Fort William Historical Park Summer Events

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 has something for everyone. 

These five summer events offer visitors immersive and educational experiences. Visit the Fort William Historical Park Events page for tickets and more information.

Canada Day Celebration

July 1st, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fort William Historical Park invites you to remember, learn and engage this Canada Day. Celebrate the nation's diverse heritage with a day filled with family-friendly activities. The fun immersive and hands-on activities offer unique experiences like dressing in authentic replica 1815 clothing, crafts, canoeing, Baggataway (Lacrosse), and interacting with farm animals. For visitors 13 years old and up, you can try your hand at axe throwing and learn how to fire a musket.

Watch demonstrations on butter churning, sheep shearing and the many skills of the Anishinaabe. Try some manoomin (wild rice) at the Anishinaabe Encampment, taste some bread at the bakery, and enjoy refreshments in the Historic Kitchen.

Children 5 years old and younger get in free! 

The Great Rendezvous

July 12-14, 10 a.m - 5 p.m. each day

Over 200 years ago when Fort William was the headquarters of the North West Company annual summer gatherings were a tradition. The Great Rendezvous at Fort William Historical Park has hundreds of reenactment 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 before June 28, 2024. 

Children 5 years old and younger get in free! 

Perseid Meteor Shower

August 12, 10 p.m. - 2 a.m.

The Perseid meteor shower is the biggest shooting star display of the year. It is active every year from mid-July to late-August. This year, it will peak on August 12^th and the state-of-the-art David Thompson Astronomical Observatory at Fort William Historical Park will be the best place in the region to view it! 

Anishinaabe Keeshigun

August 17, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. 

August 18, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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 at 5:00 pm and it 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.

Celtic Day

August 25, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Free Event

Fort William Historical Park invites you to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Celtic culture. The park will come alive with music, dancing, hands on activities, and great food. Local pipe and drum bands and highland dancers will be sure to get you into the Celtic spirit.

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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