On the night of January 11th, I set out to document the Nestaweya River Trail, which had recently opened for the season. With camera in hand, I traversed the full length of the trail, from the Hugo Dock to The Forks, capturing the scene under the glow of the city lights and a light snowfall.
The trail was bustling with activity. Skaters, families, and couples were enjoying the unique urban winter experience. The Nestaweya River Trail is a significant winter attraction in Winnipeg, offering a multi-kilometer skating path on the frozen Assiniboine and Red Rivers. This year marks the fifth time since 2008 that the trail has opened in December, a testament to the early onset of cold weather.
Along the way, I documented various points of interest, including the intricate ice sculptures and the newly-installed warming huts. The warming huts are a popular feature of the trail, providing a warm respite for skaters and walkers. You can read more about them in this CTV article: The Forks Unveils Warming Hut Designs from Around the World.
The Nestaweya River Trail faced a delayed opening this year due to unseasonably warm weather and flooding. Despite these challenges, the trail eventually opened in its entirety on January 25th, marking the latest opening date in its history. For more details about the challenges and the eventual opening, check out this CBC article: After a long wait, 1st leg of the Nestaweya River Trail at the Forks finally opens
