Hidden behind a stand of trees on a quiet Springwater Township
road, lay remnants of a small village that was once significant in
British North America’s efforts to fight off an American
invasion. Fort Willow played an important role as a supply depot
during the War of 1812. Notably in 1814, a relief expedition of
about 200 men marched from Kingston in the chill of early February,
set up camp at Fort Willow and built 29 bateaux (long boats, wider
and sturdier than canoes). The men continued on to bring supplies
to Fort Michilimackinac
near present-day Michigan. This aid allowed the Fort to withstand
the American attack and helped to assure the borders of Canada
today. What survives of Fort Willow todayis subtle. Palisade walls
line the perimeter. Weathered logs lain on
the grass outline where buildings such as a blacksmith’s
shop,barracks, a cookhouse and a stable. Some of the
province’s best trails also connect to Fort Willow, including
the Ganaraska, North Simcoe Rail and Trans Canada trails, which
make it a hiker’s paradise. The abundance of trails on the
site appropriately pays homage to the original use of the land,
predating the War of 1812. The trade route called the Nine Mile
Portage. Make a day of it with the family and enjoy this beautiful
piece of history.
1st stage. You will find numbers on the Fort Willow Map, showing
you where all the different places are. Match up the places with
their numbers to find the coordinates for the next stage.
44 23.ABC
079 49.DFF
A. Visiting Officers
B. Brick Kiln
C. Blacksmith
D. Stable
E. Cookhouse
F. Block House
G. Kitchen
H. Barracks
Stage 2
N 44. 23.725 W 079 49.320
(+) Add the number of Wooden Poles that are used to make the
Teepee to your North coordinates
(-) Minus How many other house forms can be found in this region
from your West coordinates
Stage 3
N 44 21.831 W 079 49.507
(+) Add what year the group of 3 buildings were probably built?
to your North Coordinates
(-) Minus What regiment did Corporal James Cannon belong to? to
your West coordinates
Once you figure out the coordinates it will take you to stage 4
the Final...
Stage 4 the Final
Depending on which way you go, the terrain can change.The final
is on the Ganaraska Hiking Trail..
The final is a Peanut Butter container.
Please note this is an area where there is hunting from
September to December......... So please wear your BRIGHT
ORANGE.....
