A Living History Experience
Fort York offers unique hands-on, living history experiences which engage students in grades 3, 5, 7 and 10 in first-hand in the social and military history of the fort, Toronto and Canada. For an in-depth synopsis of each program listed below including prices, please go to: Fort York Living History Experiences
Grade 3 - Pioneers at York 1790s to 1830s
Ontario curriculum subject: Social Studies
Topics: Early Settlements in Upper Canada, Geographic Inquiry
Explore daily life at this 200 year old British fort and discover how the soldiers, officers and their families contributed to the birthplace of urban Toronto.
Grade 5 - Toronto and the Fur Trade (1.5 hrs)
Ontario curriculum subject: Social Studies
Topic: First Nation Peoples and European Explorers
Explore the changing relationships between First Nation peoples and Europeans during Toronto’s fur trade era.: Heritage and Citizenship, Aboriginal Peoples, and European Explorers.
Grade 5 - Toronto and the Fur Trade (4 hrs)
Ontario curriculum subject: Social Studies
Topics: First Nation Peoples and European Explorers, Heritage & Citizenship
A hands-on exploration of Fur Trade practices and the garrison community at York (now Toronto).
Grade 7 - Fort York and the War of 1812 (1.5 hrs)
Ontario curriculum subject: History
Topics: British North America, Conflict and Change
Discover the reasons behind the attack on York, and the roles of the fort and its inhabitants in the War of 1812.
Grade 7 - Fort York and the War of 1812 (4 hrs)
Ontario curriculum subject: Social Studies
Topics: British North America, Early Settlements in Upper Canada
Explore the role of the fort and it’s inhabitants during the War of 1812. Discover the military context for the founding of York, the causes of the War of 1812 and the relationship between the Fort and the early town. This full day program is new for the bicentennial of the war in 2012.
Grade 7 - Radicals and Redcoats
Ontario curriculum subject: History
Topic: Conflict and Change
Explore the reaction to the 1837 Rebellion from the government perspective, including its effects on the officers, soldiers, and Toronto civilians.
Grade 7 - John Graves Simcoe and the Birthplace of Toronto
Ontario curriculum subject: History
Topic: British North America
Explore the reasons behind the establishment of the Garrison at York and the subsequent growth into modern, urban Toronto.
Grade 10 - First World War and the Canadian Soldier
Ontario curriculum subject: History
Topic: Canadian History Since World War I
Through the use of artefacts and an authentic reproduction of a soldier’s uniform and kit, students explore Canada’s contribution to WW1 and the role of the common soldier in that conflict
Cubs and Guides (weekends only) - A Day in the Life of the Garrison
Ontario curriculum subject: History
Topic: British North America
Our most comprehensive living history experience!
- Joe Gill inspired and led The Friends over 25 years, helping preserve and revitalize Fort York during a time of massive change.
- George Crookshank chest donated to City of Toronto
- Relics of the Rebellion of 1837: the money vaults at Fort York
- Fort York Guard on Pause in 2022
- New Museum Administrator of Fort York National Historic Site
- Further Event Information & Latest Updates
For further information and last minute...
