What are the nearest attractions to Fort York National Historic Site?

Attractions near Fort York National Historic Site: Rogers Centre Entertainment District Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

What else should I know about attractions in Toronto?

As well as visiting the Fort York National Historic Site, check out these trip ideas to make the most of your visit: 7 Toronto Festivals Worth Planning Your Trip Around How to Spend 3 Days in Toronto How to Spend 1 Day in Toronto

Fort York National Historic Site - History, Location & Key Facts 2023

The Basics

A 7-acre (3-hectare) walled military fort built by the British Army and Canadian militia troops in the late 1800s, Fort York gives visitors a glimpse into Canadian history. Explore the barracks and battlefield, take a guided tour (on the hour), hear the twice-daily cannon firing, and observe a drill and the flag raising and lowering.

Things to Know Before You Go

There is an admission fee, with discounts for seniors and children; kids 5 and under enter free.
Plan to spend about two hours visiting the fort.
Most of the walking throughout the fort is on an even terrain, but some of the structures involve stairs.
All walkways are accessible by wheelchairs, but the Stone Magazine and Brick Magazine are not wheelchair accessible.

How to Get There

Fort York National Historic Site is located about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) west of the CN Tower between the Gardiner Expressway and the train lines. It’s a 20- to 30-minute walk from most parts of downtown Toronto. You can take the Bloor Street Subway to the Bathurst Station or the 509 streetcar westbound, exiting at Fleet Street and Fort York Boulevard. Parking is available at the corner of Fleet Street and Strachan Avenue.

Trip ideas

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Toronto doesn’t do things halfway. Home to the West’s tallest freestanding structure and a multicultural urban hub, Toronto is a buzzing, action-packed place to be. Luckily, two days is still enough time to discover many of its top sights and experiences. Here’s how.

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When to Get There

Fort York is open daily year-round. From September to June, the fort is busy with school groups. In July and August, visitors are treated to a variety of events designed to bring history to life, including guided tours, special museum exhibits, Fort York Guard demonstrations, and cooking demonstrations and tastings.

War of 1812

During the War of 1812, American troops invaded Canada, then a British colony, and attacked Fort York the Battle of York in 1813. British troops retreated and the Americans occupied the fort for six days, looting and destroying the Government House and Parliament Buildings. Angered, British troops stormed Washington and burned the White House and other buildings the following year.

Fort York National Historic Site