Seth A.
Yelp
My primary goal for visiting Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada was to check out 130-foot tall "Niagra of the North"...Kakabeka Falls.
Since I had free time afterwards and still searching for more places to discover...Fort William Historical Park looked like a worthwhile place to finish out a fun filled day in Thunder Bay.
Fort William Park lies 24 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of Kakabeka Falls.
I arrived at 4pm back in early June and thought I could walk the grounds at my own leisure and learn some history about the park.
But entering inside the Visitor Center, you actually are required to sign up for a guided tour. That's the only way to see things.
Fortunately, I was able to grab the last remaining tour for the day at 4pm. It lasted 1 hour long till 5pm, when Fort William closes.
And according to Google, Fort William is open Monday - Friday from 10am - 5pm. They are closed on weekends.
It is $15.82 entrance fee - Canadian, or just under $12 US.
Coming to Fort William blindly, I knew nothing about what to expect about the visit other than being a park fanatic.
Plus, upon entering Canada from the nearby border with Minnesota, the Ontario Welcome Center mentioned this place as being a popular Thunder Bay attraction.
In my own words, Fort William Historical Park is the preservation of land that once was the epicenter for 1800's Canadian fur traders.
The park recreates early Thunder Bay indigenous peoples' lives. Stories are resurrected detailing how natives used locally sourced materials from the land to prosper. These recounts exhibit human relationships coexisting and thriving among an everchanging landscape of peoples.
Now, lol, according to fwhp.ca..."Fort William is an accurate re-creation of the fur trade era inland headquarters of the North West Company. Each summer, French-Canadian voyageurs, Scottish businessmen, Indigenous Peoples, and others from around the world gather at Fort William for the Great Rendezvous to discuss business, share news and renew friendships".
Being from the USA, I had no expectations. And even though I was unfamiliar with any Canadian history, I still appreciated the cultures and stories while being transported back in time.
Over the 1-hour tour, the guide takes visitors around the working farm, inside cabin buildings and shares details from life back when.
The tour ends back at the Visitor Center. There's a small gift shop to purchase souvenirs before leaving.
Overall, the experience was an interesting way to catch a glimpse into early Canadian life. I'm glad I made the effort to stop by. Thank you, Fort William, for having me.