Canadian Castles and Forts

From small settlements surrounded with pointy log fences, to big fortresses enclosed by high stone walls, to grand mansions with dozens of rooms, there are forts and castles all over Canada you can explore yourself.

Château Frontenac

Credit: Robert Ciavarro

Quebec City has both walls and a castle! One of Canada’s most famous railway hotels, the Château Frontenac stands high on a cliff overlooking the St. Lawrence River. And all around the old city are huge stone walls.

Credit: AG Anderson

Fort Whoop-Up

Credit: Andrew Kurjata

Near Lethbridge, Alta., check out Fort Whoop-Up to learn about life in a western trading post. In 1869, American traders brought whiskey and other items to trade with First Nations before the Mounties arrived to shut them down.

Sainte-Marie among the Hurons

Credit: Nancy Payne

At Sainte-Marie among the Hurons in central Ontario, you can experience life in a re-created French and First Nations community of the late 1600s. Bilingual interpreters can tell you the stories of the settlement and teach you about the people’s crafts, skills and games.

Hatley Castle

Credit: Oriol Salvador

Visit Hatley Castle in Victoria, B.C., to see one rich family’s fancy mansion (it now belongs to Royal Roads University.) When he was having it built, owner James Dunsmuir told those in charge, “Money doesn’t matter, just build what I want.”