Annual Siege of Fort Erie Battle Reenactment Weekend
- Take a journey through time at Old Fort Erie and experience Canada’s largest and longest-running battle reenactment
- Guests can visit the military encampment to meet battle reenactors, merchants, and sutlers to get a first-hand look at life during the War of 1812
- Children can experience a soldier’s life and participate in simple arms drills with the Mini Militia
- Saturday Night Lantern Tour tickets and additional information are available at niagaraparks.com/siege.
Fort Erie, ON – On August 12 and 13, Old Fort Erie will reawaken with Canada’s largest and longest-running battle reenactment weekend, the 38th annual Siege of Fort Erie. In a demonstration of nation-building history along the Niagara River, hundreds of reenactors will recreate an authentic military encampment and vividly portray how this site became known as Canada’s bloodiest battlefield, with multiple live battle reenactments set to take place over the weekend.
The annual Siege weekend is packed with activities for all ages, such as the Mini Militia kids experience, historic weapons demonstrations, and live skirmishes. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the Fort and military camps, including Merchant’s Row — where visitors can browse the wares of merchants and sutlers (those allowed to follow and supply the army) dressed in period costume, as they carry on business as they did in the 1800’s.
The Siege of Fort Erie is an excellent representation of the monumental events that have taken place in the Niagara region throughout history, many of which contributed to building the great nation of Canada. To further explore the theme of nation-building across Niagara, visit exploretheniagara.com.
Old Fort Erie opens to the public at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. each day, with hourly guided tours available until 4 p.m., and evening lantern tours available Saturday at 9 p.m.
Battle reenactments and camp areas are free to the public. All battles take place in the South Field behind the Fort. Admission to Old Fort Erie and the Saturday Night Lantern Tour is available, as a separate fee. Registration is not required, and free parking is available on-site. Additional information, schedules and Lantern Tour tickets are available at niagaraparks.com/siege.
Event Highlights
Saturday, August 12
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Fort Open, hourly guided tours until 4 p.m. (except during battles)
10 a.m. to 10 p.m. – Welcome Centre Open
11 a.m. – A skirmish for Major Buck’s Surrender of the fort
2 p.m. – Battle reenactment in commemoration of Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane
3 p.m. – Mini Militia programming for kids
7:45 p.m. – Musical Performance
8 p.m. – Night Assault Battle
9 p.m. – Candlelight Tours (Separate Admission Ticket Required)
Sunday, August 13
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Fort & Welcome Centre Open, hourly guided tours until
4 p.m. (except during battles)
1 p.m. – Battle reenactment of the Sortie
2 p.m. – Mini Militia programming for kids
Media assets are available here.
About Niagara Parks
Since its establishment in 1885, Niagara Parks has remained a self-financed agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, entrusted to preserve and protect the land surrounding Niagara Falls and the Niagara River. Today, Niagara Parks boasts gardens, a horticulture school, recreation, golf courses, restaurants, heritage and historic sites, gift shops and, of course, Niagara Falls. In short, natural landscapes, history, family fun, hiking, culinary delights, attractions and adventure.
For more information, please visit niagaraparks.com or contact:
Chris Giles, Senior Manager, Communications and Marketing
cgiles@niagaraparks.com
(905) 356-2241 ext. 2259
Stay Connected:
Facebook: @NiagaraParks
Instagram: @niagaraparks
Twitter: @NiagaraParks
#NiagaraParks
Close and