Parka’s favourite places at Lower Fort Garry

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

In nearly two centuries since its construction began, Lower Fort Garry has seen plenty of people enter its walls for a variety of reasons. It’s been a company post for the Hudson’s Bay Company, a penitentiary and country club; now it welcomes visitors as a national historic site.

Before your next visit, let a larger-than-life beaver — Parks Canada mascot Parka — show you her favourite spots in and around Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site.

Parks Canada beaver mascot Parka waves at the camera while holding the door handle of a stone building.

The bakehouse

The Northwest Bastion, which is home to the bakehouse, is the furthest building from the Visitor Reception Centre, so a young beaver has definitely earned a treat just for making the journey! Bannock making perhaps isn’t the best participatory activity for a creature with some fuzzy digits (flour and fur aren’t an ideal combination), but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t enjoy the scintillating aroma of freshly baked bannock. Parka just has to be a bit careful when spreading her jam.

Parks Canada beaver mascot Parka gestures to two wigwams in the background.

Gabeshiwin

Outside the fort walls, Parka is in her element at Gabeshiwin, or “camp” in Anishinaabemowin. Apart from proving herself very useful felling trees for wigwams, tipis and firewood, Parka also enjoys popping by for Tipi 101 (a tipi-building activity), Gabeshiwin Stories, or to visit with the next Knowledge Sharing Series presenter. A wise beaver is a happy beaver, and Parka always leaves Gabeshiwin grinning from ear to ear.

Parks Canada beaver mascot Parka leans on a wooden fence with sunflowers and a historic white building in the background.

Ross Cottage

Parka is no slouch at foraging, but even she is impressed by what she learns at the Nature’s Pharmacy presentation! She loves learning about the natural world, and how many plants in Manitoba can be used to treat a number of minor ailments. Now, do they have anything for a belly that’s filled with too much bannock?

Theatre

After exploring the historic grounds in the summer heat, it’s only sensible to return to the Visitor Reception Centre to enjoy a few modern conveniences — like air conditioning. There’s plenty to see and do inside the Centre, including artifact displays, a 3D reimagining of a historic image of workmen pulling a York boat, the Stone Fort Trading Company gift shop, and restaurant. But what Parka enjoys most is kicking up her feet in a theatre seat! She loves checking out short videos about Lower Fort Garry history and the significance of treaties.

Parks Canada beaver mascot Parka holds a chocolate chip cookie and gives a thumbs up to the camera while sitting at a picnic table.

Picnic area

You surely don’t think Parka would head for the hills (or the dams, more likely) without another chance to munch, do you? Bring a snack or pick up a lunch inside the Visitor Reception Centre to enjoy at the conveniently located picnic shelter.

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