I went to the St Boniface museum on a Thursday when the entrance and tours were free. When I got there and asked about the free tour, I was told that there wasn’t going to be one because there wasn’t enough people. Literally only me. It made sense at the time because, of course, I didn’t want to put them to any trouble. So I wandered around with one of the fellows, just pointing out the different rooms and what were in there but no detailed information. I went away underwhelmed and later decided that I would contact the museum and ask why they wouldn’t give a tour even if it was just for one person because one person or 10 people what’s the difference? I received an immediate response, and was told that I should have been given a tour and that,” anytime I would like”, I would get free entry and a tour. Thank you Loik ! Well, I’ve had a tour of both the graveyard and the museum and I can tell you it was incredibly informative and very satisfying. The information imparted I had no clue about. Yes, there’s a lot about Louis Riel, because he is buried there, but there’s also a lot about the history of St Boniface and Winnipeg in general. I don’t want to ruin anything for anyone who might go, but a couple nuggets of information that I learned kind of blew me away. First of all, I found out that a cross is only a crucifix if it has Jesus on it. Otherwise, it’s just a cross. And on the cemetery grounds a life sized crucifix just outside of the old cathedral faces the cathedral, when normally, it should be facing out from the graveyard. Apparently, this is to protect the cathedral, which has burned down three or four times now. It was totally fascinating to hear about the original inhabitants of this area and the Europeans effect on them and how the newly formed Manitoba government try to negotiate with the Canadian government to become Manitoba. And lots and lots and lots of details in between. If you are at all into museums, and how the local history formed what is now the modern era, this is a must visit museum and the tour makes all the difference! I highly recommend attending the St Boniface museum.

Tout simplement parfait. Les expositions sont belles, surtout celle sur Louis Riel. Le musée se situe dans un très vieux bâtiment dont à l'arrière il y a une ancienne chapelle qui maintenant contient plusieurs artéfacts d'une autre époque. Au deuxième étage se trouve une exposition sur l'art Métisse et indigène. On y trouve un peu de tout, passant par la peinture et la couture. La description des œuvres est décrites en Français, en anglais et dans la langue de l'artiste. Les gens à l'accueil sont PARFAIT! ils parlent français, répondent à toutes nos questions, ils sont tout simplement passionnés par l'histoire de St-Boniface. Nous avons eu la chance de poser une seule question et c'est un livre qui s'est ouvert à nous. De plus, la vue de ce site est tout simplement splendide! un must, impossible à manquer. Devant le musée se retrouve un énorme buste en l'honneur de Louis Riel. J'ai tout simplement adoré!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I visited this great museum for the first time in July 2022 and was amazed by its rich history. Emily (Museum Curator) walked us through an important piece of Manitoba history. This building is the first hospital built in Western Canada by the grey nuns. It is the oldest standing wooden structure in North America. It served the needs of Manitobans who were ill and was the foundation of educating future nurses. And finally, the reason for visiting are the artifacts of Metis Louis Riel. Those I will leave as a surprise in this write-up. A great honorable mention to those who preserved this astounding part of Manitoba (and Canada's) history and hope everyone gets a chance to visit the St. Boniface Museum. The entry is free so please make a worthwhile donation to keep the piece of Manitoba history standing for the world to see.

I live in Winnipeg and this was my first trip to the Museum. Very interesting. Fabulous info on the life of Louis Riel and the Metis. Many old items from what they used to get food, protection and battles fought. Artifacts from the Cathedral and remnants from the massive fire. Info on how the Grey Nuns lived back in time. A very hard life. And a display of how people lived on that time also. I saw items that my Grandma had when I was growing up. I really learned a lot and was very thankful that we have this museum.

Definitely a treasure trove of info about life before Canada was even a country of its own. Shows excellent artifacts and examples of how life was during the times prior to electricity. The Metis displays were very detailed and help visitors get a picture of how Manitoba was at the time it became a province of Canada.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Great experience for my 9 year old grandaughter to see how places were built and how they lived. The oldest building in Winnipeg built by the Grey Nuns from 1846 to 1851. Started as a nunnery then an orphanage, school, seniors home and then part of the start of St. Boniface Hospital. The only thing that scared her were the creaky floors...lol.. too unsafe for her.

