Activities and Events
Atlantic Canada| Quebec | Ontario
The list below offers a quick glance at the activities taking place at Parks Canada to mark this important event. Have a look and take your family to a site near your home this summer. Our competent and professional team awaits you!
We are now working on more programs for your visit, so be sure to visit this site regularly.
New Brunswick | Newfoundland and Labrador | Nova Scotia | Prince Edward Island
New Brunswick
Carleton Martello Tower National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/carletonmartellotower
- June 16, July 21 and August 5, 2013, at 2:30 pm – Historical Talks
Come listen to well-known storyteller David Goss who will give a series of historical talks on the War of 1812.
- August 18, 2013 – Fab Forts Weekend
- Theatre Event –InterAction Children's Theatre Company
Learn about the War of 1812 in a fun way mixed with folklore, dance, music and acting.
- Kingston Peninsula Heritage Choir
Songs of the 1800s and stories of the War of 1812
Fundy National Park
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fundy
- August 16, 2013 - Theatre Event – InterAction Children's Theatre Company
Learn about the War of 1812 in a fun way mixed with folklore, dance, music and acting.
Kouchibouguac National Park
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/kouchibouguac
- February 23, 2013 (snow date February 24, 2013) 1:00 p.m.
In collaboration with the Capitol School of Performing Arts, Kouchibouguac National Park will host a one-day re-enactment of the winter march of the 104th Regiment. The march will be led by a percussion group and choir representing the Acadian recruits, and scenarios depicting possible happenings along the way will be performed. At the end of the march, all present will be served a typical meal of the period over an open fire, accompanied by military and folkloric songs.
St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/standrewsblockhouse
- August 5, 2013, at 3:00 pm – Kingston Peninsula Heritage Choir
Songs of the 1800s and stories of the War of 1812
- August 17, 2013 – Fab Forts Weekend
- Theatre Event –InterAction Children's Theatre Company
Learn about the War of 1812 in a fun way mixed with folklore, dance, music and acting.
- Community BBQ
Other Events and Activities
- February 16, 2013 – Commemoration of the march of the 104th Regiment (Officers' Square, Fredericton)
Staff in period uniform from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site will participate in this event, which is being organized by the Saint John River Society in conjunction with the provincial War of 1812 committee.
Newfoundland and Labrador
Signal Hill National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/signalhill
- July 1 to August 1, 2013, Saturdays and Sundays – The Signal Hill Tattoo
Take in the new Signal Hill Tattoo show featuring performers in the uniform of the Royal Newfoundland Fencible Regiment, the regiment that received Battle Honours for its role in the War of 1812 Battle of Detroit.
- August 2-4, 2013 – The King's Hard Bargain Camp of Instruction
As part of this three-day immersive program, participants will be outfitted in War of 1812-period uniform, be trained in drill and weapons safety and take part in two Signal Hill Tattoo performances. For information on program registration, call 709-772-5732 or 709-772-5367.
Nova Scotia
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/halifaxcitadel
- June 1, 2013 – War of 1812 Band Concert
In commemoration of the War of 1812, the combined high school bands of the Halifax Regional Municipality, together with the Land Force Atlantic Area Band, will present a concert of traditional music, including music from the era surrounding the War of 1812.
- August 17-18, 2013 – Fab Forts
The Halifax Citadel was originally built to protect a city, a culture, and a way of life. Fab Forts is the chance for visitors to rediscover why the Halifax Citadel is so fabulous! Special activities are planned for the entire family.
- August 23, 2013 – Freedom of the City
The Halifax Citadel's iconic 78th Highlanders will exercise its Freedom of the City by parading through Halifax "with drums beating, colours flying and bayonets fixed." Dedicated this year to the War of 1812, the parade begins at the Halifax Citadel and continues to the Grand Parade, finishing up at Government House.
- August 29 to September 1, 2013 – American Revolutionary War to War of 1812 Grand Encampment
Discover two pivotal events in the making of North America: the American Revolution and the War of 1812. This living history event will feature an authentic military encampment and demonstrations of drill, battle tactics, and cannon and musket firings from 1775 to 1815. Regular admission fees apply.
Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site
© Parks Canada / Chris Reardon / 2011
Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/chateauguay
- June 24 to October 27, 2013
- Travelling exhibit: The War of 1812 from 4 different angles
Discover this remarkable exhibit, developed by the Canadian War Museum, which paints a picture of the War of 1812 as seen through the eyes of Canadian, American, British and Aboriginal participants. This exhibit will be shown at the national historic sites in the greater Montréal area between 2012 and 2014 and will be on display at the Battle of the Châteauguay National Historic Site throughout the entire 2013 season.
