Read more about what's open and what's closed on Canada Day Weekend...
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.
Learn more about the Kitchen Garden, Coach House and The 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.
Buy Online
Buy your general admission tickets online to Dundurn Castle
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.
- $12 for adults ages 18 to 59
- $10 for seniors ages 60 and above
- $10 for students ages 13 to 17. Students must show valid student ID
- $6.50 for children ages 6 to 12
- Children five years old or younger visit for free
- $32 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 $185 permit is required for all outdoor photography involving 10 or more people. Please call the museum to book your time.
Save 15% on admission to Hamilton’s TOP Cultural Attractions!
PLUS FREE souvenirs and DISCOUNTS on gift shop purchases and at participating restaurants!
www.tourismhamilton.ca/culturepass
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
Canada Day Military Tattoo
Monday, July 1, 2019
5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Enjoy a spectacular military musical celebration and experience a tradition that celebrates 25 years in Dundurn Park!
Historic Garden Tours
Tuesday, July 2, 2019 to Sunday, July 7, 2019
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Wednesday, July 3, 2019
10:00 am to 11:30 am
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
Tuesday, July 9, 2019 to Sunday, July 14, 2019
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
10:00 am to 11:30 am
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
Tuesday, July 16, 2019 to Sunday, July 21, 2019
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Looking to get your fingers in the dirt, learn something new? Join us for this free, drop-in program in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden.
Dundurn at Dusk
Friday, July 19, 2019
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Led by costumed gardeners, join us to experience the sights and scents of flowering plants best enjoyed as the sun sets.
Historic Cooking Workshop: Plant Bake Hunt Eat
Sunday, July 21, 2019
10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Join our costumed interpreters for a hands-on workshop packed with family friendly fun.
Historic Garden Tours
Tuesday, July 23, 2019 to Sunday, July 28, 2019
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Looking to get your fingers in the dirt, learn something new? Join us for this free, drop-in program in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden.
Dundurn at Dusk
Friday, July 26, 2019
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Led by costumed gardeners, join us to experience the sights and scents of flowering plants best enjoyed as the sun sets.
MacNab’s Kitchen
Saturday, July 27, 2019
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Led by costumed staff, visitors will explore over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family and the servants who lived and worked belo
The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site
Sunday, July 28, 2019
9:30 am to 11:30 am
A guided tour of Dundurn Castle, including the Military Museum. Pre-registration is required.
Historic Garden Tours
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 to Sunday, August 4, 2019
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
10:00 am to 11:30 am
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
Tuesday, August 6, 2019 to Sunday, August 11, 2019
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
10:00 am to 11:30 am
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
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 to Sunday, August 18, 2019
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
10:00 am to 11:30 am
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
Tuesday, August 20, 2019 to Sunday, August 25, 2019
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
10:00 am to 11:30 am
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
Saturday, August 24, 2019
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Led by costumed staff, visitors will explore over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family and the servants who lived and worked belo
The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site
Sunday, August 25, 2019
9:30 am to 11:30 am
A guided tour of Dundurn Castle, including the Military Museum. Pre-registration is required.
Historic Garden Tours
Tuesday, August 27, 2019 to Sunday, September 1, 2019
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Weeding Wednesday in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
10:00 am to 11:30 am
Looking to get your fingers in the dirt, learn something new? Join us for this free, drop-in program in Dundurn’s Kitchen Garden.
The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site
Sunday, September 22, 2019
9:30 am to 11:30 am
A guided tour of Dundurn Castle, including the Military Museum. Pre-registration is required.
MacNab’s Kitchen
Saturday, September 28, 2019
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Led by costumed staff, visitors will explore over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family and the servants who lived and worked belo
We Remember
Friday, November 8, 2019 to Sunday, November 10, 2019
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
On Remembrance Day we acknowledge the struggle of men and women in their work toward the goal of peace.
Victorian Christmas
Saturday, November 23, 2019 to Sunday, November 24, 2019
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
First Day of Christmas at Dundurn
Sunday, November 24, 2019
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visit Dundurn for the first day of its Victorian Christmas for free.
Victorian Christmas
Tuesday, November 26, 2019 to Sunday, December 1, 2019
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Historic Cooking Workshop: Dough-Re-Me
Saturday, November 30, 2019
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Family fun is on the menu! Prepare some tasty treats in the historic kitchen below stairs. Pre-registration is required.
Historic Cooking Workshop: Victorian Christmas Delights
Sunday, December 1, 2019
9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Enjoy an authentic Victorian Christmas cooking experience at Dundurn. Pre-registration required.
Victorian Christmas
Tuesday, December 3, 2019 to Sunday, December 8, 2019
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Historic Cooking Workshop: Delicious Desserts
Friday, December 6, 2019
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Baking for the holidays is a large part of many household traditions. Pre-registration required.
Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn
Saturday, December 7, 2019 to Sunday, December 8, 2019
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening. Pre-registration is required.
Victorian Christmas
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 to Sunday, December 15, 2019
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn
Friday, December 13, 2019 to Sunday, December 15, 2019
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening. Pre-registration is required.
Victorian Christmas
Tuesday, December 17, 2019 to Sunday, December 22, 2019
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn
Friday, December 20, 2019 to Sunday, December 22, 2019
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening. Pre-registration is required.
Victorian Christmas
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Victorian Christmas
Friday, December 27, 2019 to Sunday, December 29, 2019
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle.
Ring in the New Year
Friday, December 27, 2019 to Sunday, December 29, 2019
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening. Pre-registration required.
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
- Date modified: