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 Bicentennial of the War of 1812. 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
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 $12.25, Children (6 to 12 years) $7.95 (Canadian $ before taxes)
Children 5 years and under admitted for Free at all Niagara Parks attractions!
Opening Saturday, May 5
Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Closing Wednesday, October 31
Parking: FREE parking is available on Lakeshore Road directly across from the front gate.
Group Tour Information: Call toll-free at 1-877-642-7275 extension 2 or locally at (905) 371 0254 extension 2 or send an e-mail to grpsls@niagaraparks.com
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.