Over the past few years, I’ve been systematically visiting Toronto’s tourist highlights, however there was still one very significant attraction that was outstanding on my list.
The site of Fort York.
Fort York is a National Historic Site built by the British in the late 1700s as a military site to defend against invasion – primarily from the south. In case you’ve forgotten your Canadian geography, I’m referring to our neighbour, the United States.
In fact the US did invade Canada during the War of 1812 – although to be fair, we weren’t Canada yet. I mean, come on! Why would anyone want to pick a fight with Canada? … although admittedly we’ve managed to really tick off a few countries lately. Like Saudi Arabia, China … but I digress …
The original fort was destroyed during battle with the Americans and was subsequently rebuilt after the war. Apparently our trust in our southern neighbour wasn’t very high.
Anyway, to set the scene on the day of my visit, it was early Sunday morning on the weekend after New Year’s Day.
I was the only person there … on a 43 acre site. It was both amazing and a little creepy.
The first door that drew my attention was the entrance into the site.
I had been told that beyond this door, there was going to be a ‘reenactment’ – using lights and sound effects – of the American attack on the fort in the early hours of April 27th, 1813.
But as I walked through the corridor, nothing happened. All was quiet and quite frankly, I was a little disappointed.
I was almost at the end of the darkish tunnel leading to the grounds when I had a vague sense of movement in my peripheral vision and then ‘gunfire’ suddenly erupted right behind me.
I NEARLY HAD A CORONARY!
I eventually got my hammering heart rate out of the heart attack zone and for the rest of my visit I periodically looked around suspiciously to confirm I really was alone.
Who said learning about history had to be boring?
This post has been brought to you by Thursday Doors, the year 1813, and the risk of sudden heart attacks.
For Part 1 of When Neighbours Fight, click here which tells the story of why Canada burned the White House.
More to come …
Reading the comments, I was surprised at how many people said that they would be afraid to go alone somewhere (e.g., to a historical site). As a Canadian, I have to say that there are few places in in this country that I would be afraid to go to alone in the daylight or in the dark. Here is one example of where I would not go. Although I walk several times a week alone or with the dog through the trails in the woods in our rural area, I don’t go into the trails at night because there are a lot of cougars on Vancouver Island. I still walk at night though, but I stay on the streets rather than going on the trails. I feel lucky to live in such a safe country.
Jude
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That is exactly how I feel too. I’m glad another Canadian piped up because I was starting to think I might be a bit delusional 😏
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definitely sounds like a creepy scary place to be solo. Okay next time take company along so you don’t get scared shitless haha.
Peta
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I’ve become accustomed to doing many things alone. My husband and my friends don’t necessarily share my interest in some things … or my desire to go out early on a Sunday morning 😉
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I would have been scared out of my skin! I might be too old-school when it comes to history. I like it in front of me– and predictable. Nice doors, though.
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“Predictable” made me laugh. Would it surprise you to learn that I’m always looking for the unpredictable? 🙂
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Not at all!
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😁
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I don’t think I would have lived to write the blog post Joanne. Talk about getting the full effect of history!
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Sometimes our adventures produce unexpected turns 😉
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What an interesting place but not somewhere I would like to be on my own. I don’t blame you for getting a fright like that. Great photos, thanks for braving it, Joanne, so you could share them with us. 🙂
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Thanks Jean 🙂
There’s really no place I can think of in Toronto where I would not feel safe to visit alone during the daytime. In fact the quiet on Sunday morning is one of the key attractions … if only I can get motivated to go out 😉
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I had a whole museum in Washington, DC once to myself for some unknown reason. You’re right; it is really creepy. I didn’t have gunfire though, thankfully. I say re-build those forts… to keep us from immigrating! – Marty
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An empty museum in Washington is not something I would ever expect to encounter! It’s almost a distraction from what you should be focusing on … although given a choice, I much prefer that than crowded venues!
I don’t know if you see them in the US, but up here there are a lot of memes floating around about building a “privacy hedge” along the Canadian border. I crack up every time I think of it 🤣
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🙂 Perfect!
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Bushwa! I would have freaked out, Joanne. Being the only person on a 43 acre site had to be creepy enough, and then the delayed “reenactment”… Holy Hannah. Marvelous post though. Mega hugs!
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When I go to a venue expecting to see people and there aren’t any, I’m left wondering what everyone else knows that I don’t. I can’t say that I ever feel unsafe though.
If it was dark outside, that would be a different story. I’m afraid of the dark … I blame my older brother and too many horror movies as a child 😉 I don’t even like putting the garbage out at night. You know – werewolves, zombies 😳
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Definitely not a boring visit, Joanne. I am sure you are cautious and aware of your surroundings when exploring on your own and in a “darkish tunnel”. A lot of interesting history.
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Nice doors and interesting history. Greetz Stef
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Thank you 🙂
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Don’t worry about the countries with which Canada’s been picking bones lately – they’re not really shining examples of liberty…
That being said, if Donald doesn’t get his wall to the south he might pick a fight with York again just to get rid of his tantrum…
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Well, he has certainly made it obvious that he doesn’t like Canada … but then again, I can’t think of a Republican president who has, with the except of Reagan.
