Best times to visit

We look forward to seeing you! To have the best experience make sure to plan your trip before you head out.

If you are on your way to The Forks, we would love to see you, but we are experiencing a busy visitation season and access to services and amenities is more limited than usual.

When is The Forks National Historic Site the busiest?

From June through September, particularly on weekends, visitation at The Forks is extremely high. These holidays and weekends are especially busy:

• Canada Day (July 1)
• Civic Holiday (Aug. 4)
• Labour Day (Sept. 1)

What are the best days and times to visit?

The Forks is always a busy place, particularly during weekends. Parks Canada's tours and programs take place during these peak hours in the day from 10 am to 4 pm (see Hours of operation page). Please call ahead at   Phone number: 204-785-6050 or email   Email address: manitoba@pc.gc.ca if you would like to ensure a booking for your tour.

If you prefer smaller crowds, try planning your visit before 11 am or after 7 pm. Early morning and evening visits can be the most enjoyable. The lighting is better for photography and viewing the site park features, temperatures are cooler, and the parking areas and trails are less crowded.

Park entrances and parking

During special events and peak days in the summer, you can expect most parking lots to be full. During the busiest times, it is highly recommended that you try alternative transportation: carpool, bike, public transit or shuttles. (Find out more about getting here.) Parking for oversize vehicles (RVs, trailers) is extremely limited. Avoid bringing oversized vehicles if possible.

When parking lots are full, please remember:

• No illegal parking.
• Do not wait for spots to open; move on, and try again later.  
• Follow instructions from staff and traffic flag persons.
• Never park on vegetation.
• Leave enough room for RVs and buses to manoeuver.
• Vehicles parked illegally may be towed at the owner’s expense.
• Follow all instructions from traffic managers.

There are several parking lots at The Forks, all of which are operated by The Forks North Portage Corporation. Please be sure to note how long you are permitted to park since the lots are regularly checked by a parking patrol.

Bus parking is subject to availability and is managed by The Forks North Portage Corporation. Please contact them directly to make your arrangements.

Reservations

We are always happy to help you plan your trip to help ensure you have safe and enjoyable visits.

Remember to book in advance for tours, especially if you are coming in a large group. Get in touch with us!