Image Credit: Wpg guy, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Winter Is Officially Showing Up

If you’ve been waiting for a real sign that winter is finally doing its thing, this might be it.

The Nestaweya River Trail at The Forks is set to open this Thursday at 10:00 AM, and honestly, it feels like one of those small-but-big Winnipeg wins. Cold enough to freeze the rivers, clear enough to get people out of the house, and perfectly timed for the holidays when a lot of folks are looking for something free and outdoors to do.




Quick Details (The Handy Kind)

  • Day: Thursday
  • Time: Opens at 10:00 AM
  • Where: On the Red and Assiniboine Rivers at The Forks
  • Good to know: Open for skating and walking — no skates required

The trail runs along both rivers right by The Forks, and it’s one of those places that works for almost everyone. Some people go for a quick skate, others just bundle up and wander, and a few ambitious folks treat it like winter cardio. All are valid choices.




Why It’s Worth Getting Outside

If you’ve never been, it’s a very Winnipeg experience. You’re literally on the river, surrounded by snow, with the city quietly humming around you. It’s peaceful, a little magical, and somehow makes winter feel less annoying.

As always, river conditions depend on the weather, so it’s smart to check before heading down — but for now, it looks like the season is officially on.

If you’ve been itching to get outside, shake off the holiday fog, or just need a reason to leave the house, this is a solid one. Winter isn’t going anywhere… might as well enjoy the parts of it Winnipeg actually does well. ❄️⛸️

[spacer height=”40px” id=”3″] Upcoming Events

2026 Winnipeg Fringe Festival at Old Market Square

Don't miss the epic 12-day Winnipeg Fringe Festival at Old Market Square (July 17-28, 2024) in Winnipeg's Exchange District! Free outdoor entertainment includes live music, street performers, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Catch lunchtime concerts or dance to bands from 8 pm to midnight. Public washrooms, ATMs, and a beer tent are available for your convenience. While entry is free, consider tipping the performers!

Find out more
Old Market Square, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map

2026 Manitoba Stampede and Exhibition

Experience the Manitoba Stampede & Exhibition, a thrilling event featuring free grounds admission, exciting rodeo and chuckwagon competitions, live music, a vibrant midway, and family-friendly activities. Don't miss the captivating RCMP Musical Ride! Join us July 19-21 at the Manitoba Stampede Grounds in Morris, MB. Secure your spot today!

Find out more
Manitoba Stampede, 350 Main St S
Morris, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map

2026 Winnipeg Beach Boardwalk Days

Boardwalk Days 2025 returns to Winnipeg Beach from July 25–27 with midway rides, fireworks, live music, and a lakeside street market. This free, family-friendly festival kicks off at 5 PM on Friday at Winnipeg Beach, MB. Enjoy three days of beachside summer fun just 45 minutes from Winnipeg.

Find out more
Winnipeg Beach, Winnipeg Beach, CA
+ Google Map

Downtown Winnipeg Night Market And Soccer Festival

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 Experience the Winnipeg Night Market Soccer Festival Finals Celebrate the excitement of championship soccer

Find out more

Weekend Round-Up: 10+ Free Events in Winnipeg July 17-19

A list of free things to do in Winnipeg during the weekend including activities for the family, live music, arts, movies, and more.

Find out more
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map

Open Corydon – Little Italy

Spend your Sunday exploring Open Corydon – Little Italy, where Corydon Avenue becomes a pedestrian-only destination filled with restaurant patios, local shops, public art, live music, and free summer fun from July 5 to September 6.

Find out more
Corydon Avenue, Corydon Avenue between Lilac St and Daly St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map

Bachata Nights inthe Park

Looking for free outdoor dancing in Winnipeg? Bachata Nights in the Park returns to Cargo Bar at Assiniboine Park every Tuesday in July and August with live DJs, free dance lessons, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Find out more

Open Corydon – Little Italy

Spend your Sunday exploring Open Corydon – Little Italy, where Corydon Avenue becomes a pedestrian-only destination filled with restaurant patios, local shops, public art, live music, and free summer fun from July 5 to September 6.

Find out more
Corydon Avenue, Corydon Avenue between Lilac St and Daly St.
Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada
+ Google Map

Bachata Nights inthe Park

Looking for free outdoor dancing in Winnipeg? Bachata Nights in the Park returns to Cargo Bar at Assiniboine Park every Tuesday in July and August with live DJs, free dance lessons, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Find out more

Bachata Nights inthe Park

Looking for free outdoor dancing in Winnipeg? Bachata Nights in the Park returns to Cargo Bar at Assiniboine Park every Tuesday in July and August with live DJs, free dance lessons, and a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

Find out more
Load More