ICE FISHING AT FORTWHYTE ALIVE

Experience winter on the ice in a welcoming and meaningful way with Turtle Tours at FortWhyte Alive. Our ice fishing experience features two heated hot tents, each equipped with six pre-drilled fishing holes, creating a comfortable space to fish, gather, and enjoy the season.

Where We Are Located!

Our ice fishing experience takes place on Lake Devonian at FortWhyte Alive, one of Winnipeg’s most well-known urban nature destinations. FortWhyte Alive 1961 McCreary Road, Winnipeg, MB R3P 2K9. Ice fishing is hosted directly on Lake Devonian, providing a scenic and accessible location for guests to enjoy time on the ice. Clear signage and on-site staff will help guide you to the lake upon arrival.

More About The Experience

What’s Included

  • Admission to FortWhyte Alive included in your booking.

  • Heated hot tent on the ice

  • Pre-drilled fishing holes

  • Seating inside the tent

  • Full-day or half-day booking options

  • No fishing permits required!

Optional Add-Ons

  • Guided Ice Fishing & Storytelling
    Perfect for those new to ice fishing or looking to deepen their knowledge, we also offer a Learn to Fish experience led by an Indigenous guide, where guests are introduced to traditional ways of fishing alongside hands-on instruction — from setting up a rod to learning how to fish on the ice.

A Winter Experience for Everyone

This experience is open to everyone — no experience required. It’s a great option for:

  • Families & kids

  • Couples & date days

  • Friend groups

  • Corporate team-building

  • School or educational groups

Each hot tent comfortably accommodates up to six guests. Rentals are available in half-day or full-day time slots. Fishing gear and a 1-hour guided experience can be added as an “Add On” to your booking. A FortWhyte Alive entry pass is included with your booking. No previous ice fishing experience is needed. Our setup is beginner-friendly and ideal for those wanting to try ice fishing without the pressure of a rugged backcountry experience. This is not an overnight experience.

This experience is 100% Indigenous-owned and operated and is open to everyone — families, first-timers, and seasoned winter explorers alike..

FortWhyte Alive Fishing Regulations

PDF Here!

Frequently Asked Questions Ice Fishing

  • Fishing Regulations & Guest Guidelines

    FortWhyte Alive – Lake Devonian

    To help protect the lakes, fish populations, and natural environment at FortWhyte Alive, all guests participating in ice fishing are required to follow the regulations below.

    General Fishing Rules

    • Fishing at FortWhyte Alive is catch-and-release only.

    • Barbless hooks are required at all times.

    • Fishing must end 30 minutes before FortWhyte Alive closes for the day.

    • Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.

    • Fishing is permitted only in designated lakes and areas. Fishing is not allowed in wetlands, marshes, boardwalk areas, or from docks.

    • Please dispose of fishing line, bait containers, and refuse properly. Discarded gear poses a serious risk to wildlife.

    • Failure to follow regulations may result in the loss of fishing privileges at FortWhyte Alive.

    Licenses & Provincial Regulations

    • No Fishing license is required.

    • Manitoba angling regulations apply in addition to FortWhyte Alive site rules. Guests are responsible for ensuring they are fishing legally.

    Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention

    Aquatic Invasive Species are a serious environmental concern. All fishing gear must be properly maintained to prevent their spread.

    All equipment must be:

    • Clean – free of plants, mud, and visible debris

    • Drained – remove all water from gear and containers away from the lake

    • Dry – equipment must be completely dry before use

    Please avoid transferring equipment between different water bodies without proper cleaning.

    Ice Fishing Guidelines

    • Ice fishing takes place on Lake Devonian only.

    • Guests must follow all posted notices regarding ice safety and lake access.

    • Ice conditions are monitored by FortWhyte Alive. Ice fishing may be suspended if conditions are unsafe.

    • All fish, bait containers, refuse, and equipment must be removed from the ice at the end of your fishing time.

    Respect for the Land

    FortWhyte Alive is a protected nature area. We ask all guests to:

    • Respect wildlife and other visitors

    • Follow staff direction and posted signage

    • Leave the area as you found it

  • We have x3 options for rentals (9am-12pm), (1pm-4pm) and (Full day rental 9am-6pm) $275 for half days, $425 full day.

  • No fishing permits required.

  • FortWhyte Alive – Lake Devonian

    Ice Fishing equipment is available by rental through Turtle Tours only and must be reserved on our website. Guests may also bring their own fishing gear. Ice Fishing equipment will not be supplied by FortWhyte Alive.

    Rental Rate

    • $11.00 per fishing rod

    • Up to 6 rods per booking

    • Tackle and skimmer included with each rental

    Pick-Up & Return Times

    • Full-Day Rentals:
      Pick-up at 9:00 AM
      Return by 5:00 PM

    • Morning Rentals:
      Pick-up at 9:00 AM
      Return between 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM

    • Afternoon Rentals:
      Pick-up at 1:00 PM
      Return by 5:00 PM

  • You will see all the available dates when you navigate to our booking page.

    A 24-hour notice is all that is needed to book.

  • We understand that plans can change. Please review our cancellation policy carefully before booking.

    •Cancellation & No-Show Policy

        •    If you cancel 7 days or more before your scheduled booking date, you will receive a refund minus a $25 administrative fee.

        •    If you cancel within 6 days of your scheduled booking date, including same-day or next-day bookings, your booking is non-refundable.

        •    No-shows or cancellations made after the experience start time are considered non-refundable.

  • Skates, Flashlight, lantern, or headlamp Personal gear: clothing, accessories, 

    Food and drinks, reusable water bottles, etc.

    Entertainment items (i.e. binoculars, books, cards, skates, etc.)

  • Guests are welcome to bring their own pre-made meals and snacks to enjoy during their ice fishing experience.

    Cooking & Food Options

    • No cooking is permitted inside the hot tents.

    On-Site Food Options

    Guests can also purchase food and beverages from the Buffalo Stone Café at FortWhyte Alive before or during their visit.

  • Ice fishing from a hot tent can be a great option for those who want to enjoy the winter season comfortably. Our hot tent provides a heated shelter, making it much more comfortable than being exposed to the elements. 

  • Washrooms are approximately a 5min walk to the facilities at FortWhyte.

  • No, wifi is not provided.

    Yes, have access to a few bars of service.

  • Check-In Is At 9 am-5 pm

  • Our Ice Fishing Tent is accessed independently. Guests who rent ice fishing equipment through Turtle Tours will find their gear set up and ready inside their hot tent upon arrival. Prior to your booking, you will receive an email with detailed directions and access instructions to your assigned hot tent.

  • We currently have 2 units available, all 2 units are identical!

  • Firewood is provided by Turtle Tours and will be supplied. 

    Keep your fire small and under control. Never leave a fire unattended. Only use firewood provided in the Hot Tent.

  • Ice is monitored through the Ice Fishing Village we recommend staying on paths provided.

  • At FortWhyte Alive, you can catch a variety of fish, including:

  • Hot Tents provide room for x6 guests. All tents are (12x12)  144 sq feet .

    You can bring little ones, just know it will be a cozy fit.

  • No!