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Fort York National Historic Site

MilitaryLocal HistoryHistoryClosed · Opens 10amFreeFleet St at Fort York Blvd (509/511 streetcar)

Founded as a British garrison in 1793, Fort York is where British soldiers, First Nations warriors and Upper Canadian militia defended the Town of York against American attack in the 1813 Battle of York. Seven of its eight historic buildings, including two blockhouses among the oldest structures in Toronto, date from the 1813-1815 rebuild. A weathering-steel Visitor Centre by Patkau Architects holds exhibits on the battle and the Indigenous and Black communities tied to the site, and free guided tours and musket demonstrations run through the day.

What's On

Permanent Collections

Plan Your Visit

Getting there

250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9, Canada

Nearest station: Fleet St at Fort York Blvd (509/511 streetcar), Exhibition GO Station, Bathurst Station (Line 2)

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Hours

MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed10:00–17:00
ThuToday10:00–17:00
Fri10:00–17:00
Sat10:00–17:00
Sun10:00–17:00

Admission

Free

General admission free. Groups of 15+ pay a fee and must book 14 days ahead via fortyork@toronto.ca; some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge.

Accessibility

Mainly outdoor site; asphalt walkways within the walled fort are accessible, but the Stone and Brick Magazines are not wheelchair accessible and some exhibits need stairs. Portable ramps available.

Nearby

Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography

ArtFree15 min walk

Toronto Railway Museum

Transport18 min walk
Onsite Gallery (OCAD University)

Onsite Gallery (OCAD University)

DesignFree20 min walk

Ontario Science Centre (Harbourfront Centre interim location)

Children21 min walk

Visitor Information

Is Fort York National Historic Site free to visit?
Yes, general admission to Fort York National Historic Site is free. General admission free. Groups of 15+ pay a fee and must book 14 days ahead via fortyork@toronto.ca; some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge.. Some special exhibitions may charge a separate ticket, so check the museum's website before visiting.
What are the opening hours of Fort York National Historic Site?
Fort York National Historic Site is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-17:00; closed Monday and Tuesday. Free 45-minute guided tours on the hour 11:00-16:00; musket demonstrations 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30, weather permitting.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.
Where is Fort York National Historic Site?
Fort York National Historic Site is located at 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3K9, Canada, in the Fort York area of Toronto. The nearest stations are Fleet St at Fort York Blvd (509/511 streetcar), Exhibition GO Station, Bathurst Station (Line 2).
What can I see at Fort York National Historic Site?
Toronto's birthplace: Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings, with free tours and musket drills. Current highlights include Many Nations, One Ground, The Explosion That Changed Toronto Forever: The Battle of York, Canada's Largest Collection of 1812 Buildings.
Do I need to book Fort York National Historic Site in advance?
Fort York National Historic Site is free to enter and most days you can walk in. General admission free. Groups of 15+ pay a fee and must book 14 days ahead via fortyork@toronto.ca; some exhibitions and events carry a separate charge.. For special exhibitions, weekends, and school holidays, booking a timed slot can help you skip queues. Check the museum's website for current requirements.
When is the best time to visit Fort York National Historic Site?
Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.
Is Fort York National Historic Site accessible?
Mainly outdoor site; asphalt walkways within the walled fort are accessible, but the Stone and Brick Magazines are not wheelchair accessible and some exhibits need stairs. Portable ramps available.

Mhsheikholeslami / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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