Anishinaabe Stories
Learn about the Wendigo and Nanaboozhoo the Trickster.
By Josie Cormier
Fort William Historical Park Events
Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay is one of North America’s largest living history sites. It opens seven days a week starting May 16, but did you know it hosts unique events all year long? Here are some of the must-attend ones for 2026.
Step back in time at one of North America’s largest 19th-century fur trading living history sites, Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario. The park has been immersing visitors in history for over 50 years. Discover what fur trade life was like, from crafts to culture, business to medicine, and home life to heritage farming. With 57 heritage buildings, including the Anishinaabe encampment, and modern buildings like the David Thompson Observatory, plus reenactors, events, overnight experiences, and educational programs, the park really has something for everyone.
These events offer visitors immersive and educational experiences. Visit the Fort William Historical events page for tickets and more information.
Canada Day Celebration
July 1, 2026 | 10 am - 5 pm
Free Event
Fort William Historical Park invites you to remember, learn and engage this Canada Day. Celebrate and learn about our nation’s diverse heritage with a day filled with family-friendly activities, music and dancing, and explore the Anishinaabe Encampment and Fort William.
The Great Rendezvous
July 10-12, 2026 | 10 am - 5 pm
Over 200 years ago, when Fort William was the headquarters of the North West Company, annual gatherings were a tradition. The Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park has hundreds of re-enactment actors from all over North America to bring that tradition to life. The event includes artisan workshops, demonstrations, contests, a grand canoe arrival, and so much more.
If you are interested in participating in the reenactment, you can register for free and stay at a period campsite. Contact the park to register by July 19, 2026, at 4 pm.
Children 5 years old and younger get in for free!
Celtic Day
July 19, 2026 | 10 am - 5 pm
Free Event
Fort William Historical Park invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Celtic culture. On this day, the park comes alive with hands-on activities, foot-stomping music, energetic dance and incredible food. Featured entertainment includes local pipe and drum bands and Highland dancers, to help you get into the Celtic Spirit.
Anishinaabe Keeshigun
August 17, 2026 | 11 am – 5 pm
August 22, 2026 | 11 am – 7 pm
Free Event
Immerse yourself in a weekend celebrating First Nations culture. This year’s event will include a Pow Wow with regional dancers and drum groups. There will be a community feast on the Saturday, which is open to the public. Enjoy a weekend filled with entertainment, interactive activities and enlightening demonstrations that celebrate and highlight Anishinaabe traditions, language and technology.
Fall and Winter Events
Check the Fort William Historical Park events page regularly for details on their fall and winter schedule. Save the dates for these incredible events:
Taste of Fort William – September 6, 2026 | 11 am – 4 pm
** New Event**
Explore history through multicultural fur trade era cuisine, cooking methods and tools, alongside iconic contemporary Thunder Bay foods.
Culture Days – September 27, 2026 | 10 am – 5 pm
Enjoy free admission to the Historic Site as we celebrate Ontario Culture Days. (Last admission at 4 pm)
Fall Harvest Gathering – September 27, 2026 | 5 pm Symposium, 6 pm Dinner
Heritage Dinner Series
Enjoy the bounty of the fall harvest with a seasonally inspired dinner thoughtfully curated by The Chanterelle.
Experience the warmth of Fort William and the glow of the Great Hall as we come together to celebrate the season by sharing good company, music and a seasonally inspired dinner, thoughtfully curated by The Chanterelle.
Halloween Hoot – October 17, 18, 24, & 25, 2026 | 12 pm – 4 pm
Join us for Halloween Hoot, a family-friendly event that transforms the historic site into a Halloween haven. Enjoy haunted houses, trick-or-treating, creepy crafts and ghastly games.
Geminids Meteor Shower – December 13, 2026 | 9 pm – 2 am
Join us at the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory to watch the Geminids meteor shower, considered one of the best and most reliable annual meteor showers. Enjoy outdoor night sky viewing and indoor activities, including learning more about space and discovering our meteorite collection.
Winter Solstice Celebration – December 21, 2026 | 5 pm Symposium, 6 pm Dinner
Heritage Dinner Series
Experience the warmth of Fort William and the glow of the Great Hall as we come together to celebrate the season by sharing good company, music and a seasonally inspired dinner, thoughtfully curated by The Chanterelle.
New Year’s Eve Family Frolic – December 31, 2026 | 4 pm - 8 pm
Ring in the new year at Fort William Historical Park. Enjoy a candlelit evening of family-friendly activities, winter games, live music, artisan demonstrations, and fireworks!
Fort William Historical Park respectfully acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg of Anemki Wajiw (Thunder Mountain), Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850. Fort William Historical Park also recognizes the historic and ongoing contributions of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Mikinaak Minis (Turtle Island, North America). Fort William Historical Park appreciates the privilege to share a part of their storied past on the lands that First Peoples have kept since time immemorial.
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