Esplanade Riel, Pedestrian footbridge in downtown Winnipeg, Canada
Esplanade Riel is a pedestrian footbridge that spans 250 meters across the Red River, connecting downtown Winnipeg to St. Boniface. Its design features a single inclined pylon that rises 57 meters above the bridge deck.
The bridge was constructed between 2003 and 2004 following designs by architect Étienne Gaboury. It became part of a major redevelopment initiative at The Forks, a key site in Winnipeg's urban renewal.
The bridge is named after Louis Riel and serves as a physical link between the French-speaking neighborhood of St. Boniface and the downtown core of Winnipeg. Walking across it, you notice how the two sides of the Red River reflect different urban identities and cultural communities.
The bridge provides easy pedestrian access and offers direct crossing over the Red River, particularly convenient from The Forks area. During your walk across, you get clear views of the river and surrounding city landscape.
A semi-circular plaza at the bridge's base once housed an unusual restaurant built directly on the structure itself. This establishment was a one-of-a-kind feature in North America and attracted visitors curious about dining in such an unconventional location.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
