Aug 6, 2022 - Aug 7, 2022
Old Fort Erie, Fort Erie
Annual Siege of Old Fort Erie Reenactment
Annual Siege of Old Fort Erie Reenactment
Take a journey through time at Old Fort Erie and experience what it was like during the War of 1812 as soldiers clashed and cannons were fired with the Annual Siege of Fort Erie Reenactment. Explore the fort as hundreds of reenactors demonstrate why the site is known as Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. Then, watch the full battle reenactment on Saturday and Sunday!
All camp and battle reenactments at Old Fort Erie are free to the public and begin at 10 a.m. at the Welcome Centre. Admission to Old Fort Erie and the Saturday Night Lantern Tour is separate. Free parking is available in front of the Old Fort Erie Welcome Centre.
Registration is not required to enjoy this free event. Re-enactment participants must register here.
Niagara’s Fascinating History
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 Old Fort Erie 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.
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Saturday Night Lantern Tour
Following the dramatic Drummond’s night assault on Saturday evening, watch Old Fort Erie come to life on a guided lantern tour. This exhilarating, fast-paced tour takes place during the aftermath of the battle. You’ll see fighting, witness doctors and nurses performing surgery and hear stories about the victories and struggles during this time of war. Tour begins at 9 p.m.
Separate admission is required for the Saturday Night Lantern Tour. Admission to Old Fort Erie is free for Season Pass holders.
Historic Merchants & Sutlers
Dressed in period costumes, see merchants and sutlers carry on business like they did in the 1800s. During the war, sutlers would sell their goods and provisions to an army or soldiers, while merchants were tradespeople that provided essential services to armies.
Be sure to stop by merchants and sutler’s row to see unique historical pieces available for purchase!
More to discover
Mini Militia
Kids can experience what it was like to become a soldier during the 1800s with the mini militia. They’ll learn about a soldier’s life in battle, take part in simple arms drills, marching and even charge bayonets!
Artillery Barrage & Demonstrations
Get up close and personal with some of the British and American artillery used during the war. Learn about different types of shots that were used during the Siege of Fort Erie as you watch the heart- pounding artillery barrage.
American Evacuation of the Fort
The Siege of Fort Erie reenactment will conclude with a short ceremony and sign of peace as the American flag is replaced with the British flag. After the war concluded, this ceremony became a symbol of ties the countries now share.
Event Highlights
Saturday, August 6
- 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
- 12 noon – Historical Interpretation: Surgery in the War of 1812 – Learn about the treatment of war wounds in 1812
- 2 p.m. – Battle: “Chippawa and Lundy’s Lane”
- 7:45 p.m. – Historic Music Performance by The Drums Crown Forces 1812
- 8 p.m. – Battle: “Drummond’s Night Assault” – British forces attempt to take the heavily fortified American fort
- 9 p.m. – Lantern Tour – Witness the effects of the failed British attack
Sunday, August 7
- 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Fort & Welcome Centre Open, hourly guided tours until 4 p.m. (except during battles)
- 10:30 a.m. – Memorial Service
- 12:45 p.m. – Historic Music Performance by The Drums Crown Forces 1812 1 p.m. – Battle: “The Sortie” – American forces attempt to break the siege 2:30 p.m. – Artillery Barrage
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