Get to know MB - Lower Fort Garry

Hmm, the things you didn't know you didn't know....

We went to Lower Fort Garry on Saturday morning (beautiful weather, crowds hadn't arrived yet - absolutely perfect) and learned a lot that we had somehow avoided learning over the years! I've probably been to LFG a half-dozen times and thoroughly enjoyed each one, but it's always been on our own time, no tours. What a mistake.

We got there shortly before 11 on Saturday and they told us there was a tour starting in about 10 minutes so we decided to wait and take the tour. Great decision!

This was the last weekend of the year with the costumed interpreters. --For those of you who have not been there before, in the summer they have volunteers in period clothing acting as various members of the fort explaining different aspects of their position or fort history.

Our guide ?Steve? Greyeyes, maybe? (My memory's a bit fuzzy, but his name definitely started with an "S"); my lack of recollection doesn't reflect on his presentation at all. It was an interesting, amusing and informative tour and I can't believe I haven't taken it before. He was absolutely excellent.

Mr. Greyeyes, who is a full time employee of Parks Canada, lead the tour as Governor Eden Colvile who resided at the fort in the early 1850's.

Did you know that the fort served as a penitentiary and an insane asylum?? Or that a blacksmith earned BIG bucks and not just anyone could become one? How about the fact that the walls, in some places are only 6 feet high, but originally were supposed to be built to a height of 14 feet?

All these years we just wandered around the site, enjoyed the accents and stories of the volunteers and never really got deeply into the whole history of the fort.

The usual tour (which is free, you just pay the regular entrance to the fort whether you take the tour or not) is 45 minutes, but because we had kids in the group it was whittled down to 25 - and we still got a great amount of information. Then, at the end of the tour, which takes you around, but not in any of the buildings, you're free to wander through the rest on your own time.

For the oldest intact stone fort in North America it's in amazing shape! Nothing is run-down or shabby looking, and many buildings are filled with artifacts. The store is fun, to see all the goods that were used and consumed back then. The warehouse is another great building, with many different furs to try to identify.

There's even a bakery, where you used to be able to buy bread to take home. And the blacksmith shows you how to make a nail the hard way - and then lets you keep it as a souvenir. And in the Big House (Governor's House) they explain why they have the fire going outside during the summer. At the Men's House, it's divided into 2 sections: one side is where they sleep most of the men (on the tiniest beds you've ever seen), and the other half of the building was for men who had gotten married, but not built their house yet, so they could share some private space with their new wife. I also remember on previous visits, watching the girls at the Guest House or Farm Manager's House making tallow candles.

This season has wrapped up, but you really should put it on your family's To Do list for next summer. It's a great way to spend a few hours, getting a great history lesson right here at home! And a family of up to 7 people (2 adults) can get in for just under $20.

But when you go, don't make the mistake we did. We missed a small sign on the front door of the interpretive centre that said no food or drink. So when we took a midday break to eat some apple slices we were definitely "corrected" by an angry volunteer. :)

From 10 years old to 56, the whole group had a great time. You will too!