Since its founding in 1792, Niagara-on-the-Lake has been a major part of regional history.  Originally, the site of the old Indian village of Onghiara, Niagara-On-The-Lake was settled at the close of the American Revolution by Loyalists coming mainly from Upper New York State, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.  During the War of 1812, Fort George served as the headquarters for the Centre Division of the British Army. These forces included British regulars, local militia, aboriginal warriors, and Runchey's corps of freed slaves.  In 1813, Americans crossed the Niagara River and destroyed Niagara-on-the-Lake.  The town was rebuilt (and renamed) immediately afterwards, and has managed to avoid all but the most sympathetic of modifications ever since.

43 Castlereagh Street @ Davy Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake L0S 1J0
905-468-3912
Fax: 905-468-1728
E-mail: nhs@niagara.com

The Niagara Historical Society & Museum was founded in 1895 to encourage the study of Canadian History and Literature, to collect and preserve Canadian historical records and relics, and to build Canadian loyalty and patriotism.   The Niagara Historical Society & Museum houses one of the finest collections of early Canadian artifacts and archives. Visitors today are treated with one of the most extensive collections, reflecting the history of one of the oldest settlements in Ontario.

Open daily May-October, 10 am-5:30 pm and November-April, 1-5 pm.

Here, history is alive.  A visit to the site allows you not only to hear about history, but to actually experience the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of a garrison in the early 19th century. You can watch soldiers perform drill or listen to the music of the fife and drum corps as both prepare for battle on the Niagara frontier.  Inside Fort George your pulse will quicken, as you become caught up in the atmosphere of anxious preparations for war.  Time has stalled here.  It is the eve of the War of 1812, and the British Army still occupies the Fort. 

Fort George is the focus of the interpretation program for visitors to the Niagara Complex.  Each summer, staff in period uniform conduct activities typical of the garrison prior to the war.  If all this whets your historical appetite, there are lantern-light ghost tours of the fort - good fun with or without an apparition (May & June Sun 8.30pm; July & Aug Mon, Thurs & Sun 8.30pm; $5). Purchase tickets either in advance at the fort or from the guide at the beginning of the tour.

The fort is open April to October (daily 10am-5pm; $6)

Fort Mississauga is located on the grounds of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Golf Club. A pedestrian trail starts at the corner of Simcoe and Front streets and leads to the fort.  There are no visitor facilities or services at Fort Mississauga, and for safety reasons the public must remain on the marked trail at all times until inside the fort. The public must allow golfers to complete their shots before proceeding, and look carefully to ensure that the way is clear. Children should be attended at all times. No bicycles, scooters, roller blades, skateboards, or other vehicles are allowed.

The Niagara River formed a natural but contested border between the young American republic and British colonies expanding westward on the North American continent. Vigilantly defended from both shores, the Niagara frontier was the scene of key battles of the War of 1812, an era remembered today at Fort George and Queenston Heights.  Throughout July and August, the sounds of drumming and fifing echo inside the Fort's walls.  At Queenston Heights, the peaceful surroundings belie the intense battle between U.S. and British Forces which took place here. Brock's Monument marks the grave of the famous Major-General, Isaac Brock, who was killed in the crucial battle on the heights.

Queenston is also the site of the home of Canada's own Paul Revere, Laura Secord.  In 1813,  Laura Secord overheard Americans in her home planning to attack the British forces at Beaverdams.  Her legendary trek through 19 miles of forest and swamp to warn the British forces made her a Canadian heroine.  Her house has been restored to its 1803 form.

Queenston Heights Park is also a terminus point of the Bruce Trail, which winds it way northward over several hundred kilometres to Tobermory. This trail passes through the Niagara Escarpment, which has been recognized as a world biosphere by U.N.E.S.C.O. Finally, Parks Canada oversees the operation of Brock's Monument and also has a walking tour of the historic sites associated with this important battleground.  The park is a popular recreation area offering tennis, hiking, picnicking and 3 p.m. Sunday band concerts from the third Sunday in June through August. For the younger crowd there is a playground and a wading pool.

Sweeping vistas of the surrounding countryside can be seen from the top of the Niagara Escarpment, which dominates the park. Queenston Heights also is the eastern terminus of the 720-kilometre (447-mi.) Bruce Trail, which follows the escarpment to Tobermory, and the Niagara River Recreational Trail, which runs from Fort Erie to Niagara-on-the-Lake. Food is available. Park open daily 9-dusk. Free.

Located off Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) near Jordan, the Ball's Falls Historical site Encompassing 112 hectares (278 acres) along Twenty Mile Creek, the former 19th-century industrial hamlet now serves recreational and educational purposes.  Restored or relocated structures include a working gristmill, the first mill owner's family house, a lime kiln, two 1790s cabins, a fruit drying shed and an 1864 church. There also are replicas of a blacksmith shop, a carriage shed and a community bake oven. An arboretum, nature education center and hiking trails provide introductions to the area's diverse flora and fauna. Picnicking is permitted. Trails and outdoor conservation area open daily 8:30-4,

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum (located at the Hamilton International Airport off Hwy. 6) is called "Canada's Flying Museum." The history of Canadian military aviation is explained through a collection of more than 30 vintage aircraft from World War II to the jet age, most in flying condition. Included in the collection is the only operating Avro Lancaster in North America.  The museum, housed in a distinctive wing-shaped building, also contains interactive displays, flight simulators, a surround-sound theater, aircraft memorabilia and a robotic model of a Hawker Hurricane. Warbird rides are available for a fee. Flying exhibitions take place some weekends (weather and crews permitting). Food is available.  Their website is www.warplane.com.

The Hamilton Military Museum, dating from the 1830s, stands on the grounds of Dundurn National Historic Site. An extensive collection of military artifacts dating from the War of 1812 through World War I is exhibited.