Nice museum on French-Canadian history and the oldest wooden building in Western Canada, as far as I know. 1844 or so, I believe. Many artifacts from different periods including a lot on Louis Riel who is buried nearby at the Cathedral, along with many of his family members. Staff is always helpful and there's a small store with books, souvenirs, etc.

Admission was only $7 and it's a great old building to tour. If you take your time and read all the historical placards you'll learn gads and gads about the history of the Metis in Canada, much of it not casting a favourable light on the Canadian government. I loved learning about the Grey Nuns as well, those women were a force to be reckoned with.

This was a very nice museum that provided a good history of the Convent beginnings and the pioneers who founded it. We really enjoyed the section on Louis Riel. Parking is somewhat difficult to find since the museum itself does not have any that we could see (we parked on a side street), but that was my only real issue.

I grew up minutes away from here. My little sister and I visited this museum weekly. Sometimes daily... It was our favourite place to go. Often times we would stop spur-of-the-moment while riding our bikes. It's a beautiful well-kept piece of history.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Excellent small museum in an historic building. Free, but would have willing paid to visit it. Took a walking tour. The two of us had two guides who did a Walking tour explaining Louis Riel's history. If you are interested in Manitoba's Metis and Francophone history, this is the museum for you!

An excellent interpretive tour both in the museum and the adjoining grounds of the Cathédrale St. Boniface for 2 classrooms of elementary children. Both relaxing and very informative. I learned a lot. Merci à Stephane et les autres personnes qui nous ont accompagnés.
Visited on
Weekday

Wow. I went here with no expectations at all and it ended up being a highlight of my trip to Winnipeg! Madelaine was our tour guide and we learned so much from her dynamic and casual tour! Highly recommend!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Attended to celebrate Louis Riel Day. Would like to see more exhibits, see more public support. Everyone should take the time to see the oldest building in Winnipeg and learn about our past.
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

The oldest building in Winnipeg. Learnt a lot for the tour guides who were so knowledgeable! A piece of history that should be visited by everyone. We have a rich history and the settlers that arrived here showed perseverance and grit. Such a great staff!

Gorgeous building. The oldest building in Winnipeg. Well kept. Friendly staff. Welcoming environment. Cute little gift shop and great snacks. Definitely will be returning here for a visit and look at the artifacts. Thank you for preserving our history.

Step back in time. Amazing collections and exhibits. Staff ready to help if needed. Nice little souvenir shop. Covid-19 protocol and sanitizing areas readily available. Wheelchair accessible, just call ahead. Don't miss this historical site.

Totally interesting. A slice of history I have not previously known of. Such gracious and knowledgeable staff. I will try to spend more time there.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
No

Full of heritage and interesting artifacts! It is difficult to see the place, from the outside, in a later hours. The sign out front is not very visible, but all in all, a fantastic adventure on the history of the city and community.

The museum was incredible. The staff was friendly. I am a descendant of Amable Nault. Seeing his sash brought tears to my eyes. Knowing he was one of the builders of the original building made the visit that much more special.

Wonderful exhibits of early Winnipeg, especially the Louis Riel portion. Staff/host was extremely friendly, knowledgeable, and able to answer questions. Will definitely repeat once the upstairs exhibits are complete.

We enjoyed our visit during the week, admission is by donation. So make sure to visit the gift shop, many historic artifacts and information. If you don't want your car towed make sure you don't park on Tache. More

A really cool museum about French and Métis history. Went there for Thursday when they have extended hours. Was pay what you can.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

You feel the history in the building, you can visit yourself or let the guides interpret the artefacts for you. Very nice, also a great store to explore and get postcards and other french-manitoban stuff.

Surprisingly interesting inside. Lots of old memorabilia from Winnipeg from long ago that you don't normally see including an old sit in livingroom sauna from 1950. Definately worth checking out someday.

Son and daughter had a great time here learning about the history of St Boniface. A fun hidden gem.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

I came with a work group and the tour guide was very patient and explained everything very well! I would definitely come back!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

A place to go if you want to understand the live of gray nuns during the 19th century.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
No

Early artifacts from pioneer days of this region, guided tours highly recommended, or just browsing the panels if you have the time. Excellent historical items on display!

Did a tour here during door's open Winnipeg. Was great to learn about Winnipeg and how things were done. Learnt a lot and now plan on doing more to learn about our City.

Visited the Museum during the Doors Open Winnipeg. Tour guide was great, and learned a lot about the history of the building itself, additional to the items inside.

