Canada/Manitoba: Fort La Reine

Fort La Reine is a historic site near Portage la Prairie, established in 1738 by French explorer Pierre Gaultier de Varennes, Sieur de La Vérendrye, as part of a network of forts in the fur trade. It served as a key trading post and gateway to the west for European traders and First Nation indigenous peoples. The fort was part of France’s efforts to expand its influence in the region and secure trade routes. The museum complex includes several historic buildings, such as a blacksmith shop, a church, and a schoolhouse, offering a glimpse into life in early Manitoba. interestingly, the church is Ukrainian, as the town was one of the settlements populated by Ukrainian immigrants.