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Courtesy St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Fort Henry, Ontario
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Courtesy St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Fort Henry, Ontario
Campsite along the shores of the St. Lawrence River at Ivy Lea Campground
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Hubert Kang
Fort Henry, Ontario
Weapon firing of the Snider Enfield rifles that visitors can do at Fort Henry.
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Courtesy St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Fort Henry, Ontario
Fort Henry Guard performing in the parade square.
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Courtesy St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Fort Henry, Ontario
Children in a muster parade
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Courtesy St. Lawrence Parks Commission
By Susan LeClair, photos courtesy St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Engage, Enlighten, Enjoy and … Fire a Cannon
Visit Fort Henry National Historic Site in Kingston, Ontario and you are sure to have an experience that’s memorable and fun plus you’ll learn a little Canadian history along the way. In 2007 Fort Henry, along with the Rideau Canal and Kingston Fortifications, were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an amazing honour that is shared by attractions such as the pyramids of Egypt and the Great Barrier Reef. Impressive company!
Fort Henry was built during the War of 1812, a time when relations between the Americans and the British weren’t as cordial as they are today. The fort was constructed on a point of land at the strategic juncture of three significant waterways – the Rideau Canal, the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario.
Fast forward over 200 years and today Fort Henry brings to life the soldier’s experience circa 1867 just prior to Canada’s Confederation. Self-guided tours are available with the help of a guide map. Or you can take a one-hour guided tour with a member of the Fort Henry Guard who will lead you back in time to discover the many exhibits, themed displays and to learn the history behind the reconstruction of Fort Henry, its connection to the naval history, uniforms, weapons and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will also hear stories about the comparison of the lifestyle of officers versus enlisted soldiers and their families.
Families love the daily parades, military schoolroom lessons, and children’s muster parades where youngsters can wear a uniform and learn to march alongside a member of the Fort Henry Guard. It’s all done in good fun. And, if you have timed it just right, you will catch the tantalizing aroma of bread baking in a wood-fired brick oven near the schoolroom. The whole process of bread making in a brick oven requires a tremendous amount of skill, and Fort Henry’s baker is only too happy to share her tips and tricks to creating the perfect loaf. Bread is baked twice daily and is delivered to the Garrison Store at 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. It is a hot commodity and sells out quickly, so if you are looking to take some home, be sure to drop by the store shortly after it is delivered. To really embrace the 1860s experience at Fort Henry, you can learn to fire a weapon. A member of the Fort Henry Guard will train you to shoot the weapon of your choice, either an Armstrong Cannon or a Snider Enfield Rifle. Guaranteed to give you bragging rights for the rest of your trip and maybe check something off your bucket list!
One of the most popular events at Fort Henry is the Sunset Ceremonies. Recognized nine times as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Events by Festivals and Events Ontario, the world famous Sunset Ceremonies are performed on Wednesday evenings during July and August. It is a show unlike any other in Canada. In the course of an hour and a half, audiences can expect to see an amazing performance with the Fort Henry Guard Drums, Drill Squad and Artillery Detachments presenting a period interpretation of 1860s military music and drill along with rousing big-bang artillery manoeuvres including a simulated battle.
Plan to dine before the show at the Battery Bistro, Kingston’s largest outdoor patio overlooking the City of Kingston and Lake Ontario. There’s no place like it on a warm summer evening.
Upcoming Events:
- Sunset Ceremonies – Wednesdays – July 6 to August 31
- Celtic Kitchen Party – Saturday, September 10
- North American Police Equestrian Championships – September 16-18
- Fort Fright Select nights – September 29 – October 30
- Fort Frost – December
While Fort Henry’s main season ends after Labour Day, Fort Henry continues to entertain visitors with innovative special events. During October the 19th century military fortress provides an unrivalled setting for Fort Fright. Visitors experience professional set design and animatronics complimented by sound and lighting effects, 3-D wall projections and a motley group of scare actors wandering the site, all setting the stage for a spine-tingling experience. Fort Fright has been acknowledged as one of Canada’s Creepiest Halloween Places and as one of the Top 10 Haunted Houses in North America.
Fort Henry will celebrate winter (December through January) with a new epic winter festival called Fort Frost. Blending traditional and modern holiday themes in a magical world of snow and frost, Fort Frost promises to be one of Ontario’s most exceptional winter festivals.
Just east of Kingston along the 1000 Islands Parkway, the stunning geography of the 1000 Islands region is showcased at Parks of the St. Lawrence’s Ivy Lea Campground and Brown’s Bay Beach. The 1000 Islands Parkway is easily one of Canada’s most scenic drives by car, motorcycle or by bicycle. The Waterfront Trail, a 37 km recreational trail runs parallel to the roadway. On display is the granite and greenery that is the hallmark of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. This ancient granite bridge from the Canadian Shield to the Adirondack Mountains, with a rich natural environment and history, was recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in 2002.
Ivy Lea Campground sits in the midst of this beauty and history, and offers a wide range of camping options from cozy cabins to 30 amp RV sites with magnificent views of the region and easy access to the river for swimming, paddling or scuba diving. The Biosphere Reserve is rich with trails and lookouts, artists and artisans, and full of outdoor recreation options.
A short drive east of Ivy Lea Campground along the parkway will bring you to the new Skywood Eco Adventure Park. Newly opened in 2016, Skywood is Ontario’s largest zip line and canopy Adventure Park. Families of all ages can enjoy Skywood from the zip lines to the aerial canopy tours or for younger children at the Tree Walk Village.
For more information on Fort Henry visit forthenry.com. For camping information and reservations, visit www.stlawrenceparks.com.