Winnipeg 
Nestaweya River Skating Trail is open for ice skating.
Photo Credit: Tourism Winnipeg/The Forks North Portage Partnership
Nestaweya River Trail, one of the most popular Winnipeg winter attractions, will allow you to skate on Manitoba’s iconic rivers.
The skating trail begins at Winnipeg’s historic Forks area, which marks the location where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet. Visitors can reach the trail via the steps at The Forks Historic Port or the ramp located east of the Historic Rail Bridge.
One of Canada’s longest skating trails, the Nestaweya River Trail length is between 7 km to 10 km on the Red and Assiniboine Rivers depending on the weather.
Since the skating trail operations depend on weather conditions, it may open at different times each year. Generally, the trial opens in January and closes in March. Currently, The Forks Port and from The Forks Port to Queen Elizabeth Way are open. More sections of the Nestaweya River Trail will open as conditions permit.
The Forks
This trail was previously known as the Red River Trail. However, it was changed to Nestaweya (Ness-ta-way-ah) River Trail, as this is the Cree word for the area. It means “three points,” which refers to the fact that people could access the area by the river from three different points.
Wildlife Scramble; Warming Hut
Every year, warming huts are built and placed along the river during the third week of January or so. Every hut is different, and many of them provide fun and creative photo opportunities. This year, six new warming huts will be built on the Nestaweya River Trail. Warming hut designs are chosen through an international competition.
The trail is regularly groomed to ensure it is safe to skate on, and the ice is monitored daily. However, do keep in mind that only the official trail is ice-tested, and visitors should stay on the marked path for safety. If you start getting hungry as you skate, many restaurants are located throughout The Forks, including some right along the trail, where you can stop and grab a bite.
You can support this iconic Trail by adopting a metre for $50 through The Forks Foundation’s Trail Together campaign. Dedications can be made in your name or in honour of a trail lover. Your donation supports The Forks Foundation and includes a tax receipt, honouree listing on the Trail Together webpage, and trail signage recognition.
If you don’t have your skates but want to check out the Nestaweya River Trail, you can rent some from Iceland Skate Rentals.
The trail is free to explore, and it’s a great adventure for the whole family to go on together.
While at Forks, you can check out the Winter Park and enjoy various winter activities like skating, tobogganing, and more.
The Guinness record-holding, World’s Largest Snow Maze will also open near Winnipeg by mid to late-January.
Nestaweya River Skating Trail
What: The Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation is a multi-use winter trail where you can walk, bike, skate and cross-country ski along Winnipeg’s beautiful rivers.
Where: Assiniboine River Trail, Winnipeg
When: January to March – Check Status here.
The River Trail completely depends on the weather and ice conditions. There are no set hours for the trail. However, the ice is groomed late at night or early morning, so be aware of machines and staff on the ice.
How Much: Free
Ice Skate rental rates are $4 for children and seniors and $8 for adults.
Skate sharpening: $6
