Fort Henry

The historic site of Fort Henry is located on Point Henry in Kingston, an elevated point next to the mouth of Cataraqui River, before it flows into the St. Lawrence River at the east end of Lake Ontario.

Fort Henry and Point Henry were named after Henry Hamilton, former Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Quebec. Initially, the fort was established during the War of 1812. It was constructed to protect the naval dockyard at Point Frederick and to monitor maritime traffic on the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. The Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard is present-day Royal Military College of Canada.

The original fort was reinstituted between 1832 and 1837 to replace an existing fortification from the War of 1812 era. The naval dockyard and the southern entrance to the Rideau Canal's defenses were strengthened by this new construction.

For up-to-date information and details on Fort Henry, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public hallways that are wide enough to allow people using wheelchairs and other mobility devices to move easily through the building.

Universal washroom

Separate, individual washroom with adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, accessible sink with knee clearance, easy-to-use faucets and adult change table.

Support persons welcome

Support persons are welcome to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or access to facilities. Please check with the organization about entry fees, if applicable.

Service animals welcome

Service animal can be identified by visual indicators (guide dog or other animal wearing a vest/harness); or documentation available from a regulated health professional to confirm the animal is required due to a disability.

Accessible washroom

An accessible washroom stall has adequate manoeuvring room for mobility devices. Includes grab bars, transfer space, accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an accessible entrance.

Accessible seating

Reserved space with a clear view of the event/activity for someone who is seated, good sound quality, and adequate manoeuvring room for a mobility device.

Accessible restaurant

Accessible entrance; adequate manoeuvring room; accessible washroom nearby. Tables with removable chairs and adequate knee clearance. Cafeteria/buffet counters reachable for mobility device users.

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking space with a safe, clearly marked accessible route from the designated parking area to an accessible building entrance.

Accessible entrances/exits

A sufficiently wide, hard surfaced, unobstructed path, no steps or equipped with ramp connecting to a public entrance or exit and identified by signage. Automatic door openers, adequate manoeuvring room in front of door.

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are available, free of charge, or for rent.

More about Fort Henry

Witness precision military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard. There are many guided, fun tours to choose from. Enjoy the scenic natural settings, eat delectable foods, and shop at Kingston’s newest shopping district in The Trade Square.

Their famous Ghost Tour is a one-of-a-kind, where you get to explore Fort Henry in a spooky way. The guided explanation of various tragic history and incidents like the hanging of Nils Von Schoultz, the secret of Deadman’s Bay and different supernatural encounters will make your late night tours even more special.

Dine on Kingston's largest waterfront patio that overlooks Lake Ontario, the Royal Military College and the City of Kingston. You can take a walk through their museum, where the collections of British and Canadian military artifacts are housed.

After you're done exploring the fort, you can also opt for Kingston Trolley Tours.

If you are keen on exploring Kingston outside of Fort Henry, start with the Royal Military College Museum. The campus of the Royal Military College of Canada encompasses the museum and is run by the college itself. It exhibits various collections of artifacts, research and records of the RMCC and includes the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard. Some of the items of its 7,000 plus collections date back to WWI. You can head to Kingston Penitentiary next, which was once a maximum security prison. The prison was shut down in 2013 and it is now open to the public. Take a tour of this infamous gaol that housed notorious criminals and experience what life was like behind the bars.

The Grand Theatre is both one of the finest theatres and also a historic site. It was opened in 1902 and since then has been mesmerising the audience with various spectacular recitals. Crysler Park Marina, located in Morrisburg, Ontario, offers sailing, kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding along the St. Lawrence River.

If local art impresses you, then visit the prestigious and historic Queen’s University that accommodates two galleries onsite. They focus on great artistic traditions from the past to present and also feature the work of the students. One is the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, and the other one, The Union Gallery, is the student-run Union Gallery.

Last updated: August 18, 2023