old fort erie

This fort was destroyed by the USA in the war abut was restored by Canada in the 1930's to look as it did during the war. During the summer months it is staffed by folks in period costumes who describe the weapons and living conditions of the period. In mid August of the year re-en actors recreate the battle between the British and Americans over the fort. Great for visitors of all ages.

This is a wonderful historical fort which is often overlookedI have been here many times with my kids over the years. It is a wonderful preserve small, very significant historical site. The small museum displays are excellent. Sadly, most tourist drive right by and head to the Falls missing some of the most important things in the area including this fort. Take the family, they will learn and appreciate it

When we noticed a thumbnail picture of Fort Erie on a Niagra Parks brochure, we visited their website and discovered a limited time program--an All Hallows Eve tour. This is a lantern tour with period costumed, lantern carrying guides. You learn a bit about the fort, and a bit more about the history of Halloween, including how Jack O'Lanterns got their start. The event culminates with the burning of a Guy Fawkes effigy in a bonfire. The guides put some effort into their costumes and were well in character throughout the event. (It cost the same as admission, $12.95 + tax adults, $7.95 children; under 5 are free, though check on this for special events). Built in 1764, Fort Erie just marked the 200th anniversary of one of Canada's bloodiest battles, the Siege of Fort Erie. If you get a Niagra Falls Adventure Package (a park sponsored package that provides you with 30% off a group of several popular attractions including Canadian boat tours of Niagra Falls) there is a coupon included that gives you an extra $2 off each admission (among others). The Fort is about a half hour south of Niagra Falls (Canadian side). The fort is a small gem; combined with another event, whether All Hallows Eve, or another, is well worth a short visit. The Visitor's Center also offers a nice little gift shop.

We were leaving Niagara Falls after a Thanksgiving weekend stay and we noticed signs for the town of Fort Erie. A quick internet search confirmed there was an old fort located there and we decided to take a little detour and check it out.We certainly are glad we did so. We opted for a guided tour of the fort (cost $12.25 per adult) and that cost included access to a small museum, a short video and the guided tour which included a musket demonstration.Our guide, Daryl, was knowledgeable, friendly and did an exceptional job in explaining the strategic locations of the American and British forces, life at that time, the role of fortifications along the waterways and responding to the questions asked. As guides went, he was one of the better ones we have encountered in our tours of fortifications along the great lakes. We found the tour to be really interesting and enjoyed viewing the items in the buildings (such as period furniture and clothing). The tour was well done, excellent presentation and certainly worth the money we paid. A great stop for those who love history and specifically, Canadian history.

We had a really great time at the Fort and learned alot about the history of the Fort and the war of 1812. It was very interesting and the tour guide was happy to help with any questions we asked. I would definatly recomend this for all visitors to Canada, young or old!

The staff at this historical site was great. Very friendly and helpful. Matt Melissa, and Darryl made us feel right at home. The staff did a great job interpretive life at the fort during the War of 1812. Highly recommend this attraction.

Located 25' from Buffalo, the real piece of history in the region is at Fort Niagara! Considered as the Oldest military strcture in North America, FN is what the Great Wall of China represent for the Chinese!

My husband and really enjoyed the interpretation centre. The material was pertinent and we learned a lot about the history of the areaThe fort itself is small, alike many others, but there are still unique elements to learn about

The visitor's centre was exceptional. It included lots of objects to view, stories to hear, and things to touch. Our guide (Daryl) was extremely knowledgeable and personable. He told us some ghost stories about the place which we laughed about, then when we were taking a photo in one of the rooms, the heavy windows (which were wide open) closed shut with a bang (the wind maybe or something else??). Whenever we go to these forts, I like to learn something new and I definitely did at this one. It is a must-see!

Pros: Excellent museum part, nicely restored buildings, close to USA borderCons: Small, not as good as Fort George (see my review)This was our last stop in our visit to the Toronto/Niagara area. Having visited Fort George earlier in the week, we were excited to visit another historic site. When you enter the park, you begin your visit to the park in the museum. It was really well put together. Knowing nothing of the fort prior to visiting, the museum help set the tone and equated you with the history and the people involved during this time.The fort itself is kinda underwhelming when you compare it with Fort George. Its not as well kept and not as large. There were no demonstrations. The buildings were limited. Mostly it was just a single row of barracks and officer quarters to explore. If you like history, its not a bad place to visit. If you had to choose one or the other, I would go with Fort George. Let me know if this was helpful! Enjoy!

Though not as immersive as Fort George, Fort Erie is more intact (most of Fort George is restored rather than original). Like most of the other reviewers mentioned, there is a short but informative musket demonstration and a film that sets the stage for your tour of the structure itself. You get a real sense of what life in the Fort must have been like 200 years ago.I'm a history buff, and no War of 1812 trip would be complete without coming here.

The tour is short but pretty imformative with a nice tour guy. The short video at first gave you a breif overview of the battle and the war. The musket demonstration is awesome !!!

Our tour started in the museum building with a short historical film about the War of 1812. The tour was led by a guide in period costume through the grounds, which have been restored. On entering the old Fort we observed a live canon firing, followed by a tour of the buildings and we finished with live musket firing.The guide was excellent, providing a detailed and accurate account of the battle around the fort and the War of 1812.A thoroughly enjoyable 2 to 3 hours.

We visited Fort Erie to see the reenactment for the 200th anniversary in August. It was very well done. Loads of people in period costumes, very impressive. Lots of guns and canons firing, smoke and noise on the battle field. Nice park area too for the soldiers tents. It was a good day..

Had a great afternoon here - a really well-presented museum leads into the fort itself. Costumed interpreters really made me feel like I was living in the early 1800s - including the food and drink they prepared and we were able to taste! The highlight was the firing of the cannon - brilliant!