Fort George: History Comes Alive in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Tucked along the scenic Niagara River in the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Fort George is one of Ontario’s most fascinating historic sites.

Once a strategic military stronghold during the War of 1812, today it offers visitors an unforgettable journey into Canada’s past and life during the war, complete with costumed interpreters, musket demonstrations, building tours, and even a haunted tale or two.

Parks Canada is offering free admission to all national historic sites, national parks, and marine conservation areas until September 2! That includes Fort George National Historic Site in Niagara-on-the-Lake. I hadn’t been since I was a kid and was so surprised by how much there is to see there. Parking is still in effect at $8.50/day (well worth it!).

A Fort Built for War

Fort George was originally constructed between 1796 and 1799 by the British Army to guard the Niagara River and protect Upper Canada from potential American attacks. Its location directly across from Fort Niagara in New York made it a prime military post. That also meant it was a prime target.

Fort George played a key role during the War of 1812, serving as the headquarters for the British Army along the Niagara frontier. It was the site of several major battles – the most known being the Battle of Fort George in 1813 – and even briefly fell under American control before being retaken by British forces later that year.

It’s been fully restored to reflect what it would have looked like in the early 1800s. We spent almost 3 hours here but could’ve easily stayed longer!

Rebuilt and Brought Back to Life

The original fort was largely destroyed during the conflict, but thanks to meticulous reconstruction work in the late 1930s (part of a Depression-era public works project), Fort George now stands as a faithful recreation of what it would have looked like in the early 1800s.

And it’s not just a collection of old buildings – this is living history at its best! You’ll find re-enactors cooking over open fires, firing muskets, and sharing stories from the past.

It’s a fantastic spot to bring kids (and kids at heart!) and it was so nice to see families and kids roaming the grounds and being intrigued by all that’s going on.

The programming is excellent and you’ll find numerous demonstrations throughout the day, from a flag-raising ceremony, musket firing, history talks, Fife and Drum Corps music, and on special events throughout the year.

Fort George Today: Why It’s Worth the Trip

Fort George is part of Parks Canada and was designated a National Historic Site in 1921. It’s incredibly well-preserved and maintained and all the staff are so friendly and knowledgeable.

I think it’s one of the best historic attractions in the region. I recommend setting aside a few hours for this activity if you’re planning to visit Niagara-on-the-Lake.

It’s also a perfect pairing with other Niagara-on-the-Lake activities: enjoy a morning at the fort, then grab lunch in town, see a play at Shaw Festival, visit local wineries, or take a riverside stroll along the Niagara Parkway. There are a ton of free things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake too!

Know Before You Go

Location: 51 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake
Seasonal Hours: Weekends beginning April until Victoria Day from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, then daily until the end of August. Open Wednesday – Sunday from September until the end October. Confirm online with Friends of Fort George.
Admission: FREE with Parks Canada until September 2nd (paid parking still in effect, small fee for special events). Adults $13.25, seniors $11.25, under 18 FREE
Parking: Paid parking is available onsite for $8.50/day