Royalwood family loves FortWhyte Alive

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/09/2018 (2925 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

According to its website, FortWhyte Alive is a destination for incredible outdoor experiences. More than a nature centre, wildlife refuge, or a place for education, it offers exploration, recreation, adventure and discovery.

It’s exactly what Royalwood family the Litvinovas were looking for when they moved to Winnipeg from Vancouver. They’ve been FortWhyte members for more than five years.

Avid hikers and nature-watchers, the Litvinovas enjoy FortWhyte activities year-round, visiting every month or two.

“We like walking in the forest or on the boardwalks over the lakes and taking in the outdoors. In the winter, there is a toboggan run that ends on the frozen lake and a skating rink,” said mom Lucy Litvinova.

“My husband Alexey and I are originally from Russia, in northern Siberia. For us, Winnipeg winters are warmer like they are in southern Siberia. We want to teach our children that getting outside is good for you.”

The Litvinovas have also sampled FortWhyte’s fall festivals and the Buffalo Stone Café.

“One year, they had a petting zoo and different booths with artists and craftspeople selling jewellery, clothes, and food. Stations were set up for kids to try archery and rope walking. We like that the café has coffee for adults and hot cocoa for children.”

Victor and Katya, the Litvinova children, have attended FortWhyte’s spring and summer day camps three years in a row, enjoying activities such as swimming, canoeing, cooking, hiking, and crafts.

“If you like the outdoors, membership is a good value for families with children,” Litvinova said. “There are many free and discounted programs for all ages and interests, like guided tours and birding.”

Litvinova appreciates FortWhyte’s work in promoting awareness of nature and a healthy lifestyle.

“It’s important to have an eco-mindset and to spend time outside. When we can’t go to FortWhyte, we walk in the Bois-des-esprits and around the lakes here in Royalwood as a family.”

FortWhyte programs for this fall include a family forest Immersion and the annual sunset goose flights. A four-session series called Wild Child on the Farm has kids interacting with the livestock and collecting eggs, plus cooking local snacks while adults learn about our Manitoba environment and sustainable living.

For more details on activities at FortWhyte Alive and membership, visit www.fortwhyte.org, or call 204-989-8355.

Tanya Misseghers is a community correspondent for Royalwood.