February 8-14, 2026 is Manitoba’s Teacher Appreciation Week.
To celebrate, FortWhyte Alive is hosting a series of special events and activities starting at 5:30 pm each night to help educators of all kinds get outside, disconnect, and have fun in nature.
Whether you’re guiding the classroom or working behind the scenes, you are helping shape the future climate champions of Manitoba – thank you!
“At FortWhyte Alive, we recognize the heart and hard work that teachers bring to their work and students every day. This teacher appreciation week, we hope our events offer something for something for everyone to relax, recharge and feel truly appreciated! We want to celebrate the dedication of teachers and give our own thanks! Thank you, teachers, for everything you do! We hope to see you here at FortWhyte”.
– Sarah Carter, Director of Education at FortWhyte Alive
Learn more about this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week activities below.
Snowshoe & Tea
Monday, February 9
$15 per person
Join us for a peaceful evening of learning and restoration in nature. Kelsey Fenwick, FortWhyte’s Interpretive Naturalist, will lead a relaxing, mindful nighttime forest snowshoe, inviting participants to slow down, explore the trails after dark, and reconnect with the natural world. Kelsey is certified in forest bathing and brings several years of experience guiding groups in nature-based mindfulness and learning. Following the snowshoe, participants will gather for tea and medicine teachings with Sara McIvor-Prouty, a Red River Métis educator with a deep appreciation for nature and our responsibility within it. Sara shares teachings centred on the belief that food is medicine and all plants have purpose, offering insights into traditional medicines and teas.
This session blends movement, reflection, and Indigenous knowledge for a calming and enriching experience. Snowshoes are available, but feel free to bring your own. Please dress for the weather and plan to be outdoors.
*Cancelled* Art & Fire
Tuesday, February 10
$15 per person
Enjoy a cozy and creative indoor session during Teachers’ Education Week. Participants will take part in a hands-on arts and crafts workshop, creating their own felt bookmark guided by Sabrina Janke, FortWhyte’s Cultural and Heritage Interpreter. No experience is needed, and all materials will be provided.
To make the experience even more inviting, enjoy a hot chocolate station by the fire, along with a fire and bannock available before, during, and after the crafting time. This warm and relaxed program offers the perfect opportunity to unwind, connect, and create in a comfortable setting.
Ice Fishing with Turtle Tours
Wednesday, February 11
$25 per person
Bundle up and join us for a fun and engaging facilitated ice fishing experience on the lake at FortWhyte Alive. All equipment is provided, and fishing will be catch-and-release. This is an accessible evening for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Stay warm with a fire and enjoy the comfort of a large on-ice fishing tent provided through FortWhyte’s partnership with Turtle Tours. Just remember to dress for the weather—this outdoor winter experience is sure to be so much fun!
*Cancelled* Prairie Climate Change Essentials
Wednesday, February 11
$5 per person
Do you want to learn more about climate change and how it manifests on the prairies? In this Climate West session, led by Emma White, FortWhyte’s Climate Science Interpreter, you’ll get a rundown on the factors shaping our regional climate and how this impacts climate change on a local level. Later, we will dive into paleoclimatology and how the science behind climate change has been established over the past few centuries. This session will largely take place indoors (with hot drinks), but please come prepared to head outside briefly for some snow science!
*Cancelled* Wild Goose Chase
Thursday, February 12
$50 per team of 3-5
Join as a team of 3-5 and get ready to compete against other teachers completing challenges across FortWhyte. A fast-paced evening where you and your team will use a smartphone to win points by completing tasks. At the end of the Goose Chase, your team points will be tallied as the competitors gather around a fire, taking photos, and drinking hot chocolate. A winner will be crowned at the end of the evening.
*Smartphone required.
Educator Appreciation Day
Saturday, February 14
Free Admission for educators
Educators are invited for a special complimentary visit to FortWhyte Alive today — admission for you and your family is on us. Whether you’re guiding the classroom or working behind the scenes, you are helping shape the future climate champions of Manitoba – thank you!
*Please be prepared to provide school-issued identification when you arrive.
No booking needed! Free admission for educators can be redeemed in person at FortWhyte Alive on February 14. FortWhyte Alive is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm.
New to FortWhyte Alive and wondering how to get started with hands-on environmental education at FortWhyte Alive?
Visit our Educators homepage to find field trip ideas and seasonal resources for your classroom, or opt in to our Teacher’s Club newsletter to have the latest news and events delivered to your inbox.