The Ultimate Survival Guide to FortWhyte Alive’s The Great Escape
A few years ago, a friend invited me to The Great Escape at FortWhyte Alive, which is one of the best sightseeing spots in Winnipeg. I was like “The great what”? Fast forward to today, and it’s now an event I never miss.
Basically, it’s an outdoor event held annually in FortWhyte Alive—kinda like a summer camp for adults. Teams race against the clock to solve puzzles and tackle physical challenges, and at night, there’s a huge dance party (plus, s’mores—yum!).
If you’re thinking of joining The Great Escape, you’re in the right place, my friend. This insider guide has everything you need to know about FWA’s The Great Escape—from where to buy tickets, how to prepare, what to expect, and more!
When is The Great Escape held?
The Great Escape is an annual signature summer event typically held during the 3rd or 4th week of July. This evening fundraiser typically starts at 7 PM and ends at 11:30 PM.
Where does The Great Escape take place?
The Great Escape takes place in Winnipeg, Manitoba, within FortWhyte Alive, a 660-acre nature reserve. Located on the southwestern edge of the city—at 1961 McCreary Rd—it’s easily accessible by car, with onsite parking available.
How to Get to FortWhyte Alive
By Car:
From downtown Winnipeg, take Route 90 (Kenaston Boulevard) south, then turn right onto McGillivray Boulevard. Continue west, then turn left onto McCreary Road—FortWhyte Alive is at the end of the road, and there’s free parking onsite.
By Bike:
Use the Southwest Rapid Transit Corridor and connect to McGillivray Boulevard. Continue on McGillivray West, then turn left onto McCreary Road—there are bike racks available at the entrance.
It takes around 30 to 45 minutes via bike, depending on your speed. What’s cool is that FWA encourages sustainability, so admission is free if you arrive via bike.
By Bus:
Take Winnipeg Transit Route 74 (Linden Woods) and get off at McGillivray Boulevard and Frontier Trail. From there, it’s about a 30-minute walk (2.5 km) south along McCreary Road to FortWhyte Alive.
Since there’s no direct bus service to FortWhyte Alive, consider a taxi or rideshare for the final stretch.
By Rideshare or Taxi:
Uber, Lyft, and local taxis like Unicity or Duffy’s are an easy (but not gonna lie, a bit costly) option. Just enter 1961 McCreary Road as your destination.
Things to Know Before Attending The Great Escape
– Media credit: fortwhytealive
Tickets
Admission tickets for FortWhyte Alive’s The Great Escape are priced at $33 for members and $38 for general admission—proceeds go toward FortWhyte Alive’s environmental education for youth. This is an 18+ event, so bring a valid ID for entry.
Tickets sell out fast, so it’s best to grab yours early. You can purchase yours here: FortWhyte Alive – The Great Escape.
Attire
We recommend dressing for an outdoor adventure—wear moisture-wicking clothing, hiking boots or trail shoes, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days. Don’t forget to pack rain gear and extra layers just in case.
You can also grab a Limited Edition Great Escape t-shirt! Proceeds here also support the environmental education of youth, and your shirt will be ready for pickup at the Tuck Shop. Pre-order here: Great Escape T-Shirt Pre-Order.
Essentials
To stay protected outdoors, pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a flashlight, a lighter, and bug spray. A reusable water bottle is also a must, and there are hydration stations available onsite for refills.
A small backpack or crossbody bag is perfect for carrying your essentials without weighing you down. And for hands-on activities, a pair of gloves might come in handy for things like hatchet throwing.
What to Do in The Great Escape
Go canoeing
– Media credit: winnipegdigest
Paddling across FortWhyte Alive’s lakes is a core activity at The Great Escape, where you can enjoy the sunset or the surrounding wildlife such as ducks and muskrats. No need to bring your own gear since FWA provides all the necessary equipment.
To avoid long wait times, arrive early, preferably in quick-dry clothing in case of splashes. If you’re new to paddling, staff and volunteers are available to help with basic techniques.
Try axe throwing
– Media credit: fortwhytealive
Axe throwing at The Great Escape is a crowd favorite. It requires skill and focus, but don’t forget to have fun, too! And don’t worry, instructors are on hand to guide you through the proper technique and safety.
For this activity, dress for movement, and just to be on the safe side, wear sturdy, closed shoes. Expect a bit of a wait during peak times, but the joy of landing a bullseye (or maybe just around that area) makes it well worth it!
Play camp games
– Media credit: fortwhytealive
Of course, you can’t attend The Great Escape without participating in classic camp games such as the Fire-lighting Contest. Here, you race with each other to ignite a flame using only basic materials.
Another challenge is Tug-of-War, where teams battle it out in an intense (but friendly) showdown. Love fishing? Enter the Longest Cast contest, hosted by the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, to see how far you can cast a line.
Do lakeside crafts
– Media credit: fortwhytealive
Unwind by the lake with lakeside crafts—perfect for the DIYers and artsy folks. You can paint nature-inspired designs, make paracord bracelets, or craft wooden medallions while enjoying the fresh air and beautiful lakeside views.
To make it even better, sip on a local brew while you craft and chat quietly with your team. It’s such a peaceful and relaxing way to spend part of The Great Escape.