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Wow! You’re such a brave soul! I’d NEVER go alone to a place like that. And being ALL ALONE in it would’ve scared the c**p out of me! But what a great story and photos you got, you brave one! 😉
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If I wasn’t willing to go out and do things on my own, I’d never do anything.
I feel safe and comfortable exploring Toronto alone, including all her parks and ravines.
I am however not prepared to venture out at night – not because I think it’s unsafe, but because I’m afraid of the dark 😏
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You are lucky to live in a safe place, which seems to be the case of Toronto, in spite of being a major city.
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I sometimes think that as Canadians we don’t really appreciate how safe it is here. I know a lot of people who don’t share my belief, but I’ve travelled a lot in the world and it’s all relative. Of course, not being stupid about it helps too 🙂
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I can’t believe that you had the whole place to yourself. I wonder if that gunfire sound was triggered by movement and it was delayed for a moment… Holy Cow, I would have had a coronary too. I wasn’t aware that we invaded you like that. Too bad we didn’t take back the spoils of war… like Universal Healthcare, reasonable gun control laws and politeness.
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I was surprised to find the place empty as well. I too believe that the sound effects were supposed to be triggered by motion, but for whatever reason, only that last one at the end was set off. By that time I wasn’t expecting anything! Yikes!
I laughed at your list of spoils of war. Don’t you wish 🤣
I don’t think there was a great deal of thought that went into the invasion. From what I understand, the only spoils of war taken was a painted stick. Seriously. And you held it in a Washington museum until 1934 before it was returned. It’s actually comical.
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WHOA! Thanks for doing that so I don’t have to! That’s really neat and completely terrifying! lol
You know what they teach us about 1812? The overture of. That is all 😉 We have to grow up and learn the hard way. *sigh*
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I had to laugh at your version of 1812 history 😆
hmmm – I wonder if Canadian schools still teach about the War of 1812. I assume so – after all, we won 😉
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I would certainly hope so. There have been times, as a student, a teacher, and a parent, I have wondered if capitalist propaganda is the true American education.
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History is usually recorded by the victors so one must be always suspect that there is another untold version.
My husband travels a great deal in the US for work and the myopic view of American news always shocks him.
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I believe that. It’s one of the reasons the internet is so useful. It’s helpful to read thoughts outside my own perceptive.
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I cannot believe how you go visit these sites all by yourself. When those guns blazed, I would have passed out. 🙂 As far as aggressive neighbors, well, I think I should be quite there. 🙂
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If it had happened at the beginning, I would have been good – I was expecting it. It was the element of surprise … which perhaps might have been the point 😉
After the fact though, I did wonder how long it would have taken before someone discovered my body 😳
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I love historical stuff and Fort York is certainly on my list for a future visit to Toronto. However, if it had been me I would have given someone there a stern talking-to for the semi heart attack.
Glad you survived the experience for our benefit 🙂
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I briefly considered going back to the entrance and letting them know that the motion detectors didn’t work until the very end … but why deprive someone else of a major adrenaline rush? 😉
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All hail, you of the brave and still beating heart! Thanks for your service and bringing the photos and stories to all of us history lovers. 🙂
janet
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Oh, if only you knew what a Chicken-Little I really was 😉
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Ah, if only you saw my tongue firmly in my cheek. 🙂
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😆
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Very good of you to suffer for your art!
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Love your image of the jackets and the rifles! You mentioned ticking off Arabia and China – only the ones who bow before them are their “friends,” lol.
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Oh my goodness. That would have scared the sh*t out of me! You made me laugh,Joanne, but only because you survived it. 😀
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It’s funny now. Not so much at the time 😏
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Wow and I thought it was brave if you to wander through the fort alone — but to continue after the “multi-media” experience. You are made of sterner stuff than me Joanne 😀
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Huh – not so much, really. The way I figure it, how much trouble can a 60-some year old encounter in a walled fort early on a chilly Sunday morning? 😆
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Zombies!! That is if it was a movie, and my son was making it! 😂😂
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Canada hasn’t managed to piss off as many countries as the USA!
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I didn’t want to mention that the reason China is pissed with us is because of the US but Saudi Arabia we managed to do all by ourselves 😏
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I’m glad you took advantage of the great weather to get out there. I had to live vicariously through you while reclining on the couch and mopping at my nose instead of looping and latte-ing with you as I had hoped! Glad you survived the assault on your cardiovascular system – that means we can get out together soon, I hope! 😉
Deb
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I considered for a few seconds to try the hike on my own and quickly squashed that idea. Hiking alone is simply not something I’m all that keen to do. I’ll just have to wait for you 🙂
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I did not know that part of our history. It seems like I am apologizing constantly in the past two years for “our” behavior. Very cool place. Thanks for sharing.
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The last 2 years have definitely been trying. Hopefully it doesn’t deteriorate into another invasion. I’m pretty sure the cannons defending Fort York would be no match today against US military might 😉
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Well Joanne,
I hope you are well enough from your recent coronary to go skating.
