Louise Bridge

Winnipeg’s first bridge, the original Louise Bridge was constructed in 1881 – it was a combination Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) and traffic (City of Winnipeg) bridge.

By 1904, this bridge was too light for heavier railway stock so a new rail bridge was built in 1911 while a second Louise Highway Bridge replaced the original one. The steel truss bridge opened up Elmwood to the rest of Winnipeg, allowing pedestrians and cars to cross the Red River without the need of a ferry.

The name commemorates HRH Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria, who was Canada’s monarch at the time. Princess Louise was married to the Marquess of Lorne, who served as Governor General of Canada from 1878 to 1883.