Cold temperatures allow for early opening date for Forks skating rink

By Kathleen Phillips

Skaters are taking advantage of the winter activities at The Forks earlier than ever before. The Canopy Rink opened on Nov. 18, and preparations are under way to open the highly anticipated Red River Mutual Trail. Warming huts and interactive art pieces are already around The Forks for visitors to explore.

The Forks Canopy Rink officially opened on Nov. 18. /KATHLEEN PHILLIPS

A skater takes a break before returning to the ice for another turn around the Canopy Rink. /KATHLEEN PHILLIPS

Alexander Vasko, 11, practices his footwork at the Canopy Rink while he visits from La Salle. /KATHLEEN PHILLIPS

Skaters of all ages take advantage of the -7 C weather by skating laps around the Canopy Rink. Visitors to The Forks can rent skates in The Forks Market Tower Atrium. /KATHLEEN PHILLIPS

Visitors take a break from skating to enjoy drinks at The Common. Adults can choose from a changing list of 20 craft beers and 20 wines. /KATHLEEN PHILLIPS

Denika Moors, 13, visits from Thompson as part of her birthday celebration. She takes advantage of one of the warming huts set up around The Forks. /KATHLEEN PHILLIPS

Emily Arsenault, a busker, frequently works at The Forks. She is looking forward to the opening of the Red River Mutual Trail drawing a larger crowd. /KATHLEEN PHILLIPS

A crew works to clear away debris along the riverbank in preparation for the opening of the Red River Mutual Trail. Last year, the trail reached a record length of 10 km. /KATHLEEN PHILLIPS