Where to Eat near FortWhyte Alive
Buffalo Stone Café
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Website: https://www.fortwhyte.org/visit/dining/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebuffalostonecafe/
Address: 1961 McCreary Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Contact: (204) 989-8355
Food at The Great Escape is all about classic campfire flavors (marshmallow roasting and s’mores) and local drinks. But for a filling meal, the Buffalo Stone Café is open during the event to make sure all participants are fed well.
They’re known for local, fresh food with a focus on sustainability like their delicious Buffalo Chicken Wrap and or their locally sourced juicy Bison Burger. If you want something sweet, grab some cinnamon buns or some chocolate banana bread.
TuckOut
– Media credit: tuckout_winnipeg
Website: https://www.facebook.com/people/TuckOut/61566436436084/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuckout_winnipeg/
Address: 120 Lowson Cres #2
Hours: Mon – Sun: 5 PM – 2 AM
Contact: (431) 275-5765
Just a 10-minute drive away from FortWhyte, TuckOut is Winnipeg’s go-to ghost restaurant for delicious American and Mexican fare. This is probably one of the best hamburger restaurants I’ve been to, so you have to try it.
Some must-orders are their Juicy Cheesy Cluck, a crispy chicken burger drenched in gooey cheese, and The Caramelizer for the ultimate balance of sweet and savory. Another hearty crowd-pleaser is their Roasted Beef Poutine.
Chilli Chutney Street Kitchen
– Media credit: lifeis
Website: https://thechillichutneystreetkitchen.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chilli_chutney555/
Address: 1663 Kenaston Blvd
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11 AM – 10 PM
Fri – Sat: 11 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 10:30 PM
Contact: (204) 410-7086
Another nearby restaurant is Chilli Chutney Street Kitchen, which serves authentic East Indian cuisine made from scratch. So, if you’re in the mood for bold and sizzling flavors, this is the spot for you.
We recommend their Paneer Tikka Sizzler, made using the Chef’s special tandoori spices, served on a sizzler plate. We also love their Chilli Chutney Deluxe Biryani, a delicious gluten-free dish, packed with chicken, shrimp, and lamb with basmati rice.
The Canadian Brewhouse
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Website: https://thecanadianbrewhouse.com/locations/winnipeg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecanadianbrewhouse/
Address: 1715 Kenaston Blvd
Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:30 AM – 1 AM
Friday: 11:30 AM – 2 AM
Sat – Sun: 11 AM – 2 AM
Contact: (204) 489-3765
For great food and drink before or after The Great Escape, you should check out The Canadian Brewhouse. This sports bar-style restaurant is the place to be if you’re craving Canadian classics, hearty pub fare, shareable apps, and cold, yummy drinks.
A couple of our favorites are their Steak Sandwich, served on garlic toast with crispy fries, and the Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich—something spicy and crispy. As for drinks, make sure to grab a frozen margarita topped with an upside-down beer.
Where to Stay near FortWhyte Alive
Stay549
– Media credit: stay.549
Website: https://www.stay549.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stay.549/
Address: 549 Coventry Rd
Hours: Check-in time: 2 PM
Check-out time: 10 AM
Contact: (431) 478-0418
Stay549 is an adults-only homestay that’s just a 12-minute drive away from FortWhyte Alive. Their outdoor pool is open from May to September, plus there’s a 10-person hot tub and a red cedar sauna.
Each room has a private entrance, kitchen access, and a hot tub with bathrobes. Mornings start with a continental breakfast featuring eggs, toast, and oatmeal, while evenings can be spent at the bar, lounge, or outdoor fireplace.
Best Western Plus Pembina Inn & Suites
– Media credit: lilikrushel
Website: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/book/hotel-rooms.63012.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/best-western-plus-pembina-inn-suites/
Address: 1714 Pembina Hwy
Hours: Check in: 3 PM
Check out: 11 AM
Contact: (204) 269-8888
Only 10 minutes away from FortWhyte, Best Western Plus Pembina Inn & Suites offers a cozy stay packed with awesome perks. Enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast and a 24/7 tea and coffee service, plus plush bedding and 37-inch flat-panel TVs.
They offer suite upgrades if you want separate bedrooms, dining areas, and pet-friendly options. By way of relaxation, they offer a saltwater pool with a water slide for the kiddos and a jacuzzi—speaking of kids, children 12 and under stay for free!
Hyatt House Winnipeg-South
– Media credit: hyatthousewinnipegsouth
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-house-winnipeg-south-outlet-collection
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyatthousewinnipegsouth/
Address: 700 Sterling Lyon Pkwy
Hours: Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 12 PM
Contact: (204) 888-8893
Located just southwest of downtown Winnipeg, Hyatt House Winnipeg-South offers easy access to famous attractions like Assiniboine Park & Zoo and FortWhyte Alive. There are also several museums and art galleries nearby.
After The Great Escape, you can relax at their indoor pool or hot tub, or sip drinks at their lounge and bar. Guests also rave about their free breakfast buffet, featuring classic faves like sausages, scrambled eggs, French toast, waffles, fresh fruit, and granola.