Selkirk

Historic Red River town north of Winnipeg, known for the impressive Manitoba Museum's Nonsuch ship display and Maritime Museum heritage. Features beautiful riverside location and local charm, making it a worthwhile day trip for history and culture enthusiasts.

Things to do

• Manitoba Museum Nonsuch Ship — Explore the full-scale replica of the 17th-century Hudson's Bay Company ship that is the centerpiece of this regional museum showcasing Arctic and Maritime history.
• Selkirk Maritime Museum — Visit this dedicated maritime heritage museum housed in a historic building that displays shipbuilding artifacts, navigation tools, and stories of the Red River's importance to Canadian commerce.
• Red River Promenade Walk — Stroll along the scenic riverside pathway offering views of the Red River, local parks, and historical markers documenting Selkirk's role in early Canadian settlement.
• Selkirk Park & Grounds — Enjoy picnicking and outdoor recreation at this riverside park that provides access to natural spaces and serves as a gathering point for community events.
• Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site — Tour this restored Hudson's Bay Company fur trading post located just south of Selkirk, featuring authentic buildings and period-dressed interpreters explaining 19th-century frontier life.
• Selkirk Public Library & Heritage Collections — Browse the local history archives and heritage materials that preserve stories and artifacts unique to Selkirk's founding and development as a Red River settlement.

Food to try

• Winnipeg-Style Pickerel — Sample this regional freshwater fish specialty prepared pan-fried or baked, reflecting the culinary traditions of the Red River Valley and local fishing heritage.
• Bison Steaks & Prairie Game — Try locally-sourced bison and wild game preparations at regional restaurants, honoring the historic connection between Selkirk and the fur trade economy.
• Tourtière (Meat Pie) — Experience this traditional French-Canadian savory meat pie that remains popular throughout the historic Red River settlement region and reflects Métis culinary influence.
• Goldeye Smoked Fish — Purchase or taste this iconic Winnipeg-area smoked goldeye preparation, a delicacy with roots in the region's commercial fishing and preservation traditions.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Métis Heritage — Recognize that Selkirk sits on ancestral Métis and Indigenous lands; the town's history is deeply connected to the Red River Métis community and their contributions to early settlement.
• Visit During Summer Events — Plan your visit around local festivals and summer events when the riverside community comes alive with parades, historical reenactments, and community gatherings that celebrate Selkirk's heritage.
• Allow Time for Museum Exploration — The Manitoba Museum's exhibits are extensive; allocate at least 2-3 hours to properly explore the Nonsuch ship and accompanying galleries rather than rushing through.
• River Access & Navigation — The Red River remains central to Selkirk's identity; locals value water access and heritage, so respectful appreciation of this geographic and historical landmark is culturally important.