- New historical route: The Châteauguay Battleground
Come discover a brand-new route highlighting the history of the Battle of the Châteauguay (1813). The route showcases 13 fascinating historical moments spaced out over 14 kilometres, along the site of the original battlefield. On foot or by bicycle, tour the scene of this impressive War of 1812 military feat.
- September 1 to October 12, 2013 (from Wednesday to Sunday) – A biking and guided tour duo: 13 historical moments in 14 kilometres
During the lovely months of September and October, make the most of the new route which highlights 13 historical moments of the Battle of the Châteauguay over a distance of 14 kilometres along the original battlefield. Round out your experience by taking part in the special guided tour offered at the site interpretation centre. For the general public (weekends only) and for groups from Wednesday to Sunday (reservations required).
- October 5-6, 2013 – Period encampment: A page from our past
Come rub shoulders with the officers, soldiers and families who lived through the War of 1812. Watch demonstrations of tactics and drills as well as military parades typical of the time. Your senses will be overwhelmed! Upwards of a hundred re-enactors will be on hand to help you travel back in time two hundred years to experience these key moments of our history.
- October 26, 2013 – Commemoration of the Battle of October 26, 1813
Here's a truly special opportunity to commemorate the Battle of the Châteauguay 200 years to the day. Come celebrate the heroism of the participants in this decisive clash: Lieutenant Colonel Charles-Michel de Salaberry, his Aboriginal allies, volunteer militias from Lower Canada, the Voltigeurs canadiens and the Canadian Fencibles. Take part in a special ceremony in the presence of military units with connections to the battle, site partners and the entire community, as well as presentations and activities specially designed for the occasion.
Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/coteau
- July 1, 2013 – Canada Day with an 1812 flavour
Families are invited to come celebrate Canada Day and commemorate the fortification erected on the site of Coteau-du-Lac in 1812. Enjoy inflatable games, children's face painting, playtime activities and traditional birthday cake. A rousing musical event and fireworks are scheduled for the evening.
Fortifications of Québec National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortifications
- Daily in July and August, 2013 – Tea and chocolate in the Officers' Mess: a blend of history and sweets!
Discover the story of the great explorers in search of the spice route and exotic delights. Cocoa was savoured by kings, governors, and soldiers alike. So why not join us for tea and scones and sample heritage chocolate prepared by the Officers' Mess cook? Irresistible!
- July and August, 2013 – Fired Up About Artillery - 1812
- Discover the work, habits, and way of life of the French and British soldiers who stayed at Artillery Park. You are cordially invited to visit the officers' barracks to see how they lived.
- Put on a uniform and walk in the shoes of an 18th-century French soldier or a British soldier from 1812. Attend a musket-firing demonstration and learn how to handle these weapons from another era. You may even be one of the lucky volunteers chosen to experience the smell of gunpowder as you fire a flintlock musket, the type of weapon used in the War of 1812.
- Become an apprentice gunner. Join a cannon-firing drill and follow the officer's orders to learn how to work a cannon like the artillery soldiers of old.
- August 17-18, 2013, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm – 1812 Fab Forts
Special programming will be offered throughout this themed weekend hosted by Parks Canada across the country. Québec, in 1812, was the British army's command centre in North America. During the event:
- attend musket-firing demonstrations;
- accompanied by an officer brimming with interesting stories, enjoy tea, scones and heritage chocolate in the Officers' Mess located in the Dauphine Redoubt;
- don the uniform of the French or British soldiers who stayed at Artillery Park in the colonial days;
- learn how to use an artillery gin (a device used to raise the cannons that were found in all fortified towns in the colonial era).
Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/saintlouis
- Daily in July and August, 2013 – A "Chocolatey" Time at the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux
How about mixing chocolate with history? Discover the mysteries of chocolate through an interactive, lively sampling at the Saint-Louis Forts and Châteaux National Historic Site. Governor Vaudreuil's cook invites you to a tasting of exclusive chocolate prepared from a recipe that dates back to 1759. Want to taste? Go ahead! You never know. Maybe you'll get to be the cook's helper for the governor's "service de la bouche"!
Fort George National Historic Site of Canada
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortgeorge
Fort George National Historic Site
© Parks Canada / Dale Wilson / 2011
- January 1, 2013, from 3:00 to 4:30 pm – New Year's Levee
Join us at Navy Hall for the annual New Year's Day Levee, where we ring in the New Year in true Fort George fashion – with cannons! Official toasts and cannon salute at 4:00 pm. Complementary refreshments.
Free admission
- May 25-26, 2013 – 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Fort George
War of 1812 re-enactors from all over North America will help history come alive as we commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Fort George. Battle re-enactment will be scheduled throughout the weekend. Musket firings, cannon firings, music presentations and more will be happening both days inside the imposing walls of Fort George.
