The Forks, Winnipeg

When Winnipeggers run into a foreigner, the first thing we ask is: 'Have you been to the Forks yet?' When you really think about it, the Forks really isn't all it's cracked up to be... The Forks is a market located in Winnipeg where the Assiniboine and Red Rivers meet. The history behind that location is more fascinating than the modern buildings erected there nearly eleven years ago. The fork in the rivers was where, hundreds of years ago, European settlers would trade goods with the First Nations people. The government has tried to recreate that experience by building The Forks Market. The Forks is not all bad, but I just don't feel it really has a lot to offer a foreigner. I like going to the Forks myself during the summer to enjoy drinks by the river at Muddy Waters cafe. And in the winter, there is a skating rink made between the Forks building and Johnston Terminal. Inside the buildings are some neat shops with interesting trinkets and doohickeys from around the globe -- East India, Africa, Japan, China, Ukraine, etc. Most items are overpriced and cheaply made. I feel if you're going to the Forks for more than just to stroll along the river or indulge in a few drinks, you'd be better off searching for authentic goods in little shops around the city. (For example, for genuine African goods, try the Sedentary Nomad on Osborne.)