If you’re headed to Winnipeg, chances are you have The Forks on your list! There is such a variety of things to do and truly something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, food and drink, shopping, or views The Forks has you covered!
Behind the name: The Forks is named appropriately as it sits on the bank of the fork in the Assiniboine and Red Rivers. This place has a wealth of history dating back over 6,000 years. To learn more about the Aboriginal history, settlement, and how The Forks has evolved as a place of community click HERE.
I have been to Winnipeg and the Forks several times in all seasons- I have to say, it’s so much fun all year round!
The Common
In the heart of the Forks is The Common which hosts 20 rotating taps and a hefty wine list (22 options in total)! The options are specifically curated by experts and there is such variety that anyone can find something they like.
Once you have your beer or wine there is plenty of seating on the main and second levels. Pair your drink with one of the many food options that lie in and around the concourse.
The Forks Market
The Common is surrounded by a maze of food vendors, galleries, and shops. Take some time to grab a meal, check out the handmade goods (crafts and treats!), and pick up a souvenir.
We grabbed lunch at Zorba’s Greek and Italian. Greek food is some of my favorite and this certainly did not disappoint. Love me some greek salad, potatoes, and skewers!
Dessert was macarons from Jenna Rae Cakes. I don’t eat macarons regularly but when I do, they’re from Jenna Rae! So good. They are sold individually or in variety packs and there are tons of amazing flavors. Other products include: cookie sandwiches, cupcakes, snack cakes, and cookie dough cups.
The Forks Trading Company is another must-stop place; they feature solely Manitoba-made goods! The perfect place for a souvenir- check out their Instagram HERE.
The Forks Market Tower
If you’re looking for a great view over the fork in the river (The Assiniboine River and The Red River) the Market Tower is the place to find it. The six story tower also hosts a beautiful view of the Winnipeg skyline. A trip to The Forks isn’t complete without seeing it from above!
There are several flights of stairs and an elevator. We took the stairs on the way up and the elevator on the way down. (Make that make sense hah)
(We were there in November, so the trees don’t look very lively. In the summer everything is a beautiful green, and during the winter everything is snowcapped!)
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights
I have been to Winnipeg several times but have never actually made it into the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. I have admired the architecture from the outside, but have yet to go inside and learn.
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a short walk from The Forks Market- I would encourage you to check it out! I have have heard that you should allocate 2-3 hours to truly take in the all the museum has to offer.
The Winnipeg Sign
If you’re going to The Forks, document your trip by taking a picture with the almost 8 foot (2.4 meters for my Canadians) WINNIPEG sign! This LED sign may change colors depending on the season or current events.
Sculpture Installation: Forever Bicycles
Forever Bicycles is comprised of 1,254 bicycles. Due to the repetitive nature of the structure and the many layers I found that it played tricks with eyes and almost looked blurry.
The structure was erected in 2019 and is supposed to be up for 3 years- there may be a different installation this summer (2022). For more on the civil rights history, and the meaning behind the structure, click HERE.
Esplanade Riel Footbridge at Provencher Bridge
The Esplanade Riel at Provencher bridge is the only bridge to host a restaurant in North America. The Bridge spans the Red River and serves as a connection between downtown Winnipeg and Saint Boniface. Take some time to admire the incredible architecture of the bridge, the river, and the Winnipeg skyline.
Other Great Things to Do:
- Stay at Inn at The Forks and dine at SMITH restaurant.
- Do more shopping at Johnston Terminal.
- Take a class or enjoy a show at Manitoba Theater for Young People.
- Visit The Forks National Historic Site.
- Walk around Oodena Celebration Circle.
- Check out Niimaamaa- an beautiful Aboriginal sculpture representing motherhood, Mother Earth, and new beginnings.
- Enjoy Peace Meeting site. An area dedicated to Aboriginal and European elements and culture.
- Go for a walk on the Riverwalk! If it isn’t underwater this year..
- Check out the Winnipeg Railway Museum.
- And much, much, more! For additional ideas, visit The Forks website HERE.
The Forks in Winter
The Forks in Winter is a special place to be. Throughout the park and grounds walkways are turned to ice paths for skating, open areas are turned to ice rinks. These areas are framed with beautiful lighted structures and designs making for a truly incredible experience.
Additionally, There are also about 6 miles (9.6 kilometers) of maintained skating paths on the rivers- making it the longest skating rink in the world!
Fat bikes, snowshoes, ice trikes, and skating assists are all available at Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures. For more information click HERE. (There are summer rentals too! Bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters, paddle boards and more). Open 10am-7pm.
Parking
There are three main parking areas at The Forks: Forks Parkade, FNP Parkade, and the Waterfront Drive Parking Lot. Parking costs $1 per half hour with a limit of 3 hours.
COVID Stipulations in Canada and Winnipeg
Covid has changed a lot of things in the past few years, one of which is travel. It’s challenging to travel within the United States right now, and even more difficult to cross borders. Rules and protocols are evolving on a monthly basis so be sure to double check policies prior to travel.
At this time, Canada is only allowing fully vaccinated travelers. There are specific testing and quarantine requirements required for entry.
- You must have no signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
- You must present a NEGATIVE molecular test taken within 72 hours OR proof of a positive test between 11-180 days prior. NOTE: Rapid Antigen tests do not qualify.
- Complete ArriveCAN documentation. The link to the app can be found HERE.
COVID and The Forks
- Masks are required in all indoor spaces.
- If you sit down inside the building proof of vaccination card is required. (We had a gentleman come up to us as we sat down and scan our ID and vaccination cards).
- You can not have more than 10 people at your table.
- Rules may be different at each shop or restaurant.
Updated: Feb 1st, 2022
A huge thanks to my wonderful friend and her fiancé for hosting me for an awesome weekend in November 2021.
The Forks has SO much history I haven’t had a chance to explore. I have shared great things to do, but if you get the chance- I encourage you to learn about the history of the land, the Aboriginal people in the area, and how this sacred space has evolved over the years. There are so many great ways to spend an afternoon at The Forks!
Winnipeg is a great place for a weekend getaway! Have you read my post How to Travel with Limited Time Off? Awesome tips and tricks for traveling on a time crunch!
