Foolproof Guide to The Forks Market for First-Timers, Families, and Foodies
Whenever anyone asks where we should meet up, I almost always answer, The Forks Market. Housed in a historic warehouse, The Forks has everything by way of dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Every local knows you go to Nuburger for juicy bison burgers, the Neon Cone for ice cream, and The Common for craft beer. Gift shopping? It’s Coal and Canary for hand-poured candles or Teekca’s for authentic Indigenous art.
And with summer festivals and winter events, you’d definitely spend a lot of time there.
With so much to do, this iconic spot can feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. So, just bookmark this guide, and we’ve got you covered—here’s how you can make the most of your visit to The Forks Market.
Where is The Forks Market?
The Forks Market is located in downtown Winnipeg, Manitoba, at the junction of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. It sits within The Forks, a historic site and popular gathering place known for its shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
How to Get to The Forks Market
By Car:
If you’re coming from downtown Winnipeg, take Main Street south and turn left onto Forks Market Road.
From the east, use Provencher Boulevard, turn left onto Waterfront Drive, and follow the signs to The Forks.
From the west, take Broadway toward Main Street, then turn onto Forks Market Road.
Paid hourly parking is available, including designated accessible stalls near all major facilities. Visit FNP Parking for rates and details on parking zones.
By Bike:
You can avoid traffic and parking stress by cycling in via the scenic Riverwalk or Winnipeg’s many bike-friendly routes. Bike racks are also available on-site.
By Winnipeg Transit:
Several bus routes serve The Forks, the nearest one being #10907. Use Winnipeg Transit’s Navigo trip planner to check schedules, routes, and stop locations.
By Tour Bus:
While The Forks doesn’t have dedicated bus parking, tour buses can still drop off and pick up passengers on-site.
Long-term parking arrangements can be made by calling 311 (or 1-877-311-4974 outside Winnipeg).
By Paddle:
Since The Forks is at the meeting point of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers, you can kayak, canoe, or paddleboard right to The Forks Historic Port. Public docks make it easy to tie up your vessel and hop into the market.
By Water Bus (Summer Only):
Winnipeg Waterways operates a seasonal waterbus. It offers dock-to-dock service between Osborne Village, the Manitoba Legislature, Taché Dock, St. Boniface Hospital, and the Exchange District.
By Skate (Winter Only):
If you’re visiting in winter, take the Nestaweya River Trail, a beautiful skating path that can stretch up to 10 km. It connects several neighborhoods to The Forks.
Check trail conditions and access points before heading out.
Best Time to Visit The Forks Market
– Media credit: theforkswinnipeg
The best time to visit The Forks Market is during summer when the outdoor patios, the riverwalk, and festivals are in full swing. If you prefer a cozy vibe, winter is great too, especially with warming huts and skating trails.
What to Do in The Forks Market
Buy locally made products
– Media credit: theforkswinnipeg
Shopping at The Forks Market is all about discovering cool, locally made treasures. From handmade candles and books to cozy mukluks and home decor, the upstairs boutiques are packed with unique finds—perfect for gifts and souvenirs.
For classic Winnipeg merch, Two Rivers offers fleece tops and The Forks postcards. And for quirky products, visit The Forks Trading Company—the go-to spot for gifts such as jewelry, bags, gourmet goodies, and luxe bath products.
Stock up on gourmet goodies
– Media credit: tallgrassprairiebakery
Shopping for gourmet at the Forks Market is like going on a delicious treasure hunt—you never know what tasty local treats you’ll discover. For starters, feel free to follow the scent of freshly baked bread from the Tall Grass Prairie Bread Company.
We recommend visiting The Chocolatier Constance Popp for handcrafted chocolates, and for local wines, check out Fenton’s Wine Merchants. Imagine munching on velvety truffles at home while sipping a local red. Heaven.
Climb up the Forks Market Tower
– Media credit: winnipegdcsp
The Forks offers one of the best skylines in Winnipeg, and you can fully appreciate it if you head up the Forks Market Tower—very panoramic and breathtaking! Bring your phone to capture beautiful shots of the area, especially during sunset.
You can also check out a bunch of interpretive panels that share some pretty cool history about the area. These fascinating stories will help you see and understand just how much this spot has shaped the city over time.
Catch live music performances
– Media credit: theforkswinnipeg
Did you know that the Forks Market is a sweet spot for music lovers? On sunny days, the outdoor stage becomes a chill gathering place where local musicians perform everything—from indie folk to high-energy jazz.
Not to be outdone, The Common inside the Market also hosts cozy live sets, especially in the evenings or weekends. The music pairs perfectly with a drink in hand, and the acoustics make it feel like a private performance—even when it’s buzzing with people!
