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.
Experience the sights and sounds of the fort under siege at this War of 1812 National Historic Site. Choose your side: join British or American soldiers on a tour of the grounds and authentic buildings, and be sure to check out the musket demonstrations.
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 Visit 1812 website for updates on this important milestone shared by Canada and the United States of America - Celebrating 200 Years of Peace.
Location & Directions
350 Lakeshore Road
Fort Erie, Ontario
Canada (905) 871-0540
Map
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.
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 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 and turn right. Follow south toward the Niagara River. Turn right then follow the road for a short distance to Old Fort Erie.
Admission & Parking
Adults $12.25, Children (6 to 12 years) $7.95, CDN plus tax. Children 5 years and under are admitted for free at all Niagara Parks attractions. Free parking is available for visitors.
For group tours, please contact our group sales department at 1-877-642-7275 ext.2
Niagara Heritage Trail Pass
Admission to Old Fort Erie is included with the Niagara Heritage Trail Pass. Buy now and save over 35%.
Hours of Operation
Open May 18 to September 2, 2013 10 am to 5 pm. September 3 to October 27, 10 am to 4 pm, extended to 5 pm on weekends.
Old Fort Erie 2013 Events Schedule
Please see our events calendar for all Niagara Parks events.
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Wilfrid Laurier University Archaeological Dig
May 13 to June 21Dr. John Triggs and his students will be conducting a dig on the American defence works at Old Fort Erie. Free to observe. -
Lecture Series: Call 905-871-0540 for more information and to make a reservation.
June 13 "An Ugly Customer for 1,500 Men to Attack 6,000: Archaeology and the Siege of Fort Erie" Lecture by Dr. John Triggs. 7:00 p.m. $5 per person.
June 14 "Pain, Suffering and Death: The Evidence from Snake Hill Cemetary" Lecture by Dr. Williamson commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Snake Hill dig. 7:00 p.m. $5 per person. -
Friday Night Frights
June 14, July 12, August 23 Take a ghost tour of Old Fort Erie. 9:00 p.m.$5 per person. -
Battle of Chippawa Memorial
July 5At the Chippawa Battlefield, commemorate the 199th Anniversary of the famous battle. 7:00 p.m. Free to attend. -
Siege of Fort Erie Re-enactment
August 10 & 11 Canada's largest annual re-enactment at Canada's bloodiest battlefield. Not one to be missed! Free to observe. Additional charges may apply. -
Murder Mystery
September 6 & 7 Walk through the Fort, and meet the shady suspects while solving a murder. Prizes to be won. 7:00 p.m. $10 adults, $5 children. Both nights for $15/$8. -
All Hallow's Eve Tours
October 19, 25 & 26 Learn the traditions of Halloween and watch the burning of Guy Fawkes--a visitor favourite. 7:30 p.m. Call to reserve. Regular admission applies. -
A Festive Fort
November 17 Crafts, cookies and Father Christmas! $10 adults, $5 children.
