What to know about the museum and how to make the most of your visit
Every action—whether giving, learning, sharing, or advocating—helps preserve truth, honour Survivors, and ensure future generations inherit a more informed and compassionate future.
Visit details:
Admission: Free admission for residential school survivors, $20 for adults, and $10 for students.
Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30AM–4:30PM, closed on statutory holidays.
Location: 5000 Crescent Rd W, Portage la Prairie, MB
Planning your visit
Located just outside Winnipeg and adjacent to Portage la Prairie, the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the history and lasting impacts of residential schools through immersive exhibits and guided experiences. Visitors, school groups, and organizations are encouraged to plan ahead to make the most of their visit and additional programming opportunities.
Museum Hours
The museum is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on weekends and statutory holidays. Groups may contact the museum to arrange guided truth walks or programming outside regular operating hours.
Please note that the final truth walk of the day begins at 3:00 p.m. The final admission time allows guests enough time to move through the site, engage with exhibits, and reflect on the history shared throughout the building before closing.
Admission
Admission is free for Residential School Survivors. General admission is $20 for adults and $10 for students and youth.
Additional group programming, including land-based teachings and Survivor-led discussions, is available for groups of 15 or more for an additional fee.
Finding the museum
The museum is Located at 5000 Crescent Rd W, Portage la Prairie, MB, about an hour drive from Winnipeg. When arriving at the museum, you can park near the east entrance. Parking is free.
Truth Walks
Step beyond the exhibits and into a journey of truth, remembrance, and reconciliation.
Guided by knowledgeable interpreters, visitors walk through the former residential school, encountering powerful stories, historic spaces, and immersive exhibits that reveal the legacy of Canada’s residential school system.
A Truth Walk is more than learning about history—it is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Indigenous experiences, honour the resilience of Survivors and their families, and leave with a renewed commitment to reconciliation.
Please note that the final Truth Walk of the day begins at 3:00 p.m.
Membership
At this time, the museum does not charge membership fees. Supporters are encouraged to stay connected through events, educational programming, and community initiatives that advance truth, remembrance, and reconciliation.
Donations
The Good Ancestor Fund supports the preservation of Survivor stories, educational programming, exhibits, and future initiatives at the National Indigenous Residential School Museum of Canada. Through monthly, one-time, or legacy giving, donors help ensure future generations continue to learn from the truths of the residential school system.
To be a good ancestor is to consider what we choose to protect, remember, and carry forward. By supporting the museum, donors help safeguard the stories, teachings, and resilience of Survivors so they are never forgotten and continue to guide future generations toward reconciliation.
By contributing to the fund, supporters help ensure future generations have opportunities to learn from the truths of the past while supporting Indigenous-led education, healing, and cultural revitalization.
There are many ways to become a Good Ancestor:
- Make a one-time or monthly donation to support the Museum’s mission.
- Contribute to the Museum Expansion Campaign.
- Visit the Museum and share what you learn with family, friends, and colleagues.
- Participate in truth walks, educational programs, and special events.
- Follow and share our stories on social media.
- Support the Museum Gift Shop.
- Volunteer your time, expertise, or services.
- Encourage your workplace, school, faith community, or organization to partner with the Museum.
Every action—whether giving, learning, sharing, or advocating—helps preserve truth, honour Survivors, and ensure future generations inherit a more informed and compassionate future.
Reservations
If you would like to reserve a spot at the museum, fill out the form below. You are also welcome to arrive without a reserved booking.
If you are interested in booking a Survivor speaker, Indigenous Knowledge Holder, or cultural demonstration, or if you are arranging for a meal to be included with your booking, please contact us.
Reserve a group booking
Frequently Asked Questions
Find information related to common questions about visiting the museum.
If you have any other questions, contact us.
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2.5 hours exploring the exhibits. Those who wish to spend more time reading personal stories, viewing multimedia displays, or reflecting on the exhibits may choose to stay longer.
We recommend ages 8+ for tours and grades 5 and up due to the heavy historical context and content in some of the rooms.
Yes, there is an intake application with the collection curator. Please contact us for next steps.
We prefer that visitors ask once they arrive, as some displays are culturally sensitive.
Permission is required.
Preferably yes, however, we also do walk-ins. Most walk-ins are self-guided.
Yes, free parking is available when you visit the museum.