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Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park: Winnipeg's Historic Heart

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Explore the birthplace of Manitoba at Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park, where history comes alive through art and technology.

Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park marks the site of a pivotal Hudson's Bay Company trading post. It's where Manitoba's future was forged in 1870. Today, visitors can explore the park's art installations and interpretive displays, including a striking 440-foot-long steel sculpture, and delve into the rich history of Western Canada.

A brief summary to Upper Fort Garry

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Upper Fort Garry.

  • Download the free Upper Fort Garry app for an immersive, self-guided tour of the park's historical significance.
  • Visit in the evening to experience the park's sound and light show, which brings the history of the fort to life.
  • Take some time to examine the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Heritage Wall, a 440-foot-long steel sculpture that depicts important events in the area's history.

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Getting There

  • Walking

    Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park is located in downtown Winnipeg at 130 Main St, easily accessible on foot from many nearby attractions and hotels. From the Forks National Historic Site, head north on Main Street for about 10 minutes. The park will be on your left, just past Broadway.

  • Public Transport

    Winnipeg Transit offers numerous routes that stop near Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park. Check the Winnipeg Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. Many buses stop along Main Street and Broadway, both of which border the park. A single fare is $3.25.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Winnipeg. A short trip from the Exchange District or The Forks to Upper Fort Garry will typically cost between $10 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.

  • Driving

    If driving, approach via Main Street or Fort Street. Limited street parking is available. Several parking lots are nearby, including the Millennium Library Parkade (vehicle access from Donald St. and Smith St.) and Fort Garry Place. Parking rates vary, but expect to pay around $3 per hour, with daily maximums ranging from $15 to $22.

Discover more about Upper Fort Garry

Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park, situated in downtown Winnipeg, stands as a monument to a crucial chapter in Canadian history. Established in 1822 by the Hudson's Bay Company at the forks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, Upper Fort Garry was more than just a fur trading post; it was the administrative center for the Red River Colony.This site witnessed the Red River Resistance, led by Louis Riel, which ultimately led to Manitoba becoming Canada's fifth province in 1870. It was within the fort's walls that representatives voted to join the Canadian Confederation, laying the groundwork for the expansion of Canada west to the Pacific and north to the Arctic.Today, little remains of the original fort, which was gradually demolished in the 1880s. The only surviving piece is the Governor's Gate. However, the park has been revitalized with art and technology to bring history to life. Visitors can explore plinths marking the locations of former buildings and a massive steel wall depicting key historical moments. Downloadable apps offer immersive experiences in multiple languages. The park also features a sound and light show.
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