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Fort Erie

Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada

Located in the southernmost part of Ontario, Canada, Fort Erie is a charming town rich in history and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for tourists seeking a mix of relaxation and exploration. One of the t…

#Fort Erie#Ontario#Canada#Border town#Niagara Region

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Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Fort Erie.

Top Hotels in Fort Erie

Top Flights to Fort Erie

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Fort Erie.

Tours

Tour of Old Fort Erie

Explore the historic British fortification from the War of 1812 with guided tours and reenactments.

Fort Erie Railway Museum Visit

Discover the history of the Canadian railway system at the Fort Erie Railway Museum.

Shopping

Shopping at Bridges Tavern

Browse through unique local crafts and vintage items at Bridges Tavern.

Fort Erie Farmers Market

Visit the local farmers market to purchase fresh produce, homemade goods, and handcrafted items.

Outdoor

Niagara Parkway Scenic Drive

Take a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway for picturesque views of the Niagara River and nearby attractions.

Hiking at the Friendship Trail

A serene trail perfect for hiking, cycling, and bird watching, spanning from Fort Erie to Port Colborne.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Fort Erie.

Currency

$ | CAD | Canadian Dollar

Population

30,500

Languages

English, English

Average weather

Fort Erie

Jan

-1°-7°

Feb

0°-6°

Mar

4°-3°

Apr

11°2°

May

18°8°

Jun

24°14°

Jul

27°17°

Aug

26°16°

Sep

22°12°

Oct

15°7°

Nov

8°2°

Dec

2°-4°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Fort Erie.

What people love

Traveling to Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. Some of the pros of visiting Fort Erie include:

Historical Sites: Fort Erie is home to Old Fort Erie, a historic site that played a significant role in the War of 1812. Visitors can explore the fort, learn about its history, and experience reenactments and events.
Beaches: Fort Erie has several beautiful beaches along Lake Erie, such as Crystal Beach and Bay Beach, where visitors can relax, swim, and enjoy water activities during the summer months.
Peace Bridge: The Peace Bridge connects Fort Erie to Buffalo, New York, making it a convenient gateway to explore both Canada and the United States.
Cycling and Hiking Trails: Fort Erie offers scenic cycling and hiking trails, such as the Friendship Trail and the Niagara River Recreation Trail, which provide opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the region.
Waterfront Activities: Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities in Fort Erie, thanks to its location on the shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River.
Wineries and Breweries: Fort Erie is located in the Niagara Region, known for its wineries and breweries. Visitors can take a wine tour, sample local wines, and enjoy a taste of the region's culinary offerings.

Overall, Fort Erie offers a mix of historical sites, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, making it a great destination for travelers looking to explore the Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada.

What to know

Traveling to Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, specifically to the town of Fort Erie, may have some drawbacks that you should consider. Some potential cons of visiting Fort Erie include:

Limited Public Transportation: Fort Erie is a smaller town with limited public transportation options. This may make it challenging to get around the town and explore different attractions without a car.
Seasonal Crowds: During peak tourist seasons, such as summer, Fort Erie can get crowded with tourists. This may result in longer wait times at popular attractions and restaurants.
Weather Variability: Fort Erie experiences typical Canadian weather, which means cold winters and hot summers. Depending on your preferences, you may find the weather uncomfortable during certain times of the year.
Limited Nightlife: Fort Erie is more of a quiet, laid-back town, so if you're looking for a vibrant nightlife scene, you may be disappointed by the lack of options for evening entertainment.
Limited Dining Options: While Fort Erie has some nice restaurants, the town may not offer as diverse a range of dining options compared to larger cities. This could be a drawback for food enthusiasts looking for a variety of cuisines.
Distance from Major Cities: Fort Erie is located about 30 minutes from Niagara Falls and over an hour from Toronto. If you're looking to visit major cities or attractions outside of Fort Erie, you may need to account for travel time.

Overall, while Fort Erie offers a charming and peaceful atmosphere for visitors, it may not have the same level of amenities and entertainment options as larger cities. It's important to consider your preferences and travel needs before planning a trip to Fort Erie.

Fort Erie, located in Fort Erie, Ontario, Canada, has a rich and varied history that dates back centuries. Here is a detailed overview of its history, significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

Indigenous Peoples: Before European settlement, the area around Fort Erie was inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Neutral Nation, who were later displaced by the Iroquois in the 17th century.

Establishment and Early Military History

1764: The British established a fort at the mouth of the Niagara River to control the region and protect their interests following the British victory over the French in the Seven Years' War. This was part of a network of forts along the Great Lakes.
1803: The current Fort Erie was constructed by the British as tensions with the United States increased.

War of 1812

1812-1814: Fort Erie played a significant role in the War of 1812 between the United States and Great Britain.
- 1813: The fort was captured by American forces during the war.
- 1814: Fort Erie was the site of a significant battle when the Americans launched an invasion from it into Canada. After the Battle of Chippawa and the Battle of Lundy's Lane, the American forces returned to Fort Erie, where they withstood a British siege.
- The Siege of Fort Erie: Lasting from August 4 to September 21, 1814, this was one of the longest engagements of the war. The Americans eventually abandoned and destroyed the fort as they retreated to Buffalo, New York.

Post-War Period

Reconstruction and Decline: After the war, Fort Erie was rebuilt by the British but was eventually abandoned in 1823 as it was deemed unnecessary.

19th and 20th Centuries

Fenian Raids: In 1866, Fort Erie was involved in the Fenian Raids when Irish-American Fenians attempted to capture Canada to pressure Britain to withdraw from Ireland.
Railway and Economic Development: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Fort Erie developed as a transportation hub due to the arrival of railways and its strategic location by the water.

Modern Era

Tourism and Preservation: In the 1930s, efforts began to preserve and restore the historic Fort Erie site. Today, it functions as a museum and historical site, attracting visitors interested in Canadian and military history.

Significant Figures

General Gordon Drummond: A British commander during the War of 1812 who played a key role in the defense of Upper Canada.
General Edmund P. Gaines: An American general who led the defense of Fort Erie during the British siege in 1814.

Important Landmarks

Old Fort Erie: The reconstructed site of the original fort, which serves as a living history museum. It offers reenactments and educational programs about the War of 1812.
Fort Erie Railway Museum: Celebrates the town's history as a transportation hub with collections of railway artifacts.

Overall, Fort Erie is a site of considerable historical importance, reflecting the complex military, cultural, and economic developments of the region.