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 is a preserved 43-acre archaeological park that brings the War of 1812 to life through immersive education and memorable on-site experiences. Set against the backdrop of the Battle of York, visitors can explore how British soldiers, First Nations warriors, and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together against the United States during the mission to capture Toronto—an intense, defining chapter in the city’s history. Today, Fort York helps visitors “feel the past come to life” with an immersive multimedia experience, live demonstrations, and engaging historical storytelling focused on the experiences of those who defended their city, including stories of unsung heroes. The site also offers a hands-on way to connect with everyday life of the era, including tasting meals prepared over open-fire using early 19th-century recipes right in front of guests. Fort York’s approach to interpretation continues to expand: in 2021, it began engaging in the inclusion of Indigenous narratives and stories through a partnership with First Story Toronto, with Indigenous guides leading a truth-telling journey through their own lens. The site has also hosted the ninth annual Indigenous Arts Festival, reflecting its commitment to broad, respectful historical perspectives. For people searching locally in Riverside, California, Fort York is an enriching destination for history-minded visitors seeking meaningful, community-focused learning experiences.