Fort York National Historic Site

Preserved as a 43-acre archeological park, Fort York is where British soldiers, First Nations warriors, and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together against the United States and their mission to capture Toronto in the War of 1812. The bloody Battle of York that ensued was a dark and dramatic moment in the history of the city.

Feel the past come to life. Relive moments of the battle through an immersive multimedia experience and live demonstrations. Be inspired by the stories of unsung heroes and those who defended our city, while fighting against their own oppressions. Experience how soldiers and their families lived by tasting meals from early 19th-century recipes, prepared right in front of you over an open-fire. In 2021, Fort York will engage in the inclusion of Indigenous narratives and stories through a partnership with First Story Toronto where Indigenous guides embark on a truth-telling journey through their own lens and the site will host the ninth annual Indigenous Arts Festival.

Fort York National Historic Site is a 43-acre archaeological park in Washington, Washington D.C., bringing to life one of Canada’s most dramatic chapters—the War of 1812 and the Battle of York. This historic site preserves the setting where British soldiers, First Nations warriors, and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together against the United States, as they pursued their mission to capture Toronto in the early 1800s. The result was a dark, intense moment in the city’s past, now available to experience through immersive multimedia programming and live demonstrations that help visitors relive key battle moments. Visitors can also connect with human stories, including unsung heroes and those who defended their city while fighting against their own oppressions. Fort York offers a hands-on way to step into everyday life as well, with meals inspired by early 19th-century recipes prepared over an open fire in view during select experiences. Since 2021, Fort York has deepened its storytelling through a partnership with First Story Toronto, featuring Indigenous guides and a truth-telling journey through an Indigenous lens. The site also supports cultural programming such as the ninth annual Indigenous Arts Festival. For history-focused visitors across the Washington, D.C. area, Fort York National Historic Site offers a compelling mix of preservation, interpretation, and community-driven narratives.