Nestaweya River Skating Trail is open for ice skating.
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.
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, only the Forks Port Rink area is open.
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.
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. 122 submissions from 33 countries were received this year.
The trail is regularly groomed to ensure it is safe to skate on, and the ice is monitored daily. 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.
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 Arctic Glacier Winter Park and enjoy skating, tobogganing and horse-drawn sleigh rides and more.
The Guinness record holding, World’s Largest Snow Maze will also open near Winnipeg by the end of 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 $7 for adults.
Skate sharpening: $6