Snowshoe: a usually lightweight platform for the foot that is designed to enable a person to walk on soft snow without sinking and that typically consists of an oblong frame crossed with leather thongs or synthetic material.
Snowshoeing is one of FortWhyte’s favourite ways to get outside during the winter months.
It’s easy for beginners to pick up and set their own pace, and it makes crunching through the heavy snow of Winnipeg’s winters that much easier to manage.
Here are four ways you can hit the trails at FortWhyte Alive this winter with a pair of snowshoes.
Polar Adventure
Dive into the exciting world of polar bears!
Experience the magic of a polar adventure! Get to know everything about polar bears from their skin to their lifecycle, then head outside to learn about their habitat and hunting as you snowshoe through forests and over the frozen lake. At the end of your journey, you’ll have a deeper appreciation of polar bears and be inspired to help protect them.
This program includes a polar bear presentation with interactive resources, followed by a snowshoe walk and fireside marshmallow roast.
Polar Adventures runs Saturdays until February 14, 2026.
Sign up for Polar Adventures.
Guided Family Snowshoe
Take a guided snowshoe or winter walk adventure.
Explore the trails and lakes of FortWhyte Alive by snowshoe, guided by a volunteer interpreter, and search for animal tracks and wildlife along the way. Drop by to try it out, or make snowshoeing part of your weekend routine.
Guided Family Snowshoes run select Sundays through March 2026.
Sign up for a Guided Family Snowshoe.
Self-Guided Snowshoe
Want to hit the trails on your own?
Rent snowshoes from our front desk when you arrive and explore the trails, lakes, and fields of FortWhyte to create your own adventure.
Snowshoe rentals are available daily while snow conditions permit.
Learn more about equipment rentals.
Brews & Shoes
An adventure and craft beer tasting for beginners and experts alike!
Pair a moonlit guided snowshoe with a sampling selection of creative beer from One Great City Brewing Co. – a truly Canadian experience!
Still thirsty for more? Additional drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
Brews & Shoes is on February 5 and March 5.
Sign up for Brews & Shoes.
Whether you choose to stay on the path or travel through the forest, snowshoes will help you navigate heavy snowfalls with ease.
And if you need some tips to get you started, be sure to ask FortWhyte’s staff or volunteers, who would be happy to set you up for a successful snowshoe adventure.