Warm temperatures shut down skating trails at The Forks

Skating sections of the Nestaweya River Trail have been shut down due to warm daytime temperatures on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. (Glenn Pismenny/CTV News Winnipeg)

A wave of warm temperatures has prompted The Forks to close the ice skating lanes of the Nestaweya River Trail.

According to The Forks, the skating trails are closed due to warm daytime temperatures. Environment and Climate Change Canada is forecasting a high of 4 C for Monday and similar temperatures over the coming days.

While skating won’t be permitted on the 6 km trail until conditions change, a parallel trail for walking, cycling and cross-country skiing is still open for public use.

“Until the skating surface opens, please stay off the ice, both to protect your skates and the trail,” The Forks wrote in a social media post.

The first portion of the Nestaweya River Trail this winter opened on Dec. 31, 2024 and subsequent stretches opened in the following weeks. This year’s trail runs from Churchill Drive on the Red River to the Hugo Docks on the Assiniboine River.

Last winter, the river trail was only open for 9 days due to above seasonal conditions and high water levels.

All other ice skating surfaces at The Forks Winter Park – including the canopy rink and upper trails – are also closed.