Riel House National Historic Site Winnipeg
Step into the 19th-century home of Louis Riel's family and explore Métis history in Winnipeg.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the garden in bloom
Riel House National Historic Site Winnipeg
Best Time
Enjoy the garden in bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into the 19th-century home of Louis Riel's family and explore Métis history in Winnipeg.
"The tour guides are fantastic in traditional Métis uniforms and knowledgeable about the history of the family."
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Guides in Métis uniforms share incredible family history.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking on-site makes your visit hassle-free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Riel Family Farmhouse
The preserved 19th-century house
Explore the lovingly preserved home where Louis Riel spent his formative years, offering a glimpse into Métis life.
Knowledgeable Métis Guides
Throughout the house and grounds
Engage with guides in traditional Métis attire who share fascinating stories about the Riel family and their history.
The Family Garden
Adjacent to the house
Discover the historical garden where the Riel family cultivated their own food, a testament to their self-sufficiency.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Immerse Yourself in Métis History
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Guides in Métis uniforms share incredible family history. +1
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking on-site makes your visit hassle-free.
Where do I get an artifact like this assessed and/or authenticated in Wpg?
🌿 Explore the Garden
Don't miss the family garden, a beautiful space showcasing historical cultivation.
📚 Learn About Métis History
Gain an appreciation for Louis Riel and Manitoba's rich Métis heritage.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book a Guided Tour
Highly recommended! Guides in Métis uniforms share incredible family history. +1
🚗 Free Parking Available
Convenient parking on-site makes your visit hassle-free.
🌿 Explore the Garden
Don't miss the family garden, a beautiful space showcasing historical cultivation.
📚 Learn About Métis History
Gain an appreciation for Louis Riel and Manitoba's rich Métis heritage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Riel House for its well-preserved 19th-century home and the exceptional quality of its guided tours. The knowledgeable guides, often in traditional Métis attire, are a highlight, bringing the history of Louis Riel and his family to life. The free admission and parking add to the positive experience, making it a valuable and accessible historical site.
"It was an absolute pleasure visiting the Riel national historic site in St Vital.
The mid 19th century home is lovingly preserved to his original condition and a commemorates the life of Métis leader Louis Riel who lived in this house during his formative years.
There is free parking, park benches as well as commemorative plaques on the property providing information about Louis Riel as well as Manitoba history. Adjacent to the home is a garden which the family used to grow their own food.
Great place to visit in order to gain and end ups appreciation for the history of Manitoba"
Bobby singh
"Very special to have the Riel’s family farm house preserved in St. Vital. The tour guides are fantastic in traditional Métis uniforms and knowledgeable about the history of the family and the artifacts in the house. Recommended visit!"
bossa SALT
"Very awesome, the staff are so kind. I left well informed after the tour. Now I can do a jig and play the spoons"
isla d
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riel House is located in St. Vital, Winnipeg. It offers free parking, making it accessible by car. Public transportation options may also be available; check local transit schedules for routes serving the St. Vital area.
Yes, there is free parking available on the property, which is very convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Riel House National Historic Site is typically free, making it an accessible historical experience for everyone.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Parks Canada website or contact Riel House directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times and days.
While admission is often free, booking a guided tour in advance is highly recommended to ensure you get the most out of your visit and to secure a spot with a knowledgeable guide.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the preserved 19th-century home of Louis Riel's family, learn about Métis history and culture, and see artifacts from the period. The adjacent family garden is also a highlight.
Absolutely! Guided tours are a highlight, with guides often dressed in traditional Métis attire, providing in-depth historical context and answering questions. +1
Information on accessibility can vary. It's advisable to contact Riel House directly to inquire about specific accessibility features within the historic house and grounds.
Photography policies can differ. It's best to ask your guide or check for posted signs regarding photography inside the historic house to respect the artifacts and preservation efforts.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Riel House is primarily a historic site and museum, so dedicated food services are typically not available on-site. Visitors may want to plan for meals before or after their visit at nearby Winnipeg eateries.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the historic house, the family garden, and your guide in Métis attire offer great photo opportunities. Always check for indoor photography rules.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opting for a guided tour is highly recommended, as knowledgeable guides can tailor their stories to be more accessible and interesting for younger visitors. The free admission and parking also make it a budget-friendly outing for families looking to explore Winnipeg's history.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Beyond Riel himself, the site illuminates the broader Métis experience in 19th-century Manitoba, including their agricultural practices and cultural traditions. The opportunity to see original artifacts and learn from descendants of the community makes this a truly enriching historical exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Riel House
The house itself is lovingly preserved, maintaining much of its original condition. This allows visitors to truly step back in time and imagine life as it was for the Riel family. Adjacent to the home is a garden, historically used by the family for sustenance, further illustrating their connection to the land and their self-sufficient lifestyle. The site serves as a vital educational resource, providing an end-ups appreciation for the history of Manitoba and the contributions of the Métis people.
Many visitors highlight the exceptional quality of the guided tours. Guides, often dressed in traditional Métis uniforms, are praised for their knowledge and engaging storytelling. They bring the history of the Riel family and the artifacts within the house to life, answering questions and making the experience deeply personal and informative. This community-backed insight emphasizes that a guided tour is essential for a comprehensive visit.
Experiencing Métis Culture
Beyond the historical narratives, the site's garden reflects traditional Métis practices of self-sufficiency and connection to the land. Visitors can learn about the types of crops grown and the importance of agriculture to the community. This immersive experience helps to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Métis people's enduring legacy in Manitoba and Canada.
Some visitors even mention learning about Métis traditions like jigs and playing the spoons after their tours, indicating the engaging and educational nature of the experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit