You're probably thinking, "Really, The Forks? 1,000,000 reasons? Yeah right." But we're barely exaggerating. Read on!
Louis Riel weekend is traditionally a fun-filled family weekend here at The Forks, and this year is no different. We'll break things down by location:
On The Red River Mutual Trail:
Plus side of having not a lot of snow and consistently frigid temperatures? The longest #RRMTrail in Forks' recorded history. The Trail spans 10 kilometres from the St. Vital Bridge on the Red River, all the way to Arlington on the Assiniboine. And while you might think there is plenty of winter left in store for us and you have all the time in the world to get out on the trail before it melts, recall this weekend last year: THE TRAIL MELTED AND CLOSED!
Our point? Get out there and make the most of it while it lasts, because spring is just around the corner.
Check out our events calendar for full deets on all events happening on the Red River Mutual Trail this weekend, but at any given time, expect to see: Festival du Voyageur's Rendez-vous on Ice entertainment, beer garden, discotheque, fashion show, taking place right where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet. Also keep an eye out for speed skating demos, a Wild Winter Canoe Race (yes, canoeing on the frozen river in the dead of winter because we can), a Mardi Gras parade, a rugby tournament and the screening of a Guy Maddin film on the Warming Hut he designed this year.
Around The Forks Site:
Every Sunday in February, (including this Sunday) Arctic Glacier Winter Park comes to life with tons of free family programming. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides around the site all afternoon, Indigenous storytelling and bannock-making in the teepee and DJs Hunnicut + Co-op spinning all the tunes under the Canopy Rink while you spin around on skates!
Also only around for a limited time: Ice Castles - the magical ice attraction that has taken over your Instagram feed. If you have a kid itching to experience the magic, be sure to use promo code FREEKID18 when you purchase your tickets online in advance to get a free kid ticket when purchasing an adult ticket. Not valid Feb. 19.
Inside The Forks Market:
Aside from being the rest + refuel (hot chocolate and mini donuts and/or beer = fuel right?) destination, this week The Common launched a BRAND NEW beer and wine list curated by the world's top female sommelier, Veronique Rivest. Definitely carve out some time this weekend to have some sips off the new list, and let Common staff share all their newfound knowledge with you after training with one of the world's best sommeliers this week.
If you take a peek upstairs, you'll notice a highly anticipated new store, emitting that luxurious new-book smell...yep - McNally Robinson Booksellers has stocked their bookshelves and opened their doors to all book lovers. It's just a soft-open this weekend - more announcements to come next week!
Busy Weekend Parking Tips:
With a little bump in the temperature + the holiday, we anticipate a full house around here! A few things we suggest to alleviate parking stress:
- Plan to take the bus or carpool with pals = no parking drama
- Download the Secunik parking app [For Apple] [For Android] before you get here. Lineup at the parking metre? Pay by phone. Having the best time down on the #RRMTrail and don't feel like taking your skates off to top up your parking? Pay by phone!
- Plan to park nearby and get here on foot or on skate! There are access points for the river trail all along it - nab a (free?!) parking spot near an access point and skate your way over!
Find out about all the events happening at The Forks by checking out our online events calendar. Happy long weekend!
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The Forks is my favourite place to be in Winnipeg. The paid parking is such a disappointment. I have four children under 10 and alternative entrances are not really feasible in the cold. This has deterred us from coming down more this year. So sad! Having said that, it’s the place I want to be and I’m loving all the new shops opening up and all the great winter activities!
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