Activities
Visitor experiences © Parks Canada
Visit Riel House National Historic Site, the family home of Louis Riel, a 19th century champion of Métis rights and culture whose legacy lives on to this day.
Riel House offers an opportunity for visitors to discover for themselves the story of this compelling and controversial figure, central to Canadian history. Step into the living room of the family home where the famous Métis leader, Louis Riel, a founder of Manitoba, lay in state for two days in December 1885 after he was hanged for high treason. Inside this Red River frame house, restored to its 1886 appearance, you can reflect on the fascinating and complex story of Louis Riel and explore his modern legacy.
In 1886, the Riel family farm stretched from the Red River to the Seine River according to the traditional Métis river lot system. One glance at a map leaves the modern city gardener in awe. Today, the less extensive gardens are actively cultivated and illustrate for visitors which flowers and vegetables were grown in the late 19th century.
Learning Experiences
May 21 – June 28, 2013
Curriculum-based educational programming is offered by the Louis Riel Institute at Riel House Monday through Friday.
For more information and to book a program, please contact the Louis Riel Institute directly at 204-984-9480 or by email RielHouse@mmf.mb.ca.
Guided Tours and Interpretive Activities
July 1 to September 2, 2013
Open Thursday through Monday, from 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
(closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
Parks Canada’s welcoming and knowledgeable staff are on site to greet you and offer new ways to connect with the remarkable stories of Riel House:
- Read the on-site interpretive displays to find out about the fascinating history of Louis Riel and the Métis of Red River;
- Try your hand at a variety of outdoor games that will take you back to the time when Manitoba was young.
Guided tours of Riel House and other interpretive activities are offered by the Louis Riel Institute. For more information, please contact the Louis Riel Institute directly at 204-984-9480 or by email RielHouse@mmf.mb.ca.