People have been meeting at The Forks of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers in the heart of Winnipeg for over 6,000 years!

One of the loveliest public spaces in the City and a must see for any visitor, The Forks is a 56 acre expanse of riverside property in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. This vast park shines as a natural treasure, with operations conducted by the Canadian Parks Service. The Forks is one of the richest sites of heritage resources in North America. Archaeological digs with opportunities for public participation are offered each summer.

Located behind the Union Station on Main Street and within walking distance of major downtown hotels, The Forks offers a unique shopping experience with many one of a kind items in The Forks Market and Johnston Terminal, as well as a kaleidoscope of activities and festivals on the site throughout the year.

The Forks has become Winnipeg's premier tourist site. Part national historic site, river walkway and market with shops and outdoor restaurants, The Forks is a major gathering site for people to stroll on summer days and nights.

The kids can go All Aboard and explore a vintage 1910 railway car, or dress up as their favourite critter and be part of an interactive woodland habitat at the Manitoba Children's Museum, the only museum of its kind in Western Canada.

The B & B Building, built in 1889 is the oldest standing rail facility of its type in Western Cananda and is now home to The Manitoba Children's Museum. This hands on facility offers endless fun and learning opportunities for the whole family with its assortment of activity galleries for youngsters of all ages.

The Forks also plays host to a number of summer festivals. The Winnipeg International Children's Festival and Aboriginal Family Fun Day in June, Canada Day and World Beat '98 in July, the Winnipeg International Grainfest, Caripeg Carnival and the Dragon Boat Festival in August, plus a new festival in September - the World Next Door - keep The Forks hopping.

The Forks itself presents the Walk 'n' Water Weekend in May, and a pair of theatrical walking tours with Parks Canada guides who bring history to life in From Meeting Place to Metropolis and Beaver Tales & River Trails.

You can also book a ride on one of the river interpretive boat tours to tour the Red, Assiniboine and Seine rivers, or take an one-hour Voyageur canoe ride with Alouette Ecotour Adventures.

Heritage Canada, Canadian Parks Service operates a 9 acre historic site on the river's edge that looks across to St. Boniface. The site includes interpretive displays, year-round walking trails that trace the site's rich history and importance, and an open-air riverside amphitheatre for performances and events.

THE WALL THROUGH TIME

The history of The Forks from the Ice Age to the current century is presented along the climb to The Plaza level through interpretive panels and engraved granite plaques on The Wall Through Time.

Constructed of Tyndall, granite and glazed tiles, The Wall Through Time was a gift to the community by the Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftsmen in honour of their 100th anniversary in 1992. All the stone, materials, equipment and labour required for construction of the Wall were donated.

THE FORKS HISTORIC PORT

Dock your vessel, rent a canoe or a pedal boat! Hop aboard the Splash Dash Water Bus to St. Boniface or Osborne Village.

You can see Winnipeg from the water on the Splash Dash Water Bus.

Composed of three pontoon boats that ply the Winnipeg rivers, this water bus service offers an interesting view of Downtown and surrounding areas from the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.

Adjacent to the Forks is Paddlewheel River Rouge Tours at Provencher Docks, home of the Paddlewheel Queen. Buy tickets for an afternoon on the river, or travel under the stars. If you like smaller boats, the Water Taxi is available at The Forks.

Winnipeg river boats carry over 120,000 travellers annually.

THE FORKS MARKET

The Forks Market, open year-round, offers fresh and specialty foods, a vast array of ethnic delicacies, fast foods, and three full service restaurants. The second floor Hayloft is brimming with locally handcrafted items, arts, crafts and specialties from across the nation and around the world. Everything from stitchery, jewelry, pottery and aboriginal art is available.

Atriums, skylights and a bright airy courtyard enhance a unique shopping experience. These historic buildings, originally stables, serve up lots of atmosphere!

For more information about The Forks Market, call 1-204-942-6302

The beautifully landscaped Market Plaza offers canopied and open performance spaces surrounded by fountains and patio dining. In the winter, The Market Plaza offers an outdoor artificial ice skating rink. In addition, the 10 acre Festival Park hosts a multitude of culturally diverse festivals throughout the season.

Summer docking in The Forks Historic Port, canoe and rowboat rentals, water and service, impromptu performances by Buskers (street performers) at designated spots, winter skating and tobogganing, and year-round riverside walkways round out the attractions of the site. The Forks is open everyday of the week and offers free parking.

THE JOHNSTON TERMINAL

The Johnston Terminal, formerly a four-storey railway warehouse, has been renovated and is now home to a variety of unique specialty boutiques and stores, plus a world theme restaurant and a billiards hall cafe.

THE RIVERWALK

Amble alongside a lazy river and leave the concrete jungle behind! The Assiniboine Riverwalk invites exploration of our downtown waterways and provides the perfect opportunity for visitors to get to know our rivers first hand!
This 1 kilometre walk runs along the north shore of the Assiniboine River from the Forks to the Legislative Grounds and provides residents and tourists the opportunity to gain a different perspective of the river and the city. The lighted trail can be accessed at Bonnycastle Park, Donald Street, McFadyen Park, Kennedy Street and the LegislativeGrounds. Boat docking facilities available at the Forks Historic Port.

TOURS

The Forks site is the starting point for many sightseeing adventures. Board a sternwheeler riverboat for a journey up the Red River to Lower Fort Garry, or take a leisurely cruise through the city. Catch a ride on an authentic double-decker bus. You'll also find carriage rides operating during the summer and sleigh rides in the winter.

For information and operating hours contact The Forks National Historic Site office at 1-204-983-6757
For other attractions at The Forks, contact The Forks North Portage Partnership. Telephone 1-204- 943-7752
The Forks Events/Information Hotline (recorded messages, update weekly) 1-204-957-7618
The Forks Market Office, 1-204-942-6302
Tourism Winnipeg also provides information at 943-1970