Bake-a-Bannock

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

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.

Description

Take part in measuring the ingredients, mixing up the dough, making the butter and baking up fresh, tasty bannock.

Dates, times, location and details

Dates and times:

Location:

  • Meet at the Visitor Reception Centre.
  • Program location varies.
    • Possible locations include the Northwest Bastion/Bakehouse, Men’s House, Big House basement and Gabeshiwin
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions

Group sizes:

  • Maximum 15 people per time slot.

Languages:

  • English
  • French

Age requirements:

  • All ages

What to bring:

  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • 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. Please register at the Visitor Reception Centre at least 15 minutes before the program begins.

Groups of 10 or more must reserve their spots at least 24 hours in advance of their visit.

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
  • Several doorways at the Big House are narrow (less than 85 cm wide)
  • Several doorways at the Big House, Men’s House and Warehouse have a step or a threshold
  • The Big House has a wheelchair lift on the north side of the building

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

  • Program may be held outdoors
  • A fire is used to cook the bannock
  • There will be the smell of bannock baking
  • The program can be adapted to be dairy-free by substituting oil for butter
  • 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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