What: Fort George National Historic Site of Canada
Where: Niagara on The Lake, Canada
How Much: Adults $10.80 Children $5.40 (Canadian Funds)
Hours: Open 10am- 5pm
Phone: 905468.4257
Website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/on/fortgeorge/visit/visit5_e.asp
While visiting Niagara Falls Ontario Canada on your next vacation, Fort George, Niagara On The Lake is one attraction not to be missed. No matter what age you are, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Not only is it a great place to visit for those who love history but also for those who love a good ghost story. Historical and ghost enthusiasts will thrive on the talks of long ago that thrill the listener and the ghost stories are sure to please even the most avid of ghost hunters. Children will also love the adventurous tales and sites it has to offer.Fort George is best known for its historical background in American and British history. The War of 1812 was the major conflict between America and the British Colonies. It housed the British Army from the lowest soldier to some of the more famous military figures. During the War of 1812, Fort George served as the main headquarters for some of the most important battles of that war. There were internal structural buildings that allowed for space to house the officers comfortably and very luxuriously, blockhouses or barracks that served to house the lower ranking men and some of their families, and the stone powder magazine which held the Army’s supply of gunpowder, is still onsite today for visitors to experience as are the Butler’s Barracks. The Fort George location was also used to monitor the traffic that flowed through the Niagara River which is situated on the opposite and is visible from the Fort.
During 1813, the United States took Fort George from the British Army and used this as a headquarters for their attempts to take possession of the upper part of Canada. In December of 1813, the fort was once again in the hands of the British and became a useful asset to the Canadian Army until 1965. During this year, Fort George was deemed a National Historical Site and is now supported and maintained by Parks Canada. Fort George has managed to keep the atmosphere that was so prominent in the Nineteenth Century. The wonderful exhibits and the costumes of this time frame are displayed for young and old alike to enjoy. Touring Fort George in the evening hours will provide the listener with spooky tales of a ghostly nature and the many accounts of the supernatural occurrences throughout the local area.For those planning to visit this exciting family attraction, Fort George is open to the public from April (weekends only) and May to October (daily). Tours are given every hour starting at 10 A.M. and ending with the last one beginning at 4 P.M. There will also be live demonstrations included in the tour for the public to experience live musket firing demonstrations. An admission fee is required. For schools and groups of individuals wishing to have a guided tour or to stay overnight at Fort George, year round booking can be made through Park Canada. The local hotels are situated within twenty minutes of Fort George with some offering you a beautiful room side view of Niagara on the Lake which is second to none.
