Looking For Something Different To Do This August? Here Are Your Marching Orders!

August an exciting month at historic fort on beautiful St. Joseph Island!

Looking for something different to do this August? Come explore Fort St. Joseph, the national historic site located at the southern-most point of picturesque St. Joseph Island. There are several ways for visitors of all ages and interests to explore this isolated outpost that was once a thriving community of soldiers, Aboriginal people, and fur traders.

Feel the breeze off the St. Mary's River as you picnic on site, walk among the ruins of the fort, or explore walking trails within this bird sanctuary. Dress up as a British soldier; view military and cultural artifacts demonstrating the British and First Nation's alliance, and learn about the fur trade.

August 16 and 17, the scent of chocolate will be in the air during our new Heritage Chocolate program. Learn about the connection between chocolate and Fort St. Joseph while making your own tasty treat using a 250-year-old recipe.

On August 22 and 23, spirits from the past will guide you by candlelight as you wander the ruins during the popular annual Ghost Walk event.

Discover what life was like two hundred years ago, and hear engaging stories of a defining moment in Canadian history: the War of 1812. This year the stories will focus on the exciting events that took place in the old North West leading up to the last year of the war in 1814. On the afternoon of August 23, Fort St. Joseph will host "The Taking," the official closing ceremony for the bicentennial commemorations of the War of 1812.

As our country nears its 150th birthday in 2017, the Government of Canada invites Canadians to learn more about the major events that shaped their country's history. Canada's national historic sites enable us to experience our rich history and heritage in a special way and play a big part in the celebration of Canada 150.

Quick Facts

· Self-Guided Tours: Visitors can stroll among the ruins, enjoy the Visitor Centre exhibits or a movie in the theatre and explore a network of nature trails.

· Archeological Features: Many of the artifacts recovered in archaeological digs are displayed in the Visitor Centre. Exhibits of tools, furs and military uniforms illustrate life at the fort, while films on archaeology and the fur trade are shown daily.

· Explore Nature: Nature trails wind through mature maple forests and overlook the marshy bays and islands of the St. Mary's River. This habitat, that once sustained soldiers and First Nations people, provides sanctuary for moose, deer, beaver and eagles. Bring along a picnic lunch and enjoy the peaceful setting overlooking the shipping channel.

· Heritage Chocolate Program: No food is more loved than chocolate! Savour the taste of heritage chocolate from an 18th century recipe and find out what chocolate and Fort St. Joseph have in common. Programs are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on August 16 and 17. Special program fees apply.

· War of 1812 Commemorative Event: "The Taking," the official closing ceremony for the bicentennial commemoration of the War of 1812 is being held at Fort St. Joseph on August 23rd from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Site admission fees apply.

· Ghost Walk Event: The fort's popular Ghost Walk is taking place August 22 and 23, with four shows each night at 8:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $9.80 per person and sell quickly, so call today to purchase yours and secure a spot at this entertaining event! A package including transportation, events and dinner is being offered by Algoma 1812.

· Xplorers Program: Kids aged 6 to 11 are sure to enjoy Fort St. Joseph's Xplorers program. Xplorers and their families can discover cool facts about the people who lived at the fort, while discovering the site. After completing at least five activities from the program booklet, participants receive a certificate and special Parks Canada souvenir!

Quote

"Parks Canada welcomes visitors to tour the ruins and to learn the rich history of Ft. St. Joseph National Historic Site. Fort St. Joseph offers something for everyone, including day hikes and exploration, the popular annual Ghost Walk event, and the engaging Xplorers program for kids."

Stéphane Comeault,
Interpretation Officer and Coordinator, Sault Ste. Marie Canal and Fort St. Joseph National Historic Sites

Associated Links

· Xplorers national program
· Ghost Walk
· Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site
· Algoma 1812

Contact

Stéphane Comeault
Interpretation Officer and Coordinator
Fort St. Joseph and Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Sites
705-941-6202

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