Family Fun | Tourism Winnipeg

History unfolds before your eyes at this restored 19th-century fort where costumed staff recreate the 1850s in the Red River Valley. Come and meet the governor of the Hudson’s Bay Company as he strolls through his garden, barter with the company clerk, sit in a teepee and listen to the whispers of ancient legends. Motorized access for mobility challenged visitors is available. The site is open to groups for tours or meetings by pre-registration.

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site is open to the public for 2022. The Big House and Ross Cottage remain closed for the season.

Free With Admission

A Walk Through History

Take part in the A Walk Through History self-guided tour, offered daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from July 2 to Sept. 5. This tour will allow you to discover heritage crafts, artifacts, skills and stories at each outdoor location. Try your hand at heritage crafts and skills. Watch as historic candle making, gardening, sash weaving, wood carving, and music and dance are brought to life.

Times: Available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from May 9 to June 30. Available daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from July 2 to Sept. 5. Allow for 90 minutes to explore the fort grounds, learn about the history and artifacts, and experience the demonstrations.

Public Tours and Workshops

Beavers to Buicks

Join us on a guided tour that explores the unique and varied history and uses of Lower Fort Garry. Explore our buildings and learn about how the site has evolved to meet changing economic needs and demands. Discover it all, and take a look behind the scenes in this all-encompassing tour!

Times: This tour is available daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for walk-ups, or book your tour in advance. Reserve your spot by emailing manitoba@pc.gc.ca or calling 204-785-6050 (or 204-785-6055 on weekends).

• Special notes: Reservation is required for groups.
• This experience is outdoors, be prepared, weather can change at any time.
• This guided tour has limited accessibility.
• Available from July 2 to September 5.

Hands-on Workshops

Available from July 2 to September 5 It’s one thing to hear about the skills practised by the residents of Lower Fort Garry. But it’s more fun to try them out for yourself! Enhance your visit to Lower Fort Garry by taking part in some of our workshops.

• Bake a Bannock, Mondays at 2 p.m.
• Heritage Chocolate, Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
• Historic Ice Cream, Wednesdays at 2 p.m.
• Blacksmithing, Thursdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m.
• Candle Making, Fridays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Note: All workshops are available for pre-booking or by request during regular operating hours. On-site requests are first-come, first-served, so book in advance to secure your spot. For more information or to pre-book, email manitoba@pc.gc.ca or call 204-785-6050 (or 204-785-6055 on weekends).