Old Fort Erie

Experience the heart-pounding sights and sounds of a fort under siege at Old Fort Erie. This War of 1812 National Historic Site will take you back in time with daily tours, musket demonstrations and annual special events like the Siege of Old Fort Erie reenactment and the Speaker Series. Join British, American and First Nations soldiers on a tour of the grounds and learn more about Niagara’s pivotal role in the War of 1812.

Seasonal (May - Oct)
Approximate Duration (90 min.) (varies)
Partially Accessible
Guided Tour
Free Parking
Snack Bar Available

There's More

to Explore

Discover the story of Niagara Parks and all of the must-see Canadian experiences found along its 56-kilometre parkway with our digital visitor guide!

GO THERE NOW

A Blast of Niagara’s Fascinating History

Discover the history of Niagara Falls and the War of 1812 as told by authentically uniformed soldiers in entertaining tours of Old Fort Erie. Enjoy riveting war stories and heart-pounding artillery demonstrations that will take you back in time.

During the annual Siege of Fort Erie Reenactment, see hundreds of historical reenactors from across Ontario and the United States demonstrate why Fort Erie is known as Canada’s bloodiest battlefield.

About the Site

The original fort was built in 1764 and located on the river’s edge below the fort that stands today. For decades, Fort Erie served as a supply depot and a port for ships transporting merchandise, troops and passengers to the Upper Great Lakes.

During the American Revolution (1775-1783), the fort was used as a supply base for British troops, Loyalist Rangers and Six Nations Warriors. After the War of 1812, in 1866, a Brigade of Fenians used the ruins of Old Fort Erie as a base for one of their raids into Canada. These raids encouraged the move toward Confederation and Canada became a nation in 1867.

Welcome Centre

Interactive exhibits featured in the Welcome Centre provide an in depth exposition into Old Fort Erie’s fascinating history. A theatre and full-service snack bar round out the amenities in this impressive space.