Some spectacular sailing ships came into Wasaga Beach this evening.

The arrival of the tall ships is much-anticipated is the region as they cruise the Great Lakes to play their part in the Wra of 1812 bicentennial.

Visitors to Nancy Island in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park took a step back in time today to the year 1812 when Upper Canada was at war with the United States. Carole Eady brought her grandson to learn what life was like then.

“It was tough to live back then, it was hard work and I don't think any of us will understand what they went through just growing food, shelter and keeping themselves safe,” she says.

Wasaga Beach Under Siege is part of the War of 1812 bicentennial. Today there were demonstrations of First Nation music, blacksmithing, and even some of the surgical practices injured soldiers would have faced at the time.

“They had to fight their enemy, they had to fight brutal officers, but the man they feared most was me, the surgeon,” says Ed Kristufek, with the Historic Military Establishment of Upper Canada. “Everywhere there was a chance of pain; if you came to me you we're guaranteed pain.”

On top of the demonstrations at Nancy Island there will be a battle re-enactment at Beach Area Two that will in include three US tall ships.

The Friends of Good Will, The Lynx, and The Madeline sail past along the waterfront this evening

Dave Brunelle with the Historic Military Establishment of Upper Canada says the battle will re-enact what happened here 199 years ago.

“They would have bombarded the Nancy right where we are standing on August 14, 1814. We would have had cannon balls wizzing over our heads as they bombarded into the Nottawasaga River where the Nancy was trying to hide, unsuccessfully of course,” he says. “Eventually the Nancy blew up and sank into the river.”

The wreckage of the Nancy is on display in the park while the tall ships head for Collingwood where preparations under way for their arrival tonight. 

Visitors will be allowed on board for short tours. Kim Hare rearranged his family travel plans to be here.

“We changed our bookings and made them for this weekend so we could see them,” the Guelph resident says.

The ships will be open for tours Saturday and Sunday.