No matter where you go in Ontario, you’ll discover a rich heritage and a wealth of living history including 12 historic forts, 23 pioneer villages, historic canals, and a number of heritage waterways which were the routes of Aboriginal peoples, voyageurs and fur traders hundreds of years ago.

Stroll the historic streets of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Discover the region’s abounding sites commemorating the War of 1812. Climb the stairs inside the majestic Brock’s Monument and see the world through the eyes of a famous war hero. Tour historic Fort George. Learn the fascinating history of a war heroine at Laura Secord Homestead.

Step into an 1860s Victorian community at Toronto’s Black Creek Pioneer Village. Then continue eastward as you explore the enduring heritage of our waterways at Peterborough’s Canadian Canoe Museum, housing the world’s largest collection of canoes and kayaks. Witness the renowned Sunset Ceremonies in Kingston’s Fort Henry. Greet costumed interpreters in authentic 19th century garb at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg. And see more heritage sites than you can imagine in Ottawa.

Let interpreters dressed as Jesuit missionaries and Aboriginals explain the fascinating history of Ontario’s first European settlement – Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in Midland. Celebrate the bustling days of the fur trade at Thunder Bay’s Fort William Historical Park, or our contribution to forest fire detection and control at Sault Ste. Marie’s Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.