School programs
Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site
Requests for school tour bookings for May 20 to June 27, 2025 are now open. Fill out the online form to request your time slot today!
For programming from July 2 to Sept. 2, 2024, find out more about Programming included with admission and Paid programs.
Quick links: How to book | Teachers' resources | Early years | Middle years | Senior years | English as a second language | Group activities | Fees
You and your students can discover the past first-hand, through one of our Manitoba curriculum-based programs and activities.
An experienced interpreter will lead your group as they explore one of the finest collections of early stone buildings in western Canada. Younger students will be enchanted by games, interactive stories, and treasure hunts, while older students will receive a more nuanced introduction to some of the social and racial tensions brought about by European settlement and the birth of the fur trade in the Red River Valley.
Whatever the grade level, we promise your students a unique and unforgettable experience at Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site!
Availability: May and June
Programs offered:
Early years programs
The Big Stone Fort (K to 2)
Through an interactive story at the beginning of this tour, your students will learn about the basic building blocks needed to establish Lower Fort Garry on the banks of the Red River. During your visit of the site, costumed heritage presenters and your guide will have your students reflect on how water, rocks, food and wood are used in this Big Stone Fort!
Length: Two (2) hours
Beaver on the Coin (3 to 4)
On this tour, your students are tasked with a mission to learn about and find symbols throughout Lower Fort Garry. Using a map and the cardinal directions, your class will explore the site. During this adventure, they will discuss the idea of symbols with costumed heritage presenters and discover why there is a beaver on a coin.
Length: Two (2) hours
The Downriver Fort
From a fur trade post to an elite motor country club, Lower Fort Garry has worn many hats and played many roles in what is now Manitoba. Take your class on this tour and have them learn about the iconic stone buildings of the Downriver Fort.
Length: Two (2) hours
Middle years programs
Stone Fort Treaty
Treaty No. 1 was signed at Lower Fort Garry in 1871 between Peguis, Sagkeeng, Roseau, Brokenhead, Long Plain, Swan Lake and Sandy Bay First Nations and the British Crown. On this tour your students will explore the historical site with their guide and learn about the socio-economic factors at this Red River post that contributed to the signing of Canada’s first numbered treaty. Then your students will play an interactive game where they will learn about the concept of negotiating and the legacy of the Stone Fort Treaty.
Length: Two (2) hours
Each Played a Part (5 to 6)
The Red River Valley is home to many diverse communities. During this tour, your students will learn about three groups of people that lived around Lower Fort Garry in 1851. Before you head out on your visit, they will play a “two lies and a truth” game to determine if an historical item was invented by the First Nations, Métis or European people. Then your students will discover how these three groups of people played a part at Lower Fort Garry.
Length: Two (2) hours
The Downriver Fort
From a fur trade post to an elite motor country club, Lower Fort Garry has worn many hats and played many roles in what is now Manitoba. Take your class on this tour and have them learn about the iconic stone buildings of the Downriver Fort.
Length: Two (2) hours
Senior years programs
Stone Fort Treaty
Treaty No. 1 was signed at Lower Fort Garry in 1871 between Peguis, Sagkeeng, Roseau, Brokenhead, Long Plain, Swan Lake and Sandy Bay First Nations and the British Crown. On this tour your students will explore the historical site with their guide and learn about the socio-economic factors at this Red River post that contributed to the signing of Canada’s first numbered treaty. Then your students will play an interactive game where they will learn about the concept of negotiating and the legacy of the Stone Fort Treaty.
Length: Two (2) hours
The Downriver Fort
From a fur trade post to an elite motor country club, Lower Fort Garry has worn many hats and played many roles in what is now Manitoba. Take your class on this tour and have them learn about the iconic stone buildings of the Downriver Fort.
Length: Two (2) hours
English as an additional language programs
Say "Lower Fort Garry!"
Your students will be tasked with completing a scavenger hunt by starting conversations in English with the costumed heritage presenters on the grounds. Afterwards, they will regroup with their guide and recount their experience of saying LFG!
Length: Two (2) hours
Group activities
Workshops
Simon Says Blacksmithing
Have you ever wondered what it took to become a blacksmith? During this workshop your students will get to use an hammer and an anvil to forge a cold piece of metal into a different shape. No experience? No problem! This workshop doesn’t use any heat at all and allows your students to safely engage with this venerable trade.
Length: 60 minutes
Candle Making
Before electricity, the residents around Lower Fort Garry would have to find another way to light up the dark winter months. Your students will learn about the process of making candles and will even get their hands dirty to create their own.
Length: 60 minutes
Treaty Negotiation Activity
Your students will play an interactive game where they will learn about the concept of negotiating and the legacy of the Stone Fort Treaty.
Length: 45 to 60 minutes
Bake-a-Bannock
Bannock is a favourite staple of indigenous cuisine. Learn about the origins of this round, unleavened loaf and taste the reason why it is so beloved across Canada.
Length: 45 to 60 minutes
Mini Mounties Police Drill
Find out if your students have what it takes to be a member of the North West Mounted Police, the precursors to the RCMP. This law enforcement corps marched drills at Lower Fort Garry and your students can march in their footsteps in kid-sized NWMP uniforms. Then, end the workshop with a bang by watching your workshops facilitator fire the NWMP firearm of choice: a Snider-Enfield rifle!
Length: 45 to 60 minutes
Activities
Artifact Bingo
Familiarize yourself with fur trade objects and tools in this fan-favourite game.
Length: 45 to 60 minutes
Build-a-Fort
Curious about what people called home along the Red River in 1851? Find out by giving your students an opportunity to build a mini Red River Frame house and a mini Tipi.
Length: 45 to 60 minutes
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