Fort York

Fort York is a military fort in Toronto with eight preserved buildings, including two blockhouses, set within stone-lined defensive walls. The grounds also include cemeteries and open areas that reflect the original layout of the installation.

British forces built the fort in 1793 to guard Toronto's harbor, but American troops destroyed much of it during the Battle of York in 1813. The reconstruction that followed shaped the structures visible today.

The site shows how the city built its defenses over generations and how soldiers lived within these walls. The displayed objects tell the story of those who served here and their daily routines.

The fort is open several days a week with tours led by staff members throughout the day. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and can become slippery in wet conditions.

The grounds preserve original cemetery areas from the fort's early days, even though Toronto's shoreline changed dramatically through land reclamation. These burial grounds connect visitors to those who lived and worked here centuries ago.

Location: Toronto

Inception: 1793

Address: Fort York Boulevard

Website: http://fortyork.ca

GPS coordinates: 43.63889,-79.40361

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:01