Dylan YoungI’m a major sucker for museums, especially if they’re free of charge. Of all the free museums in Toronto that I’ve visited, one that really stuck with me is the Fort York National Historic Site.
I think this museum is underrated, which is unfortunate since it holds an important legacy of Toronto’s history. This fort played a major role during the War of 1812, and exploring the area feels like time-travelling, making me appreciate how far this city has come.
If you’d like to visit the Fort York National Historic Site during your Toronto visit, I made this guide for you.
Things to Know
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14163926907
Admission Fee: Free
How to Get Here
By Transit. I recommend taking the subway to Union Station and then riding the 509 Harbourfront streetcar westbound, heading to the CNE Exhibition grounds on Fleet Street. Alight at the Fleet Street and Fort York Boulevard stop. The museum’s Visitor Center should just be a few minutes away.
By Car. You can find parking in front of the Visitor Center, which is located at 250 Fort York Boulevard (under the Gardiner Expressway). This one has metered parking, and the rate is C$1 per 30 minutes.
If this parking lot is full, you can find another Green P parking space at the corner of Fleet Street and Strachan Avenue. The rate here is C$1.50 per 30 minutes.
Tips to Know Before Visiting
To ensure you’ll have the best time at the Fort York National Historic Site, please keep in mind the following tips:
- Wear comfortable footwear. You’ll be doing a lot of walking around at this museum, so I recommend that you wear your most comfortable pair of shoes.
- Bring a water bottle and an umbrella. Most of this site is located outdoors, so you’ll be spending a lot of time under the sun. Be sure to bring some protection against the sun and also a water bottle for hydration.
- There are benches located on the walkways outside the Canteen Museum Store, as well as the pathways off buildings. If you’re tired of walking around and just want to rest for a while, feel free to take a seat on one of the benches. There’s also a picnic area here if you want to eat a snack.
- If you’re using a wheelchair, you can request portable ramps when necessary. Most of the site is accessible for wheelchair users, except for a building or two. In case you can’t access a space, you’ll be provided with an interpretive overview instead.
- Public washrooms can be found in the Visitor Center, South Soldiers’ Barracks, and on the lower floor of the Blue Barracks.
- Dedicate at least two hours to this museum. You can breeze through this museum if you want, but I recommend giving yourself around two hours or more to explore it. That way, you can really cherish everything you see and learn about.
- Join a guided tour. If you want to get an in-depth insight into every artifact you come across, you should join a tour. This tour lasts for about 45 minutes, and there’s always one every hour starting at 11 am. Oh, it’s also free!
What to Expect
Historical Relics Galore!
From: fortyorkfans
As I mentioned earlier, Fort York played a major role during the War of 1812; to be more specific, this is where the bloody Battle of York took place.
For people who aren’t aware of Canadian history, the Battle of York is the moment when British soldiers, First Nations warriors, and Upper Canadian militiamen joined forces to fight against the invading United States army and recapture Toronto.
It was such a turning point in this city’s history, and to honour it, the government has chosen to preserve this area. Because of this, the site is essentially a historical and archaeological museum!
Here, you can find relics from over hundreds of years ago. Browse the barracks for old weapons, uniforms, and even letters and military records. In the vault, you can find even more artifacts (the light-sensitive ones).
Don’t miss out on the exhibit as well. This takes you through the events leading up to the Battle of York and the explosion of the fort’s Grand Magazine, and it’s quite immersive. I truly felt I was right there amidst all the chaos!
Garrison Common
From: clavis56
Fort York is more than just a historical and archaeological site; it also has a public park spanning 3.3 hectares!
Garrison Common also has a bit of history to it. It used to be a military cemetery before it was transformed into a park. This spooky fact has attracted many supernatural believers here, but personally, I don’t think there are ghosts here (or maybe I just don’t have the sixth sense).
Aside from ghost hunting, you can enjoy a lovely stroll by the mature trees or a picnic with loved ones. Sometimes, an event is hosted here, like festivals and concerts, so feel free to drop by and attend when you can.
Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS)
From: topictureshow
Speaking of events that are sometimes hosted in Fort York, the Toronto Outdoor Picture Show, or TOPS for short, is one that you can’t miss out on. I mean, this event only happens once every summer, so you definitely have to check it out when you can!
TOPS is an open-air cinema held at three parks in Toronto, Fort York being one of them. You’ll be watching movies from different time periods and genres, all while lounging on the green and eating your favourite snacks.
The last time I attended a TOPS event at Fort York, we were watching classics like Romeo + Juliet (the one with Leonardo DiCaprio) and The Wizard of Oz, as well as modern critically acclaimed hits like I Saw the TV Glow. Suffice it to say, I had a blast!
Where to Eat
Parisco Cafe
From: lucianocouto
Address: 215 Fort York Blvd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 8 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +14168681010
If you’re hungry and you didn’t bring any food, don’t worry, because just a short walk away from the Visitor Center is Parisco Cafe. The food here is pretty good, and the vibe is relaxing—the perfect spot to rest after your excursion at the historic site!
I really love the shrimp linguine pasta. The pasta noodles are perfectly al dente, and the tangy, garlicky sauce coats every single one of them. The shrimp pieces add a nice contrast of sweetness, and they’re also plump and juicy.
