Advertisement

The Forks river trail in Winnipeg closes for season after 72 days

The river trail opened to skaters and skiers 72 days ago. Global News

After 72 days of frozen fun enjoyed by an estimated 220,000 people, a staple of Winnipeg winters is now closed for the season.

The Forks announced Monday that the Nestaweya River Trail had closed, three days shy of the record-length season set in 2019.

“As Winnipeg’s meeting place we’re delighted to see so many folks using and loving this seasonal public amenity as they embrace winter,” said Forks North Portage Partnership CEO Sara Stasiuk in a statement.

“Thank you to everyone who ventured onto the trail this season, including the hard-working river trail team who monitored and maintained the walking, skating, and skiing paths.”

Story continues below advertisement

According to statistics from The Forks, more than three million litres of water was pumped from the river to flood the trail, and an ice-resurfacing machine covered a whopping 1,185 kilometres over the course of the season to maintain the skating surface.

Breaking news from Canada and around the world sent to your email, as it happens.

Winnipeggers are being cautioned to stay off the ice on the rivers, which are no longer being monitored or maintained by Forks staff.

Click to play video: 'The Forks opens first leg of Winnipeg river trail'
The Forks opens first leg of Winnipeg river trail

Sponsored content

AdChoices