Historic Tea and Cake Tasting
Sun. April 11, 1 to 3 pm
Come and taste historic cakes from Fort York’s kitchen.
Pre-registration required (416) 392-6907 ext. 100
Annual Spring Cleanup
Sat. April 24, 10 am to noon
Join local volunteers for a general cleanup of the Fort’s heritage neighbourhood.
Battle of York Commemoration
Sun. April 25, 10 am to 5 pm
Join us for the 197th anniversary of Toronto’s most traumatic day. Special tours, kids’ drill, Battlefield walking tour.
Regular admission
Newfoundland Commemoration of the Battle of York Victoria Memorial Square
Sun. April 25, 1 pm
The Old Comrades Association of the 48th Highlanders, wearing uniforms of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, will place a wreath at the monument in Victoria Memorial Square in honour of those Newfoundlanders who fought in the Battle of York, April 1813
All are welcome
MAY
Fort York Historic District Walking Tour (in association with Jane’s Walks) “200 Years of Lakefront Development”
Sun. May 2, 1 to 2:30 pm
Explore the history and evolution of Fort York, the Garrison Common, and the nearby Lake Ontario shoreline from the early British colonial era to the present day. Learn about the origins of the Fort, the fortification of the harbour, and the subsequent transportation, industrial, and recreational development of this vital area. Participants are welcome to visit Fort York following the tour.
Free admission
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Musical Ride
Mon. May 17, 1:30 pm
As part of their 2010 tour schedule the RCMP will perform their exciting precision ride on the historic grounds of Fort York National Historic Site. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have an important historic link to Fort York and Toronto’s military heritage. In 1873, some of the very first recruits of the RCMP’s antecedent unit, the North West Mounted Police (NWMP), assembled and trained at the nearby New Fort or Stanley Barracks (Fort York’s replacement) before heading to Canada’s west. Because of the popularity of this event, it is recommended that guests arrive at the site early.
Free admission
Victoria Day
Mon. May 24, 10 am to 4 pm
What better way to celebrate Victoria Day than to visit the birthplace of modern Toronto. Fort York National Historic Site, opened as a museum on Victoria Day 1934, tells the story of Toronto’s turbulent military past. Visitors can take a guided tour as well as visit a wide range of colourful and interesting exhibits. Costumed staff and volunteers will be demonstrating cooking in the 1826 historic kitchen and kids can take a drill class with a real soldier from the War of 1812. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful grounds of this historic treasure. Audio tours are also available.
Regular admission
Doors Open Toronto
Sat. and Sun. May 29 and 30, 10 am to 5 pm both days
Fort York opens its doors all weekend as part of Toronto’s annual celebration. Take advantage of the special tours of Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and some of Toronto’s oldest architecture. View the many exhibits within the historic buildings, or walk the ramparts of this national treasure. A special feature this year will be the results of a bateau building project in conjunction with Scouts Canada.
Free admission all weekend
Sunday Only, 1 to 2:30 pm:
A Special Doors Open Fort York Historic District Walking Tour
“Fort York and the Garrison Common: Battlefields, Graves and Urban Development”
Starting at the canteen at Fort York this special walking tour explores the evolution of Fort York’s Garrison Common area. This almost forgotten corner of the city has witnessed some of the most dramatic events as well as substantial change in the evolution of modern urban Toronto. Rain or shine.
Free admission all weekend
JUNE
Friends of Fort York
Thurs. June 10
Annual Fundraising Georgian Mess Dinner held by the Friends in support of the Fort York Guard and Drums.
Ontario Model Soldier Society Show
Sat. June 12, 10 am to 5 pm
All ages will enjoy Fort York National Historic Site as it hosts the Ontario Model Soldier Society’s 48th annual show and competition. During the day there will be demonstrations of casting and painting, as well as displays of military and civilian figures. The show will feature many thousand pieces. Come down to the Fort just to browse or possibly to pick up a souvenir. Many vendors will be offering toy soldiers for sale.
Regular admission
Fort York Bike Tour: “Tour de Forts”
Sun. June 19, 1 to 2:30 pm
Enjoy a bike tour of Toronto’s forgotten French Forts, from Étienne Brûlé Park, down the scenic Humber Bike trail, to Fort Rouillé, and ending at Fort York. Meet outside the Old Mill subway station at 1 pm. This tour has a moderate difficulty.
Admission for the tour and to Fort York is free
Original printed pages
