Fort York Garrison Common

Fall/Winter/Spring (September – June)

Fort York is open year round, and visitors are welcome at all times. This time of year, the fort is very busy with special programmes for booked groups. These programs last from one hour to two days, and are designed for students from kindergarten to grade twelve. Education programmes provide a fun and exciting way for students to learn about their nation's history. For further information call the fort at 416-392-6907.
The special event highlight for the winter season is the March Break programme. Watch the Events section for further information and more exciting events to come.

Summer Months (July/August)

Each summer the fort comes alive with activity. There is something for everyone, from the enthusiastic history buff to a family on an afternoon outing. Fort York is a great value for visitors looking to have a good time and learn something about Toronto's rich history. Some of the summer highlights include:

Don't miss out on the summer's fantastic special events including Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Simcoe Day. For more information on these and other events check the Events section of this site.

Directions

Getting to Fort York Is EasyFort York directions map 2017
Fort York National Historic Site is located northeast of the Exhibition Place grounds on Fort York Boulevard. The recently completed Visitor Centre is our new front door and is located at 250 Fort York Boulevard. Look for the big red Fort York sign on Fort York Blvd.

By Car

From Gardiner Expressway eastbound

Take the Jameson exit off the Gardiner Expressway to Lakeshore Boulevard. Continue eastbound on Lakeshore Boulevard, past Exhibition Place, turning left on Fort York Boulevard. North on Fort York Boulevard past Fleet Street. The parking lot is in front of our Visitor Centre, under the Gardiner Expressway, located at 250 Fort York Boulevard. Metered parking; $1.00 per half hour.

From Gardiner Expressway westbound

Take the Spadina exit off the Gardiner Expressway and continue westbound on Lakeshore Boulevard. Turn right at Fort York Boulevard and continue north past Fleet Street. The parking lot is in front of our Visitor Centre, under the Gardiner Expressway, located at 250 Fort York Boulevard. Metered parking; $1.00 per half hour.

Parking while visiting Fort York

Additional Green P parking is available at the corner of Fleet Street and Strachan Avenue. Access this Green P lot via the westbound lane of Fleet Street and turn right onto Garrison Road (Garrison Road is marked by the ‘Old Fort York’ archway). This parking lot can also be accessed from Strachan Avenue. Once parked, visitors can walk along Fleet Street to Fort York Boulevard to the Visitor Centre entrance.

Parking at Special Events

In most cases there will be limited or no public parking available on site during large special events (concerts, festivals). Attendees are encouraged to use transit, bike, and walk to special events.

Carpark 266 – 250 Fort York Blvd – "Carpark 266" – surface parking – 49 spaces
Carpark 271 – 800 Fleet St – "Carpark 271" – surface parking – 132 spaces

By transit

From Bathurst Station (Bloor Street Subway)

On Line 2, take the Bathurst 511 “Exhibition” bus southbound. Exit at Fleet Street and Bastion Street stop. Walk north along Bastion Street to Fort York Boulevard. Cross the Fort York Boulevard and walk west along Fort York Boulevard to the Visitor Centre.

From Union Station (Line 1)

At Union Station take the 509 Harbourfront streetcar westbound towards the CNE Exhibition grounds on Fleet Street. Exit streetcar at Fleet Street and Fort York Boulevard stop. Walk north to the Visitor Centre.

From the north-east corner of Front St. W. and Bay St.

Take the 121 Fort York-Esplanade bus westbound towards the CNE Exhibition grounds, exit at Fort York Boulevard and Fleet street and walk north to the Visitor Centre.

From Eglinton West Station (63 Ossington Bus)

At Eglinton West Station, board the 63 Ossington Bus Southbound. Proceed southbound to Strachan Avenue, south of King Street. Exit the bus at Strachan Avenue and East Liberty Street and walk south towards the Strachan Avenue stairs at the west end of Fort York.

From Exhibition GO Station

From Exhibition GO Station take the 509 Harbourfront OR 511 Bathurst Streer streetcar and exit streetcar at Fleet Street and Fort York Boulevard stop. Walk north on the west side of Fort York Blvd to the Fort York Visitor Centre.

By Bike

Bike parking is to be installed at the Fort York Visitor Centre, fall 2015. Cyclists are encouraged to use bike rings on the south side of Fort York Boulevard until permanent installations are complete.

From King and Bathurst

From King Street, ride south on Bathurst Street towards Lake Ontario. Cross the Bathurst (Sir Isaac Brock) Bridge and turn right onto Fort York Boulevard to the Visitor Centre (250 Fort York Boulevard).

From King and Strachan

From King Street ride south on Strachan Avenue towards the lake. Turn left at Fleet Street and follow to Fort York Boulevard. Turn left on Fort York Boulevard and ride east to the Visitor Centre.

From the Martin Goodman Trail

At Lakeshore Boulevard and Strachan Avenue exit the trail and ride north on Strachan to Fleet Street. Turn right at Fleet Street and follow to Fort York Boulevard. Turn left on Fort York Boulevard and ride north to the Visitor Centre.

Bicycle Parking at Special Events

Many large-scale events (concerts, festivals) will have additional bike parking. Please check with the event for more information on special event bike parking.

By Foot

From King and Bathurst

From King Street walk south on Bathurst Street towards Lake Ontario. Cross the Bathurst (Sir Isaac Brock) Bridge, turn right onto Fort York Boulevard and continue to the Visitor Centre (250 Fort York Boulevard).

From King and Strachan

From King Street walk south on Strachan Avenue towards Lake Ontario. Visitors may either take the Strachan stairs through the Garrison Common to Fort York, or continue south along Strachan Avenue to Fleet Street. Turn left on Fleet Street, left to Fort York Boulevard and then walk north to the Visitor Centre.
Please note: Stairs are steep and not maintained in the winter.

