Five Things To Do And See In May/June

1. Go Watch A War Of 1812 Battle In Southern Ontario

The Battle of Longwoods was one of many fairly significant battles during the War of 1812—a force of British regulars, Canadian militia volunteers and native warriors was defeated by the Americans just south of London, Ont. Now, during the bicentennial celebrations of the war, go watch as the Upper Thames Military Re-enactment Society recreates the musket- cracking, cannon-roaring clash.

The Battle of Longwoods
May 5-6
Longwoods Road Conservation Area
8348 Longwoods Road,
Middlesex Country, Ont.
www.royal-scots.com/id5.html

PHOTO: FLIGHTOFTHEROYALGEORGE.CA

2. Relive The Flight Of The Royal George

The War of 1812 was fought not only on land, but also on the water, particularly on the St. Lawrence River. This huge event will commemorate three battles along the shores of Lake Ontario, between Kingston and Bath, using tall ships and gunboats and focusing on the plight of HMS Royal George. In addition, Fort Henry in historic downtown Kingston is also presenting an evening military tattoo—not to be missed!

Flight of the Royal George
June 29-July 1
Kingston and Bath, Ont.
www.flightoftheroyalgeorge.ca

PHOTO: DND

3. Celebrate The Canadian Forces

Every year on the first Sunday in June there are nation-wide events held to celebrate Canadian Forces Day. This is the one day of the year set aside to recognize CF members for their contributions across Canada and abroad. The CF suggests that you join in local events or organize your own—barbecues, parades, street parties—all options are on the table. To have a CF member come participate in your event, contact your regional public affairs office here: http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/contact-pa-ap-regional-eng.asp

Canadian Forces Day
June 5 Across Canada
www.forces.gc.ca

PHOTO: CECIL BEATON, © V&A IMAGES, ROYAL BC MUSEUM

4. Look Back At Queen Elizabeth II

During the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Royal British Columbia Museum presents a retrospective of nearly 100 portraits by royal photographer Cecil Beaton (1904-1980). Beaton’s portraits, which began when Elizabeth was a teenaged princess, were among the most widely published photos of the 20th century.

Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration
June 1-Sept. 3
Royal British Columbia Museum
Victoria, B.C.
www.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca

PHOTO: PARKS CANADA/R. GARNETT

5. Step Back In History

The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada opens for the season, allowing visitors a chance to see life in the barracks as it was in the 19th century when the 78th Highland Regiment and their families lived there. See enactors in uniform and visit the guard room and the engineers’ store and walk along the ramparts that guarded the city.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site of Canada
May 7-Oct. 31
Halifax, N.S.
www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/halifax/visit/visit6.aspx