I squeezed in a visit to Fort York before heading to the airport. It was a little bit of a walk from Stackt to get to the main entrance after crossing Bathhurst St over the train tracks. The park admission was free and they offered free tours at the top of the hour. I joined the first one of the day. I happened to be the only person and Natalia was a wealth of information. We covered the founding of the fort, the war of 1812, living conditions for soldiers and officers before transitioning to Katie in the kitchen. The kitchen tour covered the tools used, extensive menus sometimes prepared for the offices and even got to sample some gingerbread cookies baked over the open flamed fireplace. Both gave excellent presentations and i definitely recommend taking the tour versus walking around on your own. There were two buildings that were not included in the tour that I wandered through on my own. If limited with time then you must enter the No. 2 Center Blockhouse (per Natalia and my own experience). There were two floors filled with artifacts and explanations about the weapons (used by the fort and soldiers) and the different types of British soldiers and officers including Calvary, physician and musicians. There was even a room where you can listen to different bugle calls. A gravel path connected the buildings but it you wanted to see the walls, the well or magazine then you have to cross over grass. The grass was filled with poop from geese?? Learned a lot during my short visit. Well worth the time. At the end exit through the gift shop. read more

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After living in Toronto for so long, finally I can say I've been to this site. I've seen the area from being stuck in traffic on the Gardiner expressway, and noticed concerts being held there occasionally, and also have seen the Fort re-enactment scene in the Toronto-centric 2011 chick-flick "Take This Waltz" but can't say I've been there til now. The area leading up to it is mainly the space under the Gardiner. Over the last couple years that space has been cleaned up and put to use, rather than being a rubble dump. We drove there, entering the general area, now called The Bentway, exiting Spadina via Fort York Boulevard and turned right at the Canadian Forces building which isn't well-marked on maps just yet. The road leading in to the parking lot is one of those pedestrian-friendly roads that encourage cars to take it easy and share the road with little definition between cars and pedestrians, making eye-contact a normal thing between the two. To the left was what later turned out to be an outdoor dance-party, with plenty of Green-P parking to the right. It looked like the parking was 24-hours so even though it was tempting to not pay, it is probably a good idea, and the hourly rates are cheap. Along the parking lot on the north side of the Gardiner is a part of the National Historic Site, a building that stretches a long way. It was closed when we went, and only open during the daytime. Since we were there for an outdoor movie, that didn't matter anyway so we continued around the building walking to the east end of it where there are outdoor stairs to the park. The pop-up movie was so much fun! For starters I relished the sensation of being in a large empty field, surrounded by the concrete canyon, bordered by the Gardiner, strung along like patio lanterns through the tall condos bordering the lake which is obscured by all the city structures. That was not a problem as we were there to watch a movie and it was getting dark. Not too dark, mind you, since this area is surrounded by plenty of artificial lighting as well as a magnificently large view of the sky and all that. Just lying on the ground looking up was unbelievable given the location. I'm more used to having things up close and personal whenever downtown and this was quite the opposite. The movie, put on by Toronto Outdoor Picture Show (TOPS and FRIENDS) topictureshow.com/2021 has admission by advance tickets only. That night it was a Bollywood classic, a story about a wedding. I loved the rich colours, and from one scene, "No I don't want white tents, what is this, a funeral??". "He wants the traditional colored tents!!" "OK, no problem." The screen was a blow up deal like a bouncy castle, and was a pleasure to watch, and if I got bored I simply looked up at the beautifully textured clouds in the sky highlighted by the setting sun, just gorgeous. And the soundtrack was belting out sizzling sitar and booming bongos, from a kickass PA system that was clear and solid, cranked up nicely for us. I ran back to my vehicle, where luckily I had an air mattress and sleeping bag from recently camping which made the longish movie a much better treat being cozy and warm. Standard swag, popcorn, sweets, and good craft beer were available by credit card at the snack booth on site. Highly recommended!! read more

