Families 'pumped' to hit the ice and snow to welcome the new year with more time outdoors
Dozens skate down Nestaweya River Trail at The Forks in full day of family programming
Families welcomed the new year at The Forks braving a wind chill that made it feel like –23 to enjoy outdoor winter activities, showing for some what it means to be a true Winnipegger.
Chi Do and his family were looking forward to being back on the ice at the Nestaweya River Trail, especially after warmer temperatures limited access to just nine full days of operation last year.
"That's just sort of the realities of climate change a bit, and we just sort of gotta make do with what's happening and whatever days it is open … you try to sort of take advantage of it," Do said.
The port rink, a small section on the Assiniboine River, opened for the season on Tuesday afternoon — marking the fifth time since 2008 that the winter attraction has opened for the season in December.
"The ice is still a little tougher, but it's just beautiful, beautiful scenery," Do said. "We sort of have a short season here to skate, so we'd like to take advantage of it."
After living in Winnipeg "long enough," Do said winter activities are a part of his family's weekly schedule — bundling up on Sundays to enjoy the outdoors.
"The cold doesn't scare you anymore, it's like we're with the fam," he said. "The kids were so pumped … our kids are outdoor kids."
They are not alone as families eye 2025 with hopes to spend more time outdoors, and not only during the summer.
Gaurav Bhatt celebrated his birthday with his family on a fat bike ride Wednesday, one of several activities on a day of family programming at The Forks.
Hitting the ice or the snow on the first day of the year has turned into a family tradition. But Bhatt's wife, Sunayna, said they are also trying to enjoy the fresh air more, layering up to practice winter sports outside of arenas.
"Our goal is to just get outside and move as much as we can. I think we're all better for it when we do," she said.
"It is a sign of a true Winnipegger really embracing our city and our weather."
For Jillian Brennan, enjoying the outdoors is more about not letting what can feel like the longest and even rougher season of the year "get you down."
"Fresh air and moving … it makes you feel healthy, active and alive," Brennan said while on the river trail on Wednesday.
Brennan's daughter, Mirabelle Boily-Bernal, started skating regularly last year after moving close to the river. But after a short-lived season, she is crossing her fingers for the trial to be open longer.
After a warm-up last week, temperatures plunged back to –13 C on Wednesday morning, feeling close to –23 with the wind chill. But that didn't deter Derek Schmidt from bringing his stepson to the trail to teach him how to skate.
He said spending time outside and embracing the temperature dip is simply part of life in Winnipeg.
"You can't spend your entire life inside," he said. "Being out here with everybody is wonderful."
With files from Felisha Adam