Fort York National Historic Site

Toronto, ON

Historical

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Where are we going?

Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 1A9 _{How do we get there?} Number: (416) 392-6907

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About this activity

Fort York National Historic Site is a fascinating day out surrounded by history, as this location is once where British soldiers, along with First Nations warriors and Upper Canadian militiamen all stood together against the USA and its attempt to capture Toronto during the War of 1812.

Today, you can visit this 43-acre archeological park, and learn all about the bloddy Battle of York - a very dark and dramatic moment in the city's history indeed.

Your day at Fort York National Historic Site is where you can feel the past come to life. As a family, you can relive moments of this infamous battle through immersive multimedia experiences, and kids can be inspired by the stories of those unsung heroes who defended the city, all the while fighting against their own oppressions.

The educational exhibits draw upon primary sources, including actual military records, as wel las letters, memoirs, and even oral accounts. Fort York National Historic Site also ensures you can hear Indigenous narratives and stories too.

It's amazing when you're standing on the former shores of Lake Ontario, now surrounded by the skyscrapers of Toronto, you can really see how much the city has grown!

Within the Fort York Visitor Centre you can find 2,900 square foot of exhibit space, as well as an ‘immersive experience’ exhibit, taking you through the steps leading up to the Battle of York as well as the explosion of the fort’s Grand Magazine

You can also find a 480 square foot vault, or treasury designed to display iconic and light-sensitive artifacts plus an Orientation Theatre, with a new orientation film!

Whilst the Fort York National Historic Site is free, you can hear chilling tales on a two hour lantern tour of Fort York, suited for kids over 12 years. Here, you can learn all about the history, and tales of those who fought in the Battle of York as you tour past the creepy shadows and 200-year-old buildings of Fort York!

Activity location

Directions

From Gardiner Expressway eastbound: Take the Jameson exit off the Gardiner Expressway to Lake Shore Boulevard. Continue eastbound on Lake Shore Boulevard, past Exhibition Place, turning left on Fort York Boulevard. North on Fort York Boulevard past Fleet Street. The parking lot is in front of our Visitor Centre, under the Gardiner Expressway, located at 250 Fort York Boulevard.

From Gardiner Expressway westbound: Take the Spadina exit off the Gardiner Expressway and continue westbound on Lake Shore Boulevard. Turn right at Fort York Boulevard and continue north past Fleet Street. The parking lot is in front of our Visitor Centre, under the Gardiner Expressway, located at 250 Fort York Boulevard. Metered parking.

Additional Green P parking is available at the corner of Fleet Street and Strachan Avenue. Access this Green P lot via the westbound lane of Fleet Street and turn right onto Garrison Road (Garrison Road is marked by the ‘Old Fort York’ archway). This parking lot can also be accessed from Strachan Avenue. Once parked, visitors can walk along Fleet Street to Fort York Boulevard to the Visitor Centre entrance.

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How much does it cost?

Adults

Free!

Children

Free!

Last Updates

2023

Fort York National Historic Site FAQ’s

Strollers are welcome at Fort York and are easy to navigate throughout most of the site.

There are picnic sites where you can take your own food and drink

45-minute tours are offered on the hour starting at 11 a.m. Last tour starts one hour before closing time. Fort York is mainly an outdoor site with walking required between locations. Some structures and exhibits require walking up or down stairs.

Strollers are welcome at Fort York and are easy to navigate throughout most of the site.

Fort York is committed to providing access for visitors to as many areas of the site as possible. All walkways within the seven-acre walled site are asphalt surfaced and are accessible for visitors who use mobility aids. Some exhibits require walking up or down stairs. The Stone Magazine and the Brick Magazine are not wheelchair accessible. The pathway in the Strachan Ave. cemetery is a packed gravel surface with limited accessibility for people using mobility aids. Restored fortification features such as walls, ditches, and dry moats may not be accessible for visitors using mobility aids.

Portable ramps will be provided for any edges that need to be negotiated through doorways and assist visitors with ramp placement. In cases where a visitor cannot access a space, an interpretive overview will be provided upon request (person to person).

Service animals are welcome. Seating can be found in a number of exhibits, outside many of the structures, and in the picnic table area. All washrooms are accessible. Public access washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre, South Soldiers’ Barracks, on the lower floor of the Blue Barracks. The Blue Barracks washroom is accessible via elevator. Water fountains are located outside and only available seasonally.

Some exhibitions and events may carry a separate charge where noted.