Winter at FortWhyte Alive in Winnipeg, Manitoba
(Last updated January 2022)
FortWhyte Alive is a 640-acre nature preserve in southwest Winnipeg committed to environmental educational and promoting understanding of the natural world. It is a place to get outside and experience nature. I’ve written about summer at FortWhyte Alive in Alive with Flora, Fauna and Fun. Winter offers an entirely different experience.
There are seven kilometres of trails through prairie, aspen forest, and lakes for cross-country skiing, Nordic walking, snowshoeing or, as in my case, just plain walking. You may spot deer, migratory birds, or the preserve’s own bison herd as you traverse the trails.
Benches to rest along the way may be snow-covered
Snow-covered prairie sod house
Inside the sod house
The sod house was empty this day. Even without the stove on, the house was warmer than outside. It was a particularly warm day and I did not need to linger long to warm up. On Sunday afternoons, “pioneers” are in the house providing a glimpse into the past. Special events sometimes occur at the sod house, such as learning to make craft honey ale.
There is a skating rink on the lake
And a toboggan slide – sleds provided
The toboggan slide path
These two slid a good long way
This small hill along the trails had obviously also been used for tobogganing
Snowshoes are available for rent. There were a couple of school groups learning to snowshoe. I overheard one boy, about ten years of age, proudly proclaim he only fell twice.
No fire was burning in the fire pit, but I could still smell wood smoke from an earlier fire
There are also opportunities to try your hand at ice fishing. Four of the five lakes are stocked for catch-and-release fishing.
Special events on FortWhyte Alive’s calendar include guided hikes, interpretative walks, nature-inspired crafts, story-telling, and talks about the natural world.
If you need to warm up, there is an indoor interpretative centre with an aquarium of local freshwater fish, a prairie dog and burrowing owl exhibit, and a museum of mounted wildlife. There is also a restaurant.
Nordic walking poles, snowshoes, and fishing gear are available for rent. The use of toboggans is free. If you wish to skate or cross-country ski, you must bring your own skates or skis.
Nothing particular to do with FortWhyte Alive activities, but I liked the look of this cart on display in front of the Interpretative Centre
The squirrel didn’t mind that the picnic table was covered in snow
Children love rolling down a hill, whether it is grass-covered or snow-covered
When winter temperatures become bitter, I tend to cocoon inside my home. But there are also less bitter winter days when it is good to get outside, have some fun and enjoy winter’s beauty.
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8 Comments
Ken Dowell
February 12, 2017 at 3:06 pmLooks like a good time. We’ve had very little winter this year. Have to admit I miss it a bit.
Donna Janke
February 19, 2017 at 7:52 amKen, having spent the previous four winters away from Manitoba and being back now, I can appreciate missing it a bit. A bit – that wears off after long stretches of cold. Fortunately, we’ve had a number of mild spells this winter.
Susan Cooper/findingourwaynow.com
February 12, 2017 at 10:14 pmHow beautiful and what fun this would be if I were closer.
Donna Janke
February 19, 2017 at 7:53 amSusan, winter can be quite beautiful at times.
RoseMary Griffith
February 13, 2017 at 1:51 pmThis looks like tons of fun–like when I lived in Red Lodge, MT where this is a whole outside life to be lived. My great niece & nephew are 5 and 4 years old and already have snowshoes! Like Ken, we’ve had very little winter this year (not complaining), so my cross country skis are languishing in the basement.
Donna Janke
February 19, 2017 at 7:54 amRoseMary, it’s been years since I’ve cross-country skiied. It was something I only did a few times and had always thought I’d take lessons and take it up more seriously, but haven’t done that yet.
Anita and Richard @ No Particular Place To Go
February 16, 2017 at 3:55 amLoved your photo of the old cart, Donna! We lived in Montana for several years and, as much as I dreaded the long winters, there were the perfect days outside where everything became a winter wonderland. Looks like your walk through the nature preserve was one of those crisp and clear days where everything sparkles! Anita
Donna Janke
February 19, 2017 at 7:56 amAnita, this was definitely one of those crisp, clear, sparkling days. A nice reminder of the good parts of winter. It’s always a lift to see children having fun outside on these type of days.