people to try it out. There’s also skate-assists available for rent so people trying it out for the first time might not fall down as many times,” Peters said.

Kick-sleds and cross-country skis are available for rental from Plain Bicycle, located inside the rail car in the Forks Market parking lot. In the coming weeks, Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventure will offer fat-tire bike rentals.

Visitors can take their toboggans and slide down the large hill across from the CN Stage.

At night, 100,000-plus lights illuminate the skating trails and rail bridge. A light-covered archway, a staple of the Winter Park since 2017, returns to the Prairie Garden area this year. The archway, which is between the canopy skating rink and the Oodena Celebration Circle, is a popular spot for photos.

Beginning in January, the Winter Park will offer family-friendly entertainment every Sunday afternoon. Activities will include horse-drawn sleigh rides, DJs at the canopy rink, and traditional storytelling in the teepee with Indigenous elder Barbara Nepinak.

Peters hopes the Sunday programs will have widespread appeal.

“Even if they’re not interested in experiencing some of the other outdoor activities The Forks has to offer, they can still come out and enjoy the beautiful season,” Peters said.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca