General News

Doors Open event at historic Fort Willow

September 17, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Step into history at Fort Willow Conservation Area during Doors Open Simcoe County.

Visitors are invited to discover one of Simcoe County’s most significant historic sites through a variety of interactive and self-guided experiences.

Throughout the day, local historian Joe Cinanni will lead guided tours and share stories about the people, events, and cultural connections that shaped Fort Willow’s role in the region’s history.

Attendees will have the opportunity to watch local craftsman Murray Van Rassel demonstrate the traditional art of carving a voyageur paddle, offering a glimpse into the skills that supported travel and trade along Ontario’s early transportation routes.

Guests can further explore the site at their own pace by viewing reconstructed building outlines, interpretive signage, and audio recordings that bring Fort Willow’s rich past to life.

Located along the historic Nine Mile Portage, Fort Willow served as a vital transportation corridor for Indigenous peoples long before European settlement. The route later became an important link for fur traders, voyageurs, and explorers travelling between Kempenfelt Bay and the Nottawasaga River.

During the War of 1812, the site was transformed into a military supply depot, playing a key role in supporting British forces in the region.

Doors Open Simcoe County offers a unique opportunity to experience this National Historic Site and learn more about the stories that helped shape Simcoe County and Ontario.

No registration is required, and parking is free during the event.

Doors Open at Fort Willow will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fort Willow is located at the Fort Willow Conservation Area, 2714 Grenfel Road, Utopia. 

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