Fort Henry National Historic Site

Imagine a majestic stone citadel rising above the confluence of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Fort Henry National Historic Site is not just a monument to 19th-century fortification, but a true portal into the past, located in the city of Kingston, Canada.

This fortress was built to protect a major naval base and control the entrance to the Rideau Canal. Today, it is rightfully included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. Its massive walls offer some of the best panoramic views of the city and surrounding waters, making it a must-visit for all history buffs and landscape lovers.

Fort Henry functions as a living history museum, where the atmosphere of Victorian military life is recreated. You won't find dusty display cases here—instead, you'll be greeted by soldiers in authentic uniforms and artisans demonstrating the daily life of eras past. This site is a signature landmark of the region and one of the country's most popular attractions.

To carefully plan your visit to this legendary fortification and check for special events, we recommend using the organization's official contact information. Up-to-date info will help you avoid any issues, especially considering the seasonal nature of the site's operation.

A visit to the fort is an interactive adventure where every guest can feel like part of history. The main highlight here is the performances by the famous Fort Henry Guard. Dressed in 1867-style British uniforms, the guards demonstrate flawless drill movements, conduct artillery salutes, and march to the sounds of a military band.

Strolling through the grounds, you will meet actors playing the roles of fort residents: from officers and their wives to schoolteachers and cooks. Be sure to stop by the Victorian school or watch food being prepared in the old-fashioned kitchen. In the summer months, especially on Wednesdays, exciting battle reenactments with cannons take place here, and at sunset, a solemn flag-lowering ceremony is held.

For photography enthusiasts, the fort offers stunning angles: massive stone arches, endless rows of embrasures, and the vast expanse of Lake Ontario. It is an ideal place for a family holiday, where children can participate in "recruit" training and adults can enjoy the atmosphere of strict military order and historical grandeur.

Getting to Fort Henry is quite easy, as it is located on a prominent hill dominating the eastern part of the city. If you are traveling by car from Toronto or Ottawa, follow Highway 401 and then Highway 2 (Hwy 2), following the signs for Fort Henry Drive. Free parking is provided for visitors on-site.

From the city center, you can take a taxi or Uber in just 10–15 minutes. Also, during the warmer months, Kingston Transit buses run routes that pass by major historical landmarks. Walking enthusiasts can reach the fort from the Rideau Canal area, a journey of about 2–3 kilometers with scenic coastal views.

The original fortifications on this site appeared back in 1812 to protect a strategically important naval base from potential attacks. However, the powerful stone structure we see today was built between 1832 and 1837. Its construction coincided with the completion of the Rideau Canal to ensure reliable protection of this key transport route.

A surprising fact: despite its formidable architecture and status as a key defensive hub, Fort Henry never saw actual combat. In 1870, British troops left the fortress, after which it was used for a time by the Canadian military as an artillery school and a prisoner-of-war camp during world wars (specifically, Camp 31 was located here during World War II).

By the early 20th century, the citadel had begun to fall into disrepair, but in the 1930s, a large-scale restoration began under the leadership of Ronald L. Way. He transformed the abandoned barracks into a living history museum, which opened its doors to tourists in 1938. Today, this site is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodying the spirit of the colonial era and the skill of 19th-century military engineers.

To leisurely explore all the casemates, walk along the fortress walls, and see the main performances by the guards, it is recommended to set aside 3 to 4 hours for your visit. This will be enough time to get acquainted with the exhibits and take memorable photos against the panoramic backdrop of the lake.

If your visit coincides with special events in July or August, such as large-scale historical battle reenactments or evening musical ceremonies, you can easily spend a whole day at the fort. The site is extensive, and there is always something interesting to find in every corner.

The fort is typically open to visitors seasonally—from mid-May to October. Standard working hours are daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; however, in July and August, the schedule may be extended due to evening shows and sunset ceremonies.

Please note that the site may currently be temporarily closed for scheduled maintenance or due to the end of the season. Before your trip, we strongly recommend checking the current schedule on the official website to confirm the start times for the daily guard performances.

Exploring the surroundings of Fort Henry will allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of the region's oldest neighborhoods and enhance your travel experience. The city of Kingston is famous for its limestone architecture and rich maritime heritage, which literally comes to life on the neighboring streets.

There are many iconic locations near the fortress—from old shipyards to museums dedicated to the history of medicine and the penitentiary system, making this area perfect for a long stroll.