5 ways to cruise the Nestaweya River Trail in Winnipeg

Posted: February 07, 2025 | Author: Jillian Recksiedler

Winnipeg earns its nickname 'Winterpeg' each January when The Forks officially opens the Nestaweya (Ness-ta-way-ah) River Trail, a spectacular winter attraction found nowhere else in Canada. This winter icon welcomes tens of thousands of visitors between the months of January and March to cruise down the ice. More than ever, there are creative and exhilarating ways to get your work out and giggles in while viewing the city from the rivers.

Glide in style on ice bikes

Ice bikes are a bike-ski contraption that allow explorers of all abilities to hit the ice with added stability. Located in a new rental hut right on the river trail at The Forks main pier, Kendrick's Outdoor Adventures has a fleet of really sleek, modern ice cruisers. Another fleet of low-riding ice trikes (with double back blades) appeal more to the young a heart. Kendrick's has an amazing online booking site so you can book your equipment ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Kids' critter cruisers

Meet Betty the beluga, Bobby the seal, Buddy the dog, and Tommy the reindeer. These adorable skate assists are a friendly way to get little ones comfortable on skates. Kendrick's Outdoor Adventures rents these characters from their pop up hut along the river trail at The Forks. While it's easiest for new skaters to start on the rink under the canopy, you can take the characters all the way down Nestaweya, too. Good news: if the kids get too tired, there is a built-in seat, leaving moms and dads to do all the legwork.

Take a fat bike for a spin

Fat bikes are right at home in Manitoba's extreme winter because the wide, grippy tires make traversing over snow and ice a breeze. There is no quicker way to see the entire 6+ kilometres of Nestaweya, and other land trails around The Forks, than by fat bike. Kendrick's Outdoor Adventures rents both adult and youth sizes of fat bikes, and even offers guided night rides tours around the downtown.

Snowshoe off the beaten path

While the walking trail portion of Nestaweya is likely too packed to warrant snowshoes, detour off course a bit to explore the thick blanket of untouched snow on the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. Kendrick's Outdoor Adventures has a convenient location for snowshoe rentals at The Forks Market, where you can warm up on cinnamon buns and coffee after your adventure.

Lace up a pair of skates

Two people skating on the Red River Mutual Trail at The Forks.

Remember the days when ice skating was the only fun way to get down the river trail at The Forks? Well, Canada's favourite pastime is still an option thanks to Iceland Skate Rentals inside The Forks Market that rents hockey and figure skates in all sizes.

About The Author

Hi, I'm Jillian, a marketer, communicator, traveller and Manitoba flag waver. Growing up in rural Manitoba during the '80s means I have a penchant for daytrips, maps (the paper kind), and prairie sunsets. I never tire of sharing stories about my home.