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Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park: Winnipeg's Historical Heart

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

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Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park marks the site of a pivotal Hudson's Bay Company trading post, the administrative center of the Red River Colony, and a key location in the Red River Resistance. Today, it's a revitalized urban park where history is brought to life through art, technology, and interpretation.

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A brief summary to Upper Fort Garry

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

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130 Main St, Winnipeg, Broadway - Assiniboine, Manitoba, R3C 1A4, CA

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    Getting There

    Walking

    Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park is located in downtown Winnipeg at 130 Main Street, south of Broadway, across from Union Station. From The Forks, head north on Main Street for about 10 minutes. The park will be on your left, just past Broadway. The entrance is near the corner of Main and Broadway. There are no admission fees.

    Public Transport

    Winnipeg Transit provides bus service throughout the city. Several bus routes stop near Upper Fort Garry Provincial Park. Check the Winnipeg Transit website or app for the most up-to-date route and schedule information. A single fare is around $3.25.

    Taxi/Ride-share

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

    Local tips

    Download the free Upper Fort Garry app for an immersive, self-guided tour available in multiple languages.
    Visit in the evening to experience the sound and light show projected on the Heritage Wall.
    Explore the park at your own pace; it's open 24 hours a day and is well-lit for evening visits.

    Discover more about Upper Fort Garry

    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.
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