For anyone interested in Canada’s roots, military history, or simply looking to explore something unique, Old Fort Erie offers an experience that’s both moving and unforgettable.

A Brief History of Old Fort Erie 

Originally built by the British in 1764 after the Seven Years’ War, this was the first fort built in what would become Ontario. It was originally constructed as a wooden structure until later being rebuilt in the early 1800s. 

For years, it played a key role as a busy supply depot and port for British soldiers, Loyalist Rangers, and Six Nations Warriors, with ships loaded up with goods, troops, and passengers heading off to the Upper Great Lakes.

But its real claim to fame came during the War of 1812. Old Fort Erie was the site of Canada’s bloodiest battlefield, with over 3,000 casualties during the 1814 Siege of Fort Erie. 

American forces occupied and reinforced the fort after capturing it, only to face intense bombardment and multiple attacks by the British. The fort was eventually abandoned and blown up by the retreating Americans, leaving it in ruins until restoration began in the 1930s.

Fast forward to 1866, and the ruins of Old Fort Erie were used as a base for the Fenians, an Irish-American group launching raids into Canada. Their bold moves helped stir support for Confederation, and just one year later, Canada officially became a nation in 1867.

Experience the Siege of Fort Erie in real life! Visit on August 9th/10th and take a journey through time with their live reenactment on the battlefield at Old Fort Erie! It’s entirely FREE to see!

What to Expect When You Visit 

Now when you visit Old Fort Erie, you’ll experience it as it was over 200 years ago, complete with costumed interpreters as you explore the fully restored fort. 

Guided tours are available hourly. You’ll first start with an introductory film that gives you some insight to the fort’s history.

Then you’ll walk around the walls of the fort before being brought into the main stone building where you’ll learn about the lives of British soldiers and explore inside the fort’s various rooms. See where the soldiers slept, the Officer’s quarters, commissary, surgery, and exhibition area.

Visit the kitchen and try a shortbread cookie made using a 19th century recipe and experience musket firings as you go through this historic stronghold before heading out to sweeping views of the Niagara River over to Buffalo.

Is It Haunted?

Old Fort Erie is widely considered one of the most haunted places in Ontario – and certainly in Niagara! Ghost stories swirl about shadowy figures, phantom gunfire, and mysterious footsteps echoing through the stone walls. 

During certain nights of the year, you can join a Ghost Tours at Old Fort Erie which is SO much fun. But be warned – staff have had spine-tingling experiences… some even quit on the spot! I won’t spoil the stories for you – you’ll have to go hear them for yourself if you’re brave enough!

We visited in early June and had the place almost to ourselves, it was like our very own VIP tour! If I had known the stories then, I definitely wouldn’t have spent so much time alone in those rooms… 

This is one of the best ways to experience the fort – we had a ton of fun at night!

How to Get There

Old Fort Erie is located at 350 Lakeshore Road, Fort Erie, Ontario, just across the Peace Bridge from Buffalo, NY. 

It’s an easy 25-minute drive from Niagara Falls, and plenty of free parking is available onsite.

Nearby Things to Do

• Explore Fort Erie’s waterfront trail for beautiful views of the Niagara River.
• Visit the Fort Erie Railway Museum to learn about the town’s transportation history.
• Crystal Beach is just a short drive away if you want to pair your history lesson with some sun and sand!
• If you’re visiting on a Saturday, try to book a guided tour of Point Abino Lighthouse. This is one of Niagara’s best hidden gems and only 8 tours are offered a year!
• Grab coffee and baked goods at the Manic Maker or Little Red Coffee & Catering, or a hearty, budget-friendly meal at The Barrel.

Plan Your Visit

• Open Seasonally: Open daily from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm from mid-May (Victoria Day) to mid-October (Canadian Thanksgiving). 
• Accessibility: Some outdoor areas of the fort are accessible, but due to its historic entrances to the fort are not wheelchair or stroller friendly.
• Admission: $15 for adults ages 13+ and $9.50 for children ages 3-12.
  • You can also grab a Niagara Parks Heritage Trail Pass which includes admission to 6 historic properties (Old Fort Erie, Laura Secord Homestead, MacKenzie Printery, McFarland House, Fort George, and Brock’s Monument) for $36 adults/$23.50 children.   
  • If you have the Niagara Parks Adventure Pass Plus, access is included.
  • The Niagara Parks Annual Pass also covers unlimited admission (this is my FAVOURITE pass and the best way to experience the Falls if you’re a local or someone who visits multiple times throughout the year!)

Why You Should Visit Old Fort Erie

Old Fort Erie is a rare opportunity to walk the grounds where history was made – and maybe even feel a chill from the past! It’s a fun (and educational) way for kids especially, and haunted stories of the past and musket demonstrations will sure have them engaged! 

Tours of Old Fort Erie offers a chance to walk in the very footsteps of soldiers, settlers, and warriors who helped shape Canadian history.

From the boom of live musket demonstrations to tales of haunted happenings within the old stone walls, there’s something to draw everyone in. 

This was the site of some of the fiercest battles during the War of 1812, and many believe echoes of that turbulent past still linger.

