Visitor Guide
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Visitor Guide Welcome! Begin at the Explore the Discover our Supporting FortWhyte Alive Whether this is a first-time or return visit to FortWhyte Alloway Reception Centre Interpretive Centre Outdoor Exhibits FortWhyte Alive is a privately operated, non-profit Alive, we are sure that you will leave with new insights into The Alloway Reception Centre is your gateway to FortWhyte Generate some excitement and learn about nature by touring project of the Fort Whyte Foundation Inc., promoting the natural world, a deeper appreciation of Manitoba’s Planet H2O Prairie Dog Town Alive. Here you will find Visitor Reception to greet you and the intriguing exhibits that await you in the 10,000 square-foot awareness and understanding of the natural world heritage, new information and actions for sustainable Dive in and immerse yourself in the vibrant story of our local answer any questions you may have about your visit, activities, Always entertaining as colony and actions leading to sustainable living. Interpretive Centre. watershed that emphasizes the true value of clean water. living; and plenty of opportunities for fresh air, recreation, programs and membership. The Alloway Reception Centre also members scurry about feeding, Soak up a new appreciation for the water that sustains all life, FortWhyte Alive is privately funded, relying on and fun with family and friends. houses the Nature Shop, Buffalo Stone Café, and washrooms. Kiwanis Touch Museum sunning and jump-yipping! and find out what you can do to protect your watershed. generous support from every sector of our FortWhyte Alive is a premier, privately operated, non-profit Go nose-to-nose with taxidermy specimens ranging from a bison Buffalo Stone Café Tipi Encampment community, including businesses, foundations, environmental education facility that provides a multitude bull to a varied display of Manitoba birds. NOTE: Touching is Prairie Partners Live Exhibit of indoor and outdoor settings for an unforgettable day of Located in the Alloway Reception Centre, the award-winning Explore our tipis, and discover what individuals and government. encouraged, but please be gentle. Enjoy a rare opportunity to view an endangered species, adventure and fun rolled into one. Buffalo Stone Café features delicious light meals – bison makes these shelters perfect for life the burrowing owl, and learn more about their plight and the Inspired by our mandate and committed to our burgers, homemade soups, FortWhyte Farms salads, daily Aquarium of the Prairies on the Plains. Step inside to learn continuing pressures on prairie grasslands. This exhibit is also community, FortWhyte delivers four main program specials, and freshly ground coffee. The Café is open until FortWhyte has the largest freshwater aquarium in Manitoba! about Aboriginal history and culture. Planning Your Visit home to black-tailed prairie dogs; another prairie species that streams: school programs, outdoor recreation, public 4:30 pm daily, but may close early to prepare for private Discover what lives in our province’s lakes. Take a moment to read this brochure for guidelines to (for thousands of years) has provided the nesting programs for all age groups, and FortWhyte Farms’ banquets. Call (204) 989-8370 if you are planning a late lunch. Pioneer Sod House ensure an exciting and rewarding visit. Use the trail map Prairie Soil Diorama burrows for this fascinating ground-dwelling owl. Cross the threshold into history. ground-breaking social enterprise program for inner- (opposite side) to find your way. The Nature Shop city youth. Take the worm’s eye and the bird’s eye views to inspect the Sundays and holidays, volunteer pioneers bring the Sod House to life The Nature Shop carries a unique array of gift ideas inspired by changing soil and landscape conditions from pre-settlement to Call us for more information regarding: nature, including fine crafts and artwork created by Manitoban modern day agriculture. with stories and authentic artifacts. and Canadian artisans. Also offered are unique local food items, Membership: (204) 989-8361 Bison Prairie birdfeeding supplies, childrens’ educational toys, books, jewellery, Donations & Development: (204) 989-8352 clothing, and more. Call (204) 989-8355 for more information. Climb the stairs to the Saturn Volunteering: (204) 989-8368 Family Tree House or stand atop Facility Rentals & Group Bookings: (204) 989-8353 the Bison Viewing Mound for a great view of the Plains Bison herd. Rent-A-Naturalist Enrich your knowledge of Floating Marsh Boardwalks the natural world with the Stroll along the wetland where wildlife Frequent Visitor? guidance of a staff interpreter. thrives. Spring brings pussy willows Get into Nature! We have the resources to and lady