Staff favourites in the Canadian Prairies

With the surge in gardening, Riel House National Historic Site has earned a special place in my heart. A large green space and working garden surrounds the historic Riel family home. The working garden is tended to by the Manitoba Métis Federation, who grow heirloom produce to donate to Elders and people in need. When visiting the site, I escape the city bustle and pick up some gardening tips to take home!

Each season brings a fresh array of colours, smells and sounds to Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site. In summer, I hear the clanging of the blacksmith’s hammer on the anvil and smell of beef tallow as fresh candles are made. The crunch of red and brown fall leaves at Gabeshiwin in the fall. The smell of wood smoke and the squeaking of the slide bolt lock on the Bastion in winter leads to the ice cracking on the river as the spring ice jams make their way to the lake, and the cycle begins again.

A tourist attraction in the centre of our city, The Forks National Historic Site continues to be a meeting place for all. Its peaceful landscape, events, and ties to First Nations and Red River Métis culture remind me of childhood when I first visited the site. My countless memories of ice skating, tire d'érable (making maple taffy in the snow) and faithful connection to people and history make The Forks such a warm and comforting place.

Being at York Factory National Historic Site is like stepping back in time. Walking through the depot building with all the signatures carved on the walls, through the peaceful cemetery, and on the beach as the tide churns up artifacts – it’s like getting a glimpse into the life of the community that lived here for hundreds of years. It’s a perfect time capsule; mysterious and beautiful to explore.

Whenever I visit The Forks National Historic Site, I take a moment to listen and it’s amazing what you can hear! The squealing of trains as they ship goods all over Canada and the United States, the many languages of visitors, the peeping of ground squirrels, the music of local and international performers, and, beneath it all, the flowing sounds of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.

Riel House National Historic Site is a tangible connection to Manitoban history and the early Métis way of life, back to a time where this thin “Seigneurial” style lot would stretch from the Red River to the Seine River. There’s a myriad of different motivations for visitors to experience Riel House from being a history buff, to discovering or reaffirming their Métis heritage.

I love spending time at the farm and the bakehouse at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site because I love nature and food. At the farm, I can watch the garden grow throughout the season and enjoy the harvests directly. At the bakehouse, I can sample freshly made bannock with homemade butter, sometimes a few more elaborate dishes, and enjoy the smaller details of history.

One of my favorite spots in Riding Mountain National Park is the Oak Ridge Trail. It’s a unique landscape around Scott Creek with oak trees and ferns. It’s so refreshing to dip your feet in the creek after the hike! This is different than any other trail in the park and it feels like you’re in a “fantasy world” with the ferns and over-hanging trees!

Fort Walsh National Historic Site is truly a hidden gem, combining what feels like a vast national park and a historic site. The scenery is breathtaking, offering some of the most beautiful views I’ve ever encountered. What makes this place special is its deep connection to Canadian history. The site played a crucial role in shaping the west, and the rich narratives of the past are woven into the landscape. Exploring Fort Walsh not only immerses you in stunning natural beauty but also provides a fascinating glimpse into pivotal moments in Canadian history. Whether you are a history buff or just looking for a serene escape, this location is a must visit!

There’s no better way to explore the breathtaking Grasslands National Park than on horseback. It’s the perfect way to cover several miles in rugged terrain and provides a great vantage point to spot ancient tipi rings hidden in the prairie wool. Riding through this country and observing cultural evidence along the way is a constant reminder of how past peoples interacted with the grasslands. Without their stewardship and respect for the environment, there wouldn’t be this natural, intact prairie for us to see today.

One of my favourite places at Grasslands National Park is the Badlands Parkway in the East Block. The parkway looks out over a beautiful, timeless badlands landscape and is not what you would expect on the prairies! Even when you don’t have a lot of time, the Parkway is a great way to experience Grasslands with your family and enjoy this rare expanse of prairie and the breathtaking views.

A symbol of hard work and perseverance; the piece of a wooden plow handle displayed in W.R. Motherwell’s home reminds me of the dedication and sweat that went into and continues to go into living off the land at Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site. It’s a tribute to all those past and present that grow food for Canadians.

One of my favorite things to see is people enjoying the produce of the gardens in the Friends of the Motherwell Homestead restaurant at Motherwell Homestead National Historic Site. There is nothing better than home cooked meals and the visitors love to have a taste of the Homestead and see where their food comes from.

Most visitors don’t see the many ways Parks Canada has taken positive steps towards greening operations. This is one of my favorite things about working for the Agency. Initiatives such as LED lighting, recycled canola oil for dust suppressant, and composting gardens are all ways we can make a difference. The rotary bacterial composting unit at Batoche National Historic Site is a great example of an environmental way to deal with sewage. I am proud to work for an organization that helps advance climate change goals.

I love to see the artistic exhibits and displays from our partners. This showcases the talent and passion of our Indigenous partners and that Batoche National Historic Site is a living site integrated into the community.

My favorite spot is the Caron Home at Batoche National Historic Site. Still standing from 1895, this house gives the perfect glimpse into Métis homesteading life and the resiliency of the Métis people in Batoche. Learn about life during the Battle of Batoche and the recovery of the village after the events of 1885. My own ancestors lived on the next river lot over, so I feel literally close to home there!

There’s nothing nicer than looking down into the South Saskatchewan River valley with the clouds rolling by up above. While many visitors explore Batoche National Historic Site for its rich history and culture, I love going on a quiet walk along the banks of the river to visit the Caron home.

Boundary Bog in Prince Albert National Park is the trail that made me feel at home. The moss and lichen, the stunted black spruce – it invites you to slow down and take in your surroundings. My family has been on this land since time immemorial, and I am grateful to continue that connection. My favourite sight is muskeg tea plants blooming in spring, white flowers attracting pollinators.

Whenever I am driving through or walking along the river valley in the Battlefords, if I look up, I can sometimes see the lone pine trees and the peaked roof of the Commanding Officer’s Residence peering over the town. It reminds me of the rich history of Fort Battleford National Historic Site and its significance in the community which has been a staple in the skyline for almost 150 years!

Today the site seems to be a sleepy little place, but don’t let that fool you! At one time it was a very busy North West Mounted Police Post, in the heart of the events of 1885. Fort Battleford National Historic Site is a perfect place to learn and really understand the varied perspectives on the events that led to, during and following the Conflict of 1885.