Hear the cannons roar!

August 19th-20th •  10am to 5pm daily

The Battle of Fort William highlights 19th century battlefield action and strategy, the daily life of soldiers, and period medical techniques. Fort staff and volunteer re-enactors from Canada and the US come together to present a dramatic battlefield sequence. Get pulled into the action throughout the day with exciting events and dramas including:

• Battle demonstrations – shots will be fired
• Hear the cannons roar
• Visit with soldiers at their camp
• Take aim with axe throwing
• Fire a historic musket
• Kids can take part in their own army drill and make crafts
• Paddle a canoe along the Kaministiquia River
• Daily dramas include:
  • Heated debates
  • The Ojibwa Council of War
  • Historic battle strategy
  • Dr. McLaughlin treating a musket shot wound

Admission

*plus HST

Tickets can be purchased by calling 807-473-2344 or in person at the Fort William Historical Park Visitor Center.

Want to volunteer?

Please contact us for more information on volunteering at 807-473-2344 or email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Getting Here

Car

Fort William Historical Park is located at 1350 King Road, Thunder Bay.  Parking is free.

Thunder Bay Transit

Fort William Historical Park can be reached by taking Thunder Bay Transit Route #4, Neebing. 
The Neebing bus route is not available on Sundays or Statutory Holidays.

Bike

Cyclists are welcome. Bike racks will be available.

Water Access (boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.)

Docking or tie ups for boats and canoes from the Kaministiqua River will not be available for this event. There is no admissions entrance via the Kaministiquia River.

What to Bring

• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen

Weather

Battle of Fort William is an all-weather event. Please dress appropriately. Entertainment and/or activity schedules may change or be cancelled in the case of extreme weather conditions.

Pets

Pets are not allowed on the historic site during any event. 

Food and Beverage

• The Cantine Restaurant will be offering a full menu (debit, Visa, MasterCard and cash are accepted)
• Outside food and beverages are not allowed
• If a patron has dietary restrictions (i.e., allergies, etc.) contact Visitor Experiences Coordinator at 473-2357 prior to the event to make alternate arrangements

Camping

Consider staying the night at Fort William Historical Park’s RV and tent campground. 

• Non-Serviced Site - $25/night + HST
• Serviced Site - $35/night + HST
• RV Rentals - $110/night + HST

*Fees for other services are not included in the campsite fees.

RV’s can only park in the main parking lots for day visitors. Overnight camping for RV’s is only permitted in the registered campground with a camping permit and campsite.Click here for more details about our RV and tent campground.

Book your campsite today! Call 807-473-2344 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Event Rules and Regulations

• Any patron found to be in contravention with the rules and regulations will be dealt with accordingly
• Fort William Historical Park has a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for violence