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Fort York was built in 1793 by the British Army and Canadian militia to protect the new settlement of Toronto and its harbor from the threat of military attack. Who would want to fight the colony of Upper Canada and its English patrons? You need look no further than the War of 1812 for the answer. In 1813 the United States invaded and commenced the Battle of York. The newly independent nation to the south wanted the British out of North America, and imagined that Canada would look great as part of a true continental USA. Manifest Destiny went north as well as west in those days. No wonder the First Nations sided with those north of the St. Lawrence River, who supported the native American desire for their own land free of outside interference. American troops won the day, but took heavy casualties when the retreating soldiers blew up the gunpowder magazine. Still, for five days, the U.S. Army looted and burned the capital of Upper Canada, until forced to leave because of lost men and exhausted supplies. The fort was rebuilt and reinforced to fend off more raids. Who won the War of 1812? After the British occupied Washington, D.C. and burned the White House in 1814, it would be hard to say it was the United States. The peace treaty that ended hostilities left the impression that the entire conflict was a draw. The Canadians don't see it that way, because had they lost, they would be part of the United States. For them, the war was their victory. Hard to argue with that. Fort York was originally constructed on the edge of Lake Ontario, but reclamation of the land beneath the shallow water in that area has been extensive, and it now sits several hundred meters from water. Still, with its redoubts, cannon, breastwork, barracks and new visitors center, the entire National Historic Site provides an interesting insight into the geopolitical and military history of Canada. It is worthwhile to spend a few hours sitting for the introductory video in the Center, and then walking the grounds and buildings. The barracks in particular have been renovated to accurately reflect their functionality in the early 19th Century. Their kitchens, dining rooms, bunks, and officers' quarters capture what it must have been like to be a soldier and his family in those days. There were family quarters for those with wife and child. Guided tours are available throughout the day from uniformed actors dressed in the army garb of the day. We saw them leading groups of people through the fort, but were never in the right place to join them. Even without their narrative, we thought the experience was very good. Fort York is very near Kensington Market. Parking is free and ample. Everyone working there is friendly and quite knowledgeable. Free information brochures with map available. Modest entry fee. read more

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With many parts of parks being closed, and popular parks as a whole being intimidating to stroll through, I've felt pretty lost. I'm a city girl and concrete jungles don't bug me, but lately I've come to realize I need nature in my life! I've never thought so much about how I adore every green nook and cranny Toronto has to offer. I will never take Toronto's leafy hipster havens for granted again. Thank goodness for Fort York: Garrison Common. This space is huge, so you can easily and safely walk through, run around, bike through, take selfies with the CN tower, etc. etc. etc. I've biked down to Fort York twice recently, and both times it's reminded me of great concerts and food events, and the natural surroundings just calm me the hell down. You should check it out if you, too, feel a bit trapped. Just please stay two metres away from my family. :) read more

This review is not based on the historical aspect or the Museum itself. But how the ground was utilized to host cultural, arts, family and culinary events. The location is quite accessible by TTC as Streetcar 509 stop right at the entrance. Fort York though now surrounded by condo developments still have a decent view and since the ground has a lot of open space. I would be back if any organizer host other events that would be of interest to me. And next time, I would even come back to visit the Museum. read more

Fort York: Garrison Common - Museums Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

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The tour was every hour on the hour and the tour was approximately 30 minutes. The tour was great. Lots of information and even opened the floor for questions. The end of tour there was information about recipes the cooks made like cinnamon water and another recipe with strawberries. We were able to taste the cinnamon water but the strawberry drink had a lot of preparation to go through by hand so we weren't able to. There are plenty of buildings to tour through and learn information about Fort York. End and beginning is at the Gift Shop. read more

Fort York is a charming piece of history, especially now that they have the new visitor's centre. Walking through the darkened hallways made up to look like forests, as the loud boom of canons explode around you, really allows for history to come alive. It's also a strong way to get visitors into the right mindset before entering the fort. It's a great place to walk around, and enjoy a day. There are also picnic tables to enjoy pack lunches, and coffee for sale at reasonable prices. It's exciting to walk around all the different buildings. My toddler enjoyed roaming the open spaces, as well as making his way through the many halls in the different block forts, and magazines. The only downside is that there is little professionally led activities or experiences, and there are so few people that visit the fort that it almost feels like it exists just for you. Which isn't always a bad thing. It's disappointing that the fort is no longer on the water, but that's just blaming the history of the city, rather than the place itself. MAPS passes at the library can almost always be found for free entry to the fort for you and your family. read more

The last time I was at Fort York, was when I was in Grade 8 for an overnight school trip here. We spent a day, living and eating as an early settler. This time, I was here as part of the Old Toronto Beer Tour, visiting the museum and the barracks and officers cabin. We learned a little bit of history about Toronto and how it relates to beer. The fort wasn't too busy thanks to the weather so it kind of felt that the fort was only opened for us. I think the time spent here was appropriate (roughly an hour) as more, it would have been boring. I believe that there's guided tours, if you want through Fort York. Recommended for a visit to learn about Toronto's history. read more

