Artisan Workshop Weekend

October 3-4, 2026

Workshop pre-registration is required

Learn a unique skill and craft lifelong memories. Work alongside one of Fort William Historical Park’s heritage artisans in a small group setting to create your very own 19th century inspired items.

Available workshops:

Sold out workshops:

No previous experience in the artisan skills is necessary to participate in these workshops. Age requirements are noted for each particular workshop. All workshops include instruction, tools, materials, and a historic-themed lunch.

Register for a Workshop

Blacksmithing Basics

Blacksmith Artisan Workshop

Participants will learn basic forging skills and techniques of this age-old profession to forge square nails in the same fashion as blacksmiths during 1815. Once participants grasp nail forging, they will move on to hooks.

The workshop will take place either in the Historic Armourer Shop or Modern Blacksmith Shop. The Historic Armourer shop is a minimally heated building. Please bring layers and dress according to the outdoor temperatures.

Availability: Saturday or Sunday, 2 p.m.

Duration: 3 hours

Capacity: 2 participants

Age requirement: 16+

Experience level: No previous experience required

Cost (+HST): $110 per participant

Participants are required to bring the following required safety equipment for use during the workshop:

  • CSA approved steel toe boots
  • Non synthetic clothing, such as cotton, silk and wool
  • Full-length pants
  • Weather appropriate clothing, the workshop may take place outdoors
  • Prescription safety glass (If participants don’t own their own, FWHP will provide over glasses eye protection)

FWHP will provide participants with the following required safety equipment for use during the workshop:

  • Safety glasses
  • Ear plugs
  • Leather gloves
  • Leather apron

Candle Luminaires

Tinsmith Artisan Workshop

In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will produce a contemporary, pierced tin candle shade. Participants will learn and develop basic tinsmithing skills, such as cutting, punching, bending, and seaming tinned plate.

This workshop will take place indoors in the modern tinsmith shop.

Availability: Saturday or Sunday, 10 a.m.

Duration: 5 hours

Capacity: 2 participants

Age requirement: 16+

Experience level: No previous experience required

Cost (+HST): $135 per participant

Participants are required to bring the following required safety equipment for use during the workshop:

  • Full coverage, comfortable shoes
  • Full-length pants

FWHP will provide participants with the following optional safety equipment for use during the workshop:

  • Safety glasses
  • Ear plugs
  • Cut resistant gloves

Fire Steel Forging

Blacksmith Artisan Workshop

Participants will use basic forging skills and techniques of this age-old profession, learning how to heat treated steel to create a hand forged fire steel.

The workshop will take place either in the historic Armourer Shop or modern Blacksmith Shop. The historic Armourer Shop is a minimally heated building. Please bring layers and dress according to the outdoor temperatures.

Availability: Saturday or Sunday, 10 a.m.

Duration: 2 hours

Capacity: 2 participants

Age requirement: 16+

Experience level: No previous experience required

Cost (+HST): $85 per participant

Participants are required to bring the following required safety equipment for use during the workshop:

  • CSA approved steel toe boots
  • Non synthetic clothing, such as cotton, silk and wool
  • Full-length pants
  • Weather appropriate clothing, the workshop may take place outdoors
  • Prescription safety glass (If participants don’t own their own, FWHP will provide over glasses eye protection)

FWHP will provide participants with the following required safety equipment for use during the workshop:

  • Safety glasses
  • Ear plugs
  • Leather gloves
  • Leather apron

Introduction to Chairmaking

Carpentry Artisan Workshop

Chair

Learn the basics of traditional chairmaking while creating your very own side chair! Participants will use both traditional and modern tools like drawknives, hand planes, chisels and power drills to build a unique piece of functional wooden furniture. The workshop will cover basic chair design, layout, wood selection, joinery and finishing. 

The workshop will take place in the historic Carpenter Shop. The building is minimally heated. Please bring layers and dress according to the outdoor temperatures.

Availability: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.

Duration: Two-day workshop

Capacity: 4 participants

Age requirement: 16+

Experience level: No previous experience required

Cost (+HST): $225 per participant

Participants are required to bring the following required safety equipment for use during the workshop:

  • Full coverage, comfortable shoes
  • Full-length pants

FWHP will provide participants with the following optional safety equipment for use during the workshop:

  • Safety glasses
  • Ear plugs
  • Cut resistant gloves

Mukuk (Birch Bark Basket)

Indigenous Skills Artisan Workshop

Participants will learn basic techniques of basket-making using birch bark and spruce roots. The Anishinaabe (Ojibway) mukuk is both beautiful and versatile, and ideal for storage, display, or as a distinctive gift.

This workshop will take place in a modern facility on the historic site.

Availability: Saturday only, 10 a.m.

Duration: 5 hours

Capacity: 6 participants

Age requirement: 14+

Experience level: No previous experience required

Cost (+HST): $135 per participant

FWHP will provide participants with the following optional safety equipment for use during the workshop:

  • Cut resistant gloves

Ropework Wreath

Heritage Fiber Arts Workshop

Wreath

Master the sailor’s art of ropework at our historic artisan wreath workshop. Using traditional hemp rope and age-old techniques, participants will craft a festive holiday wreath while learning skills once vital aboard sailing vessels.

This workshop will take place in a modern facility on the historic site.

Availability: Sunday only, 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.

Duration: 2 hours

Capacity: 6 participants per workshop

Age requirement: 14+

Experience level: No previous experience required

Cost (+HST): $85 per participant

Wood-fired Bake Oven Bread

Culinary Workshop

Bread

Grab your chef’s hat and roll up your sleeves! Learn to make heritage bread from scratch. Participants will build and tend a fire the wood-fired bake ovens, and prep and bake their own delicious loaf of bread. Along the way, participants will discover the fascinating history of heritage baking and the important role the bake oven played in daily life.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying it for the first time, this hands-on experience offers a memorable blend of history, learning, and fresh-baked bread!

This workshop will take place in modern and historic facilities on the historic site.

Availability: Saturday only, 10 a.m.

Duration: 5 hours

Capacity: 6 participants

Age requirement: 16+

Experience level: No previous experience required

Cost (+HST): $85 per participant

Wool Spinning and Dyeing

Heritage Fibre Arts Workshop

Participants will spin carded wool from Fort William Historical Park’s heritage sheep flock, turning it into beautiful, functional fibre, using wooden drop spindles. Afterwards, participants will learn how to dye wool using plants from the local environment and receive a pre-spun mini skein of yarn simmered in dye pots along with additional wool and a drop spindle to take home. Participants will also learn about the steps to turn raw sheep fleece into usable fibre, the science of wool fibre, a brief history on the domestication of sheep, and the global cultural significance of our reliance on animal fibres through the ages.

This workshop will take place in a modern facility on the historic site.

Availability: Saturday only, 10 a.m.

Duration: 3 hours

Capacity: 10 participants

Age requirement: 12+

Experience level: No previous experience required

Cost (+HST): $85 per participant

Visitor Information

Workshop Registration

  • Pre-registration for workshops is required.
  • Spaces are limited per workshop.
  • Participants will be required to sign a waiver at the start of the workshop.

What to Bring

Safety Equipment: Refer to the required safety equipment outlined in the associated workshop description.

Cash: There are no ATMs available on site.

Lunch: All workshops include a historic-themed lunch provided by Fort William Historical Park.

Getting Here

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

Bicycle: Cyclists are welcome. Bike racks are available to use free of charge.

Boats & River Access: Boats cannot dock at events. There is no admissions entrance via the Kaministiquia River.

RVs: Camping is permitted at our campground with a reservation. RVs are not permitted in the parking lot for overnight stays.