Step back in time when you visit this historic fort located in Kingston, Ontario. Fort Henry in Kingston has a history that is rich and you’ll be able to experience what life was like at the fort. Once inside the wooden gates, you’ll enter the 19th century military life through guided tours, scenic views, heart-pounding musical performances and precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard (a highly disciplined group of university student recruits trained as British soldiers from 1867).

You will also see people representing the civilian population of Fort Henry as schoolteachers and soldiers' wives. Here’s a little history: Fort Henry was built from 1832 to 1837 to replace an existing fortification from the War of 1812 era.  The Fort protected the naval dockyard at Point Frederick, the entrance of the Rideau Canal and the town of Kingston, which was the major trans-shipment point along the supply route between Montreal or Ottawa and all points west.

The British Army garrisoned Fort Henry until 1870 when Queen Victoria's troops were pulled out of Canada. Soon after, "A" Battery, School of Gunnery, followed by "B" Battery, took up residence in the Fort and remained there until 1891. During World War I, Fort Henry was superficially repaired and used as an internment camp for political prisoners.

Following the war, Fort Henry fell into complete disrepair. However, it was restored from in 1938 as a joint Federal / Provincial work project costing over $1 million. The Fort was opened as a museum and historic site "in the name of all British soldiers who served there.” During World War II, Fort Henry became Camp 31, a Prisoner of War camp for enemy merchant seamen, soldiers, sailors and airmen.

Reopened in 1948, Fort Henry has seen millions of visitors pass through its gates to watch the internationally acclaimed Fort Henry Guard perform.  Fort Henry greets visitors from all around the world and also plays host to numerous special ceremonies and events that take place all season long.

You can see much of Fort Henry in two or three hours, plus time to stop for lunch (or dinner on weekends). Many of the Fort Henry's special events occur in the evening, outside of the regular daytime programming.

Fort Henry Hours of Operation:

May - October
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Daily

Fort Henry Admission Costs:

Fort Henry Kingston Day Programs (Monday - Sunday 10:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.)
Category	May 21-Sept. 3	Sept. 4-Oct. 1
Adult	11.14	9.66
Seniors	10.15	8.67
Student (13 - 18 years of age)	8.91	7.67
Child (5 to 12 years of age)	5.69	4.95
Child (2 to 4 years of age)	1.98

Fort Henry Kingston Sunset Ceremonies
Adult	16.95
Seniors	15.95
Student (13 - 18)	13.95
Child (5 - 12)	10.25
Child (2 - 4)	2
Group Rate (15 or more)	14.62

All fees in Canadian dollars. GST is extra. Fees subject to change without notice. Further discount of rates based on volumes

Fort Henry Sunset Ceremonies

It may be a typical, mid-week Wednesday night to you, but it is Kingston’s biggest, most spectacular evening in July and August. And it’s an event not to be missed.

Imagine 75 uniformed interpreters in the depths of a 19th century citadel, formed up and poised with drums, bugles, fifes, rifles, bayonets, flags, Armstrong Guns, gun powder… ready to ignite an explosive hour and a half evening performance. Oh yes… and a goat! All of this preparation and activity is for the award winning Fort Henry National Historic Site World Famous Sunset Ceremonies.

The Thin Red Line. As solid as the foundation they march on. Fort Henry Crimson called to order by the bugle, fife and drum. Eyes and bayonets fixed. The enemy dead ahead. Snider Enfields afire and cannons ablaze. All senses tell you it’s 1867.

There is no performance like it in Canada, and Fort Henry's Sunset Cermenonies has been named as one of Ontario’s Top 50 events. It is an historic interpretation of the music, drill and artillery practices of the 1860s British army, performed entirely by college and university students. For many of these students, it’s the first time on a parade square. Training is intense and rigorous in preparation for the Sunset Ceremonies, which commence the first Wednesday night in July. The world-famous Fort Henry Sunset Ceremony Series is presented each Wednesday evening throughout July and August. Sunsets are, during the season, one of the more popular and well attended events at Fort Henry Kingston.

The evening performance begins with the heart-pounding music of the Fort Henry Drums, playing traditional military tunes of the era. Then the Drill Squad emerges from the arch, demonstrating a variety of marching and rifle tactics. And then the battle begins.

The Guard charges to one end of the Parade Square and begins firing the Snider Enfields. They are joined by the Artillery Squad and the Armstrong Guns on wheeled carriages. Then the Artillery detachment climbs the narrow stairs to the East Battery ready to unleash the mighty cannons. After the last gun is fired, after the Last Post is Played, after the entire Fort Henry Guard leave the Parade Square, the sounds of Rule Britannia play and the sky over Fort Henry is ignited by a spectacular fireworks finale.

You will definitely want to plan your visit so that your senses can savour the Sunset. Kingston Fort Henry Sunset Cermonies Admission prices are Adults $16.95; Seniors $15.95; Students (13-18) $13.95; Children (5-12) $10.25 and (2-4) $2.

Fort Henry Kingston Location:

Fort Henry is located in the City of Kingston, in Eastern Ontario, centrally located between the cities of Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Fort Henry overlooks Lake Ontario, and is located on County Road 2, just east of the downtown core of Kingston. From Highway 401, take Exit 623 (County Road 15) south to the end and turn right on County Road 2. A left turn at the next traffic lights puts you at the Fort's information centre. As you continue up the hill towards the Fort, you will notice the buildings of the Royal Military College to your right, on the opposite bank of Navy Bay.

The Fort Henry parking lot is on the crest of the hill.