Dundurn National Historic Site
Experience a guided tour of this 40-room Italianate-style villa built in the 1830’s on Burlington Heights; the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British in 1813. Once home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, railway magnate, lawyer and Premier of the United Canadas (1854-1856) and his family, today Dundurn Castle tells the story of the family who lived above stairs and the servants who lived and worked below stairs to support their affluent lifestyle. Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Cornwall is the museum’s Patron and the great, great, great granddaughter of Sir Allan MacNab.
Dundurn National Historic Site has been selected for the 2016 Certificate of Excellence, reflecting the consistently great reviews earned on TripAdvisor.
Learn more about the Kitchen Garden, Coach House andThe Hamilton Military Museum
The Kitchen Garden
Rich, bountiful, and a pleasure to the senses, the kitchen garden at Dundurn, as at any fine Victorian home, provided an abundance of fashionable fruit, flowers, vegetables, and herbs, essential to the kitchen and dining room. William Reid was Sir Allan’s gardener for over 25 years. Explore his lovingly restored kitchen garden, where we use 1850’s tools and varieties to grow food for Dundurn Castle’s historic kitchen. Stop by the garden gate for the sights and scents of the 19th century.
Travel Canada's Garden Route to explore more gardens in Canada. This website contains the most comprehensive listing of Canadian gardens and garden experiences.
The Coach House
Housed in an 1870’s Coach House, this unique, meeting and reception facility can accommodate groups up to 88 people. The Coach House is also home to The Castle Shop, featuring a variety of Canadian handmade crafts, souvenirs and special gifts.
The Hamilton Military Museum
The tranquil landscape around The Hamilton Military Museum known as Burlington Heights was a centre of defense from 1813 to 1815. This was home to men, women and children connected to the British army and First Nations allies who came together during the conflict known as the War of 1812. The new exhibit Blood Ties to a Gentle Landscape tells the stories of people who lived here by connecting artifacts, personalities and modern-day descendants. Step back in time and meet the people tied by blood to this gentle landscape.
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Admission rates
Full-price ticket includes admission to Dundurn Castle, the Kitchen Garden (Open June to October) and The Hamilton Military Museum.
Regular admission rates and hours of operation apply to all events unless otherwise indicated.
- $11.50 for adults ages 18 to 59
- $9.50 for seniors ages 60 and above
- $9.50 for students ages 13 to 17. Students must show valid student ID
- $6 for children ages 6 to 12
- Children five years old or younger visit for free
- $30 for a family of two adults and unlimited dependent children under 18 years old
The museum is only partially wheelchair accessible. Call for more details.
Location & hours
We are located at:
610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario L8R 3H1
Phone: 905-546-2872
Email: dundurn@hamilton.ca
The Museum is open year-round.
- Tuesday to Sunday, 12 noon to 4 pm. Guided tours are approximately one hour and begin every 20 to 30 minutes
- Closed on Mondays, Good Friday, Canada Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
Depending on availability, we will open outside of regular hours for pre-booked groups.
Photography permits
The purchase of a $179 permit is required for all outdoor photography involving 10 or more people. Please call the museum to book your time.
Events at Dundurn
We host a variety of events, workshops and exhibitions at Dundurn National Historic Site throughout the year. No two trips are ever the same! View all Hamilton Civic Museum Events
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Looking to get your fingers in the dirt, learn something new? Join us for this free, drop-in program in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden.
MacNab’s Kitchen
In the 19th century servants were employed in large homes like Dundurn to do a variety of tasks such as washing, dusting, polishing and cooking.
Historic Garden Tours
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Historic Garden Tours
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site
Dundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812.
Historic Garden Tours
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Historic Garden Tours
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Looking to get your fingers in the dirt, learn something new? Join us for this free, drop-in program in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden.
Historic Garden Tours
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Historic Garden Tours
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Historic Garden Tours
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site
Dundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812.
The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site
Dundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812.
MacNab’s Kitchen
In the 19th century servants were employed in large homes like Dundurn to do a variety of tasks such as washing, dusting, polishing and cooking.
MacNab’s Kitchen
In the 19th century servants were employed in large homes like Dundurn to do a variety of tasks such as washing, dusting, polishing and cooking.
Historic Cooking Workshop: Pumpkins and Spice -The Untold Story
Participants will enjoy a hands-on cooking workshop of some traditional pumpkin recipes and their spices while learning about the history of this f
Cheers to Victory!
Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag” and join the celebration as we commemorate the end of the Great War!
Peace at Last: A Centennial Celebration
In commemoration of the end of the First World War and the celebrations which were held marking its end, join us for an afternoon of family-friendl
First Day of Christmas at Dundurn
Visit Dundurn for the first day of its Victorian Christmas for free.
Victorian Christmas
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Victorian Christmas
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Historic Cooking Workshop: Victorian Christmas Delights
Enjoy an authentic Victorian Christmas cooking experience at Dundurn.
Historic Cooking Workshop: Dough-Re-Me
Family fun is on the menu! Come to Dundurn for family fun and prepare some tasty treats in the historic kitchen below stairs.
Victorian Christmas
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Historic Cooking Workshop: Delicious Desserts
Baking for the holidays is a large part of many household traditions.
Christmas Evening Tours
Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening.
Victorian Christmas
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn
Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening.
Victorian Christmas
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn
Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening.
Victorian Christmas
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Ring in the New Year
Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for the holidays in the evening.
Jerry Muskrat's Greatest Lakes Adventure!
Join Jerry as he rows his way through the cities, towns and parks of the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence Seaway in his series "The Greatest Lakes – a Jerry Muskrat™ Adventure!"
This MOM (Multimedia Outreach Module) is part of a 5-episode story arc developed in partnership with the Hamilton Civic Museums owned and operated by the City of Hamilton. Other National Historic Sites in the series include the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology, Battlefield House Museum & Park, Whitehern Historic House & Garden and the Hamilton & Scourge shipwrecks National Historic Site.
Dundurn videos
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