Taste of Fort William

September 6, 2026

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Explore history through multicultural fur trade era cuisine, cooking methods and tools, alongside iconic contemporary Thunder Bay foods.

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Food Passport

Activities

Cantine Restaurant

Visitor Information

Food Passport

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Explore the Fort William historic site and sample foods inspired by the fur trade era alongside iconic Thunder Bay favourites.

  • Artisan bread baked in our historic woodfire bake ovens
  • Bannock with blueberry preserves infused with Blueberry Habanero hot sauce
  • Coffee service by Crush Coffee Co. and persians
  • Finnish-style mini pancakes with maple syrup and wild berry fool
  • Wild rice cakes and smoked fish
  • Lemon shortbread cookies
  • Non-alcoholic shrub with a variety of hand pies – blueberry, tourtière, and Scottish breakfast
  • Spiced maple scones with Green Tea lemonade
  • Vegetable dishes made with vegetables from the historic site garden

A variety of today’s samples include foods and ingredients sourced from the following local businesses:

  • Bennett’s Bakery
  • Brule Creek Farm
  • Canada West Maple
  • Crush Coffee Co.
  • Heartbeat Hot Sauce Co.
  • International House of Tea
  • Pie.ology
  • The Fish Shop
  • The Hoito

Activities

Foragers Walk

12 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Join guides from Boreal Museum and discover the wild foods growing around Fort William Historical Park.

Artisan Demonstrations

Watch heritage artisans demonstrate traditional trades to create essential kitchen and food-preparation tools of the fur trade era.

Fort William’s Farm and Garden

Explore Fort William’s garden and discover the variety of historical vegetables grown and served. Visit the farm to meet our heritage breed cows, pigs, sheep and chickens.

The Provisions Market

Visit the market to purchase many of the locally sourced foods and ingredients highlighted during today’s event, as well as unique kitchenware products.

Explore historic Fort William

Explore the historic site including the Anishinaabe Encampment, Apothecary, Great Hall, Wintering House, Trades Square, and visit with the farm animals. 

Guided Tours

ASL tour: Sunday at 11 a.m.

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.

Cantine Restaurant

  • Pulled Pork Sandwich $12

    Pineapple slaw and choice of Carolina Gold, Cajun BBQ, or Carolina Glaze

  • Poutine $9

    Cheese curds and house gravy

  • Smoked Brisket Stew $8

    with smoked jalapeno crema

  • Vegan Sausage $8

    with vegan slaw

  • Mac and Cheese $7

    with brown butter ritz

  • Fries $7
  • Smoked Ham Hock and Split Pea Soup $7

    with smoked jalapeno crema and stone bread

  • Kids Hot Dog $5
  • Kids Fries $5
  • Chocolate Bar or Chips $2.75
  • Soft Drinks $2.75

    Coke, Diet Coke, Ginger Ale, Diet Ginger Ale, 7up, Juice

  • Coffee or Tea $2.75
  • Bottled Water $2

Alcoholic Beverages Menu

  • Ontario’s legal drinking age is 19+.
  • You must show valid government-issued photo identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport) to purchase alcohol.
  • Please drink responsibly.
  • Dillon’s Gin Cocktails $7.75

    (355 mL, 5% ABV)

  • Cottage Springs Vodka Soda $7.75

    (355 mL, 5-7% ABV depending on flavour)

  • Lakehead Brewing Co. Light Lager $7.75

    (355 mL, 4% ABV, 17 IBU)

  • Lakehead Brewing Co. IPA $7.75

    (355 mL, 6.5% ABV, 76 IBU)

  • Lakehead Brewing Co. Pilsner $7.75

    (355 mL, 5% ABV, 27 IBU)

  • Dawson Trail Border Run Cream Ale $8.50

    (473 mL, 5% ABV, 17 IBU)

  • Tawse Dry Cider $8.50

    (473 mL, 5% ABV)

  • No Boats on Sundays Peach Cider $9

    (473 mL 5% ABV)

  • Pelee Island Pinot Grigio VQA $10 per glass

    (6 oz glass, 12% ABV)

  • Trius Cabernet Sauvignon VQA $14 per glass

    (6 oz glass, 13% ABV)

Visitor Information

Admission Fees

  • Adults $12
  • Seniors (60+) $10
  • Students (13+ with student ID) $10
  • Youth (6 to 12) $10
  • Children (5 & under) Free
  • Indigenous Persons Free
  • Military Personnel & Veterans (with CFOne card or VSC ) Free
  • Support Person (with PAL Card) Free

    The Personal Attendant for Leisure (PAL) Card is an identification card, which is issued to a person who has a disability. It allows the support person to enter a Thunder Bay recreation facility for free. A support person can be a friend, family member or a paid worker.

Admission fees include HST.

Annual Season Pass

  • Season Pass $20 per person

    + HST

The season pass provides you with year-round admission to the Fort William historic site and admission to the following Fort William Historical Park events: The Great Rendezvous, Taste of Fort William, Halloween Hoot, New Year’s Eve Family Frolic, and Voyageurs Winter Carnival. Admission to Canada Day, Anishinaabe Keeshigun and Celtic Day is free for all visitors. The season pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Learn more about the season pass.

What to Bring

Weather appropriate clothing: This is an all weather program and takes place indoors and outdoors.

Cash: There are no ATMs available on site.

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.

  • Food samples may contain dairy, gluten, nuts, and animal products. Visitors with allergies or dietary concerns are encouraged to use their own discretion.
  • Food samples available while quantities last.
  • Activities are offered in English, unless otherwise noted.
  • Activity schedule may change or be cancelled without notice.