Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
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Civic Brief • Canada Notes

Selkirk

Selkirk is a city in Manitoba, Canada, located on the Red River northeast of Winnipeg.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Selkirk is a city in Manitoba on the Red River, about 22 km northeast of Winnipeg. It's known for its maritime heritage and as the 'Catfish Capital of the World.'

Location and geography

Selkirk sits on the west bank of the Red River in southern Manitoba, roughly 22 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg. It is part of the Interlake region and is connected to East Selkirk by a vertical lift bridge.

History and economy

Incorporated as a town in 1882 and as a city in 1998, Selkirk was named after Thomas Douglas, 5th Earl of Selkirk, who was involved with the Red River Colony project. Its economy today includes a steel mill, the Selkirk Mental Health Centre, and tourism tied to its riverfront and maritime heritage.

Attractions and recreation

Notable attractions include the Marine Museum of Manitoba, Selkirk Park, and nearby Lower Fort Garry. The waterfront and river trails are popular for outdoor activities, reinforcing the city's identity as a river-based community.

In short

  • Located on the Red River northeast of Winnipeg.
  • Population of 10,504 (2021 census).
  • Known as the 'Catfish Capital of the World.'
  • Home to the Marine Museum of Manitoba.
Canadian angle

Selkirk is a Manitoba city with links to Canadian prairie settlement history, Red River transportation, and nearby national historic sites that are relevant to Canadian heritage tourism.

Quick questions

Where is Selkirk Canada?
Selkirk is in Manitoba, Canada, on the Red River about 22 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg.
What is Selkirk known for?
Selkirk is known for its maritime heritage, the Marine Museum of Manitoba, its riverfront, and the nickname “Catfish Capital of the World.”
What is the population of Selkirk?
Selkirk had a population of 10,504 in the 2021 census.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selkirk,_Manitoba
    Supports: Population, location, incorporation dates, and general city facts.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/selkirk
    Supports: Location, incorporation dates, population, naming after the Earl of Selkirk, and nearby historic/natural sites.
  3. Travel Manitoba — https://www.travelmanitoba.com/directory/selkirk/
    Supports: Tourism attractions, Selkirk Park, Marine Museum, and recreation activities.
  4. CENTURY 21 Canada — https://www.c21.ca/city-guides/selkirk
    Supports: Common visitor attractions and the local nickname/reference to the Catfish Capital.