Background

First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site

Discover the roots of Western Canada's agricultural heritage at the site of the first homestead, a testament to pioneer resilience.

Visit the site of the first homestead in Western Canada, established in 1872. While no original structures remain, a cairn and plaque commemorate John Sutherland Sanderson's pioneering spirit and the Dominion Government's Homestead Regulations that shaped the Canadian West.

A brief summary to First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or summer to see the landscapes at their most vibrant.
  • Bring your camera to capture the scenery and historic monument.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the site.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Car

    The First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site is located at MB-240, High Bluff, MB R0H 0K0. From Winnipeg, take the Trans-Canada Highway (MB-1) west. Exit onto MB-240 North and continue for approximately 15 km. The site will be on your right. Ensure you have a map or GPS for accurate navigation.

  • Public Transport

    To reach the First Homestead via public transportation, take a Greyhound bus from Winnipeg to Portage la Prairie. From Portage la Prairie, arrange for a taxi or rideshare service to High Bluff, roughly 30 km away. Taxi/rideshare cost is approximately $40-$60. Check local bus schedules for the latest timings and routes.

Unlock the Best of First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site

The First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site, located near High Bluff, Manitoba, marks the beginning of agricultural settlement in the Canadian West under the Dominion Lands Act of 1872. This policy attracted immigrants from across the globe to settle in western Canada. John Sutherland Sanderson, a Scotsman, filed the first homestead entry on July 2, 1872. His application was marked with the number '1'. Today, the site offers a glimpse into the lives of early homesteaders and the challenges they faced in transforming the wilderness into farmland. Although the original homestead is no longer visible, a monument erected in 1956 commemorates Sanderson's achievement. The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada erected a plaque on a grey tyndall stone block cairn to mark the location. The site is located on a flat parcel of land north of Portage La Prairie near Oakland, Manitoba. Visitors can reflect on the determination and resilience of the first settlers while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. The vast fields evoke the agricultural heritage of the area.

Popular Experiences near First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site

Popular Hotels near First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site

Select Currency