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Fort York is a really charming and fun sightseeing destination, and a nice low-key break from the busyness of Toronto. You begin by going through a small interpretive centre, and watching an introductory movie. I'd recommend taking the time to do the movie, it's brief and really well done. The interpretive centre is set up to feel like you are walking through a battle, and is one of the most interactive and interesting historical sites I have visited. Once you go through the interpretive center, you exit on to a park ground (this confused me a little), and then walk across to the entrance to the Fort, where they check your wristband for proof of payment. Fort York presents an interesting slice of life of Toronto in the early 1800s, and the free guided tour helped put a lot of what I was looking at in context. I also thought it was neat to look at all the skyscrapers and highways that have grown around this small plot of historically protected land. It didn't take me long to explore the entire Fort, including the guided tour (~1.5 hours), and I looked at and read pretty much everything. It may take longer if it is busy, but there was only one other family there while I was walking around. There's an adorable little gift shop with unique souvenirs, and some small snacks and sundries if needed. I would have liked more content in some of the buildings, but overall I felt it was worth my visit, and I enjoyed it. read more

This is a review for the park, not the historic site. Kinda strange that there is not a separate entry for the museum. The park itself is very interesting. It contains the remains of a 19th century garrison cemetery as well as unmarked American burials from the battle of York. There is lots of space for dogs to run around and its quite nice on a spring afternoon. Also this spot also does concerts and outdoor shows in the summer, so look on Fort York's website to see whats on. read more

I consider myself a history buff. That being said, this establishment does an excellent job immersing you in the experience of the time period. There are several employees dressed in 1800's attire, as well as soldiers in uniform. We got to see them fire one of the cannons as well as do the lowering of the flag. As an American visiting Canada, it was interesting seeing the other side to the war of 1812. Entry was only $14, a price well worth paying to be a part of this experience. I recommend this place to any other history lovers. read more

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There were drive in movies and now there are outdoor movies. We went to Fort York for an outdoor movie. It was outside on a field of grass. All you had to do was bring lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on, and snacks/drinks. The area was quite large and was able to seat a large group of people comfortably (300+). Also washrooms were in close proximity which usually isn't the case at times. We watched Jurassic Park which was a movie I haven't seen in quite a while. The Movie started at dusk and went on through out the evening. Once it got really dark, you could see the beautiful buildings of downtown Toronto. The CN Tower was especially beautiful with it's bright lights that alternated colours throughout the night. Although we were here for purposes other then viewing historical monuments, Fort York was great. Overall if the weather is great, you will likely enjoy being in that environment. read more

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This Mueseum/Historic Site is near the Exhibition place area. If one doesn't follow the signs it can be misleading as the address for it has changed (its 250 Fort York now even though most of the printed material and street signs still refer to the old Address 100 Garrison). Location is accessible easily as its a street car ride and a little walk from the main hub. Initial impression without even getting to the place was odd as no one picks up the phone! I called within business hours after checking on the website. When I arrived I even inquired about this bizarre approach to customer service and didn't get a proper answer. The land it occupies is decent sized but unfortunately there isn't much to do or see IMO. Just some military barracks. The saving grace is the LIVE show which reenacts the military maneuvers of the 18th century. This are blank shots fired and even some canon blasts replete with smoke and military calls. Actually it explained the thuds I have heard when I have walked in this area always wondering what that noise was about (I am not sure how the people who live around here now think of it but I guess its the price you pay for trying to live near a lake). There is a bit of insight on how things were kept at that time but if one takes out the show I would say not even an hours worth of stuff to see, read more

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A little bit of Canadian colonial history right downtown. I took a stroll through this place when I took a wrong turn during my jog and ended up learning a lot about the history of Toronto (aka York) and some battles against Americans and even when the current coastline and the islands in Lake Ontario will created. Apparently on some days they have tours and reenactments of some kind. It offers period rooms according to the website but, but I don't know what's in any of those buildings or which ones are original and which have been added, but I'll probably go back when I'm not in the middle of exercising to find out. It's small and there isn't much doing on... I guess even on a good day. Rather blah as far as historic sites go because it looks totally restored...like it never saw a battle even though it was a pivotal point in three attacks on the area during the war of 1812. It's always kinda cool to see 200-year old buildings, but it was not the highlight of my day actually. Anyway, it's right there off Bathurst so maybe check it out when you're in the area. read more

Fort York: Garrison Common - From: http://www.visit1812.com/historic-sites/FortYork.html - Museums Near Me - Toronto, Ontario

