Have you ever imagined what it would be like to live in a real fort? At Fort Wellington in Prescott Ontario, you can explore the buildings, put on a costume, and maybe even hear the roar of the cannons.

The fort was built during the War of 1812 to defend the St. Lawrence River shipping route from possible attack by the United States. It was called into service again in 1838 when invasion from the United States was once again imminent. By the 1840s, it was a real family fort – the soldiers’ wives and children actually lived with them in the barracks! Today, visitors can explore the original historic site and interact with guides in period costume. Children can go on an adventure and become Parks Canada Xplorers to discover this unique fort. The site also boasts a new visitor centre featuring the wreck of an 1812-era gunboat.

Fort Wellington offers self-guided visits daily from May until October. There are also a variety of interactive visits throughout the summer:

1) Personally Guided Tours (Pre-booked or On-demand based on guide availability)
Be escorted on a journey back in time with a soldier or his wife who will share exciting tales and tastes of the fort’s past. Explore the fort’s history and features during an engaging 1½ hour tour with a guide in historic costume. Program Fee $11.30pp

2) Cannon Program: You do the Firing!
Enlist in the Royal Artillery for a day! Recruits will spend their time training to be a member of the cannon crew. Feel the surge of adrenaline as you fire a 19th century muzzle-loading cannon. This experience includes hands-on involvement, and a souvenir.
*Participants must be 18 years +. Booked from June to August by reservation only. Program Fee: $73.60

3) Fort Kids, Tuesdays July & August
Kids can enlist as a British soldier! In this one-day program children experience life as it was at Fort Wellington in the 1840s. Special children’s activities: period crafts, games and cooking. program fee $14.90 per day

Check the fort's website regularly for updated event and festival schedules.

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