Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation
How to Enjoy
Thank you for a great 2022-2023 winter season. Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation is now closed until next year.
The Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation is about getting outside safely and enjoying the best season in Winnipeg, winter.
This year you will be able to walk, bike, skate and cross country ski along the city's beautiful rivers making it one of our "biggest" trails ever.
Our partners
Title sponsor: The Winnipeg Foundation is thrilled to be lead sponsor for the next five years. Much like the work of your community foundation, Winnipeggers know the trail brings our community together, to share and enjoy this amazing prairie city we all call home. Founded in 1921, The Winnipeg Foundation is proud to be Canada’s first community foundation.
Supporting partners: Safe at Home Manitoba and Manitoba 150
Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation Tips
- Conditions - Know what’s open/closed and conditions. Check out www.theforks.com/skate for the latest info
- Access points - Only use designated access points. Other spots may be unsafe or unstable.
- Respect the rivers - They are moving, natural things. Surface cracks can appear so you need to be cautious.
- Pets - Keep your pets leashed at all times. Clean up after them.
- Garbage - Don’t litter. Garbage cans are at each access point.
- Bridges - Go slow under bridges. The surfaces get bumpy under them.
- Watch out for the trail crew - Flooding machines, the ice resurfacing machine, and tractors are out here to keep the trail going.
- Know your limits and check the wind - Remember however long you go “out” you also need to come “back.
Skate Rentals
Skate Rentals are currently available through Iceland Skate Rentals.
FAQ
When does the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation open/close?
The Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation is completely dependent on the weather and ice conditions. Therefore we do not have a set open or close date. In the past, the trail has opened in January and usually closes in March. Check the website for updates.
Why are some sections of the trail closed even if I think the river looks safe to skate on?
The Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation is monitored daily and closes based on ice quality, cracks, and the ability to get our ice grooming machines to that particular section of the trail. We close sections for the safety of guests and staff so it is only safe to skate on the sections our website lists as open. Check our website for daily updates and conditions.
How do I access the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation?
You can access the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation from The Forks and access points are added as conditions allow. Make sure to check the website for which access points are open.
Does The Forks rent skates and where can I get them?
Iceland Skate Rentals is open for the season.
How long is the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation and where does it go?
The Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation is on the Assiniboine and/or Red Rivers. Where the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation goes and the length of the trail varies every year. It is dependent on how the river freezes and weather conditions. Check website for up to date information on the trail.
When is the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation groomed?
The Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation is groomed daily using a variety of methods. Check the website for ice conditions.
Are there places to eat on the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation?
Restaurants, including dine-in restaurants, are open in The Forks Market.
How much does the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation cost?
The Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation is completely free for people to use. It is supported financially by The Winnipeg Foundation as title sponsor and with the support of the Province of Manitoba's Safe at Home Grant program and Manitoba 150.
When do the Warming Huts go on the trail?
We typically get the new Warming Huts built and on the trail for the third week of January but the process is weather dependent. Our collection of huts from years past go out right away. Check the website for updates.
What are the hours of the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation?
There are no set hours for the Nestaweya River Trail presented by The Winnipeg Foundation. However the ice is groomed late night or early morning so be aware of machines and staff on the ice.
Media
Opening the River Trail - from ChrisD.ca
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.
Donations
If you are interested in supporting the River Trail, please donate today.
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