The iconic Nestaweya River Trail at The Forks in Winnipeg has been forced to close its ice to skaters due to unseasonably warm temperatures. The closure, announced on January 13, 2026, underscores the immediate impact of a mid-winter thaw on one of the city's most cherished winter attractions.
Safety First as Ice Conditions Deteriorate
Officials made the decision to close the skating trail after assessing that the warm spell had made the ice conditions unsafe for public use. The trail, a sprawling network on the frozen Assiniboine and Red Rivers, is a central hub for winter activity but is highly susceptible to temperature fluctuations.
The closure serves as a direct reminder that ice safety is variable and can change rapidly with the weather. Visitors are advised to heed all posted signs and barriers, as other natural ice surfaces in the area may also be unstable.
Economic and Social Ripple Effects
The temporary shutdown disrupts a key driver of winter tourism and local recreation at The Forks National Historic Site. The river trail typically supports a vibrant ecosystem of small businesses, including skate rentals and food vendors, whose operations are now interrupted.
For Winnipeggers, the closure represents more than an inconvenience; it signifies the loss of a vital community space for social gathering and physical activity during the long winter months. The trail's status is a daily topic of conversation, closely tied to the city's cultural identity.
Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Re-Opening
Trail managers at The Forks are closely monitoring weather forecasts and conducting daily ice thickness checks. The trail will remain closed until a sustained period of colder temperatures allows for the ice to thicken and stabilize sufficiently to meet rigorous safety standards.
Officials emphasize that re-opening will be a cautious, data-driven process. In the meantime, the public is encouraged to enjoy other winter amenities at The Forks that are not ice-dependent, while staying updated on the river trail's status through official channels.
This early-January closure highlights the ongoing challenges faced by outdoor winter venues in an era of increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather patterns.
