The Battle of York: A Hike for a Pint 200 Years in the Making (4/27/2013)

On this adventure/urban hike/learning event we will take in several of the Toronto hosted events for the Bicentennial Commemoration of the Battle of York. Did you know that Americans won this battle and took the city of York on April 27th 1813? And that between April 28 and 30, American troops set fire to the buildings of the Legislative Assembly? (To return the favour the White House was burnt down in 1814 by British troops).

After the our adventure we hike to 520 Wellington Street West for a late brunch at the Bar Wellington Pub. (Depending on timings we may be able to see the parade from the patio) "Built in 1891, bar Wellington has been witness to many changes over the years. It stands at the corner of Portland Street and Wellington Street's majestic boulevard, which once was the main thoroughfare from then-distant Fort York to the town. Victoria Memorial Square, located opposite the building, was a military and civilian cemetery and remains the final resting place of the daughter of the first lieutenant-governor of Upper Canada, Lord Simcoe."

Meetup at the Palais Royale at 5:45am and look for Justin wearing a backpack and a 2013 TOC badge

(Excerpts from http://www.toronto.ca/1812/events.htm follow)

ITENERARY:

April 27, 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of the Battle of York. Show them you remember by participating in the events that follow.

0600 HRS: Sunrise Ceremony

6 to 7:30 a.m. - Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

At 6 a.m. the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation will lead four first nations, all descendants of warriors who fought in the Battle of York, in a sunrise ceremony at the Palais Royale patio and fire pit overlooking the shoreline.

Ways to Respect the Ceremony: Please remove hats and baseball caps during the ceremony (with the exception of ceremonial headdress) Only service animals are permitted at the ceremony (no pets allowed) Photography is discouraged during the ceremony (with the exception of official photographers) Female participants are encouraged to wear modest dresses or skirts. A limited number of scarves will be available to wear as 'skirt' wraps.

1000 HRS: Walking in their Footsteps

10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. - Starting Point - Palais Royale, 1601 Lake Shore Blvd. W Beginning at 10 a.m. close to where the disembarked Americans began their advance, the general public will be led by historical interpreters, stopping at several significant points, arriving at Fort York by 12:30 p.m.

Stop A - Coming Ashore (Just east of the Boulevard Club) Stop B - Amphibious Assault (Just east of the Legion) Stop C - Fighting in the Clearing (at Ft Rouille in Exhibition Place) Stop D - The Western Battery (Just inside the Princes' gates in Exhibition Place) Stop E - The Garrison (the western approach to today's Fort on the Common)

Terrain Mainly easy, following the Martin Goodman Trail and paved road through Exhibition Place and city streets, although there is a moderate climb up from Fleet Street to Fort York. No shuttle buses. The total distance is approximately 5 km and the walk will take about 2.5 hours.

1300 HRS: Military Parade and Colour Presentation

Military Parade - 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Begins at Legislative Assembly and ends at Fort York In one of the largest military parades every organized in Toronto, the Canadian Forces will honour all of those who died on our soil at the Battle of York on April 27, 1813 and the 200 years of military presence in Toronto since the war. More than 1,000 sailors and soldiers from the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army will march from Queen's Park down University Avenue and across Richmond Street, south on Portland Street past the War of 1812 monument and then on to the Fort York Armoury. The parade will include 13 marching bands, and a flourish of colourful ceremonial uniforms and Regimental Colours.