Fort Wellington National Historic Site is pleased to offer Free Admission Day on May 26
News release
Youth, families, and visitors are invited to enjoy their local Parks Canada’s place
May 18, 2018 Prescott, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
The Government is celebrating families and the importance of our protected areas with free admission to Parks Canada’s places for youth 17 and under, starting in 2018 and beyond. This year, Parks Canada is also pleased to offer free admission or lockage for one day at Parks Canada’s places across the country. This is a special thank you to the millions of Canadians who celebrated Canada 150 with Parks Canada in 2017 when more Canadians than ever before had amazing experiences at Parks Canada’s places.
Free admission day is site-specific and the date is determined by each national park or historic site. It is important to note that only admission is free on free admission day. Fees for recreational services and goods such as camping and firewood, boat launches, transportation, or special tours remain.
Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world. Through its broad network of national parks, marine conservation areas, and national historic sites, Parks Canada connects Canadians with their heritage. Fort Wellington National Historic Site is pleased to offer free admission day on Saturday May 26th, during Artillery Day, as active troops from Canada’s military commemorate the Centenary of the First World War Armistice and the anniversary of the Royal Artillery.
The day begins at 11 a.m. with a ceremony on the fort field which will include a modern artillery salute to the history and heritage of the Royal Artillery, with 200 year old cannons and modern howitzers blasting throughout the day. The event will feature the support of current members of the 30th Field Artillery whose forbearers once held down the fort. In the afternoon, modern soldiers will train on 19th century cannons, as they retrace the steps of their predecessors. To commemorate the Centenary of the First World War Armistice, Parks Canada’s Hometown Heroes exhibit will be featured at Fort Wellington until October. Get to know local heroes from all walks of life who made unique contributions both to the war effort and their country.
If firing a cannon is on your bucket list, this is the day to do it. Beginning at 3 p.m., visitors will be given the opportunity to don the uniform of the Royal Artillery and try their hand at firing the fort’s big guns through the Fire a Cannon program.
In addition to free admission, Fort Wellington will be offering the RCMP Musical Ride on July 4th. For a complete list or dates for each national park or national historic site, please visit Parks Canada’s Website.
Quotes
“National parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer. They tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Fort Wellington National Historic Site is a national treasure, and I invite Canadian families, youth, and visitors to our country to explore it and connect with Canada’s nature and history.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick facts
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Located in Prescott, Ontario, Fort Wellington was built to protect the St. Lawrence River transportation route during periods of Canadian military conflict beginning with the War of 1812, through the Rebellions of 1837 up until Canadian Confederation in 1867.
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At Fort Wellington, you can enlist in the Royal Artillery and fire a 19th century muzzle-loading cannon. Exclusively for Artillery Day, a special version of Fire the Cannon program will be offered for $22.00, limited spots available starting at 3:00 pm. Reservations are recommended and those interested must be 18 years or older to participate.
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Canada’s national parks and national marine conservation areas provide outstanding examples of our country’s natural landscapes, generate economic activity by attracting visitors from Canada and abroad, and provide Canadians with access to our natural heritage.
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Discovery Passes are available online, at Parks Canada entry gates, and visitor centers, as well as through partners such as Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). This pass provides families with unlimited opportunities to visit Parks Canada’s places throughout the year. Please visit the Parks Canada’s Website for more information. The Discovery Pass is valid one year from the date of purchase.
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The online reservation system for booking a campsite will be available beginning in January 2018 for visits during the period of April 2018 through March 2019.
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As reiterated in Budget 2018, the Government of Canada is pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth aged 17 and under in 2018 and beyond.
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On Sunday, July 1st, Parks Canada’s places will welcome visitors with free admission to celebrate Canada Day.
Associated links
Contacts
Leslie MacPherson
Public Relations and Communications Officer
613-923-5261, ext. 114
Leslie.MacPherson@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca