Fort Henry

Fort Henry is a military fortification in Kingston designated as a National Historic Site. It was initially built during the War of 1812 to monitor maritime traffic on the St. Lawrence River and protect the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard and the entrance to the Rideau Canal.

Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and living history museum, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century military life with guided tours, reenactments and stunning views of Lake Ontario.

Visit the Fort Henry website

Costumed soldiers reenact a military drill at Fort Henry National Historical Site in Kingston. — Fort Henry | Southeastern Ontario

How to get to Fort Henry

Location: 1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston

By car: Kingston is located along the shore of the St. Lawrence River, just south of the ON-401. On-site parking at Fort Henry is free.

By transit: VIA Rail offers train service to Kingston. Ride the 7A and 12A shuttle buses from the train station to Fort Henry or take a local taxi.

Know before you go

Fort Henry is typically open daily from the end of May to the beginning of September, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dates and hours of operation change for season events and festivals. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.

See accessibility features

Things to do at Fort Henry

Discover more activities and experiences.

Witness military demonstrations

50-minute guided Fort Henry tours run multiple times every day with precise military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard.

Take a Victorian class

Sit in the Victorian schoolroom lessons taught by a Schoolmistress to glimpse what life was like for children at Fort Henry.

Experience lively events

Participate in fun Fort Henry events, from author talks and musical performances to five-kilometre obstacle courses and craft beer festivals.

Join a ghost tour

The famous Fort Henry Ghost Tour offers guided explanations of various tragic histories and incidents like the hanging of Nils von Schoultz.

Dine with river views

Dine on the patio at Battery Bistro overlooking the St. Lawrence River or sample savoury snacks from the Soldier’s Canteen.

Articles and itineraries

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

Explore historic forts and castles in Ontario

Visit the unique collection of heritage castles, historic forts and striking heritage homes in Ontario.

Read moreExplore historic forts and castles in Ontario

Kid-friendly castles, forts and historical jails in Ontario

History comes alive at Ontario’s family-friendly interactive heritage sites.

Read moreKid-friendly castles, forts and historical jails in Ontario

Road trip to Ottawa, Kingston and Prince Edward County

Combine the perfect mix of city and country on a road trip to Ottawa, Canada’s capital and beyond.

Winery dining in Prince Edward County

Canada’s trendiest wine destinations is also home to a passionately locally-focused foodie community and endless views of grapevines, farm fields and shorelines.

Read moreWinery dining in Prince Edward County

Crowds gather to watch military ceremonies at sunset at Fort Henry. — Fort Henry | Southeastern Ontario

Interesting facts about Fort Henry

Fort Henry is the largest fortification west of Quebec City. Fort Henry and Point Henry were named after Henry Hamilton, former Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Quebec.

The original fort was reinstituted between 1832 and 1837 to replace an existing fortification from the War of 1812 era. The naval dockyard and the southern entrance to the Rideau Canal's defences were strengthened by this new construction.

Fort Henry was abandoned by the British Army in 1870 and fell into disrepair until 1936 when it was restored as a museum due to its impact on the history of Kingston.

Accessibility Features

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an accessible entrance.

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced, unobstructed path, no steps or equipped with ramp connecting to a public entrance or exit and identified by signage. Automatic door openers, adequate manoeuvring room in front of door.

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking space with a safe, clearly marked accessible route from the designated parking area to an accessible building entrance.

Accessible restaurant

Accessible entrance; adequate manoeuvring room; accessible washroom nearby. Tables with removable chairs and adequate knee clearance. Cafeteria/buffet counters reachable for mobility device users.

Accessible seating

Reserved space with a clear view of the event/activity for someone who is seated, good sound quality, and adequate manoeuvring room for a mobility device.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Universal washroom

Separate, individual washroom with adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, accessible sink with knee clearance, easy-to-use faucets and adult change table.

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are available, free of charge, or for rent.

Last updated: August 13, 2024