Winter river trail up and running again

THE FORKS

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This article was published 08/01/2023 (715 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeggers don’t have to wish any longer for a river to skate — or ski, bike, stroll, or whatever — away on.

On Jan. 1, the first section of the Nestaweya River Trail, which is sponsored by the Winnipeg Foundation, opened at the Forks Historic Port.

“Getting back on the frozen river is such a special moment in the year — we love adding more fun public spaces to The Forks and welcoming visitors to the groomed skating, walking, biking and cross-country ski trails,” Sara Stasiuk, chief executive officer of The Forks North Portage, said in a statement. “Soon, more sections of the frozen trail will open and our community members will be able to experience even more of the river, enjoying this unique perspective of the city only winter can deliver.”

“I was surprised that it was open today, it’s great that it is. It’s a start,” said Lindsay Allen, who was lacing up with family on the morning of Jan. 4. “Today is great. The kids are back in school tomorrow, so this felt like our last chance to make the most of the holiday break.”

Along with the skating section at the port, crews were hard at work the first week of January clearing trail and flooding headed west up the Assiniboine River. Sections southeast on the Red River will follow, as weather allows.

“It’s a little short right now, but super excited for it to extend,” said Cameron Kaye, a 27-year-old North Kildonan resident. “I come on nice days or bundle up on the cold days. It’s good exercise. Today, it’s beautiful.”

Allen’s son Akiva, six, had his first skate on the river trail when he was three.

“We’ve been coming with him for sure every year,” Allen said. “I’ve come down and had great times playing pickup hockey here. We like to go the distance of the trail. We’re looking forward to coming throughout January and February and seeing as the trail expands how far we’ll get to go this year.”

New additions to the ever-popular warming huts were unveiled earlier this fall, which includes one from students at St. John’s High School, one from students at the University of Manitoba, and another by local artist Wanda Koop and Montreal-based designer Thom Fougere. The huts will be placed along the river trail as the trail is completed in the coming weeks.

The Forks’ Arctic Glacier Winter Park in and around the Forks opened earlier this winter. The skating attractions bring thousands to The Forks each winter, while many use the trails not only for recreation, but for commuting, as well. Iceland Skate Rentals is open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., weather permitting, with skate rentals and skate assists. Plain Bicycle also rents kick sleds, cross-country skis, and more, while Kendrick’s will be on the ice renting fat bikes this winter.

Typically, the river trail is open through February, though favourable weather is ultimately the deciding factor. For up to date conditions and trail openings, visit theforks.com/skate