Is it a skatepark or a social hub? Your Guide to the Alluring Duality of The Plaza at The Forks
It was date night, and I was pumped to show my significant other the wonders of The Plaza at The Forks. But here’s the thing—I had talked this place up big time, yet I’d never actually brought anyone there before.
As we approached, I silently prayed it would live up to the hype. But as soon as we stepped onto that slick concrete, something magical happened.
She took it all in—the skaters, the laughter, the aroma of street food—and she absolutely loved every second of it.
In that moment, I realized it wasn’t just about impressing her; it was about sharing a piece of myself, my city, with someone special.
Now that you’ve caught a glimpse of the vibrant energy pulsating through The Plaza, let’s delve deeper into what sets this place apart from others. Get ready for an insider’s guide to maximizing your experience at this urban oasis.
About The Plaza at The Forks
Address: Forks National Historic Park
Operating hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11:30 – 9 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 – 11 pm
If you’re into skateboarding, BMX, inline skating, or scootering, you’ve got to check out The Plaza at The Forks here in Winnipeg. It’s actually the largest urban skate plaza and bowl complex in Canada.
Located at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, it’s not just a hotspot for locals but draws riders from all over the world.
The design is top-notch, with high-quality concrete and a mix of stairs, rails, ledges, and bowls to keep things interesting. Whether you’re a pro or just starting out, they’ve got you covered.
And if you’re not riding, it’s still a blast to hang out and watch the action. The atmosphere is always buzzing with energy.
Designed by New Line Skateparks, a California-based firm, the plaza opened its doors in 2006. Since then, it’s made appearances in tons of skateboarding magazines and videos, which is kind of a big deal in the skate world.
But here’s something cool—come winter, the whole place transforms into a snowboard park. It’s amazing how they’ve designed it to be so inclusive and versatile, catering to all sorts of users throughout the year.
The Plaza at The Forks really shows how a well-thought-out public space can bring the community together and offer something for everyone.
Things to Do at The Plaza at The Forks
Skateboarding, BMX, Inline Skating, and Scootering
— Media credit: nicol3bynicole
Some of the famous things you can do here at the plaza are skateboarding, BMX, inline skating, and scootering.
The park has this huge 8,500-square-foot concrete bowl complex with traditional pool features and modern coping lines, catering to both beginners and experienced riders.
The street skating elements are remarkable too. They’ve got stairs with different inclines, rails of various heights and shapes, ledges that are perfect for grinding, and banks where you can really carve out some turns.
Honestly, whether you’re a pro looking to shred the bowls or a newbie practicing your ollies, The Plaza offers a super safe and exciting environment to hone your skills.
Relaxing and People-Watching
— Media credit: dwtskatemag
The Plaza at The Forks has this lively energy that makes it perfect for just chilling out. There are plenty of benches scattered around, so you can easily find a comfy spot to sit back and bask in the sun.
One of my favorite things to do is watch the skaters, bikers, and scooter riders show off their tricks. It’s like getting a free show!
Plus, the crowd here is so diverse and interesting—it’s a prime spot for people-watching.
Eating
Feeling hungry? No worries; you’re in for a treat!
The Forks Market, just a short stroll from The Plaza, is a local favorite for a reason. It’s packed with a variety of restaurants and cafes that cater to every craving.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack, a tasty sandwich, or a sit-down meal featuring local and international flavors, you’ll find it all here.
It’s the ideal place to fuel up for your next adventure or grab a refreshing drink to cool down after exploring the park. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
Enjoying the Outdoors
As mentioned earlier, The Plaza is nestled within The Forks National Historic Site, a beautiful green space with scenic walking paths and lush gardens.
You can take a leisurely stroll along the Assiniboine and Red Rivers or simply grab a spot on the grass for a picnic with your best buds or family. The fresh air and the stunning natural beauty around you make it such a relaxing experience.
Catching a Performance
The Plaza often turns into a lively stage for outdoor concerts, festivals, and all kinds of events.
A little local tip: make sure to browse The Forks’ website or their social media before you head out. You never know what you might find—maybe a live music performance or a cool local art festival.
It really adds an extra layer of entertainment to your visit.
Visiting The Forks Market
— Media credit: an.to_ale.x
Address: 1 Forks Market Rd
Website: http://www.theforks.com/
Operating hours: Sunday to Thursday: 10 – 9 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11 – 10 pm
No trip to The Forks is complete without exploring The Forks Market. This place is buzzing with life and has so much to offer.
You can wander around and find fresh produce, gourmet cheeses, and artisan breads that are to die for. And if you’re into beer, there are some impressive locally brewed options that showcase the best of Manitoba’s brewing scene.
The market is also packed with handcrafted souvenirs and unique artwork, perfect if you’re looking for gifts or just want to treat yourself.