Check out some of the fun activities taking place this summer
Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site will once again have free admission thanks to the Canada Strong Pass. Free admission started on June 19 and will continue until Sept. 7, 2026, so residents can look forward to a whole summer of fun.
It’s free to stop by Lower Fort Garry this summer
“Lower Fort Garry is a nostalgic field trip classic and a fond memory for many Manitobans, but beyond the stone walls, there’s a wealth of history that exemplifies Canada’s strength. There’s more strength than just the physical, though the voyagers had that in spades. At Lower Fort Garry you can see the strength in the architecture of the walls, the resilience through harsh Manitoba winters, and the power found in community,” said Lauren Wagn, Public Relations and Communications Officer, Manitoba Field Unit for Parks Canada.
Lower Fort Garry is located south of Selkirk. It was built starting in 1830 by the Hudson Bay Trading Company as a trading post. It has been preserved over the years and is now a location used for learning about local history as well as hosting events and workshops about local culture and heritage. It is also the location of the historic signing of Treaty 1.
The historic site isn’t all history, however, you’ll want to check out their website to see all of the different tours and opportunities that they have on offer and plan your visit, or even potentially multiple visits, ahead of time so that you can make sure to see everything.
“(Free) programming included with admissions is a self-guided tour around the grounds. We have costume interpreters along the way that you can ask questions to, engage with, and learn about the different structures and the history of the site. We also have paid programming, so that would be in addition to what you get just by coming down. We have things like Craft Smithing, which is using blacksmith techniques to make a souvenir to take home, (and) Bake a Bannock, which is learning how to make delicious bannock over a fire in a traditional way. There’s Candle Making, which you do get to take home as well, another little souvenir. Those are all done on specific days, which is why we recommend signing up in advance,” said Wagn.
Another thing to look out for is the upcoming Knowledge Sharing Series taking place in July and August. Every Saturday, there will be a presentation by an Indigenous guest speaker who will share First Nations and Red River Metis culture, art, and history.
“It’s hosted from 12 to 3 p.m., and the sessions are designed for guests to drop in and stay as long as they would like. They’re not structured, so you really get a chance to learn from the seminars and talk to the speakers and get a one-on-one experience. The lineup this year includes demonstrations on the art of storytelling, beading, and the connection between food and culture,” said Wagn.
Another few events to put on the calendar are Lower Fort Garry’s Canada Day celebration, the commemoration of the signing of Treaty 1 on Aug. 3, and the Transpo Expo taking place on Aug. 15.
Wagn explained that Lower Fort Garry is a family-friendly venue that just about everyone will find something to enjoy.
“It has an appeal for all ages, and obviously, there is a lot of family-friendly things to do, and it’s a great way to introduce kids to our varied history of Manitoba, but I also think it’s a great day trip for anyone in the province,” she said.
Wagn also feels it’s important that we have places like this in our province so that we can preserve our history, but also let people experience it.
“I think our history really ties us all together, and it connects us. It’s a great way for newcomers to Canada to learn how we’ve come to this point, especially when we start to talk about treaty history. It talks about the responsibilities that we all have as treaty people, and I think it kind of breaks up the monotony of reading 100 plaques, you get to have these one on one experiences, and you can engage with people, and you can have a back and forth dialog. I think it really helps solidify a lot of the information that can kind of feel like a lot all at once,” she said.
She hopes that residents take this opportunity when the historic site is free and the weather is warm to experience what Lower Fort Garry has to offer.
“It’s a beautiful walk, it’s a beautiful time to spend outside. You can learn a little bit of history, (and you) can grab a little snack. It’s the perfect day trip,” said Wagn.
Every day is a little bit different at Lower Fort Garry, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead by visiting the Lower Fort Garry website at parks.canada/fortgarry. On the website, you’ll find a daily schedule of the tours, workshops and free demonstrations that will be happening that day, as well as information about paid programming, events and most anything else that you’ll need to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the excitement.