It's a little bit hard to find. Drive past it and there is a large sign. Then turn at the next street for on street parking or go around the block.

Took the tour and was not disappointed. Very educational .
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Visiting this museum has been a rewarding experience through the cultural discovery of the Aboriginal and Métis community... it's fascinating!

Jolie petit musée sur l'histoire des soeur et Louis Riel
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice and Interesting museum, quite enjoyable.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This is the oldest building in Winnipeg and the first hospital in Western Canada. Anyone interested in history should visit this place.

A must if you are interested in Manitoba history. This museum is best enjoyed using a tour where the guide can share hos/her knowledge.

Cool old building with some historical displays. Nice place, I'm glad to see such an old building maintained and open to anyone to see.

This museum is open but there's a renovation. Outside beautiful but inside you can see a little part. On this moment free entree! More

Intéressant mais se visite en très peux de temps.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

It's a small museum, the staff is very nice and knowledgeable and patient with kids questions. It's an important part of our history.

The staff were so kind and helpful. It's a small museum but steeped in history that every Canadian ought to be familiarized with.

All round decent museum. Fairly focused so if the French or métis don't interest you at least some, you won't get much out of it.

We have gone here a few years in a row for Christmas events. There is surprisingly a lot of things to look at and do here.

Nice collection of items giving peak into manitoba history. Friendly staff, activities for kids as well during summer.

Very interesting museum that provides a great history lesson on the Metis people, Louis Riel and the Grey Nuns.

Vous êtes très intéressant
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Lots of nice exhibits, the staff is very friendly! Beaucoup de belles expositions et le personnel est super!

Been here twice. Great connection to the past that we should keep trying to preserve. Super friendly staff.

Short but efficient overview of the Métisse and French population history in Canada. Quite interesting.

Beautiful place, wonderful and very knowledgeable staff, very interesting history, fantastic exhibits.

Small but filled with history. Go with time and open to learn!!! You’ll have to read a lot!!

I love coming here once in awhile at the museum. Especially Louis Reil Day, when it's free.

Amazing destination if you wanna learn about Manitoba and Western Canada. Very good price.

Vous devez visiter ce musée pour comprendre la presence francophone dans l"ouest canadien.

Really nice museum. Not too big but interesting things to spend some time with the kids.

Très beau bâtiment riche en histoire. Par contre, le musée n'était pas de mes attentes.

Nice museum. Good place to learn about Louis Riel and the early Metis settlers.

A wonderful treasure! Must see when visiting Winnipeg. Parking is a challenge.

Rich, historical significance. I think it may be Winnipeg's oldest building.

Well worth the visit. Interesting building with many artifacts on display.

Love exploring the history of my region. This place is excellent for that.

Great history, lots about Riel and the history of Manitoba. Great museum!

The oldest building in Winnipeg. It is beautiful. You've got to see it!

Free donation only
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Great historic museum & dedicated staff - Defintly worth the visit

Beau service et très belle accueil. Lieu avec une belle histoire.

Got to meet my main home slice Louis bought a bear claw necklace

Knowledgeable staff and great place to check out in Winnipeg.

Intéressant de voir comment vivaient les gens de ce temps là.

Nice lots of history and it free,grey nuns and metis history

They have some interesting history artifacts from Louis riel

Nice museum, where you can find more tribute of Louis Riel

A great museum! Lots to learn and very close to the Forks!

very well done...people from everywhere would enjoy this

Absolutely enjoyed our tour... Will definitely revisit!

Tells the story of an important period of our history.

Very interesting and informative. Wonderful staff!

Wonderful place to learn about the past of Winnpeg

Very authentic place started 1840s by Grey nuns

A hidden gem. Small but we'll worth exploring.

Love the childhood memories it brought back.

Quite interesting and bonus - free this year

Beaucoup d'artéfact dans ce lieu historique.

C'est très intéressant! J'aime la boutique.

Fantastic I learnt alot great tour guides.

Well curated and great place for all ages.

Nice museum, not too big but interesting.

An excellent place to know.Métis history

Lovely old building. Loads of history.

Excellent telling of Manitoba history!

Loads of information on Louis Riel

If you like history, nice museum

Very nice displays of MB history

Nice quite place to send a hour.

Great spot to step back in time.

La tournée animée est plaisante.

Great heritage learning for all

Bien et personnel accueillant