1. Old Fort Erie
2. Queen Victoria Park
3. Brock's Monument
4. Fort Mississauga
5. Niagara Historical Museum
6. Fort George
7. Laura Secord Homestead
8. McFarland House
9. Artpark
10. Old Fort Niagara

WAR OF 1812 TOUR

Sites for this historic tour are found on both the Canadian and American sides of the border. Because you will be traveling across an international border make sure you have proof of citizenship.

From Buffalo, take the Peace Bridge to Old Fort Erie, Ontario. The Niagara Parks Commission operates the reconstruction of the fort which was the site of a critical battle in the War of 1812. An on-site museum features military exhibits; costumed reenactors provide tours and perform military drills.

Follow scenic Niagara Parkway north to Chippewa, site of another critical battle, where the grey-clad troops of General Winfield Scott overcame the British and the legend of West Point's Long Grey Line was born. Continue along Niagara Parkway to Lundy's Lane, site of the fiercest and bloodiest engagement of the War of 1812, where several museums, historic sites, and the Laura Secord Burial Ground may be found.

Continuing north on Niagara Parkway, stop at lovely Queen Victoria Park in Niagara Falls, Ontario; then continue north to Brock's Monument in Queenston. Standing on the escarpment near where the falls began 12,000 years ago, the monument commemorates the death of British hero General Sir Isaac Brock, killed on this site during the Battle of Queenston Heights. An observation platform provides spectacular views of the gorge and surrounding country.

Furthest north on the Parkway is Niagara-on-the-Lake, a picturesque community where a major battle was fought when the United States invaded Canada in 1812. Today the town hosts the Shaw Festival which presents on three stages from May to November. As you drive north through the town, visit Fort Mississaugua, Niagara Historical Museum, and Fort George. Then return south, still on Niagara Parkway and stop at the Laura Secord Homestead, home of the famous War of 1812 heroine. Visit the McFarland House, used as a hospital during that war, the building has been refurbished in the style of 1800-1848.

Proceed south on Niagara Parkway to the Lewiston-Queenston bridge into the U.S. Follow Robert Moses Parkway north to Rt. 18F to Artpark at Lewiston, the site of a summer arts festival and theatre.

From Lewiston, follow 18F to Old Fort Niagara. This National Historic site dates back to LaSalle (1679) and was occupied by the French, British and Americans at various times. The oldest structure is the French Castle, which dates to 1726. Costumed interpreters provide demonstrations daily, and historic reenactors hold encampments during summer months.

Return via the Robert Moses Parkway and follow signs to I-190 south to Buffalo.

Proper documentation is required to cross the Canadian/US border.