Fort William Historical Park

Fort William Historical Park features Fort William, one of North America’s largest living history sites, and the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, home to one of the largest publicly accessible telescopes in Central Canada. Fort William Historical Park also offers year-round festivals and events, an RV and tent campground, in-person, virtual and overnight education programs and wedding and conference facilities.

Historic Site Guided Tours

Discover Fort William by guided tours led by one of its inhabitants. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours.

Open Monday to Friday. Guided tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Plan Your Visit

An aerial view of the main square at Fort William Historical Park

Explore Fort William

Travel back in time to 1815 and discover Fort William. This is the inland headquarters of the North West Company, the world’s largest fur trading enterprise with posts stretching across North America. This is a place where cultures meet and relationships are forged between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous newcomers. Come experience this unique place and time in history through the eyes of peoples past who lived and worked around Fort William!

A view of Fort William Historical Park's campground, with an RV in the foreground and the Kaministiquia River and a mountain in the background

Campground

Nestled on the banks of the scenic Kaministiquia River, the Fort William Historical Park Campground has plenty of room for RVs, trailers and tents of all sizes. Northern Ontario’s beautiful summer nights make for an amazing camping experience the whole family will enjoy!

Education

Fort William Historical Park offers extraordinary educational opportunities for learners of all ages. Our cross-curricular education programs offer immersive experiential and sensory activities to engage your students in a memorable learning experience.

Day Camps

Fort William Historical Park’s March Break and Summer Day Camps offer your child the opportunity to experience a variety of fun and exciting activities.

Land Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that Fort William Historical Park is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg of Anemki Wajiw (Thunder Mountain), Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850. We also recognize the historic and ongoing contributions of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Mikinaak Minis (Turtle Island, North America). We appreciate the privilege to share a part of their storied past on the lands that First Peoples have kept since time immemorial.

Upcoming Events

Canada Day Celebration

July 1, 2026 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.– Free Event

Remember, learn and engage this Canada Day at Fort William Historical Park. Explore the Anishinaabe Encampment and Fort William for a day filled with music, dancing and family-friendly activities to learn about and celebrate our nation’s diverse heritage.

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The Great Rendezvous

July 10, 11 and 12, 2026

Registration is now open to re-enactors looking to participate in Fort William Historical Park’s annual Great Rendezvous historical re-enactment. There is no cost to be a re-enactor. Completed applications are due on Friday, June 19, 2026, by 4 p.m.

All Pipe Bands Performance 34

Celtic Day

July 19, 2026 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free event

Join us for a Celtic celebration of culture, music, dance, hands-on activities, and great food! Featuring local pipe and drum bands and Highland dancers.

Anishinaabe Keeshigun

August 22, 2026 – 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
August 23, 2026 – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Free event

Celebrate First Nations culture at Fort William Historical Park! Join us for a free weekend filled with entertainment, hands-on activities and demonstrations that highlight Anishinaabe culture, traditions, language, and technology. This year’s event will also include a Pow Wow highlighting regional dancers and drum groups. A community feast will be held on Saturday and is open to all visitors.

Interested in being a dancer, craft vendor, or hosting an information booth?

Use the corresponding button below to learn more and complete the Application Form. If you require a different application format, please contact us. Registration for drum groups is day of. The first three registered drum groups that day will receive an honorarium.

Dancers

Applications will be accepted in advance and during the event. All dancers who register and attend the pow wow will receive an honorarium.

Craft Vendors

Completed applications are due on Monday, August 17, 2026, by 9 a.m. There is no cost to be a craft vendor.

Information Booths

Completed applications are due on Monday, August 17, 2026, by 9 a.m. There is no cost to host an information booth.

Join Us

Discover current employment opportunities at Fort William Historical Park.

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