Fort York

This was a well respire in the middle of a bustling, modern city. They really should charge for this. I am amazed by how much is delivered for free. The entrance is a multi-media shock and awe experience that immerses one into the feel and chaos of the American invasion in 1813. It is interesting viewing and learning from the perspective of an American raised in a city steeped in the American Revolution. The War of 1812 was taught to us to as this inconvenience hiccup between our Founding Fathers and the Civil War. And yet over here in Toronto, it was a critical moment in the birth of Canada as we know it. We had the benefit of a slow day, so our tour guide onsite took time to provide so much context of what we are seeing. There was opportunity to try on even the replica clothing of the soldiers in the barracks and get a better sense of what it felt like to have been stationed there in the quotidien grind between battles and the like. A weicome encore were the tasty "daily cakes" in the "modern" kitchen of the officers' quarters. All in all, a welcome time.

We came to visit the Fort York National Historic Site in June 2022. Selected museums in Toronto are free and Fort York is one of them. It is interesting and fascinating to learn about the Fort York History and the war of 1812 (Battle for York). The buildings are open to public to walk in and to look at the artifacts. There are many canons outside to view. We do find that it is interesting how spread out the buildings are. You need about 1 hour to spend here if you want to see everything. It is not a huge museum but the museum itself is full of history and the war/Battle for York happened here. One of the things that B and I found interesting was back then the men must have been very short and small. It seems like their uniforms are quite small. But then there are these giant long rifles on display. So small men with big rifles? Another fascinating thing we found was the map of 1812 showed Fort York is by the water. We looked out today there is no water to be seen. Yes Toronto has expanded and the land was filled to allow population growth. Things have changed and the water was pushed. Very interesting and is definitely worth visiting.

I visited this historic site in 2018, after visits the Bentway. I know there is already a post of the Garrison common but there are no post on the actual exhibit Gallery featured inside thats free to access for all patrons. The museum has some featured interactive art, reason why I visited, and I beautiful feature of the British times and the aboriginal story within our region; just an education opportunity. There are lovely artifacts and you can navigate floor to floor, the place is stroller and wheel chair accessible and there are plenty of washroom access and sitting area making this location age accessible. My favourite feature is the War of 1812 and the Battle for York with the memories to see I just feel like I am transported to the text book stories I experience in elementary school history class. If you like movies, there is an Orientation Theatre that places on rotation with submersive audio visual experience. If you havent visited this place, please do, especially when you warm up from the Bentway during the winter. As well with the emergence of pay-for-entertainment during the pandemic, I thought to share a very free experience.