Located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, found artifacts like bones and stone tools are evidence of The Forks being a meeting place for more than 6,000 years. From First Nations peoples, to European traders and the Red River Métis, to surges of immigration in its time as a prominent rail yard, the history of The Forks tells the dynamic tale of how Winnipeg grew into the beating heart of our continent.
Today, you are bound to encounter inspiring sculptures and stone pictographs as you wander the walking trails of this nine-acre historic site. Bring the whole family to splash around at Fort Parka and enjoy activities all summer long, uncover the countless stories under your feet on a guided tour or book an intimate event in one of the site’s picturesque green spaces. Whether in the sweet summer heat or the whimsical winter frost, The Forks bustles with events, festivals and activities all year long.
Delve 6,000 years into the past at Winnipeg’s “Meeting Place” while soaking up the bustling ambience. Learn how two great rivers at the heart of the continent connected the prairies to the world and drew in trappers and traders from lands far away.
What to do?
Stroll over the Esplanade Riel pedestrian bridge that is a symbol of the connection between downtown Winnipeg and the French Quarter of St. Boniface or view the junction of these two famous prairie rivers, first named “La Fourche” by La Vérendrye in 1737. The Red was named a Canadian Heritage River in 2007 and is one of only a few rivers in North America to flow north.