Old Fort Erie
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.
Check out our Virtual Tours for a sneak peek!
Old Fort Erie Facts & Figures
Fort Erie was...
- the site of ancient flint quarries
- the first fort built in Ontario by the British - in 1764 during Pontiac’s Rebellion
- a base for British troops, Loyalist Rangers and Iroquois Warriors during the American Revolution (1775 – 1783)
- Canada’s bloodiest field of battle with over 3000 troops killed and wounded during the Siege of Fort Erie August 3 to September 21, 1814
- the major crossing point into Canada of the Underground Railroad 1793 - 1865
- occupied by the Fenians (Irish Republican Army) during their largest raid, 1866
- visited by Pontiac, General Brock, General Winfield Scott, Lord and Lady Simcoe, Prince Edward (future King Edward VII), Mark Twain.
Other Heritage Events in Niagara Region
Join Us For Our Upcoming Events at Old Fort Erie
JUNE 18 to SEPTEMBER 3
Friday Night Ghost Tours at Old Fort Erie: Fridays at 9pm June 18 through to Labour Day (expect July 16 and August 6)
A popular tradition – hear the eerie stories of the ghosts of Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. Admission $5. Please call for reservations (905) 871-0540.
JUNE
Fenian Raids: June 12 – 13
Canadian Militia and the Irish Republican Army do battle each day at 1:30 p.m. to mark the largest Fenian Raid of 1866. Regular admission to the Fort applies.
CLICK HERE FOR SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
JULY
Friends at the Fort: July 1 - 4
During the two national holidays of Canada and the United States, the old fort is home to both the Canadian troops who garrisoned the post as well as their former American adversaries.
Murder Mystery at Old Fort Erie: July 16 & 17 at 8pm
Experience a murder most foul in the creepy interior of the old stone fort. A different story each night, Adults 13+ $10 per night or $15 for both; Children 6-12 $5 per night or $8 for both. Please call for reservations (905) 871-0540.
AUGUST
‘The Siege of Fort Erie’, 1814: August 7 & 8
Witness the battles of 1814 that turned Old Fort Erie into Canada’s bloodiest battlefield. On-going events throughout the weekend and Canada’s largest Battle of 1812 re-enactment. Special evening lantern tours through the fort after the Battle re-enactment.
SEPTEMBER
Murder Mystery at Old Fort Erie: September 10 & 11 at 7pm
Experience a murder most foul in the creepy interior of the old stone fort. A different story each night - Friday: "Militia Muster" Saturday: "Wedding in the Fort". Exciting prizes to be won! Adults 13+ $10 per night or $15 for both; Children 6-12 $5 per night or $8 for both. Please call for reservations (905) 871-0540.
OCTOBER
All Hallow’s Eve at Old Fort Erie: October 29 & 30 at 7pm
Venture out to Old Fort Erie to experience the traditions of Hallowe’en, brought to life through the Ghosts of the Old Fort. Please call for reservations (905) 871-0540.
PLEASE NOTE: ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Please call (905) 871-0540 for more information.
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.
Admission: Adults $9.25, Children (6 to 12 years) $6.00 (Canadian $ before taxes)
Children 5 years and under admitted for Free at all Niagara Parks attractions!
Hours of Operation: Subject to change:
May 2 to Labour Day, Daily 10 am to 5 pm,
Labour Day to Thanksgiving Day, Daily 10 am to 4 pm
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.
