Canada's Bloodiest Battlefield
The year is 1812. You're far from home in the unknown wilds of Upper Canada. The place is Fort Erie and war is in the air. All around you are the exciting sights and sounds of men preparing for battle. Step back into a time of red coats, black powder and gray fortress walls. Over 200 years of living history resides within, at Old Fort Erie.
Niagara Parks is preparing to celebrate the War of 1812 Bi-Centennial. Plans are being made for special events beginning in 2012 - visit the official website Visit 1812 for updates on this important milestone shared by Canada and the United States of America - Celebrating 200 Years of Peace.
Did you know?
Fort Erie was...
- the first fort built in Ontario by the British - in 1764
- the only stone fort built along the Canadian side of the Niagara River
- where more men fought than any other site on Canadian soil - total casualties for two major actions on August 14 and September 27, 1814, totalled 2094
- the site of the only siege in Canada during the War of 1812
- occupied by the Fenians in 1866
- visited by Pontiac, General Brock, General Winfield Scott, Lord and Lady Simcoe, Prince Edward (future King Edward VII), Mark Twain.
Admission Prices are shown in Canadian dollars and do not include taxes.
$9.25 Adults (13+ years), $5.15 Children (6 to 12 years)
Children 5 and under are FREE!
Dates of Operation: Open seasonally, approximately May 6 to October 7.
Hours of Operation: All times subject to change. Last ticket sold 30 minutes before closing times shown. Extended hours may apply during Special events.
Opening Time - 10:00 a.m.
Closing Time - 5:00 p.m.
Location 350 Lakeshore Rd. Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada (905) 871-0540. Old Fort Erie is located in the town of Fort Erie approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles), or a scenic 20-minute drive, south of Niagara Falls and is close to the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, New York. The grounds and the main floor rooms of the buildings are wheelchair accessible.
2008 Events
Fenian Raid – June 14 & 15 - Each Day at 1 pm the Irish Republican Army and the Canadian Militia do battle, recreating the actual events of June 1866.
22nd Annual Siege of Fort Erie - August 9 & 10. Click to read Details on the Siege Weekend or for Participant On-Line Registration.
Click to read other Niagara Parks 2008 Heritage Trail Events
Driving Directions
From Buffalo, New York Enter Canada across the Peace Bridge. After passing through Customs and the toll booths, take an immediate right to Central Ave. Turn right onto Central Ave and follow Central Ave. toward Lake Erie. Turn right on Lakeshore Road then follow the road a short distance to Old Fort Erie.
From Niagara Falls/St. Catharines/Toronto Follow the QEW south toward Fort Erie. Take the Central Ave. exit. Turn right onto Central Ave. Follow Central Ave. south toward the Niagara River. Turn right then follow the road for a short distance to Old Fort Erie.
Take a Virtual Tour |
Tour the Old Fort Erie Tour the Old Fort Erie Main Gate |
Click on these links to learn more about Old Fort Erie:
Other Heritage Events in Niagara Region
Every dollar you spend with us helps preserve the nature and heritage of the Falls and the Niagara River corridor. Niagara Parks has operated without tax dollars since 1885.
