Richer
Located approximately forty kilometers southeast of Winnipeg on the Transcanada Highway, the town of Richer emerged from two dynamic nations: the French and the Metis. The first settlers were attracted to the area, initially called Côteau-de-Chênes, by the abundance of lumber. The construction of the Dawson Trail, beginning in 1869, attracted even more settlers who came to live alongside the Métis who had been in the area since the 1840s.
In 1901, the town was renamed Thibautville, in honour of the first missionary to work in the area, Fr. Jean-Baptiste Thibault. With the population growth, in 1905, a post office was established and the towns name was changed to Richer, in honour of a political benefactor, Isaïe Richer. At the beginning of the 1960s the exodus of the populations toward Winnipeg caused a rapid decline in the towns population. Moreover, in 1995, towns Enfant-Jésus Church, on the Historic Dawson Trail, saw its doors closed.
In October 2008, through efforts of community members, the weathered building obtained the status of municipal heritage site. The town of Richer today offers many amenities to its residents and the many tourists who frequent the areas many campgrounds and who pass through on their way to the Whiteshell Provincial Park.
Experiences
Dawson Trail Museum
Preserving a piece of the past along the Historic Dawson Trail.
Harness Adventures Mushing Co.
Snow, a sleigh, dogs and an unforgettable experience.
Poutine Trail
Calling all poutine lovers (and there are many of you out there). Manitoba's bilingual communities serve up the best poutine you've ever seen. That's right, they are a feast for these eyes as well as the palate. You can't call yourself a true poutine connoisseur until you've tried them all.
Treasures of the Dawson Trail
Free, Self-guided tour along the Dawson Trail from Richer to Lorette, Manitoba
Amenities
Restaurants
BnB / Hotels
Campgrounds
Gasoline
Articles
Rural Manitoba's Take on a Tasty Treat
Manitoba's bilingual communities serve poutines that are as tasty as they are original. Try them out along the Poutine Trail and discover the French flavour of the region!
Borealis Beading or the art of combining passion and transmission
Mélanie Gamache is passionate about beading, a skill that has its origins in Métis culture. With her company in Sainte-Geneviève, Borealis Beading, the craftswoman offers workshops related to her passion.
A historical and cultural journey waiting to be discovered
The Dawson Trail is a vestige of the past that runs through several Francophone communities in southeastern Manitoba.