Accessibility

Fort York is committed to providing access for visitors to as many areas of the site as possible. All walkways within the 7-acre walled site are asphalt surfaced and are wheelchair accessible. Some exhibits require walking up or down stairs. The Stone Magazine and the Brick Magazine are not wheelchair accessible. The pathway in the Strachan Ave. cemetary is a packed gravel surface and of limited use for wheelchairs while access to the restored fortification features such as walls, ditches, and dry moats are not wheelchair accessible.

We will provide portable ramps for any edges that need to be negotiated through doorways and assist special needs guests with ramp placement. In cases where a guest can not access a space, we will provide an interpretive overview upon request (person to person).

Guide dogs and hearing dogs are welcome. Seating can be found in a number of exhibits, outside many of the structures, and in the picnic table area. All washrooms are special needs accessible. Public access washrooms are located in the Visitor Centre, South Soldiers' Barracks, the lower floor of the Blue Barracks. The Blue Barracks washroom is accessible via an elevator. Water fountains are located outside and only available seasonally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know to have the best possible visit to Fort York?

Fort York is the site where the British founded modern, urban Toronto in 1793, the place where the battle of York came to its violent climax in 1813 during the War of 1812, the position of the city's primary harbour defence between the 1790s and the 1880s, and the home of a military garrison until the 1930s. Today, its defensive walls enclose Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings. Every year, thousands of people visit the site to explore its fascinating history and enjoy its public programmes. You will get the most out of your visit by taking a tour of the site and it's Georgian era structures.

How much does it cost to visit?

"Adults: $14.00, Seniors (65+): $10.00, Youth (13–18 yrs,): $8.00, Children (6–12 yrs.): $6.00, Children (5 and under): FREE
Groups of 10 or more: Please contact fort staff at 416-392-6907.
(all prices include applicable taxes and are in Canadian dollars) Please see Rates and Admissions for details."

Does the museum accept credit cards?

Yes, we accept AMEX, MasterCard, Visa, and debit cards.

How long does it take to visit?

Guests should allow at least 2 hours for their visit to Fort York.

What are the museum's operating hours?

Fort York is open year-round, seven days a week, closed over the Christmas holiday season. For further information select operating hours or call 416-392-6907 for details.

Where should I park?

There is limited accessible and public parking in front of the Fort York Visitor Centre at 250 Fort York Blvd. Additional Green P parking is available at the corner of Fleet Street and Strachan Avenue. Access this Green P lot via the westbound lane of Fleet Street and turn right onto Garrison Road (Garrison Road is marked by the ‘Old Fort York’ archway). This parking lot can also be accessed from Strachan Avenue. Once parked, visitors can walk along Fleet Street to Fort York Boulevard to the Visitor Centre entrance.

How will I know where to go once I arrive?

Once parked, visitors can walk along Fleet Street to Fort York Boulevard to the Visitor Centre entrance. Visitors arriving via the East gate are advised to make their way (via a map) to our admissions desk at the Canteen Museum Store. Depending on the time of year and staffing complement, different tours and introductions are offered. When staffing allows, a Casual Visitor Tour is offered (about 40 min.). On busy days, a general introduction is offered (about 15 min.). Staff members are available to answer your questions or suggest alternate routes suitable to your needs and interests.

How much walking will I have to do?

Visiting Fort York requires easy walking over fairly even terrain. Some structures and exhibits require walking up or down stairs.

How difficult is it to get around?

Most visitors will find Fort York fairly easy to access. All walkways within the 7-acre walled site are asphalt surface and are wheelchair accessible. The pathway in the Strachan Ave. cemetery is a packed gravel surface and of limited use for wheelchairs. For further information see our Accessibility section.

Are there places to sit throughout Fort York?

Yes. There are benches on the walkways outside the Canteen Museum Store and adjacent to buildings off pathways. There are also picnic tables on site.

Can I bring a stroller?

Yes, strollers are welcome at Fort York and are easy to navigate throughout most of the site.

Is there a best time to visit?

Fort York is open year-round and each season has something unique to offer — heritage gardens, military & musket drill, music demonstrations, special events such as Ghosts of the Garrison. Fort York offers seasonal guided tours to explore the fort's eight historic structures, its defensive works, and its exhibits. During the school year, many school children take part in our educational programs.

What should I wear during my visit?

Fort York is mainly an outdoor site with walking required between locations. Seasonal attire is recommended.

How do I find out about what is going on at Fort York?

Fort York offers interactive experiences daily. There are also special events during the season. Please see our Events Listing for information about these special programmes.

Can I film, photograph, or record my visit when on-site?

Yes. We encourage you to take photographs or use video cameras for your own use. Due to safety, security, and privacy issues, guests are asked to notify interpretive staff of their intent to film or record interpretive and animation experiences. Commercial filming, photography, and recording are granted by permission only and must be approved in advance of visit. Staff can connect interested parties with the City's Film Liaison Office, and/or Toronto Culture.

Is there a shop at Fort York?

Yes, the Canteen Museum Store presents a wide selection of gifts and educational materials. Shopping with us will provide you with some unique and desirable items while supporting the museum. Proceeds from sales help fund our educational programmes and museum exhibits.

What else is there to do in and around the City of Toronto?

There is much to do in and around Toronto. Many visitors spend a number of days visiting Toronto, not only Fort York, but also the many shops, restaurants, attractions, and cultural institutions in the area. For a listing of what to see and do, go to www.torontoclubs.com