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The Forks (Winnipeg)

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Landmark
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The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)

Weather…

The Forks is a historic site and popular meeting place located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in downtown Winnipeg. For over 6,000 years, this area has served as a significant gathering spot for Indigenous peoples, fur traders, railway workers, and settlers. Today, The Forks is a thriving cultural and commercial hub featuring the Forks Market, the Johnston Terminal, and extensive parklands. Designated as a National Historic Site of Canada, it is home to meaningful landmarks like the Oodena Celebration Circle, which honors the spiritual connection to the land. During the winter, the site hosts the world-famous Red River Mutual Trail, one of the longest naturally frozen skating paths globally. With year-round festivals, unique dining options, and public art, The Forks remains a central destination for both locals and tourists. It successfully blends the deep history of the region with contemporary urban life, attracting over four million visitors annually.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-17-15-6512182120145-4-14
Rain mm231933377994716460432625

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Forks is a public park and market, open daily. The outdoor area is freely accessible at any time, while the market and shops are open during regular business hours.
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Typical hours
The market is usually open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, often later on weekends. The park is accessible year-round from sunrise to sunset.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the grounds, both outdoors and in the market area. Shots of the confluence of the two rivers are particularly beautiful.
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Time needed
Allow about one to two hours for a visit to The Forks to explore the market and park. If you also plan to visit the Human Rights Museum, set aside half a day.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, located right on the grounds. The Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge also has a pleasant walk.
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Getting there
The Forks is located in central Winnipeg and is easily walkable from downtown. Many bus lines stop nearby and there are plenty of paid parking spots.
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Insider tip
Be sure to try local specialties in the market area, like fresh bannock bread or maple-glazed salmon. On Saturdays, visit the farmers' market for regional products.

Geography

Coordinates
49.88800, -97.13000

Facts

  • Archaeological evidence shows human activity at the site dating back 6,000 years.
  • The Forks Market is housed in two former railway stable buildings dating from the 1880s.
  • The area was officially designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1974.
  • The Forks attracts more than four million visitors per year to its markets and parks.
  • The Oodena Celebration Circle is a naked-eye observatory used for cultural events.
  • In winter, the site hosts a skating trail that is among the longest natural paths in the world.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Canadian Museum for Human RightsCanadian Museum for Human Rights<1 km · SWExplore →
Manitoba Legislative BuildingManitoba Legislative Building2 km · SExplore →
Winnipeg Logistics HubWinnipeg Logistics Hub3 km · NExplore →
Assiniboine Park ZooAssiniboine Park Zoo12 km · SExplore →
GimliGimli19 km · NWExplore →
Lake WinnipegLake Winnipeg55 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town The Forks (Winnipeg) (10)

Cartizan Studio🎭 culture

An artist studio at The Forks, where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet.

Pierre Gaultier de Varennes et de la Vèrendrye🏺 historical

A monument to French explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, sieur de La Vérendrye in Winnipeg.

Belvédère Saint-Boniface🌿 nature

A scenic overlook of the Red River in the Saint-Boniface district.

Old Saint Boniface Cathedral🏺 historical

The ruins of the original Saint Boniface Cathedral, a historic site in Winnipeg.

Precious Blood Roman Catholic Church⛪ religious

Roman Catholic church designed by architect Étienne Gaboury, known for its distinctive spiral form.

Saint Vital Historial Society and Museum🏛 museum

A local historical society operating a museum in Saint Vital, Winnipeg.

Loch Gallery🏛 museum

An art gallery in the historic Exchange District near The Forks.

Norwood Bridge📍 landmark

The Norwood Bridge is a steel arch bridge crossing the Assiniboine River near The Forks.

Manitoba Theatre for Young People🎭 culture

A professional theatre company producing plays for children and youth.

Children's Museum🏛 museum

The Children's Museum is a hands-on children’s museum inside the historic Canadian Northern Railway Depot at The Forks.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:30-16:30; PH 09:30-16:30; Nov 11 off; 2026 Sep 14-2♿💶

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Why is the place called 'The Forks'?
It is where the Red River and Assiniboine River meet.
What can you do there in winter?
Skating on the frozen river trail is a major winter attraction.
Is there a market there?
Yes, The Forks Market features local food and artisanal crafts.
How long have people used this site?
Indigenous peoples have used this meeting place for over 6,000 years.
Is it a good place for families?
Yes, with museums, parks, and dining, it is great for families.
The Forks (Winnipeg): where is it located?
The Forks (Winnipeg) is located in Canada.
The Forks (Winnipeg): what is there to see?
Highlights include Cartizan Studio, Pierre Gaultier de Varennes et de la Vèrendrye, Belvédère Saint-Boniface.
The Forks (Winnipeg): when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
The Forks (Winnipeg): why is it worth visiting?
The Forks is a historic site and popular meeting place located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in downtown Winnipeg.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Brandon — The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)
Brandon
The second-largest city in Manitoba, a major agricultural hub.
Gimli — The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)
Gimli
Gimli is a lakeside community on Lake Winnipeg known for its strong Icelandic heritage and vibrant summer festivals.

History & landmarks

Canadian Museum for Human Rights — The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
A national museum in Winnipeg with striking architecture.
Manitoba Legislative Building — The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)
Manitoba Legislative Building
The seat of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, located in Winnipeg.

Nature

Lake Winnipeg — The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)
Lake Winnipeg
A very large but relatively shallow lake in Manitoba, a remnant of prehistoric Lake Agassiz.

More places

Fort Garry — The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)
Fort Garry
A former Hudson's Bay Company trading post that was central to the early history of Winnipeg and the Red River Colony.
Winnipeg Logistics Hub — The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)
Winnipeg Logistics Hub
Central hub for freight traffic in Canada.
Assiniboine Park Zoo — The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)
Assiniboine Park Zoo
A zoo in Winnipeg renowned for its award-winning 'Journey to Churchill' exhibit.
🗺️
Churchill Beluga Whales
In the summer, thousands of beluga whales gather in the Churchill River estuary.
Hudson Bay — The Forks (Winnipeg) (Canada)
Hudson Bay
A large inland sea in eastern Canada that freezes in winter and is known for polar bear migrations.