The long marine history of Niagara goes back to our Native ancestors who used the Niagara portage route to trade. French traders started the European trade in Niagara from their base at Fort Niagara. Ships brought the first Parliamentarians of Upper Canada to Niagara, troops during the War of 1812, and soldiers to train at Camp Niagara. Ships also transported Niagara’s produce to larger markets in Toronto, Montreal and the United States.