Attend seasonal festivals and events
– Media credit: theforkswinnipeg
The Forks Market’s seasonal festivals and activities are kind of a big deal—in winter, the area transforms into a forest wonderland with events such as Manitoba 150. And don’t miss Holiday Shop Night so you can shop from indie vendors, makers, and artisans.
Come summer, it hosts Indigenous Day Live and Canada Day celebrations.
And nothing says spring renewal like a peaceful yoga session; you can take a free yoga class that’s great for all levels—just wear comfy clothes and bring a yoga mat and a water bottle.
Where to Eat in The Forks Market
The Common
– Media credit: thecommonwpg
Website: https://www.theforks.com/eat-and-drink/dine/the-common
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonwpg/
Address: The Forks Market, 1 Forks Market Rd
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/thecommonwpg/
The Common is THE place for craft beer at the Forks Market—it has 20 craft beers and 20 wines on tap. The beer lineup is handpicked by local beer guru Hailey Tennant, and we love that nine of the taps always showcase Manitoba’s best breweries.
Wine lovers are in good hands, too, since they have a highly curated wine list bringing serious vineyard cred. You can sip your drink while wandering the two floors of The Forks market (yes, it’s licensed), or grab a seat outdoors under the trees.
BASTA! Filipino Kitchen
– Media credit: basta.filipinokitchen
Website: https://www.theforks.com/eat-and-drink/dine/basta
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/basta.filipinokitchen
Address: The Forks Market, 164, 1 Forks Market Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7 AM – 10 PM
Contact: https://www.instagram.com/basta.filipinokitchen
BASTA! Filipino Kitchen is a casual eatery packed with flavor and heart. Winnipeg has one of the largest Filipino communities in Canada, so it feels right to have some delicious, hearty—and of course, authentic—comfort food at the market.
Go for their Silog—a classic Filipino breakfast dish with garlic fried rice, a fried egg, and your choice of meat, or their Pancit Bihon, a noodle dish loaded with veggies. And for something sweet, don’t miss their Leche Flan, a rich caramel custard dessert.
Crafted Crust
– Media credit: marcofoodtv
Website: https://www.theforks.com/eat-and-drink/dine/crafted-crust
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/craftedcrustwpg/
Address: The Forks Market, 1 Forks Market Rd
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sun: 11 AM – 9 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (204) 997-8914
If you catch a whiff of something warm and cheesy, follow your nose to Crafted Crust. This cozy sandwich shop serves gourmet comfort food—the menu is stacked with grilled cheese, hearty subs, cozy soups, and shareable plates.
We recommend “The Gobbler,” a fall sandwich that is loaded with juicy meat, melty cheese, and cranberry sauce—a clever nod to Thanksgiving. Their fresh veggie subs and house-made drinks (like a crisp Arnold Palmer) are just as tasty.
Danny’s All Day Breakfast
– Media credit: dannysbreakfast
Website: https://www.theforks.com/eat-and-drink/dine/dannys-all-day-breakfast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dannysbreakfast/
Address: The Forks Market, Parking lot, 1 Forks Market Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 8 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (204) 956-2227
Breakfast peeps can’t get enough of Danny’s All Day Breakfast, a local, family-owned gem that has been feeding Winnipeggers since 1989. The portions are generous, the prices are fair, and the vibe is super welcoming.
We recommend starting your day right with their crispy bacon, fluffy eggs, golden hashbrowns, and buttery toast piled high on a plate. Other yummy crowd-pleasers include pancakes, poutine, quesadillas, waffles, sandwiches, and more.
Where to Stay near The Forks Market
The Inn at the Forks
– Media credit: innattheforks
Website: https://www.innforks.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innattheforks/
Address: 75 Forks Market Rd
Hours: Check-in time: 3:00 PM
Check-out time: 11:00 AM
Contact: (204) 942-6555
The Inn at the Forks is only a 4-minute walk from The Forks Market, so it’s the perfect spot if you want to be in the heart of the action. We recommend going for one of their themed packages, like the Spa for Two, the Romance Package, or the Culture Package.
Their rooms have flat-screen TVs, Bose speakers, and super comfy beds—some even come with fireplaces and gorgeous waterfront views. As a bonus, if you spot a better rate online within 24 hours of booking, they’ll knock another 10% off!
The Fort Garry Hotel
– Media credit: travelmanitoba
Website: https://www.fortgarryhotel.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fortgarryhotel/
Address: 222 Broadway
Hours: Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 11 AM
Contact: +1 888-855-4599
The absolutely gorgeous Fort Garry Hotel has been around since 1913, offering vintage elegance and modern comfort. It’s just a short stroll to The Forks Market, plus you’re also super close to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Every morning, you can enjoy a gourmet breakfast at the Oval Room Brasserie. And after a day of adventuring, you can treat yourself at Ten Spa—maybe a sumptuous massage or a relaxing Turkish bath, complete with luxury robes and products.