THUNDER BAY – Fort William Historical Park (FWHP) is ready to welcome visitors for the 2025 summer season, opening its gates seven days a week beginning May 17, just in time for the Victoria Day long weekend.
Guests can experience the Fort William historic site, campground, Cantine Restaurant, and the Trading Post Gift Shop throughout the season.
Guided Tours, Canoe Adventures, and Heritage Experiences Await
From May 17 through June 30, visitors can explore the historic site by scheduled guided tours, offering an immersive glimpse into the fur trade era and Indigenous traditions.
Between July 2 and September 1, the park expands its programming, giving guests the freedom to explore at their own pace or join guided tours, plus enjoy a full roster of daily activities including:
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Canoeing on the Kaministiquia River
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Learning about Anishinaabe tools and technologies
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Musket firing demonstrations
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Visiting the working farm
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Sampling fresh-baked bread at the bakehouse
“Fort William Historical Park offers an incredible opportunity to explore the beauty of Northern Ontario while learning about our shared heritage,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “This year’s events blend fun, family-friendly activities with meaningful cultural experiences.”
Affordable Admission and Camping Options for Everyone
FWHP offers daily admission, as well as a Season Pass — providing year-round access for $50 per adult or $90 per family of four.
Admission is free for Indigenous Persons, Military Personnel and Veterans (with CFOne card or VSC), and Support Persons (with PAL card).
For details and ticket reservations, visit:
🌐 www.fwhp.ca/plan-your-visit/hours-admission
The campground opens May 16, offering serviced ($40+HST) and non-serviced ($25+HST) sites for both RVs and tents. Book your site at:
🌐 www.fwhp.ca/campground
Cantine Restaurant and Trading Post Gift Shop Opening May 17
Operated by The Chanterelle, the Cantine Restaurant opens daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with site admission required for entry.
The Trading Post Gift Shop, located in the Visitor Centre, opens daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., featuring unique gifts, souvenirs, artisan crafts, and heritage items.
“We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the globe to experience our interactive, educational, and entertaining summer season,” said Patrick Morash, General Manager of FWHP. “This is an incredible time to explore a place that shaped Canada’s future.”
Quick Facts About Fort William Historical Park
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Celebrated 50 years in 2023, welcoming millions of visitors since opening in 1973.
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Home to Fort William, one of North America’s largest living history sites, and the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, boasting one of Central Canada’s largest telescopes.
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Offers Indigenous cultural programming, festivals, education programs, day camps, weddings, conferences, and a scenic campground.
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Located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg of Anemki Wajiw (Thunder Mountain), Fort William First Nation, signatory to the Robinson-Superior Treaty of 1850.
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FWHP honours the contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Turtle Island.
Plan Your Visit
📞 Call: (807) 473-2344
🌐 Visit: www.fwhp.ca
📱 Follow on Facebook and Instagram: @FortWilliamHP
