Residents and visitors can step into Simcoe County’s history this weekend as Fort Willow Conservation Area opens its doors for a day of guided tours, demonstrations and self-guided experiences.
Doors Open Simcoe County takes place Saturday, September 19th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Fort Willow Conservation Area, offering visitors an opportunity to explore one of the county’s significant historic sites.
Throughout the day, local historian Joe Cinanni will lead guided tours, sharing stories about the people, events and cultural connections that shaped Fort Willow’s role in the region.
Local craftsman Murray Van Rassel will also demonstrate the traditional art of carving a voyageur paddle, providing a look at the skills that supported travel and trade along Ontario’s early transportation routes.
Visitors can explore the site at their own pace by viewing reconstructed building outlines, interpretive signage and audio recordings.
Located along the historic Nine Mile Portage, Fort Willow served as a 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 and played a role in supporting British forces in the region.
No registration is required for the event, and parking is free.
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