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Learn how two great rivers at the heart of the continent connected the prairies to the world. The Forks National Historic Site is on Treaty No. 1 territory: the traditional territory of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Anisininew, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and the homeland of the Red River Métis.
- Activities and experiences
The Forks National Historic Site. The Forks is a busy site...
- Culture and history
The Forks National Historic Site. The Forks has served as a...
- Stewardship and management
The Forks National Historic Site Come to The Forks and walk...
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The Forks National Historic Site; Safety and guidelines The...
- Plan your visit
The Forks National Historic Site. The Forks is in Manitoba,...
- Fort Parka
Please report all questions, comments and concerns to Parks...
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Entire site – The Forks National Historic Site: Includes the...
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The Forks National Historic Site. Tours, programs and...
- Activities and experiences
The Forks National Historic Site. The Forks is in Manitoba, in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. Winnipeg is easily reached by road, air and train. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the historic site and market; longer if you’re attending a special event.
The Forks was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1974. It is designated because, strategically located at the juncture of the Red and Assiniboine rivers, this spot has witnessed many of the key events of western Canadian history.
- 45 Forks Market Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba
A Brief History. Located at the junction of two major rivers that form part of a vast continental network, The Forks has witnessed many key events in the history of Western Canada.
- The Forks 6,000 Years Ago
- The Forks During The Fur Trade 1738-1880
- The Forks and The Railway 1886-1923
- The Forks and Immigration 1870-1920
- The Forks Today
- Heritage Advisory Committee
- Canadian Heritage River Interpretive Panel
Extensive archaeological investigations prove that Aboriginal groups were active at The Forks site thousands of years ago. Between 1989 and 1994, a series of archaeological digs were carried out at The Forks that proved camps of Aboriginal bison hunters flourished here. Unearthed was a 6,000 year old hearth, yielding catfish bones and stone tool fl...
The first Europeans came via canoe in 1738, when La Vérendrye erected Fort Rouge, the first of many forts and trading posts erected in the area. Known as the Red River Colony, the forts were within striking distance of The Forks because of its significance as an Aboriginal meeting place. The region provided rich food resources along an important tr...
Beginning in 1886, The Forks emerged as one of the key sites of early railroad development on the Prairies. The rail yards of the Northern Pacific and Manitoba Railway Company, the Canadian Northern, the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad and the Canadian National Railway dominated the site. Many of the buildings now seen at The Forks date from this time...
In the late 1800s, the Canadian government began actively promoting immigration, settlement and railway development across the Prairies. Winnipeg became known as the “Gateway to the Canadian West” because the Canadian government erected two immigration sheds at The Forks, each accommodating up to 500 people. Legions of immigrants came through the s...
Today, The Forks is a vibrant downtown Winnipeg public space where people gather for celebrations, recreation and, much like the early Aboriginals, to meet one another. It encompasses an interpretive park, revitalized historic and new buildings, skateboard park, historic port and offers a host of year-round outdoor and indoor attractions. With over...
The Forks established a Heritage Advisory Committee in 1988 to provide advice on heritage matters on the site. The all-volunteer advisory group is comprised of members representing a body of knowledge and professional experience including archaeology, history, education, heritage interpretation planning, Aboriginal heritage, and architecture and he...
The Red River interpretive panel was designed to commemorate the national designation of the Red River as a Canadian Heritage River. Completed through a partnership between The Forks and RiversWest, the panel includes images of events that took place along the Red River and The Forks during its early history up to the present. The Red River panel w...
From First Nations peoples, to European traders and the Red River Métis, to surges of immigration in its time as a prominent rail yard, the history of The Forks tells the dynamic tale of how Winnipeg grew into the beating heart of our continent.
May 23, 2023 · On May 23, 2023, The Forks National Historic Site (The Forks) kicks off the visitor season with new and established programming, offering opportunities to come together to learn about the people and history of this treasured gathering place.
