FortWhyte Alive

1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9

Website

(204) 989-8355

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Photo Credit: Tourism Winnipeg:Dan Harper

About FortWhyte Alive

FortWhyte Alive is an environmental, education and recreation centre situated on 640 acres of prairie, lakes, forest and wetlands. It is a privately operated non-profit project of Fort Whyte Foundation Inc. founded in 1966. FortWhyte has more than 9 km of interpretive nature trails, a 70-acre bison Prairie, boardwalks, and other prairie wildlife in its natural habitat.

 

What to Do at FortWhyte Alive?

Things to Do
A place for everyone to enjoy throughout the year with many family fun activities to give everyone an incredible experience.

One of the most unforgettable experience that you can enjoy here is ‘A Prairie Legacy: The Bison and its People‘. This Canadian Signature Experience helps you relive prairie life and experience an encounter with the majestic bisons. How has the bisons influenced the history of Manitoba and its people? Know this and more in this 3-hour journey. Learn about fur trade, tour on a Voyageur canoe, explore a Plains Cree Tipi construction, see the pioneer sod house, and enjoy wild bush tea and fire-roasted bannock. See the artifacts made from bisons, test your skills in hunting using the atlatl.

There are lots to see at the Interpretive Centre:

  • Planet H2O – Learn how water sustains live and how to protect local watershed.
  • Kiwanis Touch Museum – displays a range of species from bisons to Manitoba birds
  • Prairie Soil Diorama – see landscape from pre-settlement to the modern day.
  • Aquarium of the Prairies – Discover life in the lakes of the provice. This is the lardest freshwater aquarium in Manitoba.
  • Prairie Partners Live Exhibit – See endangered species of the prairie grasslands and learn more about them.

Outdoor Exhibits:

  • Prairie Dog Town – Be entertained here by colony
    members scurry about feeding, sunning and jump-yipping!
  • Tipi Encampment – Explore the tipis and learn
    about Aboriginal history and culture.
  • Pioneer Sod House – Visit on Saturdays & Sundays nd see the Sod House brought to life with stories and authentic artifacts.
  • Bison Prairie – Gets a birds eye view of the Plains from the Bison Viewing Mound or climb to the Saturn Family Tree House.
  • Floating Marsh Boardwalks – For a great experience stroll the wetland and see wildlife in the wetlands.
  • Biodiversity Garden – is located between the Alloway and the Interpretive Centre and features native plants and flowers.

Visitors can go paddling/sailing across the lakes and enjoy fishing.

Trails:

  • 7 km Green Corridor Trail – Wheelchair accessible. Part of the Trans Canada Trail.
  • 2.5 km Carolyn Sifton Trail – Wheelchair accessible.
  • 0. 5 km Janice Raleigh Pond Trail – Wheelchair accessible.
  • 0.8 km Jansson Forest Song Trail
  • 1 km Wetland Boardwalk Trail

During winter enjoy cross-country skiing, skating, toboggan along Richardson rrrun toboggan slide, snowshoeing, enjoy ice-fishing, Nordic walking.

On Sunday afternoons, go on a guided tour with the FortWhyte nature guides. Also present is the Rent-A-Naturalist program during July and August, where experienced staff interpreters will guide you.

Book ahead to tour FortWhyte Farms.

When to visit FortWhyte Alive?

Hours

Regular Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday & Holidays: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Extended Summer Hours: June – August | Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Friday – Sunday & Holidays: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Winter hours: Daily: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

*Gates are locked 30 mins before close.

*Ski trails close 1 hour before close.

Time required to visit:

2 – 4 hrs, depending on interest

How much will it cost to visit FortWhyte Alive?

Admission
Adults (18 – 64): $10.00; Seniors (65+): $9.00; Students & Children (3 – 17): $8.00; Children 2 and under: Free

Alive Members: Free

In the spirit of reconciliation, FortWhyte Alive offers complimentary admission for Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Inuit, and Red River Métis).

How to get tickets?
At the Door

How to get to FortWhyte Alive?

Address
1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9
Lat: 49.8199473723 Lon: -97.2250564176
Get Directions from Your Location

Getting to FortWhyte Alive via downtown Winnipeg:

30-minute drive southwest of downtown Winnipeg

  • Take Pembina Hwy {route 42} south until you reach McGillivray Blvd {route 155}
  • Turn west on {155} and drive past the FortWhyte Alive Outdoor Adventure Site entrance until you see the FortWhyte Alive turnoff at McCreary Road (it is clearly marked).

Parking: No

What about amenities and accessibility?

Accessibilty

Fully Wheel chair accessible
Service animals allowed

Rentals – Canoes & Row Boats, fishing poles, wagons, fire pit, ice auger, snowshoes, nordic walking poles, family adventure packs.

Pets are not allowed

Amenities

Wash rooms/ family friendly
Stroller Rentals available
Buffalo Stone Café is located in the Alloway Reception Centre and is open till 4:30 pm daily.

The Nature Shop carries a unique array of gift ideas inspired by nature

Posted in Attractions, Flora & Fauna, Lakes & Rivers, Nature and Tours

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