Fort Henry, Kingston

1 more image

Fort Henry was originally built in the 1830's. After falling into disrepair it was rebuilt in the 1930's. They did an incredible job! The fort is now a World Heritage Site along with the Rideau Canal.

We visited the fort with three young children, who greatly enjoyed it. I would recommend arriving early to be able to visit the fort before the noon gun parade and artillery firing. There are many activities and demonstrations during the day, you can check the web site for more details. We watched the sentry change and guard training, met the goat mascot, we listened to the 'Equipment of the Empire' rifle firing demonstration where the kids also had a chance to play the fife, bugle and drums. Guided tours are also available throughout the day in English and French.

There are interesting exhibits in the different rooms of the lower fort and if you go up the rampart you get a very nice view of the city of Kingston and of Wolfe Island and all it's wind turbines.

There is a restaurant and canteen on site. There are many special activities during the year which are also on the web site. There are also packages available that combine with other activities, hotels and campgrounds.

3 more images

The original Fort Henry was built during the War of 1812 (1812-1814), between Great Britain (Canada being at that time a British colony) and the United States of America to protect the rideau canal and the town of Kingston. It was rebuilt again between 1832 to 1837.
The fort was abandoned by the British Army in 1870, and was garrisoned by Canadian troops until 1891, it was used as a prison during the world war and was restored to be a mesuem on 1938.
Fort Henry continues its role as a museum and historic site to residents of Kingston and visitors from all around the world.

The original Fort Henry was built near this site during the War of 1812 between Canada (at that time a British Colony) and the United States of America. It is located at a very strategic location at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. In 1832, a larger fortified structure was deemed necessary and it is this fort that remains today.

At Fort Henry, uniformed soldiers recreate 19th century military life within the fortified walls. You can view the Changing of the Guard every hour on the half hour and the daily Garrison Parade at 3pm. There are also three artillery firings that take place each day.

See the website for hours of operation and admission fees.

Fort Henry is a great place to learn more about Canada's military history and 19th century military life through captivating guided tours. A visit to the Fort, located on Point Henry, also allows you to enjoy some of Kingston's best scenic views.

There are lots of activities and special events taking place during summer so make sure to check Fort Henry's Website to get more information. Also, don't miss the "Ghosts of the Fort" haunted walk (www.hauntedwalk.com).

The plaque reads:

"The First Fort Henry was built during the War of 1812 to protect the British dockyards in Navy Bay. The present limestone Citadel, constructed between 1832 and 1837, replaced the old fort as part of a larger plan for the defense of the recently completed Rideau Canal. Commissariat stores were built to join the advanced battery with the main fort in 1841-42. Fort Henry was garrisoneed by British troops until 1871, when Canadian Gunnery Schools (forerunner of the Royal Canadian Artillery) took over. Abandoned by the military in 1891, the fort fell into disrepair. Restoration work began in 1936, and two years later Fort Henry opened as a historical museum."

The Citadel of Upper Canada which located atop Point Henry, Kingston's highest point at the convergence of the St. Lawrence River, Fort Henry was built from 1832 to 1837 in replacement of a fortification. Today, this historic site offers a museum which depicts military life of the 19th century.

The Commandant’s Parade, held daily at 3, is a 30-minute presentation of drill and artillery.

For further informations about Fort Henry, check out my travelogue of this page.

This was a major defence point for the British army.It's considrered as a national historic site. It was built in the early 1800's as a first line of defence for the Rideau Canal. It was the biggest and most costly outpost in America..

Unfortunately, It's only open from May to October, so we didn't get to go in..
:(

BUT it's a MAJOR attraction in Kingston

Visit one of Canada's national historic sites. A 19th century citadel that lets you experience life during that era. Lots of things to see and do here. The people here dress as they did back when the fort was active and you can see military and marching demonstrations. The workers talk to you in character as well. I remember my Nanny trying to get one to slip up and he never did.