Discover the Secrets of Old Fort Erie

Perched on the banks of the Niagara River, Old Fort Erie is a powerful reminder of Canada’s early military past, and a place where history comes to life. Niagara played a major role in the War of 1812, and Old Fort Erie is the site of one of its bloodiest battles. Some say a few of the soldiers never really left…

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.

Pin it for later!