Duck pond at Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park open for skating

The ducks have flown south, and the pond at Assiniboine Park is frozen. Time to lace 'em up and embrace another Winnipeg winter tradition.

The Riley Family Duck Pond is open for the season, according to release from the Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

The pond becomes a giant rink every winter, where you can ice skate in the shadow of the Assiniboine Park pavilion.

"Visitors can warm up in the skating shelter next to the Duck Pond or by the fireplace at the Park
Café inside the Qualico Family Centre," the release reads. The restaurant is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..

The area around the pond has recently been renovated, thanks to a $1.5M donation from Winnipeg's Riley family in 2012.

Of course, ice conditions always depend on the weather. So check the park's website and Facebook page before you go.