- July 1, 2013 – Canada Day Celebrations
Activities will take place at Fort George throughout the day and into the evening. Music, food, fireworks, musket and cannon firings!
Free admission
- August 17-18, 2013 – Fife and Drum Muster and Soldiers' Field Day
This weekend-long event is a pageant of military music by Fife and Drum corps from the United States and Canada as well as a competition of 1812 drill teams from Fort George, Fort Malden, Fort York and Fort Erie – a collection of the premier 1812 military sites in Ontario.
Fort Malden National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/malden
- July 1, 2013 – Canada Day Celebrations
Fireworks and ice cream! Bring the whole family to Fort Malden National Historic Site for a day to celebrate our national birthday. Cake, ice cream, games, pony rides – we have it all! Plus, music, dancing and black powder demonstrations, leading up to the magical fireworks display at dusk.
Free admission all day!
- August 3-4, 2013 – Military Heritage Days
Take charge! Discover history as it comes to life at Fort Malden National Historic Site. Experience tactical demonstrations, military encampments and unique children's activities. Bring the whole family to an astounding weekend of fire power and fun!
Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortstjoseph
- July 1, 2013, from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm – Canada Day Celebrations
Join us in celebrating Canada! Share a piece of cake, go on a guided tour of Fort St. Joseph, take a walk on the nature trails and experience Parks Canada's new Xplorers program.
Free admission
- July 19-21, 2013 – Sails on the St. Marys and HistoryFest
Join Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site in commemorating the "war on the water" this summer at HistoryFest, a three-day, outdoor, family-friendly commemoration of the War of 1812. Enjoy period encampments, cannon demonstrations, historic interpreters and "Sails on the St. Marys" tall ship tours at the Roberta Bondar Pavillion in Sault Ste Marie.
- July 27-28, 2013 – Relive the Moment: Campout at Fort St. Joseph
Live, eat and sleep like a soldier or voyageur from 200 years ago. Bring your own tent, borrow a tent or stay in a period canvas tent, and participate in bannock making, soldier drills, voyageur skills, camping demonstrations and more. Learn about various ways to start a campfire, cooking simple foods, camp etiquette, gearing up and cool gadgets. Fantastic fun for the whole family!
- August 16-17, 2013, 9:00 pm, 9:30 pm and 10:00 pm – Ghost Walk
Come and walk amid the candlelit pathways through the ruins of old Fort St. Joseph. Listen to the sound of bagpipes and First Nations drums, with the Milky Way shining brightly above. See and listen as the "spirits" of the past return to tell their life stories of long ago. Reservations required.
- August 24-25, 2013 – Island Gathering: A Festival of Cultural Alliances
Date, time and place:
August 24, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site
August 24, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Richards Landing Centennial Grounds
August 25, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, Richards Landing Centennial Grounds
This two-day event, organized in conjunction with the Township of St. Joseph, showcases pipe bands and highland dancers from Canada and the US, period music, re-enactors, a voyageur encampment, a paddling event, food and merchandise vendors, as well as 1812-era and present-day military exhibits.
Fort Wellington National Historic Site
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortwellington
- December 6, 2012, January 10, 2013 and February 7, 2013 – Heritage Talks on the War of 1812 Raid on Ogdensburg
Come take in a Heritage Talk at Fort Wellington National Historic Site, organized by the Prescott Bicentennial Committee to mark the 200th anniversary of the Raid on Ogdensburg.
- February 22-23, 2013 – "Prescott Raids Ogdensburg"
Join Fort Wellington National Historic Site and the towns of Prescott and Ogdensburg in commemorating the War of 1812 Raid on Ogdensburg. On a cold February morning in 1813, British troops and militia from Fort Wellington crossed the frozen river and successfully attacked Ogdensburg, New York. Although small in scale, this raid removed the American threat to Prescott, a vital transshipment point along the St. Lawrence River transportation route.
- Friday, February 22, 2013: Red George Pub Heritage Dinner and Speaker.
- Saturday, February 23, 2013:
- 10:00 am to 4:00 pm - Fort Wellington open to the public
- Bring the family to enjoy hot cider around the campfire, children's 1812 shako craft and mock battle. Musket demonstrations, War of 1812 artefacts, wagon rides, and living history artisan demonstrations in the visitor centre will also present interesting opportunities to discover an important period of Canada's history.
- 10:00 am - British troops muster at Fort Wellington
- 1:30 pm - Raid on Ogdensburg battle re-enactment, Ogdensburg, NY.
- Don't forget your passport!
- Poster and Essay contest winners announced at the Forwarders Museum in Prescott.
- Unveiling of a commemorative mural in downtown Prescott.