Winnipeg Winter Fun at a Nature Preserve
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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Looks like a good time. We’ve had very little winter this year. Have to admit I miss it a bit.
Ken, 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.
How beautiful and what fun this would be if I were closer.
Susan, winter can be quite beautiful at times.
This 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.
RoseMary, 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.
Loved 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
Anita, 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.