Winnipeg’s Assiniboine park opens for skating season
Posted January 3, 2026 5:38 pm.
The Riley Family Duck pond at Assiniboine park is now open for skating for the season, and we are here to talk to Winnipeggers, who are out enjoying the rink!
The city has been hit with some freezing temperatures lately and with today being only minus-13 Celsius Winnipeggers did not waste any time.
“It’s a wonderful day in Winnipeg, its so sunny, lots of people just go outside to spend some time outdoors, get some fresh air,” said Anna Boitsova, who was among the first skaters.
“This is the perfect spot where you can have some fun, spend time as a family, with friends, so its really cool.”
For Victoria Sparks, skating is yet another reason to come to the park that she visits regularly.
“We love the birds here in the park and so we are always coming to explore so today we said, ‘hey its gorgeous! Let’s bring our skates and stop by the duck pond as well,’” Sparks said.
Lia Velasquez, who moved to Winnipeg a year ago, decided to check it out when she heard about it and the family-friendly fun didn’t disappoint.
“I find it really cool that this place is open,” Velasquez says. “I remember coming here for summer, so I love this place, I love to vibe.”
Steven Zhi, who came with his family to skate, says, “I’m grateful that the city gives us the opportunity to skate in the winter and have some joyful moments.”
Besides the duck pond open for skating, the park’s cross-country ski trails and toboggan hill will also be open for the winter season.
The river trail skating at The Forks also opened for the season on New Year’s Day.
