APRIL
TO Canada with Love Event
Vimy 100 Toronto
Sat. April 8 and Sun. April 9, 10 am to 5 pm
Fort York National Historic Site pays tribute to the men and women who fought for Vimy Ridge on 9 April 1917 with a remembrance ceremony and Great War exhibits. On Saturday experience the sights and sounds of First World War Canadian soldiering through fascinating re-enactor displays of infantry, artillery, cavalry, medicine, music, and food. On Sunday at 2 pm attend a remembrance parade by the Canadian Armed Forces which includes the dedication of a Vimy oak tree. This event is presented as part of TO Canada with Love, the City of Toronto’s year-long program of celebrations, commemorations, and exhibitions honouring Canada’s 150th birthday. Free admission.
Battle of York Weekend at Fort York
Sat. April 22 and Sun. April 23, 10 am to 5 pm
Spend some time with actual survivors of the Battle of York. Now on display in the special collections Vault at Fort York’s new Visitor Centre are the original Regimental Colours of the 3rd Regiment of York Militia who fought gallantly against American invaders at the Battle of York on 27 April 1813. Produced by the young women of York during the War of 1812, the colours were secreted away to keep them from being seized as a war trophy by American troops. Donated to the City of Toronto in 2009, they have not been on public view for many years but now, after laborious conservation work, they return to the post as a testament to what historians have called Toronto’s most traumatic day–the attack and occupation of the Town of York. Admission: Adult: $7.96, Senior /Youth: $4.87, Children (6-12yrs): $3.76 (plus tax). Children (5 and under) free.
Sun. April 23, 10 am to 5 pm
Honour the 204th anniversary of the Battle of York fought on 27 April 1813. The fort comes alive with musket firing demonstrations, Georgian cooking in the Officers’ Quarters kitchen, site tours, and period animation. Kids can try soldiering drill.
Battle of York Walking Tours
Sun. April 23, 11 am and 2 pm
In addition to scheduled demonstrations and activities there will be a special walking tour focusing on the Battle of York. Beginning at the canteen/museum store, the tour uses Garrison Common and areas of the original shoreline to highlight the dramatic battle that took place here 204 years ago.
MAY
Victoria Day @ Fort York
Mon. May 22, 10 am to 5 pm
What better way to celebrate Victoria Day than to visit the birthplace of Toronto? Take tours, see demonstrations of Georgian-era cooking techniques in one of the oldest kitchens in Toronto, as well as English country dancing. The kids will enjoy activities such as soldiers’ drill. Admission: Adult: $12.40, Senior: $8.85, Youth: $7.10, Children (6-12yrs): $5.31 (plus tax). Children (5 and under) are free.
Doors Open Toronto
Sat. May 27 and Sun. May 28, 10 am to 5 pm
Fort York opens its doors for this annual celebration of history and architecture. Enjoy special tours of some of Toronto’s oldest buildings or stroll the grounds of this National Historic Site. Free admission.
JUNE
Field Trip: Downtown Toronto’s Community Music and Arts Festival
Sat. June 3 and Sun. June 4
Toronto’s boutique community music and arts festival will be headlined by celebrated Canadian music collective Broken Social Scene and international rock act Phoenix. Other highlights include Ottawa-based DJ crew A Tribe Called Red, Canadian indie favourite Feist, Portugal. The Man, Toronto’s own BADBADNOTGOOD, Thundercat, and singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow. Children 12 and under are free with an adult ticket-holder. Single day tickets and weekend passes available at: http://fieldtriplife.com
Please note: Fort York’s historic buildings will be closed to the public from June 2nd to June 5th inclusive.
TO Canada with Love Event
National Aboriginal Day and the Indigenous Arts Festival
Wed. June 21 to Sun. June 25, times and admissions vary
Presented by Fort York and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, National Aboriginal Day followed by the Indigenous Arts Festival will celebrate the very best in Indigenous and Metis culture. Plan to spend the days under the open skies in downtown Toronto enjoying traditional and contemporary music, educational programming, storytelling, dance, theatre, and food. The series of events will energize the grounds of this historic site with powerful ancient traditions and compelling contemporary creations by Indigenous artists. This event is presented as part of TO Canada with Love, the City of Toronto’s year-long program honouring Canada’s 150th birthday.
Original printed pages
