From Beavers to Buicks

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site

Looking to quickly get a grounding in Lower Fort Garry’s history? This 60-minute tour gives you a background of the site before giving you an opportunity to discover more on your own.

Description

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 its history from Hudson’s Bay Company trading post to treaty signing host to national historic site, taking a look behind the scenes in this introductory tour!

Dates, times, location and details

Dates and times:

Location:

  • Meet at the Visitor Reception Centre
  • Tour will explore the historic grounds and several of Lower Fort Garry’s historic buildings
  • Be prepared for changing weather conditions

Group sizes:

  • About 15 people. Additional groups will be created if needed.

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
    • Participants using the shuttle may miss some of the tour
    • 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 Farm Manager’s House, Men’s House and Warehouse have a step or a threshold

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 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

Alternative experiences

  • Guests looking to tour the site outside of a public tour format can take the self-guided tour

Related links

Date modified :