The Forks is the beating heart of Winnipeg, a riverside district where the Red and Assiniboine rivers join, known to the Cree as Nestawaya. People have gathered here for more than 6,000 years, and today it is a lively mix of public space, history and food. The Forks Market, in restored railway stables, houses food stalls, shops and a food hall that is open seven days a week. Around it you will find riverside paths, a historic port, an outdoor amphitheatre, play areas and a plaza, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights rises next door. Entering the site costs nothing, which makes it the easiest place to start a Winnipeg visit. In summer you can walk the river and watch events, and in winter the grounds turn to skating trails and warming huts when conditions allow. Plan an hour for a stroll or a whole afternoon with lunch and a museum visit.
A place before a destination
The Forks sits on Treaty One land and the homeland of the Red River Metis, and its story runs from ancient trade and gatherings through fur-trade posts and the railway era to the present. Interpretive signs and the historic port tell parts of that story, and the site's own guidance emphasises Indigenous history and reconciliation. Walking the river edge, you are following routes that Indigenous peoples, traders and settlers all used.
What to do
Start at the market for coffee or lunch, then walk the riverside trails and the historic port. Climb the viewing tower or simply cross the pedestrian paths for angles on the rivers and the Human Rights Museum. The market building is open every day, with shops generally open from morning to early evening and the food hall open later, though individual vendors keep their own hours.
Seasonal events change through the year, so check The Forks website for what is on during your dates. In winter, skating trails and outdoor programming appear when the ice and snow allow, so look at current conditions before you plan around them.
Practicalities
It is walkable from most downtown hotels, and paid parking is available on the site. Dress for the weather, since the riverside can be windy and cold between November and March. It is free to wander, so budget only for food, shopping or any paid attraction you choose to add. It is an excellent first stop, a good rainy-day plan thanks to the market, and a natural gathering point for families.
What to expect
The experience
An open-air riverside district with a covered market, trails, a historic port and public spaces, free to walk through at any hour.
Best time
Late morning into lunch for the market, or around sunset for light on the rivers.
How long
One to three hours, longer if you add the museum next door.
Tips
Entry is free, so budget for food and parking. Dress for wind off the rivers, and check The Forks website for events and winter trail conditions.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-timers who want Winnipeg's history, food and river views in one walkable place.
- Families
- Open space, a market and seasonal activities make it easy with children of any age.
- Couples
- Take a river walk, then dinner in the market or a nearby restaurant.
- Pair with
- The Canadian Museum for Human Rights is next door, and the Exchange District is a short drive or walk away.
- Time needed
- Allow one to three hours.
Good questions
Is it free to visit The Forks?+
Yes, the site and its paths are free to enter. You pay only for food, shopping, parking or any attraction you choose.
What is The Forks Market?+
It is a covered market in restored railway buildings with food stalls, shops and a food hall. It is open seven days a week, although vendor hours vary.
Why is The Forks historically important?+
It is where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, a gathering and trading place for roughly 6,000 years. Its history spans Indigenous nations, the fur trade and the railways.
What can I do there in winter?+
The site has skating trails and outdoor programming when conditions permit, and the market gives you somewhere warm to eat. Check current trail conditions before you go.
Can I walk there from downtown?+
Yes, it is a manageable walk from many downtown hotels, and it is also a short ride by taxi or rideshare. Paid parking is available on site.
