Sites Commemorating Louis Riel in Winnipeg
- Riel Statue on the Legislative Building Grounds
- Riel Bust at St. Boniface Museum
- Riel House
- Riel Statue at St. Boniface College
- Riel’s Gravesite at St. Boniface Cemetery
- Esplanade Riel
Riel Statue on the Legislative Building Grounds
The Louis Riel statue on the south grounds of the Legislative Building was erected by the Manitoba Metis Federation to complement the development of the plaza, fountain and riverwalk. A Manitoba Heritage Council plaque, recognizing Riel as an individual of provincial historic significance, and as a founder of Manitoba, also was unveiled and installed on Manitoba Day, May 12, 1996.
Riel Bust at St. Boniface Museum
The bust of Riel located in front of the St. Boniface Museum, 494 Taché Avenue, was erected in the late 1980s. It was sculpted by noted Francophone artist Réal Bérard and cast at a foundry in Saskatchewan. St. Boniface museum is the location of the largest collection of Riel related artifacts in Canada, including his shaving kit, locks of his hair, the moccasins and face cap he wore on the day of his execution, and the coffin his body was transported in from Regina to Winnipeg.
Riel House
Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba.
Riel House, 330 River Road, in south St. Vital, is a National Historic Site managed by the St. Boniface Historical Society. Open in the summer months, it interprets the history of the Riel family and Louis Riel’s life and accomplishments.
Riel Statue at St. Boniface College
The original statue commemorating Louis Riel was erected on the grounds of the Legislative Building in 1971, in honour of Manitoba's Centennial, the previous year. An artistic abstract sculpture within a cylindrical structure, it depicts Riel's tortured soul, and was created by Marcien Lemay and Etienne Gaboury. It was controversial to many, who desired a more statesmanlike depiction. It was replaced in 1996 and moved to the grounds of St. Boniface College, 200 ave de la Cathédrale.
Riel’s gravesite at St. Boniface Cemetery
Louis Riel was hanged in Regina on November 16, 1885, for his role as leader of the North-West Rebellion against the Canadian government. His body then lay in state at his mother’s house on River Road in St. Vital. He was buried in the picturesque St. Boniface Roman Catholic Cathedral Cemetery (190 ave de la Cathédrale), which is located northeast of the St. Boniface Museum (494 Taché Avenue).
Esplanade Riel
Photo courtesy of Travel Manitoba
Esplanade Riel is the magnificent cable stayed footbridge connecting St. Boniface to The Forks. It provides a wonderful view of Old St. Boniface, The Forks, and The Forks National Historic Site.
