Fort York National Historic Site

Preserved as a 43-acre archeological park, Fort York is where British soldiers, First Nations warriors, and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together against the United States and their mission to capture Toronto in the War of 1812. The bloody Battle of York that ensued was a dark and dramatic moment in the history of the city.

Feel the past come to life. Relive moments of the battle through an immersive multimedia experience and live demonstrations. Be inspired by the stories of unsung heroes and those who defended our city, while fighting against their own oppressions. Experience how soldiers and their families lived by tasting meals from early 19th-century recipes, prepared right in front of you over an open-fire. In 2021, Fort York will engage in the inclusion of Indigenous narratives and stories through a partnership with First Story Toronto where Indigenous guides embark on a truth-telling journey through their own lens and the site will host the ninth annual Indigenous Arts Festival.

Fort York National Historic Site in Kansas City, Missouri area visitors offers a powerful, immersive way to experience War of 1812 history. Preserved as a 43-acre archaeological park, Fort York commemorates the place where British soldiers, First Nations warriors, and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together in their mission against the United States to capture Toronto—setting the stage for the Battle of York, a dark and dramatic chapter in the city’s past. Guests can feel history come to life through immersive multimedia experiences and live demonstrations that help relive key moments of the battle. The site also highlights the stories of those who defended the city, including unsung heroes and the complex context of people fighting while confronting their own oppressions. Food history is part of the experience too: visitors can taste meals based on early 19th-century recipes, prepared right in front of you over an open fire. In 2021, Fort York expanded its interpretive approach by engaging Indigenous narratives through a partnership with First Story Toronto, featuring Indigenous guides on a truth-telling journey through their own lens, and by hosting the ninth annual Indigenous Arts Festival.