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 preserves a 43-acre archaeological park that brings to life the War of 1812’s dramatic Battle of York. Here, British soldiers, First Nations warriors, and Upper Canadian militiamen stood together in the conflict surrounding the mission to capture Toronto—an event remembered for its intensity and lasting impact on the city’s history. Visitors can experience the past through an immersive multimedia experience and live demonstrations, designed to help you relive key moments of the battle. Fort York also spotlights the stories of unsung heroes and the complexities of those who defended their city while fighting against their own oppressions. The site offers a firsthand look at early 19th-century life through tasting meals based on period recipes, prepared over an open-fire in front of guests. In 2021, Fort York expanded its storytelling through inclusion of Indigenous narratives via a partnership with First Story Toronto, featuring Indigenous guides leading a truth-telling journey through their own lens. The site also hosts the ninth annual Indigenous Arts Festival, reinforcing its commitment to meaningful cultural engagement. For those in Sacramento, California seeking an educational, experience-driven destination for history, heritage, and inclusive interpretive storytelling, Fort York National Historic Site provides a compelling window into Canada’s past and the human stories behind it.