Riverton, an unincorporated urban community in the Municipality of Bifrost – Riverton, is nestled within the Canadian province of Manitoba. Previously holding village status until January 1, 2015, Riverton is situated approximately 110 kilometres north of Winnipeg. The community's name, reputedly given by the CPR's train conductor, replaced the earlier name, Icelandic River.
The Icelandic River, the former name of Riverton, was christened in 1875 by an Icelandic expedition. The river was originally known as White River, appearing on Arrowsmith's map of 1821, and later as White Mud on Palliser's map of 1865.
Riverton's economy is primarily driven by fishing. The Freshwater Fish Marketing Corporation operates a fish-packing factory on the banks of the Icelandic River, which flows through the heart of Riverton. Other significant industries include agriculture and the service sector, with manufacturing, led by ECB (Erosion Control Blanket), ranking third. Riverton's unique location on the west shore of Lake Winnipeg allows it to service the northern communities via a winter road. It also serves as a pit stop for many people from Winnipeg heading to Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park and cottage country each summer.
According to the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, Riverton had a population of 475 living in 215 of its 254 total private dwellings. This represented a change of -11.7% from its 2016 population of 538. With a land area of 1.19 km2 (0.46 sq mi), Riverton had a population density of 399.2/km2 (1,033.8/sq mi) in 2021.
Riverton holds a unique place in astronomical history. It was the closest community to the point of maximum totality for the solar eclipse of February 26, 1979. This total solar eclipse was part of Saros cycle 120, Series 59. Riverton played host to astronomers and eclipse chasers from across the globe, offering free rooms to many of the visitors.
