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.
10:30 a.m.
Kick off Canada Day with a morning cannon salute.
Explore the historic Kaministiquia River by canoe while voyageurs entertain you with songs and stories.
Examine the tracks, skulls, and furs of a variety of animals of Canada and learn about their anatomy, behaviours, diets, and habitats.
Meet Jelly, our purebred Canadienne cow. Jelly is one of approximately 400 purebred Canadienne cattle worldwide. This uniquely Canadian cattle breed cattle is derived from a French breed that arrived in New France in the 1600s. Learn more about Canadienne cattle.
Ages 12+
Test your skill launching a spear. Atlatl is a technology believed to have been used by humans for at least 30,000 years!
Ages 12+
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.
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.
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. Presented by the Canadian Corps of Voyageurs.
Test your skills at Canada’s national winter sport! Step up, take aim, and try to score on our goalie.
In celebration of FIFA, test your soccer skills in our fur trade obstacle course!
Dive into the world of plants! Examine fresh specimens and herbarium samples to learn how plants live, work, and grow. Presented by the Boreal Museum.
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.
Try some manoomin (wild rice) at the Anishinaabe Encampment, stop by the bakery to sample freshly baked bread, and enjoy shortbread and a refreshing glass of shrub in the Wintering House. (While supplies last.)
Try this unique Thunder Bay pasty.
Get decked with temporary tattoos and face painting to show your Canadian pride.
Create your own flag and join members from Red Sky Métis Independent Nation to make a wooden maple leaf craft.
See how our costuming team is preparing for the Dress in a Day challenge taking place at our upcoming Great Rendezvous event (July 10-12).
11 a.m.
Watch skilled shearers demonstrate historical sheep shearing techniques. (Weather dependent)
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.
Witness the age-old tradition of turning fresh cream into golden butter.
Discover the tradition of birchbark canoe building – an Indigenous craft that enabled travel and connection across Canada for generations. Watch an artisan demonstrate this skill and learn how natural materials and cultural knowledge come together in this living heritage practice.
The Thunder Bay Weavers and Spinners Guild will be demonstrating their historical talents. Visitors can purchase their handmade items on location.
Rodney Brown – 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Join Rodney Brown for a family-friendly voyageur sing-along.
Jamie Sky – 12:45 to 1:45 p.m.
Jamie Sky weaves genres like pop, R&B, and soul together to create beautiful melodies and music.
Irish Tunes by Brandon and Carli – 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
Patrick Brandon Gidley and Karli Strohschein will delight visitors with traditional Irish and old Canadian folk songs.
Café Paris Jazz Quintet – 3 to 4 p.m.
Join Café Paris Jazz Quintet for a farewell performance.
12 to 2 p.m.
Watch for Mackinley’s Delusions roaming magic tricks.
2:45 to 3 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.
4 to 4:20 p.m.
Sing along to French-Canadian fur trade era songs and join us for a dance lesson.
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.
Menu coming soon.
Plain, blueberry, or raisin
Pop, juice, water
Menu coming soon.
Available flavours: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Oreo, Caramel Macchiato
Menu coming soon.
Pineapple slaw and choice of Carolina Gold, Cajun BBQ, or Carolina Glaze
with smoked jalapeno crema
with vegan slaw
with smoked jalapeno crema and stone bread
Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale, Diet Ginger Ale, 7up, Juice
(355 mL, 5% ABV)
(355 mL, 5-7% ABV, depending on flavour)
(355 mL, 4% ABV, 17 IBU)
(355 mL, 6.5% ABV, 76 IBU)
(355 mL, 5% ABV, 27 IBU)
(473 mL, 5% ABV, 17 IBU)
(473 mL, 5% ABV)
(473 mL 5% ABV)
(6 oz glass, 12% ABV)
(6 oz glass, 13% ABV)
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.
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.