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. Be inspired by the stories of unsung heroes and those who defended our city, while fighting against their own oppressions. Drawing upon primary sources, including military records, letters, memoirs, and oral accounts, Fort York will engage in the inclusion of Indigenous narratives and stories. We strive to better understand the experiences of persons from historically deserving communities who served in the defense of York (Toronto) and Upper Canada during the war and the pivotal role they played throughout the conflict.
Standing on the former shores of Lake Ontario, surrounded by the sky rises of downtown Toronto, it’s easy to see how much our city has grown.
Exhibit space in Fort York’s Visitor Centre includes: A 2900 square foot Exhibit Gallery. An ‘immersive experience’ exhibit, which takes visitors through the steps leading up to the Battle of York and the explosion of the fort’s Grand Magazine. A 480 square foot vault, or treasury designed to display iconic and light-sensitive artifacts. An Orientation Theatre, with a new orientation film.