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There have been enough instances over the past couple of years that if I didn’t have a heart attack then, it’s a good chance that my ticker’s a strong one 🙂
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Thank you for another awesome door post, Joanne. You should offer a course on “Blog Title Writing”. Love it!!
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Ha! Thanks 🙂 When I first started blogging (about the Bruce Trail), I had a friend in marketing who chastised my ‘sterile’ titles. After that, I took it as a personal challenge to find the right ‘hook’. Sometimes I’m pretty proud of them – like this one. I liked it enough to give it a Part 2 🙂
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Were there a few choice words uttered during that coronary? LOL! I have always found it so interesting that this site remains in the middle of so much city scape going up around it. It has been years since I was there, think we went when the kids were very little.
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I might have uttered a word or two 😉
You’ve hit on the subject for the next post!
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Welcome to my world Joanne, look how many countries the “Stable Genius” Trump has managed to piss off 🤣 Great images looks like a cool place to visit.
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Except we don’t deserve it 😉
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I am glad your weren’t ambushed for real! That would not have been nearly as amusing.
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On the other hand, as long as we survive the experience, it makes for a great story 🙂
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We visited Fort York years ago in the summer and there were various people reenacting the various elements of the life at the Fort but I don’t think they had the multimedia stuff yet. At least I don’t remember. It is a very nice place to visit. Nice story & photos. (Suzanne)
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I’m guessing it really came alive with people in period clothing acting out their roles.
It’s a lot different in the winter when no one is around – but I really enjoyed it.
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The sound of gunfire erupting as I walked the display would have me jumping for sure!! I love old forts. We took our kids to the one in St. Augustine when they were younger. They always hold so much history. I’m glad they rebuilt this one.
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I admit that I was never a big fan of visiting sites like this – which explains why I hadn’t been there yet. However, I find the older I get, the more I appreciate our history and the lessons there are in the past to how we live today.
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Sorry I did giggle at your coronary. Most people would love to be Canadians. If only your weather was warmer!
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Sadly, our weather is a big part of what defines us 😏
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These days, I can understand why you might want to beware of your southern neighbors. I am part of them, and I,’m wondering what the heck we’re doing. I love the doors to the fort! I am glad the British decided to rebuild this.
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I predict that someday you’ll invade us again – except this time for our water. I hope I’m long gone by then … I suspect Fort York won’t save us this time 😉
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If we get to a point where we can’t work with you guys, I’ll be very disappointed.
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Me too,
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Is it ok to admit that I don’t remember part I? Anyhow, great history and high five for pissing off the Saudis.
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I’m actually rather proud of that one too 🙂
I’d be impressed if you did remember part 1. I can’t remember breakfast this morning.
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Gosh, you separated Part 1 from Part 2 by two-and-a-half years. I’m glad the suspense is now over. Sounds like a fun fort to visit, with their ambush-like display. I’m always fascinated with the rocky start our two countries had with each other, when I consider how well we’ve gotten along for the past two hundred years. Nice history lesson.
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hehehe. I just liked the title and wanted to use it again 🙂 … otherwise I’d have to be considered the worst serial writer ever!
From the stories I’ve heard about border crossings, many Americans think Canada Is an extension of the US. Dare I say it? but … they arrive with their guns and are shocked to discover we have our own laws about guns – as in, no, you can’t.
We apparently still don’t trust you 😉. See? One little war and then centuries of suspicion 🤣
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So, our little ploy to sneak armed troops across the border has failed. I guess Fort York can breathe a sigh of relief, and Canadians can live another day without Trump as their leader.
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God forbid!! It’s bad enough we have a Trump-lite in the Ontario legislature 😡
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I’m sorry if I laughed at your near coronary, but I can see that happening, “that” meaning the one part of the display coming to life after you had passed… I’ve been in a couple of old forts on this side of the Great Lakes (actually Lake Erie, instead of Ontario). Always an odd sense of history. And go Canada – someone needs to stand up to the Saudis!
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Let’s just say we didn’t get a Christmas card from the Saudis this year 😆
It did cross my mind that it would have been brilliant if the timing of the display had been deliberate. Evil – but brilliant.
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-not meaning to bring up politics – I just hope Australia joins the not-getting-a-Christmas-card-from-the-Saudis club and takes that poor young woman in!
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Too late. She’s in Canada now 🙂 I’m sure that’s endeared us with the Saudis even more … although I suspect it won’t be long before she’ll wish for Australia’s climate.
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I did see that. Yeah, if it is as cold there as here, she might want Australia! Having the freedom to walk down to the store by herself and buy a sweater without someone’s approval will be worth the cold!
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Saudi Arabia is all kinds of nasty and they deserve to be deeply ostracized by the world.
But they have oil. A lot of it, and we are addicted, so the world tiptoes around them trying not to offend while privately appalled at their human rights offences and funding of terrorism. Shame!
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I agree 100%. Oil, and the money from oil, is far more important than people or the Earth itself. If we were really committed, we could wean ourselves off of oil and be 100% renewables, but nobody wants to make long term commitments like that.
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