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.
Fort York National Historic Site in downtown Toronto, Ontario is a popular place for tv shows and movies. This 43-acre site is a registered archaeological site, a Heritage Conservation District, and home to Canada’s largest collection of original buildings from the War of 1812. It also showcases Toronto’s topographic history, industrial development, and rail history. Throughout the summer, visitors can discover the live colour and pageantry of the Fort York Guard as well as a variety of programs and events.
The dystopian television series, The Handmaid’s Tale, based on Canadian author Margaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, used the Visitor Centre for a number of episodes, and Titans, Season 3, a TV show featuring young superheroes from the DC Universe, also includes a scene under the Gardiner in the same location. Speaking of superheroes, the movie Shazam! filmed the famous bus scene at Fort York.