Happy New Year, Winnipeg! ❄️

We hope the start of 2026 has been gentle so far. That quiet stretch after the holidays has its own rhythm. A little slower. A little calmer. A good time to ease back into things without overloading the calendar.

Today’s edition is all about settling into winter and what that looks like around the city right now. A mix of things opening up, small changes to be aware of, and a few easy ways to enjoy the season with family or on your own.

Now, in today’s edition:

— Jas Singh

The Nestaweya River Trail is officially open at The Forks as of yesterday, giving Winnipeggers another reason to step outside and enjoy the winter.

With solid ice conditions and weeks of prep behind the scenes, one of the city’s most loved winter traditions is ready to welcome people back onto the river.

Cold air, rosy cheeks, and that long stretch of frozen river are all part of what makes this trail feel special every year. It’s a simple, shared experience that families, friends, and visitors come back to again and again.

Last winter, more than 200,000 people used the trail, which says a lot about how much this place means to the city.

If you’re planning a skate, winter walk, or family outing, this is a great way to spend time outdoors. Checking conditions before you head out is always a good idea!

Click here: To see the latest ice conditions and which parts of the trail are open.

P.S. If you love this trail and want to help keep it going, you can still “adopt a metre.” Each $50 donation helps support the work that keeps this winter tradition safe and open for everyone.

New Year’s resolutions don’t have to be all or nothing. Sometimes the easiest way to start the year feeling better is to add one small, fun thing to your week.

At 1100 Dance Studio, classes are made for real people with busy lives. You don’t need dance experience, a partner, or fancy gear. You just show up, move a little, and learn something new at your own pace.

Classes are $15 each, so it’s an easy way to try something new without locking yourself into a big commitment.

Whether your goal is to move more, meet people, or just do something different after work, 1100 Dance makes it simple to turn a resolution into a routine you actually enjoy.

If you’ve been thinking about trying dance, January is a good time to start.

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

Click here: To view the full house & plan your showing!

If you’ve ever tried to get picked up after a Jets game or a concert downtown, you know how messy it can get. Starting January 17, the city is rolling out new taxi and rideshare loading zones to make getting dropped off and picked up a lot smoother.

These zones are meant to cut down on congestion and make busy event nights feel a little less stressful for everyone.

It’s a small change, but one that should make downtown nights feel easier and safer.

Click Here: To see the exact locations of the new downtown pickup zones.

If you’re already planning time outside after the river trail opened, this fits right in. Winter weekends at The Forks are about to get busier, starting tomorrow, with the return of Learn to Winter.

It’s a series of free, family-friendly activities designed to make getting outside in winter feel easy and fun.

The program runs every weekend from January to February and is suitable for all ages. No tickets. No sign-ups. Just bundle up and join in!

All activities are free and open to the public, weather permitting. It’s a simple way to turn a winter weekend into something your whole family will remember.

Click Here: To see the full Learn to Winter schedule

The start of the year is bringing a couple of cost changes that are worth knowing about, especially if you’re watching your monthly bills closely.

First up, Manitoba Hydro rates are going up. A 4 percent increase kicked in on January 1 for most customers. Rates were frozen last year, but this change was approved to help Hydro manage financial pressure tied to very low water levels. The last increase before this was 1 percent in 2024.

At the same time, Winnipeg Transit fares have also increased under the new 2026 rate schedule.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the new transit rates:

On their own, these changes may seem small, but together they can add up for families and commuters. It’s a good moment to take a look at monthly costs and plan ahead for the year.

Events marked with ($) require a ticket in advance. Please search them up before going.

Events marked with ($) require prior ticket purchase. Other events may require the purchase of food.

Thanks for reading The Winnipeg Digest! Let’s chat again on Monday!