Skinner’s is a family-owned restaurant located in Lockport, Manitoba, about 20 minutes north of Winnipeg. Generations of Manitobans have gone there for a hotdog and ice cream while fishing for catfish or viewing the historic St. Andrews Lock and Dam.
Established in 1929 by the Skinner family, Skinner’s is known all over the province for its iconic diner theme and friendly service, and proudly stands as the oldest hotdog venue in Canada. While the original location has never moved, and a second restaurant was set up along highway 44 in Lockport in the late 1940s to accommodate the post-war economic boom.
A third location was included in the creation of the Forks Market in 1989, but they were unexpectedly forced to close in 2019 along with other local businesses that were not seen as consistent with the changing demographic, generating national news stories and backlash from loyal patrons. However, Skinner’s has continued to be a family favourite in Lockport, drawing customers from Winnipeg and surrounding areas.
Skinner’s is best known for their “World Famous Hotdogs” and local diner theme, complete with red 1950s-style booths and functional jukebox. Many Manitobans remember family trips to the Skinner’s Wet ‘N’ Wild waterslides from the 1980s and 90s. The slides closed in the early 2000s but are still a special part of Skinner’s history.
Serving hotdogs, hamburgers, and fries, Skinner’s also offers sundaes, banana splits, and hard and soft ice cream during the summer. As the restaurant is typically open from late March to early November each year, visitors often bring their sports cars for a cruise down River Road, then stop at Skinner’s to ‘refuel’ or take a break to enjoy the scenery.