Kids will love exploring the fort’s tunnels and ramparts, learning about life in the 1800s from costumed interpreters, and hearing stories of bravery, loss, and legends that continue to haunt the grounds. It’s the kind of history lesson that sticks with you – part field trip, part ghost story, and totally unforgettable.

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The post Discover the Secrets of Old Fort Erie first appeared on Navigating Niagara.

Tucked away on the quiet shoreline of Lake Erie, just south of Fort Erie, sits a lighthouse like no other in Ontario – the Point Abino Lighthouse.

With its striking design, exclusive location, and fascinating maritime past, this hidden gem is one of Niagara’s most unique historic attractions. 

And the best part? You can actually tour it… but only on select days each summer!

If you’re looking for something truly unique to do in the Niagara Region during the summer, add a guided tour of Point Abino Lighthouse to your bucket list!

This lighthouse was in use for almost 8 decades when in 1995 was declared as “surplus” and all of its machinery was removed.

Unlike many lighthouses, which are usually designed for function rather than aesthetics, Point Abino Lighthouse is known for its elegant neoclassical architecture clean lines, and almost Grecian columns give it the look of a miniature temple by the water! 

It’s one of the only lighthouses of its kind in Canada, and its unusual beauty helped it earn National Historic Site status in 1998. It is only 1 of 13 designated lighthouses in Canada!

Why It’s Worth the Trip

Visiting the Point Abino Lighthouse is a rare experience – and one that I was so glad to finally do after knowing about the tours for a couple of years. It’s not every day you get to explore a National Historic Site that was, until recently, completely off-limits to the public.

It’s a tour you’ll be guaranteed to learn something new on, and offers an interesting look to the purpose of lighthouses and how they (and their keepers) did their job to protect passing ships from running ashore (or worse).

Tours are limited and spots fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance. A shuttle will take you through the private community to the lighthouse, where you’ll walk the grounds, take some incredible photos, set off the fog horn, and hear stories of shipwrecks, storms, lighthouse keepers, and resilience on the Great Lakes.

Point Abino Lighthouse is one of Niagara’s best-kept secrets. If you’ve been looking for a new kind of adventure close to home, this one checks all the boxes: rare access, fascinating history, and breathtaking lake views.

Plus for the price, it’s an absolute must!

Don’t miss your chance to explore a piece of Ontario’s maritime past this summer!

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The post Tour Fort Erie’s Hidden Gem: Point Abino Lighthouse first appeared on Navigating Niagara.

Situated on 87 acres of farmland, grassland, wetlands, trails, and forest, you can head to I CAN-T.E.R. for their newest addition – a farm stay and nature retreat. Though you’re a short drive away from charming Ridgeway and Crystal Beach, you hear nothing but the birds, the sound of horses and chickens, crickets, and the flow of the creek.

It’s a fantastic place to seek relaxation, immerse yourself in nature, and recharge your soul.

To keep things simple, I CAN-T.E.R. is the acronym for its registered name, which is “I Can” Therapeutic Equestrian Riding Association of Niagara. This special place is a non-profit, charitable organization founded in the early 1990s. 

The opportunity to stay at  I CAN-T.E.R. came at just the right time in our lives. We desperately needed a staycation “away from it all.” But it’s more than just accommodations you get when you come here! 

Many are familiar with the summer day camp that’s offered, and we didn’t realize until we arrived how much there really is going on here! It’s a place where all are welcome, and where agricultural-based therapeutic and wellness programming in the Niagara Region presents inclusive environments for everyone to grow and develop unique skills. I CAN-T.E.R. specializes in therapy, education, and recreation.

Join me as we uncover why you should consider staying at I CAN-T.E.R. if you’re looking for a place to truly relax and enjoy being surrounded by nature.

Thank you to the wonderful people at I CAN-T.E.R. for hosting our stay. Special thanks to Karen for sharing her time with us and for the grand tour, and to Jennifer for coordinating all of this!

Farm Stay Accommodations at I CAN-T.E.R.

There are a few choices for accommodations when you book I CAN-T.E.R. for a nature retreat.

We opted to stay in the Barn View Cottage this time, which had a view of the farm and right across from the chickens.

The cottage is equipped with a king-sized bed, refrigerator, microwave, cooktop, kettle, outdoor kitchen, firepit (with firewood), a water cooler and potable water – all the amenities you’d need to make yourself at home.

We absolutely loved the covered porch facing the trees – and it’s a great spot for birdwatching, too. There were all sorts of birds we’d never heard of before.

You can opt for the Creek Side Cabin – and it’s located in the most peaceful, private setting along the creek. This cabin is off-grid and uses solar power for lighting and USB charging.

With the option to BBQ on your deck or over a fire, or warm up some hearty stew over the wood stove during the colder months, the Creekside Cabin is set up for a four-season retreat. This adorably rustic space offers a queen bed, futon, and space for a tent. 

Another great option, situated near the wetlands and trails is the Eco-Friendly Family Camp Site. This would be perfect for families who want privacy and the space just for them.

