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The River Trail

Conditions:

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Download a PDF of The River Trail Map.

Iceland Skate Rentals is open from 9:30am to 11:00pm.

Access Points:

CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Red River:  Queen Elizabeth Way (Norwood) Bridge, Beechwood, Churchill Drive.

Experience a Winnipeg tradition and skate, walk, run, or sled your way along The River Trail. Starting in the heart of the city, the Guinness World Record-holding longest naturally frozen skating trail in the world offers the unique experience of seeing the sights of Winnipeg from the frozen Red and Assiniboine Rivers.

The River Trail is about more than just skating. Venture out and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities: walking, curling, hockey, family activities, cycling, broomball, and more. Join us for special events the whole family can enjoy every weekend free of charge. Click to see our calendar of events.

Warming Huts:

While journeying down The River Trail seek shelter of a uniquely designed warming hut. Each year architects from around the world compete to have their design selected for construction. Several huts are chosen and displayed prominently on the trail. So take a pit stop and enjoy the shelter from the Winnipeg winter elements. Click to see the 2013 winners here, including local Winnipeg winner and University of Manitoba student entry.

The Rick Mercer Report: Rick at The Forks

Video segment from The Rick Mercer Report- Rick travels to Winnipeg to check out the warming huts on the world’s longest skating surface at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. 

Events:

Even during winter there are many events happening on The River Trail. Be sure to look at our calendar for a listing of activities, events, and special programs and check back often to as new things are always being added.

Map:

River Trail Tips

  1. Be sure to enter and exit the trail from the designated access points. The riverbank is unstable along certain sections and may not be safe to use.
  2. Find out what trail conditions are like by checking this website. It will be updated daily with grooming reports, closures, and trail conditions.
  3. Check the wind direction. You may not feel the wind if it’s at your back, but it may be an issue when skating in to it.
  4. Know your limits. 5 kilometres is nice trek, but remember it’s also 5 kilometres back.
  5. Slow down when approaching the bridges. Sand from the streets above can sometimes fall onto the trail making it uneven.
  6. Remember the river is a moving organic entity. Surface cracks can appear anywhere along the trail. Be vigilant.
  7. On snowfall days please stay off the trail until we can clear it. Packed snow is very hard to remove.
  8. Watch out for flooding machines, tractors and Zambonis.
  9. Respect private property and stay away from outfalls and thin ice signs.
  10. If you have garbage, keep it with you and dispose of it properly.
  11. Furry friends are welcome, but please keep them on-leash and ensure you clean up after them.

Skate Rentals

Skate Rentals are available from Iceland Skate Rentals located in The Forks Market from 10am to 10pm daily.
Rates are $2.50 for children and seniors and $4.50 for adults. Call 204-02.-7600 for more information or to book your group’s skate rentals.

Donations

If you are interested in donating to The River Trail, please follow this link.


Are you looking for Artic Glacier Winter Park? Click here.