Attraction Guide: Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, Selkirk, Canada

Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site Guide

Step Back in Time: Explore 19th-Century Fur Trade Life at Lower Fort Garry Guide

Welcome to Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site, a captivating journey into the heart of the 19th-century fur trade in Western Canada! This meticulously preserved stone fort offers a unique opportunity to experience life as it was for Hudson's Bay Company employees, Indigenous peoples, and settlers during a pivotal period in Canadian history. Prepare to be transported back in time as you wander through the fort's original buildings and interact with costumed interpreters who bring the past to life. Lower Fort Garry's story began in the early 1830s as a response to the growing need for a more secure and strategically located trading post than the original Upper Fort Garry (now Winnipeg). It served as a vital supply depot, agricultural center, and administrative hub for the Hudson's Bay Company. The fort played a significant role in the negotiation of treaties with Indigenous nations and witnessed the transition of the fur trade era to a more settled agricultural society. Its stone construction, a departure from the traditional wooden forts, reflects the Hudson's Bay Company's increasing investment and long-term vision for the region. Today, Lower Fort Garry offers a range of engaging activities for visitors of all ages. Explore the historic buildings, including the Governor's Residence, the Men's House, and the Fur Loft, each filled with artifacts and exhibits that tell the stories of the people who lived and worked here. Participate in interactive demonstrations of blacksmithing, baking, and other traditional crafts. Engage with costumed interpreters who will share fascinating insights into the daily lives of the fort's inhabitants. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition unique to the site, the on-site cafe offers a taste of traditional fare, providing a delicious complement to your historical adventure.