SDG COUNTIES, Ontario - School’s out, and summer adventure awaits along the St. Lawrence River. The St. Lawrence Parks Commission (SLPC) invites families, travellers, and outdoor enthusiasts to make the most of summer with new experiences, engaging programming, and enhanced amenities across its historic sites, campgrounds, and beaches.
Making summer fun more accessible and affordable, SLPC is proud to again participate in the Canada Strong Pass, a federal initiative offering free admission for children and youth aged 17 and under and 50 per cent off for young adults aged 18 to 24 at Fort Henry and Upper Canada Village until Sept. 7, 2026.
“Summer in Ontario is one of the best times to enjoy the many unique cultural treasures and tourism experiences that make this province an exciting place to visit,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “With free and discounted admission for youth and young adults at world-class museums and one-of-a-kind attractions like Fort Henry and Upper Canada Village, this pass offers an excellent opportunity to explore this beautiful province with your friends and family.”
SLPC has also expanded its Library Pass Program, now a partnership with more than 55 participating libraries, providing free day passes for families to both Fort Henry and Upper Canada Village during regular daytime summer programming.
This summer, at Fort Henry National Historic Site, explore 19th-Century military life through guided and self-guided tours, live demonstrations, and panoramic waterfront views. The Fort has expanded family programming, including more daily demonstrations, interactive activities for children, and a new Kids Activity Booklet with on-site rewards. There are also added opportunities to fire a historic Snider-Enfield rifle safely. The Fort’s signature Daily Garrison Parade now takes place at 1:30 p.m., making it easier for guests to plan their visit. The main artillery demonstration remains a daily highlight, supported by additional demonstrations throughout the site. Fort Henry is open for the main season until Sept. 7, 2026.
At Upper Canada Village, one of Canada’s largest living-history museums, step back to 1866 and explore more than 40 historic buildings brought to life by interpreters, with expanded daily programming and hands-on activities while school is out. Special events include the Battle of Crysler’s Farm re-enactment on July 11 and 12, Emancipation Day on Aug. 1, and the new First Nations Cultural Expo on Aug. 15 and 16, alongside sensory-friendly Sunday mornings in July and August. From June 27 to Aug. 30, families can enjoy the Family Activity Centre, included with admission and open daily. This hands-on space invites families to dress in period clothing, play traditional games and toys, try carding wool and writing with a quill pen, and create historically inspired crafts. Upper Canada Village main season runs until Sept. 20, 2026.
Kingston Pen Tours marks its 10th season of compelling, in-depth experiences in 2026 with expanded site access, including additional evening Express Tours and newly opened areas such as the previously unseen Personal Family Visit building, now featured on the Extended Tour. Tours are available until Oct. 31, 2026, offering guests a deeper look inside Canada’s oldest maximum-security prison.
Relax and reconnect outdoors at Parks of the St. Lawrence beach and day-use areas across the region, offering the perfect backdrop for summer relaxation and recreation along the St. Lawrence River. Families can swim, picnic, and enjoy scenic waterfront settings at locations including Brown’s Bay on the Thousand Islands Parkway, Crysler Park and Farran Park near Morrisburg, McLaren and Woodlands on the Long Sault Parkway, and Glengarry Park in Lancaster, just 15 minutes from the Quebec border.
Across eastern Ontario, Parks of the St. Lawrence offers 10 campgrounds with more than 1,600 campsites, including 600 serviced sites with a range of service levels (electricity, water, septic). This season introduces new ways to stay, including Ontario’s first Suspended Tree Tent sites at the Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary Campground, offering a gently elevated waterfront camping experience, Adventure Ready Campers for equipment-free stays, more of the popular Prospector Tents and premium walk-in waterfront sites, and new, convenient pull-through RV sites at Farran Park. Recent campground upgrades include a new accessible comfort station at Glengarry Campground and enhanced amenities at Brown’s Bay, with inclusive features such as an accessible beach access ramp, powered change station, wudu foot washing stations, outdoor showers, and a licensed waterfront patio. Every camping reservation comes with 2 complimentary adult or senior passes to either Fort Henry or Upper Canada Village.
Crysler Park is also open all summer, with the popular beach re-opening for the season and the Miniature Train ride once again connecting the waterfront day-use area with Upper Canada Village, offering a fun and easy way to add fun to your visit. Crysler Park Marina provides a full-service, charming waterfront experience with transient docking, camping, and on-site watersport rentals including kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, making it an ideal recreational destination for both day and overnight guests. Nearby, the Upper Canada Golf Course offers a championship 18-hole experience complete with a driving range, instruction, and a full-service restaurant, rounding out a well-equipped destination for relaxation and recreation along the St. Lawrence River corridor.
Whether you’re stepping into history, camping under the stars, or enjoying a relaxing day by the water, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission offers something for everyone this summer.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.parks.on.ca.
About St. Lawrence Parks Commission
The St. Lawrence Parks Commission, an agency of the Government of Ontario, operates facilities stretching from Kingston to the Quebec border, including Upper Canada Village, Fort Henry National Historic Site of Canada (and part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site designation); Kingston Pen Tours, Crysler Park Marina, Upper Canada Golf Course, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary and 10 campgrounds and 6 beach day-use picnic areas including the Long Sault and Thousand Islands Parkways.
Since 2019, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission has undertaken a series of major infrastructure improvements, culminating in a historic $82.2 million investment announced in 2025. These upgrades are part of a multi-year revitalization strategy aimed at modernizing facilities, improving environmental sustainability, and enhancing guest experiences across eastern Ontario.