Accessing the historic grounds

Visitors can access Lower Fort Garry’s historic buildings and the Stone Fort itself by walking from the Visitor Reception Centre or by taking a shuttle.

Accessing the historic grounds by shuttle

To take a shuttle to the historic grounds, inform the Parks Canada staff member at the admissions desk, and then go back through the front entrance and catch the shuttle by the front bus loop. There are benches near the bus loop to sit on while waiting for the shuttle.

To use the shuttle, visitors must climb a step. Visitors unable to do so can contact Lower Fort Garry in advance by emailing manitoba@pc.gc.ca, calling 204-785-6050 or speaking to Parks Canada staff onsite to make alternative arrangements to access the historic grounds.

When looking to leave the historic grounds and return to the Visitor Reception Centre, talk to a Parks Canada staff member to request the shuttle.

Accessing the historic grounds by foot

The nearest historic building to the Visitor Reception Centre, Ross Cottage, is roughly a 200-metre walk. The furthest historic building, the Northwest Bastion, is roughly 600 metres from the Visitor Centre.

To access the historic grounds on foot, continue through the Visitor Reception Centre past the gift shop and restaurant out the back door.

From there, you will cross Monkman Creek, either by taking the stairs with 23 steps, or by taking a gravel path that slopes down to the right and then curves back to the left to meet with the bottom of the stairs. You will then cross a wooden footbridge, then the path will slope upwards and then turn left. The maximum slope on either side of the creek is 9%. You have now reached the historic grounds, with Ross Cottage visible to your right.

All pathways on the historic site are gravel. There are benches placed around the site to allow visitors to rest and enjoy the site's beauty.

A wheelchair and wagons for children are available for visitors to borrow as they explore the site. There is no fee to use these items. Speak to a Parks Canada staff member in the Visitor Reception Centre for more information.

Bicycles

Bicycles are permitted on the Lower Fort Garry grounds. Please be respectful of visitors on foot and ride safely.

Buildings

Because of the historic nature of the buildings, some buildings have graded entry, including the museum, men’s house, bakehouse, blacksmith shop, warehouse (first floor) and furloft (first floor). The Big House has an elevator for access. The Big House has a lift to access the main floor and the basement.

Pets

Lower Fort Garry is proud to be a dog-friendly facility. With plenty of green space and area to wander, Lower Fort Garry is a scenic place for you and your dog to enjoy nature and history. Dogs are allowed into most of the historic buildings and the Visitor Reception Centre.

Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dogs and for their dog’s behaviour. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

Service animals and service animals in training: An animal (service, therapy or support animal) that provides essential aid to a person with a disability (visible or invisible) is welcome anywhere on Parks Canada premises that their handler, as a member of the public, is allowed to go. Service animals in training are treated in the same manner as working service animals. Therefore, regulations that prohibit or restrict access of domestic animals do not apply to service animals and service animals in training. All companion animals, including service animals, must be under the control and accompanied by their handler at all times. The animal must not present a legitimate health or safety risk to its handler, to other visitors or to employees.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available in the Southeast Bastion and the Big House basement. At the Southeast Bastion, there are men’s and women’s restrooms with one accessible toilet in each. At the Big House, there are three individual gender-neutral restrooms, including one larger restroom.