Come celebrate “Fab Forts Weekend” with Parks Canada!
Fort St. Joseph - Photo Parks Canada
Experience history in forts across the country from August 19-21
August 17, 2011
THUNDER BAY, ON – Forts have played a substantial role in the history and growth of Canada. Parks Canada is inviting all Canadians to join in the fun at a nearby national historic fort site and help make this nation-wide event a memorable one.
Parks Canada’s centennial will be celebrated at 38 of Canada’s historic fortifications during the “Fab Forts Weekend” of special events. In their modern role as community gathering places and drivers of tourism, they will host concerts, picnics, architecture and archaeology-related activities, markets and tours, and will touch upon themes such as furs, foods and harvesting.
At Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site on St. Joseph Island, exciting activities are taking place over Fab Forts Weekend. During the day visitors can hike the trails, explore the ruins or watch an historic movie. During the evenings of Friday, August 19 and Saturday, August 20, don’t miss the annual Ghost Walk, a tour through the ruins that will take you back in time to meet the spirits that lived at Fort St. Joseph. Ghost Walks take place at 9:00pm, 9:30pm, 10:00pm and 10:30pm both nights and reservations are required. Admission is $9.80 per person. Call (705) 246-2664 to book!
Whether Canada’s fortifications were built for trading fur or defending the country, they have played a central role in the geographical, political and economic development of Canada. Many of our major cities were founded around these forts. As shelters against attacks, gathering places and centres of community life, Canada’s national historic sites helped our country to blossom. Today they offer visitors personal moments of inspiring discovery and a source of unforgettable experiences. Parks Canada was the world’s first national park service and, ever since, has been a world leader in protecting and preserving natural and historic treasures. The Parks Canada centennial provides a unique opportunity to reach young people from Canada’s major urban centres and help them connect with the true essence of Canada.
