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.
Explore the historic site and visit the Anishinaabe Encampment, Apothecary, Great Hall, Wintering House, Trades Square, and Dairy, and visit with the farm animals.
French tours: 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Take a guided tour of Fort William led by one of its inhabitants. Guided tours last approximately 1.5 hours.
ASL Tour: 1 p.m.
Take a guided tour of Fort William led by one of its inhabitants with ASL interpretation by Jennifer Bradley. Guided tours last approximately 1.5 hours.
Test your skill at Canada’s National summer sport!
Did you know? Lacrosse originated as a sacred sport played by First Nations people for spiritual, ceremonial, and diplomatic purposes. Learn more about the history of lacrosse.
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. | 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Explore the historic Kaministiquia River by canoe while voyageurs entertain you with songs and stories.
Ages 12+
12 to 5 p.m.
Try your hand at throwing a trade axe! Voyageurs and tradesmen spend their leisure time trying to best one another in this game of precision and skill.
Ages 12+
Fire a fur trade era musket! Firearms were an important trade item in 1815. Learn the skills you’ll need to use a fur trade era musket to hunt for your food.
Join Boreal Museum and dive into he world of plants! Examine fresh specimens and herbarium samples to learn how plants live, work, and grow.
Maple syrup making is a process that brings family, friends, and even strangers together. Learn about the history of Canada’s sweetest export and taste some maple sugar.
Get decked out this Canada Day with temporary tattoos and face painting.
Try some manoomin (wild rice) at the Anishinaabe Encampment, stop by the bakery to sample freshly baked bread, and enjoy our refreshing maple lemonade in the kitchen. (While supplies last)
Step up, take aim, and try to score on our goalie!
Create your own flag and join members from Red Sky Métis Independent Nation for an interactive craft activity.
Experience the elegance and innovation of early 19th century European fashion. The Great Hall will be transformed into an immersive, interactive exhibit showcasing clothing for all ages, from the charming outfits of toddlers to the intricate multi-layered adult garments, and all social classes. Explore the history of 1790-1815 fashion and discover how materials changed across generations through interactive mini games. This exhibit offers a fascinating look into the past, where every stitch tells a story. French and English interpreters will be available.
Join local Thunder Bay artists, Merk and Valin, for a fun, highly interactive exploration of loose gesture drawing for all ages. Explore capturing the essence of the figure through very quick, messy pencil drawings. Participants are encouraged to be messy with their drawings and participate in the rotating model roster! Props, funny poses, and laughs mixed with relaxed, unconstrained creativity.
11 a.m.
Watch skilled shearers demonstrate traditional sheep shearing techniques. (Weather dependent)
Witness the age-old tradition of turning fresh cream into golden butter.
Meet a voyager as he carves paddles using traditional tools and methods. Learn about the different types of paddles, their unique uses, and stories behind each design.
The Thunder Bay Weavers and Spinners Guild will be demonstrating their historical talents on the farm. Visitors can purchase their handmade items in the satellite gift shop in the Main Square.
Main Square Stage
11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
2:30 to 3 p.m.
3 to 4 p.m.
4 p.m.
Sing along to French-Canadian fur trade era songs and join us for a dance lesson.
Canoe Shed and Wharf
2:45 p.m.
Many hands make light work. Meet a group of women working quickly to finish a fishing canoe so they can begin their journey home before the incoming storm.
This Canada Day, we’re highlighting the incredible diversity that makes Thunder Bay and Canada a special place to call home. Stop by the community information booths to connect with local groups and organizations that are making a difference in our community. Learn about their work and discover how you can get involved.
Pineapple slaw and choice of Carolina Gold, Cajun BBQ, or Carolina Glaze
House smoked chili, cheddar cheese, pineapple slaw and crispy onions
with smoked jalapeno crema
with vegan slaw
Cheese curds and house gravy
Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale, Diet Ginger Ale, 7up, Juice
Accepting cash only.
Plain, blueberry, or raisin
Menu coming soon.
Canada Day is a free event.
Weather appropriate clothing: This is an all weather program and takes place indoors and outdoors.
Cash: There are no ATMs available on site.
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.
Thunder Bay Transit: Fort William Historical Park is accessible by the 4 Neebing bus route. Please visit the City of Thunder Bay Transit website for specific bus route information.
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.