Paid programs

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

The Lower Fort Garry grounds are open for visitors to enjoy. The Visitor Centre, washrooms and all historic buildings are closed.

Tours (July 2 to Sept. 2)

Join our knowledgeable and engaging interpreters for a guided tour of Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site! Reserve your spot by emailing  Email address: manitoba@pc.gc.ca or calling  Phone number: 204-785-6050.

 

Beavers to Buicks – Daily at 11 am and 2 pm for walk-ups, or book your tour in advance

Did you know that Lower Fort Garry was once used as a penitentiary? An asylum?

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!

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.

Workshops (July and August)

Please call Phone number: 204-785-6050 or email Email address: manitoba@pc.gc.ca to reserve these programs in advance of your visit.

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 one or more of our workshops. These workshops are offered daily in July and August.

Fees apply for these public programs. For programming that is included with the cost of admission, check out A Walk Through History.

 

Bake a bannock
A visitor flattens dough on a wooden tray as a Parks Canada employee and visitor watch. 

Learn the basics of heritage cooking! From the quern to the hearth, you’ll participate in the preparation of bannock and butter, and get to sample the delicious fruits of your labour.

Dates: Monday and Tuesday - 2:30 pm
Length: 45 to 60 minutes

Simon Says Blacksmithing
A Parks Canada employee in historic costume uses a hammer to strike a red-hot piece of metal on an anvil. 

The invaluable historic trade of blacksmithing is finally within your grasp. Under the direction of a trained blacksmith, you will use tongs, hammers and your own anvil to create a small keepsake as your first step in mastering the craft. In addition, you’ll get the chance to mint your own Lower Fort Garry medallion.

This activity uses soft metals which allow for a safer, non-heated form of blacksmithing, so you can safely engage history in a hands-on way.

Dates: Thursday and Friday - 2:30 pm
Length: 45 to 60 minutes

Candle making
A Parks Canada employee in historic costume tilts a metal candle mould on a wooden table as another Parks Canada employee in historic costume watches. 

The craft of candle making was historically one that most families participated in together. Using all the historic methods, prepare to get your hands dirty while creating your very own candle.

You’ll participate in the candle making process from start to finish. After a couple of weeks in your home freezer, your candles should be ready to light.

Dates: Saturday and Sunday - 2:30 pm
Length: 45 to 60 minutes


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