fort wellington

Pizor

I have been to about half of the forts along the St. Lawrence and Niagara Rivers. This is not the biggest but certainly does a very good job of telling the story. The exhibits in visitor center were interesting and there were learning games for youngsters, several of whom were busy at it. The fort itself has a large number of self-guided exhibits and docents were on hand throughout. One docent played the role of a British sergeant and shifted his explanations fluidly from school-level to adult. While I've been to many forts, I learned more here than I have at most of the previous.

StephDemers

While a small site Fort Wellington offers a leisurely and pleasant visit to a great little fort.It is nice to just stroll around the grounds and enjoy this well preserved site. Learn about the early 19th century military history so significant to this area.

DRHIND

Extreme great value learning about 1830's Canadian history October great time to visitLocal staff were passionate and very informative

svQuickStar

Traveling along the riverfront in Eastern Ontario to enjoy the Fall Foliage is great on its' on - but it was nice to come across the Fort Wellington National Historic Site. Great way to spend an hour or two learning about the history of the Canadian army as they lived here in 1839. The staff at this attraction were genuinely passionate about the site and shared lots of knowledge with us. Well worth the nominal admission free of about $3.00.

Familydadoffour

As a dad accompanied by a total of 7 kids all under the age of 14 I was pleased to discover the admission for a family was only $9. Parks Canada rocks! For only a little more money we could have had a personal guide (we declined this time). The costumed staff were all super friendly and kind, and great at answering the kids' questions. The kids were given an activity book to complete throughout the visit (which they can turn in at the end for a souvenir set of dog tags, and a little certificate for free). The kids loved the 19th century gun boat display, the introduction videos, the rifle demonstration, and the moveable cannons on the fort's walls. The block house had great kid friendly displays, with lots of good interactive displays. Displays were very 'kid friendly' (lots of "touchables"). The kids loved the free soldier hat craft. I can't believe this gem in Prescott is less than 1 hour from Ottawa. In total our visit lasted about 2.5 hours, and capped a great day visiting other Morrisburg area attractions (we visited Prehistoric World in the early afternoon).

jamestt2014

Went to the Fort on a Sunday morning and arrived before it was open. Met the costumed Royal Canadian Rifles on their way to work! The manager came across the car park to welcome us and explain that they would be open soon. When we went in we paid the very reasonable fee for our guide - a rifleman with period weapon which he loaded and fired at the end of our tour as a demonstration of period drill and practice. This was great fun and very informative. The fort has original artefacts and these are brought to life by the guide with well chosen snippets of information to provide a window into life in the fort. There are also sample clothes and plenty to interest children. Sitting in a room by the reception is a gun boat recovered by maritime archaeology. The whole place is the real deal. We were on the final stages of our tour of New England and the Canadian border. This ranked with the best sites we had been to from Plymouth's Mayflower 2 to Niagara falls.

funky_canadian_guy

My wife and I stumbled upon Fort Wellington and we are very glad that we did. An amazing historical site that is tucked away in Prescott, Ontario. When we entered the museum we were pleasantly met at reception and asked if we wanted a guided tour through the fort. We enthusiastically said yes. After watching a well done video, we were personally toured through the fort, being able to touch items and ask questions as we went by a very knowledgeable guide. We also saw a demonstration using guns from the era. Walking up to the fortifications and looking down from a cannon and going underground were highlights. Anybody who loves history should definitely stop by and take a visit.

898justinc

Went on a day trip over the border with my wife. We got a uniformed living historian to guide us around for $15 Canadian. It was worth every penny and he answered every question I had. This is history that isn't taught in US schools but should be.

275michaeld

A new reception centre has been added since our last visit 15 years ago. It includes the wreck of a 19th century gun boat. We had a guided tour with another couple. Our guide, who was dressed as a British infantryman, was keen even if some of our questions stumped him. He promised to study more. The fort itself consists of a palisade, earthen walls, a large blockhouse and some out buildings. As it was never attacked, the emphasis is on how the soldiers lived. As a finale, our guide fired a Brunswick rifle. In all, we spent a pleasant hour and a half learning about the fort and its history. Well worth the short detour off the 401.

Roxymom_35

I visited here with my children and it was a great way to spend a couple of hours and learn some history. The staff were fantastic and they had explorer books for the kids to complete which included activities for them to do along the way at different spots. My kids are not always easy to keep busy so I was amazed how this place kept them occupied even though it is not very large. It was interesting and the kids could try on costumes and try the beds, etc. I would recommend it if you are visiting Prescott!

791JudyH

Stopped here on a cruise down the St. Lawrence River. New gun ship that was raised from local harbor on display. Saw period costumed guides that demonstrated cannon and gun fire execution. Beautiful view and interesting guided tour.

JohnW722

A great place to walk around, get some exercise and learn some history. The employees in period costumes are knowledgeable about their costumes and characters they represent.

Fanookin

We had not planned to stop here until a friend recommended it. We're so glad we did. We arrived around lunch time so we started with a picnic outside for lunch on the picnic tables provided - great view of the river and across to NY. Inside, we found some excellent displays and a very friendly staff. Take some time to really enjoy all this place has to offer in terms of history, recovered artifacts, video and the block house area. We didn't expect so much to see and do here and our kids (10 and 6) were engaged with seeing everything and filling in the booklet of challenges that the front desk had provided...and there was a prize when their booklet was completed. Put in a wonderful afternoon for $10 - you can't beat that.

419KenL

We visited Fort Wellington in July and it was very good. The visitor centre has an old boat that was salvaged from the St. Lawrence River - this was quite interesting as the whole idea of sunken ships and treasures comes into play. The fort itself is interesting and they have people around in period costumes who will do a live firing of a rifle demonstration etc. I can see how history buffs can really become interested in the various uniforms of this time period as they all have their differences and historical meaning. The staff was knowledgeable and very helpful and the small towns around this area (Prescott) have lots to offer if one has the time.

BruceS608

I really like old forts, so much so that I have to limit one per trip. This is a small fort but it is part of our Canadian history and deserves to be preserved. There are local actors dressed in period costumes that do their best to bring back the past. I think that though it is small, the entry fee is small too, and as Canadians we should embrace our rich history by visiting sites like this one. If it were not for those who served and preserved what is now our country, we might have a different flag! As much as I honour and respect our southern neighbours. I am Canadian! Bruce Snair