Parks Canada National Historic Sites
Fort George National Historic Site
Soldiers in redcoats fire muskets, clouding the air with black powder smoke. Fifers’ and Drummers’ tunes drift past blockhouses, a historic powder magazine and cannons on the lookout. Step straight from the genteel Victorian town of Niagara-on-the-Lake into the War of 1812 at Fort George, a military post that defended Upper Canada against American attacks. Experience that era by tasting food cooked 19th century-style over an open flame, then fire a musket yourself!
Fort Malden National Historic Site
One of the most important strategic locations of the War of 1812, Fort Malden, in Amherstburg, Ontario witnessed the meeting between Major General Sir Isaac Brock and Shawnee Chief Tecumseh. See where they joined forces, choosing Fort Malden as their base of operations for the attack on Fort Detroit. Listen as Parks Canada heritage interpreters tell the story of the British troops who later destroyed their fort to prevent it from falling into American hands after a retreat to Burlington. Learn how American forces then occupied the ruins of the fort until 1815 – the longest period of American occupation on Canadian soil. Fort Malden was once an army garrison and British Indian Department post. Experience all it has to offer by taking a guided tour, learning to fire a musket, mortar or cannon, and digging into an 1812-style lunch in the Soldier’s Cookhouse.
HMCS Haida National Historic Site
Canada’s proud history of wartime naval service is vividly on display aboard legendary HMCS Haida, a Tribal class destroyer that served in the Second World War, the Korean Conflict and the Cold War. Distinguishing herself in several historic battles, the Royal Canadian Navy’s most famous ship now proudly rests in Hamilton. Explore its historic decks and imagine yourself as a crew member of the destroyer dubbed ‘Canada’s most fightingest ship’.
Point Pelee National Park
At the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland - Point Pelee National Park, experience nature like never before. Each spring, view flocks of migratory birds, joined in autumn by waves of vivid Monarch butterflies. In winter, wander snowy trails past ice-cloaked trees and in summer, bask on sandy beaches. Whether you cycle, paddle or hike Canada’s smallest but most ecologically diverse national park, you’ll be immersed in an unforgettable eco-adventure.