Craft Smithing

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

Want to try your hand at working with metal? This program, new for 2026, is for you!

Description

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. This hands-on activity uses a coal-fired forge to heat metal.

Dates, times, location and details

Dates and times:

Location:

  • Meet at the Visitor Reception Centre
  • A Parks Canada staff member will take the group to Gabeshiwin
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions

Group sizes:

  • Maximum of 3 people per time slot

Languages:

  • English
  • French

Age requirements:

  • Participants must be 18 or older

What to bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes (required)
  • Hat/sunglasses
  • Water bottle
  • Dress for the weather

Reservations and payment

Price:

How to book:

Registration is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your spot in advance of your visit (recommended). Registration at the Visitor Reception Centre may be possible if slots are available.

Facilities and services

  • Washrooms
    • The Visitor Reception Centre has men’s and women’s washrooms, including one accessible toilet in each washroom
    • Restrooms are available in the Southeast Bastion and the Big House basement
      • At the Southeast Bastion, there are men’s and women’s restrooms with one accessible toilet in each
      • At the Big House, there are three individual gender-neutral restrooms, including one larger restroom
  • Parking:
    • Park in the main lot next to the Visitor Reception Centre
    • 8 designated accessible spots
    • Motorcoach parking is available
  • On-site restaurant with vegetarian and gluten-free options
  • Gift shop

Accessibility considerations

Distance from parking lot and description of route

  • Visitor Reception Centre entrance is a maximum of 180 metres from the parking lot
  • Lot and sidewalk are concrete with some sections of uneven ground

Program location and seating

  • Access the historic grounds by foot or by shuttle
    • Participants going by foot must use steps and/or a gravel path, and cross a footbridge, to access the historic grounds
    • Refer to the Accessing the historic grounds page for more details
  • Participants should be prepared to walk up to 2 km on a gravel path and grass to access the program site and return to the Visitor Reception Centre
  • Benches with a backrest are available at various points along the route
  • Limited shade on-site

Equipment

  • A wheelchair and a limited number of wagons for children are available to borrow for free.
  • Guests may use the motorized shuttle to access the historic grounds

Sound and sensory considerations

  • Held outdoors, rain or shine
  • There is the sound of metal clanging and the smell of coal burning
  • There are regular firearms demonstrations on-site between 11 am and 4 pm
    • There will be loud blasts during the demonstration
    • There may be the smell of blackpowder in the area shortly after these demonstrations end
  • There is a campfire at Gabeshiwin
  • There is a fire and the sound of metal clanging at the Blacksmith Shop

Less busy times/areas

  • Private sessions may be available if booked in advance
    • Early mornings and later afternoons tend to be less busy
  • A quiet room with an attached washroom is available in the Visitor Reception Centre to use at any point

Related links

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