It’s off-grid, but offers solar lighting, USB charging, and a portable toilet. This area is incredibly peaceful and would be great for family gatherings, or groups of friends looking to unwind in a quiet atmosphere.

Farm Stay Experience 

We arrived at the beautiful late 1800s brick house and were warmly welcomed by Karen, the Executive Director at I CAN-T.E.R.

With her friendly smile and engaging personality, you could immediately feel the passion she has for the property and what goes on there. We were shown to our cottage – an adorable green building repurposed from the 1990s into a cozy space which gives you exactly what you need to unwind. It also comes with a golf cart so you can get around. 

The weather was less-than-favourable when we arrived so we decided it was best to tour the farm property and meet the animals the following morning.

Karen took us to the wonderfully secluded Creek Side Cabin area, which we returned to later when the rain stopped. The privacy and quiet is incredible here, and you really feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. Imagine cozying up inside with the wood stove burning during the winter? Or being surrounded by autumn foliage and having a campfire in the fall? It sounds magical. 

When you book a stay, you’re encouraged to bring food that’s easy to prepare. You’re provided plates and cups if needed. We brought some veggies and burgers Dana BBQ’d earlier that day, just to minimize any cleanup – but you can see the kitchenette area has everything you’d possibly need to make a meal!

As evening fell, one of the most spectacular things happened. We saw one firefly, which was cool enough, since we haven’t seen many of them in recent years. As it got darker, we saw more and more, and pretty soon it became our own personal light show in the trees and bushes around us. Hundreds of dazzling fireflies lit up the night. It was like watching fireworks from space – an ethereal experience that I can’t ever recall seeing before in my life.

The following morning we met with Karen in the sunshine and she took us around by golf cart to see the rest of the property and to meet the horses!

If you’ve ever spent any time around horses, you know they’re special. There’s something about them that’s healing and soothing. These gentle beings are well suited to their jobs at I CAN-T.E.R. as camp ponies or teachers. 

We toured the barn, went by the outdoor classroom and indoor teaching spaces for kids, the greenhouse, expansive garden, indoor arena, and the “green mile” where the paddocks for the horses are.

On our way to the nature trails and eco-friendly camp site, we passed adorable Chester and Teddy before stopping at the stunning wetlands which provide a haven for all kinds of bird species. 

The 87 acres property seems to go on forever, and with a mix of farmland, wetlands, grassland, trails, and forest, it’s easy to forget your daily worries when you’re out here surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Before we left, we were given a beautiful array of fresh lettuce, kale, basil, and garlic scapes fresh from the garden that Karen picked for us – all organic, and grown right on the farm. Nothing tastes better than farm-fresh produce!

Why you should stay at I CAN-T.E.R.

It’s been quite a while since we had the chance to camp, or even spend a lot of time outdoors in this kind of setting, and it was the perfect balance of comfort and rustic, giving us the chance to reconnect with ourselves.

There is just something grounding about being surrounded by trees, water, wildlife, and plants that immediately lowers your blood pressure. 

Your time is yours to spend as you wish – walk the trails, visit the wetlands, have a campfire, or sit and relax reading a book. I CAN-T.E.R. is also just 10 minutes from Crystal Beach and offers plenty of dining options and cute boutique shops. It’s also a great option if you want to camp in a tent in privacy and with peace and quiet.

When you stay at I CAN-T.E.R. you support a great cause. You learn about nature, the farm animals, the programs that go on there, and you realize it really is a special place dedicated to developing the growth of everyone who’s involved. 

Programs at I CAN-T.E.R.

I CAN-T.E.R. is much more than just a farm. It’s a place that strives to provide programs for those with limitations, barriers, and disabilities. It’s a safe space for personal growth and development – where therapy, education, and recreation combine in a farm setting to create impactful programs and experiences for visitors.

When I CAN-T.E.R. was founded, it was with the vision that the farm would provide a place where individuals facing barriers could thrive. The animals, forest, creek, wetlands, and gardens would become the basis of a very hands-on experience for everyone who visited.

Therapy programs include equine-assisted wellness and learning, therapeutic riding, mini driving programs, and speech and wellness programming. Including horses in these programs increases confidence, coordination, and communication amongst individuals. 

Educational programs include the long-standing Ministry-Approved Agricultural Apprenticeship Program for becoming a Horse Groom which help individuals build skills they need to work in the equine industry.

And of course, day camp programs, birthday parties, arts programs, day visits, and the farm stay all make up the recreational aspect at I CAN-T.E.R.

On top of all this, there are flourishing gardens, wetlands and forests creating habitats for a variety of species, and an ongoing pursuit of how to make life at  I CAN-T.E.R. more and more sustainable. The amount of work Karen has put into applying for grants and developing partnerships with neighbouring towns and communities is outstanding!

I know I’m just scratching the surface of all that goes on there, which is why you should experience it for yourself! If you’re seeking a quiet, peaceful retreat in nature while being just a short distance from the beach, shops, and restaurants, consider staying at I CAN-T.E.R.

Book your Farm Stay and Nature Retreat at I CAN-T.E.R.
Address: 1234 House Rd, Ridgeway L0S 1N0

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