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.

Arriving at the Visitor Reception Centre

If arriving by private vehicle, park your vehicle in the parking lot, where there are four spots with chargers for electric vehicles and eight spots designated for those with mobility challenges.

There is uneven ground on parts of the walkway leading to the Visitor Reception Centre. Once you enter the building, check in with a Parks Canada Visitor Service Attendant to pay your admission fee and purchase an enhanced program experience or guided tour.

Visit the Facilities and Services page for more information about amenities in the Visitor Reception Centre.

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 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. You have now reached the historic grounds, with Ross Cottage visible to your right.