slippers, in early summer Become a Member! help you explore early bison ducklings dabble, painted turtles sun The cost of your admission will be deducted from the price Experience a new adventure every day! FortWhyte Alive offers hunting with atlatls, dipnetting on logs, and muskrats swim in and of membership (valid for 30 days at Visitor Reception). all-season recreation and environmental education for everyone. in the marsh, canoeing, or out of the cattails. Kids can dipnet With your membership you will receive free year-round 5 Lakes Trails & Floating Winter Fun Environmental Sunday 2 O’clock orienteering. Available in and discover marsh insects. admission, valuable discounts at the Nature Shop, rentals, July and August. Please call programming and day camps among many other benefits. Winnipeg’s lake district offers Marsh Boardwalks Bring your skis and go on Education Walks (204) 989-8355 to reserve. Biodiversity Garden residents and tourists alike a Nordic adventure on our All trails lead to FortWhyte Plan ahead and register for A FortWhyte nature guide will This beautiful garden, located Stop at Visitor Reception or a serene and picturesque groomed cross-country Alive, connecting neighbour- inspirational presentations take you north to the Bison Rentals between the Alloway and the call (204) 989-8361 for details, experience within city limits. hoods throughout southwest ski trails! The kids love our and workshops for adults Prairie, the Tipi Encampment • Canoes & Row Boats Interpretive Centre, is full of native Rent one of our canoes Winnipeg. Bike or walk 7 fantastic Richardson rrrun and children. Pick up a and the Pioneer Sod House; or sign up online at • Fishing Poles FortWhyte Farms works with at-risk youth using the practice of plants and flowers providing a and go paddling (weather km of wood chipped and toboggan slide. Go skating, FortWhyte Life newsletter south to the aspen forest for www.fortwhyte.org/membership • Wagons sustainable urban agriculture to build confidence and leadership wealth of landscaping ideas for permitting) and drop a line for limestone trails, winding ice-fishing, Nordic walking, or for a full lineup of seasonal bird watching; or for a stroll • Fire Pit skills, provide employment training, while instilling values of inviting nature into your backyard. catch-and-release fishing (kids through prairie and forest rent snowshoes and trek the programs, or join our email on the floating boardwalks. • Ice Auger individual and community self-reliance. 12 and under can take home habitats. Take the kids snow-laden forest floor. list at www.fortwhyte.org Birdfeeding Stations • Snowshoes 1 fish). For paddling and dipnetting and watch for to get the latest updates. Support this unique social enterprise program – FortWhyte Farms • Walk the wood-chipped trails into the sailing lessons, please visit Nordic Walking Poles honey products and seasonal produce are available at the Nature wetland wildlife along the Call (204) 989-8355 or stop forest to discover our local residents www.fortwhyte.org for • Family Adventure Packs Shop. Visit www.forwhyte.org/fortwhytefarms for information on floating marsh boardwalks. by Visitor Reception for more and seasonal migrants. registration information. information and to register Please see Visitor Reception purchasing a CSA share, and you too can enjoy the farm’s bounty! for upcoming programs. for details and rental fees. Call (204) 989-8353 to book farm tour. No drop-in tours please. Bison Prairie Wetland/Marsh North Hours of Operation Find Your Way Carolyn Sifton Trail Jansson Forest Song Trail Trailhead Monday to Friday: 9 am – 5 pm All walking times are approximate. Times will vary based on Loop 2 km – Approximately 40 minutes round trip Round trip 0.8 km – Approximately 15 minutes Prairie Dog Sailing Dock South speed and mobility level. Town Trailhead Saturday, Sunday & Holidays: 10 am – 5 pm Bison viewing mound 0.5 km – Approximately 10 minutes Begin your walk at the South Trailhead. Look for wildflowers Closed Christmas Day Begin your walk at the North Trailhead. Step inside the Pioneer along the Aspen Parkland floor and squirrels showing off their Pioneer Sod Biodiversity Green Corridor Trail Sod House or Tipi Encampment and imagine the prairie of our high-wire acrobatics. Birders and nature enthusiasts will enjoy House Garden Extended Summer Hours: forefathers. Observe Plains Bison as they once existed on the looking for seasonal migrants and resident songbirds along End to end 4.6 km – Approximately 90 minutes Tipi Fishing & June, July, August McGillivray Blvd. to Alloway Reception Centre Great Plains. Visit the Bison Viewing Mound and Saturn Family this wood chip path. Spend some time at the Birdfeeding Encampment Paddling Dock Monday to Thursday: 9 am – 8pm 1.4 km – Approximately