Fort York offers unique hands-on, living history experiences which engage students first-hand in the social and military history of the fort, Toronto and Canada.

JK to Gr. 3

Curriculum Connections: Pioneer Life
Pioneers at York (1.5 hrs)

• Discover the daily life and routines of the soldier, his family, and officers
• See their living quarters
• Visit a working 1826 kitchen
• Play military music from the War of 1812

Gr. 4 to 8

Curriculum Connections: British North America
The Birthplace of Toronto (1.5 hrs)

• Explore the life of an early garrison community during the War of 1812
• See the living quarters of officers and soldiers
• Visit the historic 1826 kitchen
• Hear period music on the fife and drum
• See and examine a flintlock musket

Additional themes that can be explored
Fort York and the Great War (WW1)
Canada/U.S. relations

Gr. 4 to 8

Curriculum Connections: Heritage and Citizenship, Aboriginal Peoples, and European Explorers
Toronto and the Fur Trade (1.5 hrs)
Investigate the patterns and practices of the Fur Trade in the Toronto area during the 18th century. Through the use of maps, models and artifacts students can discover the changing relationships between Native peoples and Europeans during this dynamic era. Programme includes hands-on examination of trade goods and archaeological artifacts

Gr. 7

Curriculum Connection: British North America
Fort York & the War of 1812 (1.5 hrs)
Discover the function and role of the fort and its inhabitants during the War of 1812
Activities include:

• Musket drill
• An examination of the 1813 Battle of York
• A Walk around the defences and discussion of fortification technology

Gr. 7

Curriculum Connection: Conflict and Change
Fort York & the Rebellion (1.5 hrs)
Explore the effect of the 1837 Rebellion on soldiers, officers and Toronto civilians.
Activities include:

• Militia Muster and Musket drill
• An examination of 1830s weapons technology
• Exploration of an 1837 Officers' Barracks

Gr. 4 to 8

Curriculum Connections: British North America
Living History Programme
Full Day - 4 hrs
Re-live the daily life of this early 19th-century community in a full day programme. Build your own programme from a wide range of workshops including:

• Cooking in an historic kitchen
• Musket drill
• Period music and dance
• Archaeology

Gr. 3 and up

Curriculum Connections: British North America
Living History Programme
Full Day and Overnight (includes dinner and breakfast)
Take this unique opportunity to experience garrison life first-hand and re-enact the duties and leisure pursuits of the fort's inhabitants. Sleep overnight in the historic barracks and eat soldier's stew. Choose from a wide range of workshops:

• Analyze archaeological material
• Recreate a recipe in the historic kitchen
• Learn about the Iroquois in the War of 1812
• Participate in music, dance, drama, storytelling and more

Book your program today!