What a lovely place!! I love how smack down in the middle of the city the commons are, surrounded by highways, construction and homeless men with needles is a little piece of tranquil paradise, WITH porta potties?!?! LOVEZ. Went here for TURF (F**K YES TORONTO - YOU GO GIRL. So proud of my city). Everyone was super friendly, the staff was probably just hired for the festival so I can't speak for whatever this place is when it's not a music venue? But as far as the festival goes, they had free water, security, +19 hand bands, the acoustics were pretty solid for an outdoor venue. Grass was green, sun was shiny, trains were hooting and we were partying in the middle of all this concrete and fast shuffling business men. Great memories, if you can see a show here I highly recommend. If TURF is here next year, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend. Hell, go for all 4 days it's seewwww worth it. Mingle with the hipsterest of them all. And me, fresh from my 9-5. It's lovely. Thank you, Toronto. Your mayor is a fat pig but you sure know how to throw a rockin, eco-friendly outdoor jam. read more

You know how you live in a city, and never really go to any of its sites or museums? I don't want to be that guy, and I can literally see Fort York from my balcony, so this week I popped by to poke around. Fact: Fort York is Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings! This place is often busiest on holidays such as Canada Day, but on a random Monday afternoon, it was very quiet. They did have uniformed British soldiers here to lower the flag at 4:30 in a formal ceremony, so that was neat. The families attending seemed to enjoy it. They can also take cool pictures of you with an 1812 cannon and that kind of thing. They have a schedule of presentations and tours that are conducted multiple times daily. The exhibits of the soldier's quarters and officers' quarters was very cool (if you enjoy re-created homes, complete with dishes and furniture). The archaeological information in the basement was very neat, and signs are posted in 6 other languages. Fact: Fort York was used as a military training facility until the 1930s! The artifacts on display in a couple of the buildings however were really shabby - not the artifacts themselves, but the actual signage and display cases. I mean, this is the ONLY museum I have ever been to where Bizarro comics are IN the artifact cases. A couple things were actually school projects, for real. Yay for involving the community, but boo for it looking a bit tacky and waaay tired. I am going to give this place 4 *, because it is very interesting, well cared for, centrally located, and they are currently in the process of developing a new visitors centre, which will overhaul the somewhat disappointing displays. read more

Came to Fort York for National Aboriginal Day. Pleasant atmosphere and smiling faces. Music was playing and the weather was perfect to sit and listen to the melodic singing. Different booths set up to celebrate Canada's 150, which was appropriate because we were surrounded by history and culture. read more

An excellent gem attraction nestled in the heart of shinier buildings in downtown Toronto. It's easy to miss the fort, tucked away near the Exposition Centre and blocks from the CN Tower. But when you step inside, you're transported to an exurban park that feels miles from the skyline just across the street, with none of the activity surrounding the fort. (Those walls still keep out intrusions!) The grounds have been excellently maintained and buildings preserved. They have nearly completed their new visitor's centre facility, so unfortunately a few displays were not yet ready, but the rest of it is well worth the $9. Not in the least to walk into the block tower and pretend you're protecting Toronto from tourists. read more

Very well worth a visit. Excellent and knowledgeable guide. Great demonstrations of music, muskets and cannon. A real gem tucked between the railway and the Expressway. Very good visitor centre as well. read more

I think it is amazing how much we as Canadians / Torontonians don't know about where we reside. It is perhaps not the MOST outwardly interesting places simply because there is not a lot of razzle tazzle. I personally may hold an event there just to get more people people to this significantly historic place. read more

This was a great way to spend an hour. Torontonians who know more about the history of Montreal or Quebec or Halifax should check this place out. Especially if you like old military stuff, this place is great. I mean, it's no Vauban castle, but it's *Local*. Right? read more

Went to mad decent concert at garrison commons at Fort York. The line up was stacked and should have been a good show. But instead the volume was so low you could chat in the audience and be louder than the music. Then at 11pm sharp the power was cut and the show was stopped. If you're planning on going to Fort York for a show, plan to be disappointed overall. A waste of money and time. read more

I went to the Block Party 2014 here last night. I've been to lots of different concerts at lots of different venues (10 + in last 2 years). Last night was by far the worst experience I've had at any venue! The concert itself, was amazing, but signs were misleading to get in and security were just ***holes, to put it bluntly. I missed half the concert because the lines to get in moved so slowly (2.5 hour wait)!!! I will never be going back to this venue again! read more