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 a mass band performance by local pipe and drum bands and Highland dancers.
Please note: The weather and air quality the day of the event will impact the activity schedule.
2 p.m.
Join us for a spectacular show featuring three distinguished pipe and drum bands, as they unite for an unforgettable mass band performance. Adding to the spectacle, Morgan’s School of Highland Dance will grace the stage with their traditional Celtic dances. Come witness an incredible demonstration of Celtic heritage, skill, and passion for the pipes and drums.
Morgan’s School of Highland Dance
Thunder Bay’s first Highland dance school, Morgan’s School of Highland Dancing, was founded by Wendy Morgan in 1979. Wendy has passed the torch to her daughter Heather Morgan (Highland and National member of the British Association of Teachers of Dancing), who teaches and oversees classes with dancers as young as 2 years old to adults.
Founded in 1917, the Macgillivray Pipe Band is one of the oldest private pipe bands in North America. They have performed with the Barenaked Ladies and in the Rose Bowl Parade and have earned many awards for their talents.
The Pipes & Drums of Thunder Bay
Established in 1912, the Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay is one of the oldest pipe bands in Canada. Originally named the Fort William Pipe Band, the band changed its name in 1970 to mirror the amalgamation of Fort William and Port Arthur into Thunder Bay.
Formed in fall 1984 and performed its first show in November 1985, the band is comprised of dedicated and talented volunteers of various ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Explore the historic site including the Anishinaabe Encampment, Apothecary, Great Hall, Wintering House, Trades Square, 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 a.m. to 12 p.m. | 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.
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Enjoy tea served in the Great Hall, including tea, shortbread and other tasty treats. Entry is by donation to the United Way.
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Explore the historic Kaministiquia River by canoe while voyageurs entertain you with songs and stories.
Performances at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Program available all day
Wool waulking is an old piece of Scottish heritage, still practiced in a few pockets of Scotland. “Waulking” is the Anglicized word for finishing woven woolen cloth, or Luaidh in Scots Gaelic (pronounced loo-uy). The cloth is typically tweed, and through waulking, the weave shrinks and becomes softer and more weatherproof. Help us dry waulk a bolt of freshly woven tweed from the Isle of Lewis and learn Gaelic folk songs in the process.
1 to 5 p.m.
Learn about Scottish music from 1815.
3 to 4 p.m. | 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.
Take a deep dive into the Scottish history of Fort William. Be one of the first to see our new McGillivray Highland Society Portrait print.
Practice Scottish Gaelic and learn about this ancient language with Gillian Mucklow.
Sample and learn about traditional Celtic foods.
Inspired by the Highland games, enjoy various hands-on activities.
Unravel clues to find different clan tartans hidden around the historic site to solve a puzzle.
Create huge, floating bubbles! See how big they can get.
Design and colour your own Celtic inspired button with the Thunder Bay Museum.
Visit the satellite gift shop on the historic site for handmade items, freezies, and more. You can find more items in the Visitor Centre Trading Post, which is open until 5:30 p.m.
12:30 to 1 p.m. with Superior HEMA
Witness skilled local fencers engage in a spirited duel, showcasing the artistry and precision of this ancient tradition.
1 to 1:15 p.m.
Experience the tradition of “Address to a Haggis” brought to life on our main stage! Join us for a stirring reading of Robbie Burns’ famous ode, celebrating Scotland’s culinary heritage and poetic prowess. Afterward, haggis hand pie samples will be offered to interested guests (while supplies last).
Watch performances by dancers from Morgan’s School of Highland Dance.
Watch and listen to a solo performance by the Macgillivary Pipe Band.
Watch and listen to a solo performance by The Thunder Bay Pipes and Drums.
Watch and listen to a solo performance by the Thunder Bay Police Pipe Band.
Discover the ancient art of coopering. Watch and learn as craftsmen demonstrate how wooden barrels were traditionally made; an enduring skill deeply rooted in Celtic history and culture.
Watch Fort William’s Tinsmith create a Celtic-inspired tin lantern.
The Thunder Bay Weavers and Spinners Guild will be demonstrating their historical talents. Visitors can purchase their handmade items on location.
10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Enjoy tea served in the Great Hall, including tea, shortbread and other tasty treats. Entry is by donation to the United Way.
1:15 p.m. | From Pie.ology
Interested in sampling haggis? These haggis hand pies by Pie.ology are the perfect unique treat! (while supplies last)
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Cantine offers a variety of menu items featuring both heritage and contemporary cuisines. Event menu coming soon.
Celtic Day Special - House Made Sausage, Mashed Potatoes with Caramelized Onion Gravy
Pineapple slaw and choice of Carolina Gold, Cajun BBQ, or Carolina Glaze
Cheese curds and house gravy
with smoked jalapeno crema
with vegan slaw
with brown butter ritz
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)
Admission to this event is free.
Weather-appropriate clothing, bug spray, sunscreen: 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.