St. Andrews Historic Sites & Interpretive Centres

The oldest intact stone fort in North America, Lower Fort Garry was built in 1831 by the Hudson’s Bay Company and is a significant example of early fur trade architecture. Situated on the banks of the Red River, approximately 30 km (18.75 mi) south of Winnipeg, the fort served mainly as a supply centre for the surrounding First Nation and European settlements and in 1871 saw the signing of western Canada’s first treaty between the Crown and the Ojibwa and Swampy Cree tribes.

Today, the fort remains enclosed by its original stone walls and is the largest group of 19th century trade structures in Canada. Operated by Parks Canada and open daily May 15th through Labour Day, visitors can step back in time as costumed interpreters re-enact the events and daily life of the post’s early days.

Just north of Winnipeg, in the little town of St. Andrews, this National Historic Site of Canada offers an excellent example of mid-19th century Red River architecture. Built between 1851 and 1854 along the majestic Red River, St. Andrew's Rectory is an impressive limestone building which served the English speaking Métis community, the Missionary Society and the Church of England. Open daily from mid-May to August 31, and on Labour Day, the Rectory has several exhibits depicting its architecture, the roles of the missionaries, the roles of the Church and life in the settlement. The adjacent St. Andrew's Church is the oldest stone church in Western Canada and is still being used regularly for public worship.

This museum exhibits about 700 farm, household and personal artifacts belonging to Mabel Davis, Canada's first female bus driver. Some noteworthy items include a 1929 wedding dress, a 100-year old quilt and a 1906 restored McLaughlin buggy. Special events include a Canada Day and Veteran's Day exhibition.