Winnipeg’s The Forks HIVE: Historic, Inclusive, Vibrant, Entertaining
Six thousand years ago, First Nations bands gathered at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in spring and summer, trading, celebrating and reconnecting.
While this historic site gave way to commercial enterprise as pioneers moved into the province, becoming the heart of Winnipeg and the core of its downtown area, the native community never forgot its roots. Over the past 47 years, the provincial, federal and city governments began redeveloping and focusing on the historic roots of the site.
Today, it is an eclectic mix of facilities, with retail and dining experiences flooding the old Johnson Terminal and Forks warehouse. Nearby, the VIA rail station celebrates it history in the area, the Children’s Museum offers an abundance of experiences for kids, the Manitoba Theatre for Young People provides theatre for youth, a world-class skate park attracts scores of young people every day, and the CN stage is home to weekly shows.
The Human Rights Museum places Winnipeg at the heart of celebrating and supporting human rights in all its forms.
Travel Manitoba headquarters in the Johnson Terminal and the Agowiidiwinan Centre teaches visitors about First Nations history.
History is alive at the Forks!
But The Forks is very inclusive, as well. Both under the centre court canopy and at the CN stage, myriad cultural celebrations occur. Children and families enjoy outdoor activities year round, with over 2 kilometers of walking paths along interpretive monuments, the two rivers and the natural canopy of trees, along with winter skating paths throughout the site and between 6-11 kilometers (depending on the intensity of the winter) of skating trails along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers make winter thoroughly enjoyable. Older visitors can find dozens of places to relax and enjoy the surroundings, and all venues at the Forks are handicapped accessible.
Every weekend throughout the year, the two indoor public retail and restaurant buildings see thousands of visitors. From winter’s Festival du Voyageur to Canada Day celebrations, there is a buzz of celebration at the Forks.
While large commercial entertainment activities generally occur elsewhere in the city, the wealth of local entertainment, cultural celebrations and unique activities provide entertainment for every age from every background.
When visiting Manitoba, The Forks is an essential day trip for everyone. For locals, it can be a weekly pilgrammage.