Training began in earnest in early November. The men learned to ride, to march in formation, and to carry out the daily routine without question. "Our work was unceasing from 6 am until after dark. I drilled five rides a day the whole of the winter in an open ménage, and the orders were that if the temperature were not lower than 36 below zero the riding and breaking should go on." Sam Steele

Life at Lower Fort Garry was not entirely taken with training for the March West. The growing town of Winnipeg was nearby and many people had already settled in the area. The men were invited to balls and parties, and on warmer days, to shooting competitions. There were weddings and funerals to attend, cricket matches and sports days. The men received mail fairly regularly and books and magazines were also available.

On June 7, 1874, the NWMP left Lower Fort Garry to march south. They would meet the rest of the force at Fort Dufferin to muster for their long trek west.

With the NWMP gone, Lower Fort Garry returned to the command of the militia.

Today, Lower Fort Garry is a national historic site with interpreters in period costume recreating the fur trade years of the early 1800s.