- Experience the dramatic Fenian Raids with a reenactment of the historic 1866 invasion of Canada West at Old Fort Erie
- Explore Laura Secord's homestead on the day dedicated to honouring the bravery of this remarkable heroine
- Join in on an evening of ghoulish fun with the Old Fort Erie Ghost Tours
- Learn more and plan a visit with the Heritage Trail Pass at niagaraparks.com/heritagepass
Niagara Falls, ON – Take a deep dive into history all across the Niagara River corridor and enjoy a variety of heritage events this summer. There is something for everyone to enjoy, from the historical battle reenactments to the delight of sipping afternoon tea at the McFarland Tea Room. To explore Niagara Parks’ heritage sites and programming, visit niagaraparks.com/heritage.
Fenian Raid Reenactment at Old Fort Erie
Saturday, June 15 – Sunday, June 16 – 1 p.m.
Watch as Canadian history leaps off the pages and springs to life during a dramatic reenactment of the 1866 Fenian Raids. Witness reenactors from across Ontario and the United States demonstrate how Canadian forces stood strong against the insurgent Irish American Fenians and explore the grounds of Old Fort Erie, where the historic invasion of Canada West took place.
The scheduled events begin at 10 a.m. with the main commemoration beginning in the south field at 1:00 p.m. on both days. The reenactment is free to view for the public. Regular admission applies for entry into Old Fort Erie for all other activities. Free parking is available in front of the Old Fort Erie Welcome Centre. As the events will take place outdoors, guests are encouraged to dress for the weather.
To learn more, visit niagaraparks.com/fenianraids.
Visit Laura Secord’s Homestead
Saturday, June 22
Take a trip to the homestead of Canada’s most famous heroine to celebrate Laura Secord Day on Saturday, June 22. Laura Secord and her family lived in their Queenston village home in Niagara-on-the-Lake from 1803 to 1835. The family residence was the starting point of Secord’s 32-kilometre journey to warn the British of an imminent surprise attack by the Americans in June of 1813, during the War of 1812. Despite being ransacked by invading American soldiers during the Battle of Queenston Heights, the beautifully restored home now welcomes visitors for tours highlighting stories of Secord’s brave adventures interpreted by authentically costumed guides.
To learn more, visit niagaraparks.com/laurasecordhomestead.
The Battle of Chippawa Commemorative Ceremony
Friday, July 5 – 7 p.m.
Join Niagara Parks in commemorating the 210th anniversary of the Battle of Chippawa. Fought on July 5, 1814, it was the opening engagement of the Niagara Campaign of 1814; the longest, most violent and bloodiest campaign of the War of 1812.
The Battle of Chippawa was fought between 2,000 British, Canadian and Indigenous forces and 3,500 American troops and their Indigenous allies on the fields of Samuel Street’s farm, near the banks of the Niagara River.
Enjoy light refreshments and a musket demonstration following the service. A self-guided walking tour will also be available for guests to retrace the events of this important battle.
To learn more, visit niagaraparks.com/battleofchippawa.
Fright Night Ghost Tours at Old Fort Erie
Saturday, July 6 – 8 p.m.
Travel to the edge of the Niagara River in Fort Erie to discover the hallowed tales of Old Fort Erie with Fright Night Ghost Tours on Saturday, July 6. Guests will explore the grounds of this War of 1812 National Historic Site with a costumed interpreter, whose haunting stories will echo off the walls of the old stone fort on this intimate guided tour.
Ghost tours are limited to 25 people per tour. Guests are encouraged to come dressed for the weather as parts of the tour will take place outside, rain or shine. Light refreshments will be available for purchase at the Welcome Centre.
For more information, visit niagaraparks.com/ghosttours.
Afternoon Tea at McFarland House
Wednesdays – Sundays
This summer, enjoy the art of traditional high tea service at McFarland House, one of Niagara’s most beloved historic buildings. Featuring a stunning glass-enclosed tearoom, elegant table arrangements and classic tea offerings, guests can discover a unique blend of heritage, hospitality and tradition. An upgraded experience includes traditional afternoon tea accompanied by sandwiches, fresh pastries, fruits, desserts and savoury tea.
The McFarland House Tea Room is open Wednesdays to Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., with the last seating at 3 p.m. Stay tuned for the upcoming Tea 101 workshop with Katie Cyr, Certified Tea Sommelier and Founder of Monarch Tea Co. on Saturday, July 6.
For more information and to reserve a table, visit niagaraparks.com/mcfarlandtea.
Take in Parks Canada Historic Sites
In addition to Niagara Parks heritage sites, there are a number of Parks Canada sites located throughout the Niagara region. While visiting Queenston Heights Park, visit the historic Brock’s Monument dedicated to one of Canada’s most well-known heroes from the War of 1812 – Sir Isaac Brock. Fort George National Historic Site is located just outside of Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake and features daily programs and special events.
For more information, visit parks.canada.ca.