Upper Fort Garry, Prairies Travel Guide

Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park, located in the heart of Winnipeg, stands as a monument to a transformative period in Canadian history. Established in 1822 by the Hudson's Bay Company (HBC), Upper Fort Garry was more than just a fur trading post; it was the administrative nucleus of the Red River Colony. The original fort was destroyed by a severe flood in 1826, but it was rebuilt in 1836 on higher ground to protect it from future flooding.Upper Fort Garry played a central role in the Red River Resistance of 1869-1870, when Louis Riel and his Métis followers seized the fort to address their concerns regarding land rights and governance as Canada prepared to take over the North-West Territories. It was within the fort's walls that representatives made the decision to form the Province of Manitoba and join the Canadian Confederation.Today, visitors can explore the park's grounds, where the outlines of the original fort's buildings are marked. The park's most striking feature is the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Heritage Wall, a 440-foot-long corten steel structure that depicts key moments in the history of the region. This public art installation incorporates thousands of LED lights and a multi-channel sound system to create an immersive experience. Visitors can also download a free mobile app for a self-guided tour in multiple languages. Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park provides a unique and engaging way to connect with the history of Winnipeg and Western Canada.The park is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and is well-lit and accessible.