Fort York, Toronto

Founded in 1793 by Lt. Governor John Graves Simcoe, the fort saw action only three times during The War of 1812. Fort York's role in extends to what became a greater purpose, guarding Simcoe's new capital, Toronto.

On April 27, 1813 the Town of York (Toronto) was attacked and invaded by 1,700 American troops. Fort York was one of the key objectives of this famed engagement later known as The Battle of York. Vastly outnumbered, the fort's defenders withdrew, but not before blowing up the town's gunpowder store, The Grand Magazine. The resulting explosion destroyed the fort killing or wounding 250 invading troops.

Reconstructed after the battle, Fort York is Canada's largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings and a designated National Historic Site. The fort offers guided tours and summer re-creations that explore the fort's role in the growth of the city and its colourful military past.

It's not surprising that a locale such this would have its share of ghostly activity.An apparition of a has been sighted in and around the officers quarters. A red-coated guard has been spotted in both the barracks and the front enrance.

More recent accounts to come to light are that of a "door-slamming ghost" as occurences have manifested in the kitchen area and more so in the blockhouse (which, by the way is difficult because of the bulk and heaviness of the door).

On one occasion in the 1980's, a young militiaman of the Royal Regiment of Canada, while jogging on the grounds was tackled by some unseen force; of course when he turn to face the person, there was no else around around. Other tales include a man walking his dog on the grounds on winters day when the husband noticed a man in green leaning on a tree staring at him about 50m away. Unnerved, he looked around to see if everything was alright with his vehicle, when he looked again the where the man was, he was no longer there. Upon further investigation, there were no tracks in the snow where this apparition in green was supposedly standing.

Lastly, an unsunstanciated report given to the TGHRS of a Fort employee, while closing for the evening, noticing a light coming from the officer's quarter. Proceeding to turn off this forgotten light, the staffer made out to be what look liked an entire dinner party, clearly identifying shapes of men and women moving around the dining room table in the window. The closer they approached, the fainter the scene became until when the door was reached it had completely vanished.

If anyone has any additional information on this or any other location or event, please forward it to info@hauntpursuit.com.