Programming included with admission
Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site
Journey through Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site and immerse yourself in its unique and varied history with our new outdoor walking experience. Take a stroll through the grounds, watch historical demonstrations and participate in interactive activities led by interpreters. This self-guided tour will allow you to discover heritage crafts, artifacts, skills and stories at each outdoor location. Watch as historic candle making, gardening, sash weaving, wood carving, and music and dance are brought to life. Duration: Allow for 90 minutes to explore the fort grounds, learn about the history and artifacts, and experience the demonstrations.A Walk Through History
Weekly Offers – July 2 to Sept. 1
Children's Day
Calling all kids! The Hudson’s Bay Company is hiring junior labourers to help keep the Stone Fort running smoothly. Sign up for a day of ‘humble service’ to win a special prize once all the chores are complete.
Dates: Wednesday
Historic Demonstrations and Activities – July 2 to Sept. 1
Discover more about life at Lower Fort Garry through expert demonstrations and hands-on activities. All demonstrations are approximately 15 to 20 minutes in length and take place on Lower Fort Garry’s historic grounds.
NOTE: Program schedule may change due to inclement weather or operational needs.
Treaty Tiles
Put the timeline of Treaty No. 1 in order and participate in a discussion about the significance of treaties to people in Manitoba and across Canada!
Dates: Daily at 11 am
Location: Big House front lawn
Seating: Standing space and limited bench seating
Access considerations: Tripping hazards on uneven surfaces (grass and wooden boardwalk); infrequent shade
NWMP Drills
March in the footsteps of the North West Mounted Police (NWMP) on their original training ground, as you learn some practice drills and witness a historic weapons demonstration!
Dates: Daily at 12 pm
Location: Warehouse and North interior wall
Seating: Standing space, limited bench seating, grass to sit on
Access considerations: Infrequent shade; sudden, loud noises
Tipi 101
Learn about the resilient tipi, and try your hand at setting one up!
Dates: Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm
Location: Gabeshiwin
Seating: Standing space, limited bench seating, grass to sit on
Access considerations: Infrequent shade; tripping hazards on uneven surfaces (roots, mulch and dirt)
Medicine Line Rifle Demonstration and Cleaning
Learn about the significance of the Métis Hawken rifle, and witness a historic weapons demonstration by costumed interpreters! From a safe distance, listen to the crack of the blackpowder and see the plume of smoke that once rocked the area with regularity.
Dates: Daily at 2 pm
Location: East Gate, facing river
Seating: Standing space, grass to sit on
Access considerations: Infrequent shade; tripping hazards on uneven surfaces (grass); limited seating; sudden, loud noises
Red River Refrains
Come listen to some traditional Red River tunes that may have been sung around the Stone Fort. (Singing isn’t required but highly encouraged!)
Dates: Wednesday and Sunday at 3 pm
Location: Big House front lawn
Seating: Standing space, grass to sit on
Access considerations: Infrequent shade; tripping hazards on uneven surfaces (grass); limited seating
Gabeshiwin Stories
Partake in some storytelling and Anishinaabe story sharing!
Dates: Monday and Friday at 1 pm
Location: Gabeshiwin
Seating: Standing space, backless bench seating, grass to sit on
Access considerations: Infrequent shade; enclosed space (if inside tipi); tripping hazards on uneven surfaces (roots, mulch and dirt)
The Im-press-ive Fur Bale
Twist the fur press and learn about why fur bales were so important to Lower Fort Garry and the fur trade!
Dates: Monday and Friday at 3 pm
Location: Fur Loft (second floor)
Seating: Backless bench seating (maximum capacity: 20 individuals)
Access considerations: One staircase (10 steep steps); enclosed historic building (low lighting, no air conditioning, window ventilation); hanging animal pelts.
Nature's Pharmacy
Learn about the medicinal effects of a variety of plants found in Manitoba!
Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday at 1 pm
Location: Ross Cottage lawn
Seating: Standing space, limited bench seating, grass to sit on
Access considerations: Infrequent shade; tripping hazards on uneven surfaces (grass); items passed around to smell
Threads, Hoops and Knots
Practice your hand at embroidery: a valuable skill for the ladies of the Big House! Learn about different mediums used to decorate 1850s clothing.
Dates: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 3 pm
Location: Big House front lawn
Seating: Standing space, bench seating, wool blanket to sit on
Access considerations: Infrequent shade; tripping hazards (grass and wooden boardwalk); sharp sewing needle
Map of historic grounds with activity locations
Map locations
| Name | Description | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Ross Cottage | Nature's Pharmacy | Interpretation |
| Big House | Treaty Tiles | Interpretation |
| Warehouse and north interior wall | NWMP drills | Interpretation |
| Gabeshiwin | Tipi 101 | Interpretation |
| East Gate | Medicine Line Rifle Demonstration and Cleaning | Interpretation |
| Fur Loft | The Im-press-ive Fur Bale | Interpretation |
Visit our detailed fees list to learn about admission prices.
For additional activities at Lower Fort Garry, check out Paid programs.
- Date modified :