2022 Education Guide cover photo

OPEN MINDS
& INSPIRE GENERATIONS

Fort William Historical Park offers extraordinary educational opportunities for learners of all ages. Our cross-curricular education programs offer immersive experiential and sensory activities to engage your students in a memorable learning experience.

Our programs are designed to meet the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum and cover a variety of topics, including: Indigenous studies, focusing on Anishinaabe culture, traditions and language Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), from both Indigenous and European perspectives Social Studies, History and Geography The Arts Health and Physical Education, and Food and Nutrition.

REQUEST A BOOKING

OPEN MINDS
& INSPIRE GENERATIONS

Fort William Historical Park offers extraordinary educational opportunities for learners of all ages. Our cross-curricular education programs offer immersive experiential and sensory activities to engage your students in a memorable learning experience.

Our programs are designed to meet the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum and cover a variety of topics, including: Indigenous studies, focusing on Anishinaabe culture, traditions and language Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), from both Indigenous and European perspectives Social Studies, History and Geography The Arts Health and Physical Education, and Food and Nutrition.

REQUEST A BOOKING

ABOUT US

Fort William Historical Park features Fort William, one of North America’s largest living history sites, and the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, home to one of Central Canada’s largest publicly accessible telescopes.

FORT WILLIAM LIVING HISTORY SITE

The living history site brings to life Fort William, the inland headquarters of the North West Company, the world’s largest fur trading enterprise during the early 19th century. This is a place where cultures meet and relationships are forged between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous newcomers. Fort William stands on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, the Indigenous people who have lived in harmony with the land for 
generations. The Anishinaabe share their invaluable knowledge, skills and technology with their European partners and trade furs for European goods. Travel back in time and experience this unique place and time in history through the eyes of peoples past, who lived and worked around Fort William!
 

DAVID THOMPSON ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY

Named after one of the greatest cartographers, the David Thompson Astronomical 
Observatory is your gateway to the stars. The observatory offers out-of-this-world daytime, nighttime and overnight programs. The observatory also features a 20” Corrected Dall Kirkham (CDK) telescope, a collection of meteorites and authentic astronomy instruments used by explorers, such as David Thompson in the 1800s.

ABOUT US

Fort William Historical Park features Fort William, one of North America’s largest living history sites, and the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, home to one of Central Canada’s largest publicly accessible telescopes.

FORT WILLIAM LIVING HISTORY SITE

The living history site brings to life Fort William, the inland headquarters of the North West Company, the world’s largest fur trading enterprise during the early 19th century. This is a place where cultures meet and relationships are forged between Indigenous Peoples and non-Indigenous newcomers. Fort William stands on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, the Indigenous people who have lived in harmony with the land for 
generations. The Anishinaabe share their invaluable knowledge, skills and technology with their European partners and trade furs for European goods. Travel back in time and experience this unique place and time in history through the eyes of peoples past, who lived and worked around Fort William!
 

DAVID THOMPSON ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATORY

Named after one of the greatest cartographers, the David Thompson Astronomical 
Observatory is your gateway to the stars. The observatory offers out-of-this-world daytime, nighttime and overnight programs. The observatory also features a 20” Corrected Dall Kirkham (CDK) telescope, a collection of meteorites and authentic astronomy instruments used by explorers, such as David Thompson in the 1800s.

PLANNING YOUR PROGRAM

GROUP SIZES

Most programs are designed for 15-30 students. The minimum group size for education programs is 15 students. If your group is smaller than 15, you may still book a program, however, you will be charged for 15 students.

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL

We offer in-person programs on location at Fort William Historical Park. These programs are also available for in-class presentation at educational institutions within Thunder Bay city limits. Our virtual programs are offered live through a variety of platforms.

BUY ONE, GET ONE!

When you purchase two (2) education programs for the same day, the second program is half-price!

PROGRAMS IN FRENCH

Several education programs are available in French. For more information, contact our Reservations & Sales Clerk at reservations@fwhp.ca

CUSTOM PROGRAMS

Program opportunities at Fort William Historical Park offer limitless possibilities. If you have an experience in mind for your students that is not listed, our expert educators will work with you to design a custom program specifically for your group.

ALL ABILITIES WELCOME

Fort William Historical Park makes every effort to accommodate the needs of all our visitors. When making the program booking, please let us know how we can make the visit successful and enjoyable for your entire group.

TEACHERS & CHAPERONES

We welcome one (1) teacher or adult chaperone for each paid student admission to all programs except overnight programs. Admission fees are waived for support persons accompanying students with disabilities. Teachers and adult chaperones are expected to assist Park employees with group management.

BOOKING YOUR PROGRAM

CONFIRMATION & PAYMENT

Once your booking request is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking information and invoice. Please review the email to ensure all the booking information is correct. Fort William Historical Park must receive any changes to the booking and final participant numbers three (3) business days prior to the program start date. To confirm your booking, a 20% deposit is required within 7 days of receiving the invoice. The remaining balance is due upon arrival the day of the program. Payment can be made by Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard, or cheque payable to the “Minister of Finance.” Your visit is confirmed once you receive the confirmation email, which includes the booking information and invoice, and we have received the 20% deposit. If you haven’t received a confirmation email within one (1) week of submitting the booking request, please contact our Reservations & Sales Clerk, Monday through Friday by calling (807) 473-2344 or emailing reservations@fwhp.ca. All rates are subject to 13% HST. Fort William Historical Park offers a fair exchange rate on the U.S. dollar. All products and services are subject to availability. Programs, prices and policies are subject to change without notice. School Group rates are already discounted, no additional coupons, passes, or membership discounts apply.

RESCHEDULING POLICY

If your trip must be cancelled due to inclement weather, we will try to reschedule the program, subject to available dates.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Refunds for program cancellations must be requested in writing. Cancellations made 15 days or more in advance of the program date will be refunded in full, or 50% within 4 to 14 days. Refunds will not be provided for cancellations made within 3 days of the program.

BOOKING YOUR PROGRAM

CONFIRMATION & PAYMENT

Once your booking request is processed, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking information and invoice. Please review the email to ensure all the booking information is correct. Fort William Historical Park must receive any changes to the booking and final participant numbers three (3) business days prior to the program start date. To confirm your booking, a 20% deposit is required within 7 days of receiving the invoice. The remaining balance is due upon arrival the day of the program. Payment can be made by Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard, or cheque payable to the “Minister of Finance.” Your visit is confirmed once you receive the confirmation email, which includes the booking information and invoice, and we have received the 20% deposit. If you haven’t received a confirmation email within one (1) week of submitting the booking request, please contact our Reservations & Sales Clerk, Monday through Friday by calling (807) 473-2344 or emailing reservations@fwhp.ca. All rates are subject to 13% HST. Fort William Historical Park offers a fair exchange rate on the U.S. dollar. All products and services are subject to availability. Programs, prices and policies are subject to change without notice. School Group rates are already discounted, no additional coupons, passes, or membership discounts apply.

RESCHEDULING POLICY

If your trip must be cancelled due to inclement weather, we will try to reschedule the program, subject to available dates.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Refunds for program cancellations must be requested in writing. Cancellations made 15 days or more in advance of the program date will be refunded in full, or 50% within 4 to 14 days. Refunds will not be provided for cancellations made within 3 days of the program.