Fort Henry
Fort Henry is a military fortification in Kingston designated as a National Historic Site. It was initially built during the War of 1812 to monitor maritime traffic on the St. Lawrence River and protect the Kingston Royal Naval Dockyard and the entrance to the Rideau Canal.
Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and living history museum, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century military life with guided tours, reenactments and stunning views of Lake Ontario.
Fort Henry | Southeastern Ontario
How to get to Fort Henry
Location: 1 Fort Henry Drive, Kingston
By car: Kingston is located along the shore of the St. Lawrence River, just south of the ON-401. On-site parking at Fort Henry is free.
By transit: VIA Rail offers train service to Kingston. Ride the 7A and 12A shuttle buses from the train station to Fort Henry or take a local taxi.
Know before you go
Fort Henry is typically open daily from the end of May to the beginning of September, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dates and hours of operation change for season events and festivals. Tickets can be purchased in advance online.
Things to do at Fort Henry
Discover more activities and experiences.
Witness military demonstrations
50-minute guided Fort Henry tours run multiple times every day with precise military demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard.
Take a Victorian class
Sit in the Victorian schoolroom lessons taught by a Schoolmistress to glimpse what life was like for children at Fort Henry.
Experience lively events
Participate in fun Fort Henry events, from author talks and musical performances to five-kilometre obstacle courses and craft beer festivals.
Join a ghost tour
The famous Fort Henry Ghost Tour offers guided explanations of various tragic histories and incidents like the hanging of Nils von Schoultz.
Dine with river views
Dine on the patio at Battery Bistro overlooking the St. Lawrence River or sample savoury snacks from the Soldier’s Canteen.
Articles and itineraries
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Interesting facts about Fort Henry
Fort Henry is the largest fortification west of Quebec City. Fort Henry and Point Henry were named after Henry Hamilton, former Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Quebec.
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 defences were strengthened by this new construction.
Fort Henry was abandoned by the British Army in 1870 and fell into disrepair until 1936 when it was restored as a museum due to its impact on the history of Kingston.
Accessibility features
Accessible bus/Shuttle services serve site
Accessible transportation is available to help you reach your destination. These may include accessible public buses, taxis or shuttles.
Accessible drop off location
A designated and signed area used for loading and unloading passengers into or out of a waiting vehicle. A passenger drop-off/pick-up area typically should include a driveway, a lay-by for the stopped vehicle close to an accessible entrance and an accessible route from the drop-off/pick-up area to the main entrance. It is important that any drop-off locations are clear of snow and ice or other obstructions.
Accessible parking space
Accessible parking provides a place for people with disabilities to park and space to get in and out of their vehicles safely. It also provides access to the main accessible entrance and/or any other accessible entrances. Most users of wheelchairs need at least three feet of clearance to get in and out of their vehicles.
Accessible vehicles operate on site
Transportation is available onsite and should include handrails, grab bars, and either have low floors or be equipped with a ramp.
Accessible outdoor eating area
Places located outside where members of the public can sit at a table and eat (for example, outdoor food courts at amusement parks or picnic tables in parks). This includes accessible tables with enough clear space around and under so that people using a wheelchair or other mobility aid can easily access. Also, the ground leading to and under the accessible tables is level, firm and stable.
Accessible restaurant
Designed to be accessible to persons with varying disabilities, including those using mobility aids. They include an accessible entrance, adequate maneuvering space, nearby accessible washrooms, tables with removable chairs and sufficient knee clearance, menus in alternate formats, and cafeteria or buffet counters that are reachable for mobility device users.
Accessible seating
For persons using mobility aids, accessible seating is available in all areas or levels for persons using mobility aids. The path to the accessible seating should be barrier-free so a person using a mobility device can access it. Reserved space with a clear view of the event/activity for someone who is seated, good sound quality and adequate maneuvering room for a mobility device.
Automatic doors
Main entrance doors and other accessible entrances and exits are power assisted to allow easy access.
Easy access electrical outlets
At least one electrical outlet is within easy reach and has clear floor space in front for charging an electric mobility device.
Ramps
An inclined plane that allows wheelchair users and others to access buildings and navigate between different levels.
Sensory-friendly areas
Crafted to minimize overwhelming sensory input. This includes features like dimmed lighting, noise-cancelling options and calming textures.
Wide doorways and hallways
A sufficiently wide, hard-surfaced, unobstructed path to allow for easy travel.
Accessible washroom
At least one washroom stall larger than the others to accommodate adequate maneuvering space for mobility devices. They also include grab bars, transfer space, an accessible door latch, sink with knee clearance, and lever handles or automatic sensor faucets.
Universal washroom
A separate washroom that allows an individual in a wheelchair to use a self-contained washroom facility. They include grab bars, transfer space, an accessible door handle/lock, accessible sink with knee clearance, easy-to-use/automatic faucets, adult change table and emergency call systems. It is also universal, allowing people of any gender to use it comfortably, including with a support person if needed.
Service animals welcome
Can be identified by visual indicators (such as a vest or harness) or documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the animal is necessary due to a disability. In Ontario, service animals are allowed in all public spaces unless otherwise prohibited by law. A service animal is not a pet; it is trained to perform tasks to assist a person with a disability, such as guiding individuals with vision impairments, alerting to sounds for those with hearing impairments, assisting during seizures, retrieving items, or helping manage psychiatric and neurological disabilities. There are no restrictions on the type of animal used as a service animal in Ontario. If the animal is not easily identifiable, the person can provide documentation from a regulated health professional confirming the need for the service animal.
Support persons welcome
By law, you must allow a person with a disability to be accompanied by his or her support person while in the areas of your business that are open to the public. A support person is an individual hired or chosen by a person with a disability to provide services or assistance with communication, mobility, personal care, medical needs or with accessing goods, services or facilities. If you charge an admission fee at your business, you must let people know you charge an additional fee for a support person.
Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available
Mobility devices such as wheelchairs, walkers, canes or mobility scooters are available for people to borrow or rent at the business. If you make wheelchairs or assistive devices available to the public, it is important to make sure that they are properly maintained and periodically serviced so they are in good working order and do not present a safety risk.
Emergency communication systems
Providing alerts and information in multiple formats including text-based alerts, audio messages and visual cues.
Last updated: September 12, 2025