The Fort York Guard has been a part of Fort York since 1934, when the fort opened as a National Historic Site.  The Guard consists of two sub units, including the squad (musketmen) and the drums (musicians). The Guard has performed across North America, and has made appearances for both the Queen and the Queen mother.

For most of the Guard's history the unit represented the Grenadier company of the 8th Regiment of Foot.  Due to funding realities, the Guard has fluctuated in size over the years from over 50 members to just 3.

In an effort to bring stability and organization to the Guard, the Friends of Fort York accepted full responsibility for running the Fort York Guard in 1999.  The unit changed its uniform to represent the Canadian Regiment of  Fencible Infantry.  In 2000, the Friends of Fort York founded the Fort York Drums, a fife and drum corps, which performs during the summer months with the squad.

Today, the Guard ranges in size from 20-25 high school and university students.  The Guard has an ambitious travel schedule, performing across Ontario to  promote Fort York at venues and events including the Fort Henry Sunset Ceremony, Chrysler's Farm Battle Re-enactment, Stoney Creek Battle Re-enactment, The Canadian War Museum, Fort Wellington Military Tattoo and Fort George Fife and Drum Muster and Drill Competition.

Each day the Guard performs a variety of demonstrations for the visitors to Fort York, including: Artillery Firing, Music Demonstration, Squad Drill and Battle Tactics performances.  For daily schedules contact Fort York.

The Fort York Guard is a growing and evolving organization.  It strives to provide the visitors of Fort York with the highest quality animation possible. To learn more about the mission and goals of  the Fort York Guard, visit the Mission and Vision section.