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First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site

Visit the site of the first homestead in Western Canada and discover the pioneering spirit that shaped the Canadian West, located near High Bluff, Manitoba.

Visit the First Homestead in Western Canada National Historic Site near High Bluff, Manitoba, and step back in time to the late 19th century. This site marks the location of the first homestead granted under the Dominion Government's Homestead Regulations, celebrating the pioneering spirit of early settlers. Although the original homestead is gone, a cairn and plaque commemorate John Sutherland Sanderson's historic claim.

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Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or summer months to enjoy the vibrant landscapes and outdoor activities.
  • Bring your camera to capture the scenery and the historic cairn.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the site.
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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 cover the remaining distance to High Bluff, roughly 30 km. Check local bus schedules for the latest timings and routes. Taxi/rideshare from Portage la Prairie to the site will cost approximately $40-$60.

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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, commemorates a pivotal moment in Canadian history: the beginning of agricultural settlement in the West. In 1872, John Sutherland Sanderson, a Scotsman, filed the first homestead application under the Dominion Lands Act, marking the start of a transformative era. This act encouraged immigrants from around the world to settle in Western Canada, turning vast wilderness into fertile farmland. While no original structures remain, the site features a cairn with a plaque erected by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada in 1976. The monument marks Sanderson's homestead, which was located one mile west of the cairn, on the northeast quarter of Section 35, Township 12, Range 7 west of the Principal Meridian. Visitors can reflect on the lives of the early homesteaders and the challenges they faced. Imagine the vast open prairie and the determination required to build a life from scratch. The site offers a connection to the past and an appreciation for the pioneering spirit that shaped Western Canada. The surrounding landscape, with its fields and waterways, provides a serene backdrop for contemplation and remembrance.

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