The Forks was once home to Aboriginal bison hunters before it became a center for fur trading. Today, it’s Winnipeg’s most popular tourist attraction.
From a distance it merely looks like a really fancy building, home to the Forks Market, but once you dig deeper, you’ll find it’s a whole lot more.
54-acres in size, you might as well call The Forks “Peg’s Disneyland.” Steeped in 6,000 years of history, the point where the Red and Assiniboine Rivers meet has always been an important gathering place for people and was used as a major transportation hub.
What was once the main trading post of the Hudson’s Bay Company is now a mixture of old railway buildings and stables that have been repurposed as restaurants, shops and theaters.
The Forks offers a multitude of promenades, gourmet restaurants, shops, and museums to visit. One could easily spend an entire week just exploring this unique multipurpose space.
One of the highlights is the ubiquitous Forks Market featuring food from across the globe. You can literally find everything from Sri Lankan cuisine to aboriginal Canadian goods.
The market also offers some of the best views in the city. Taking the elevator up to the observation tower is an absolute must. However, make sure to take the stairs down, as you’ll be treated to displays and plaques featuring artifacts from The Forks’ long history.
If you’re a fan of food, buying food and eating here are two totally different experiences. As Winnipeg’s most diverse culinary destination, The Forks is the place for both discerning local Winnipeggers and tourists alike. You’ll be able to find a range of restaurant from high-end outdoor dining along the river to more casual, wallet-friendly cafes.
Once you’ve had your fill of food, it’s time to head outside and enjoy the beauty of Canada’s natural landscape. Stroll around one of the many parks, rent a boat or hit up some of the playgrounds and museums.
If you happen to visit during winter, skating along the river is a timeless Forks activity! As you make your way along the Red River Mutual Trail, it’s cool to know that you’re on the world’s longest naturally frozen trail, as confirmed by the Guinness Book of World Records.
When you’re too cold to go on, simply stop inside any of the numerous warming houses lining the trail. Architects from around the world have designed these huts in a competition for the best ways to keep warm. While some are certainly more creative than functional, it’s an activity all in itself to see what unique designs they came up with!