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.
William Reid was Sir Allan’s gardener for over 25 years. Explore the lovingly restored two-acre Historic Kitchen Garden where costumed staff grow over 200 heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers for use in the historic kitchen. Open mid-May through mid-October. Enjoy free garden tours in July and August.
The 1870’s Coach House is home to The Castle Shop featuring a variety of Canadian handmade crafts, souvenirs and special gifts. The former Hayloft on the upper level is a unique meeting and reception facility that can accommodate up to 120 guests.
The Hamilton Military Museum is free with admission 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.
- $14 for adults ages 18 to 59
- $12 for seniors ages 60 and above
- $12 for students ages 13 to 17. Students must show valid student ID
- $8 for children ages 6 to 12
- Children five years old or younger visit for free
- $37 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: [email protected]
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 $190 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
Doors Open: Dundurn National Historic Site
Saturday, May 2, 2020 to Sunday, May 3, 2020
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Experience a self-guided visit of this Italianate-style villa built in 1834 by Sir Allan MacNab, one of Canada's first premiers.
Historic Cooking Workshop: Mother’s Day Tea
Saturday, May 9, 2020
10:30 am to 12:30 pm
During this workshop, you’ll work with Dundurn’s historic cooks to prepare nineteenth-century recipes next to our wood-fired range.
Historic Cooking Workshop: MacNab’s Kitchen
Saturday, May 30, 2020
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Led by costumed staff, you will explore over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family.
From Our Garden to Yours
Saturday, June 6, 2020
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Dundurn’s historic Kitchen Garden is hosting a free one-day, plant-sharing event.
Historic Plant Sale
Saturday, June 6, 2020
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Dundurn’s historic Kitchen Garden is hosting a historic plant sale.
Historic Cooking Workshop: MacNab’s Kitchen
Saturday, June 27, 2020
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Led by costumed staff, you will explore over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family.
Canada Day Military Tattoo
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
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
Thursday, July 2, 2020 to Sunday, July 5, 2020
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Historic Garden Tours
Tuesday, July 7, 2020 to Sunday, July 12, 2020
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 8, 2020
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 14, 2020 to Sunday, July 19, 2020
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 15, 2020
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 Cooking Workshop: Plant Bake Hunt Eat
Sunday, July 19, 2020
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 21, 2020 to Sunday, July 26, 2020
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 22, 2020
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 24, 2020
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: MacNab’s Kitchen
Saturday, July 25, 2020
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Led by costumed staff, you will explore over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family.
Historic Garden Tours
Tuesday, July 28, 2020 to Sunday, August 2, 2020
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 29, 2020
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 4, 2020 to Sunday, August 9, 2020
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 5, 2020
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, August 7, 2020
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Led by costumed gardeners, join us to experience the sights and scents of flowering plants best enjoyed as the sun sets.
Historic Garden Tours
Tuesday, August 11, 2020 to Sunday, August 16, 2020
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 12, 2020
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 18, 2020 to Sunday, August 23, 2020
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 19, 2020
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 25, 2020 to Sunday, August 30, 2020
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 26, 2020
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 Cooking Workshop: MacNab’s Kitchen
Saturday, August 29, 2020
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Led by costumed staff, you will explore over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family.
Historic Garden Tours
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 to Sunday, September 6, 2020
2:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Enjoy informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by costumed garden staff.
Historic Cooking Workshop: MacNab’s Kitchen
Saturday, September 26, 2020
10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Led by costumed staff, you will explore over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family.
We Remember
Friday, November 6, 2020 to Sunday, November 8, 2020
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 21, 2020 to Sunday, January 3, 2021
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 22, 2020
12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Visit Dundurn for the first day of its Victorian Christmas for free.
Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn
Friday, December 4, 2020 to Sunday, December 6, 2020
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.
Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn
Friday, December 11, 2020 to Sunday, December 13, 2020
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.
Christmas Evening Tours at Dundurn
Friday, December 18, 2020 to Sunday, December 20, 2020
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.
Ring in the New Year
Sunday, December 27, 2020
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
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