Hamilton Civic Museums

Group Tour Experiences

All Hamilton Civic Museums, except Whitehern Historic House & Garden and the Hamilton Children’s Museum, are open to the public offering modified programming. Admission tickets must be obtained in advance online (see "Buy Online" link) and are non-refundable and non-transferable. Visitors reserving tickets through the Library Pass program are required to present their admission ticket and library card upon arrival. Guests must adhere to social distancing guidelines and the use of facemasks is required. High-touch areas are frequently disinfected and hand sanitizer is available throughout your visit.

All sites are accepting venue rental bookings based on availability and in compliance with current Provincial social distancing and other COVID-19 related guidelines at the time. Tourism Industry Association of Ontario's SafeTravels Stamp

Hamilton Civic Museums have been awarded a #SafeTravels Stamp, which is recognized globally for adopting proper, standardized health and hygiene protocols.

Hamilton Civic Museums offer guided tours and immersive experiences for groups of all ages. Each museum listed below offers a one-hour guided tour experience led by costumed interpreters. 

Looking for Accessible Virtual Tour options? Accessible options are available at Dundurn Castle, Battlefield House Museum, and Whitehern Historic House: Virtual Tour Experiences ‘guided’ by costumed interpreters for a $50 flat fee, in addition to the per person group tour rate outlined below.

MUSEUM REGULAR ADMISSION - Adult / Senior / Child GROUP TOUR - Adult & Senior GROUP TOUR - Child
Dundurn Castle $14 / $12 / $8 $9.50 $6.50
The Historic Kitchen Garden at Dundurn N/A $4 $3.50
Battlefield House Museum & Park $8.50 / $7.50 / $6 $6 $4.75
Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology $8.50 / $7.50 / $6 $6 $4.75
Whitehern Historic House & Garden $8.50 / $7.50 / $6 $6 $4.75

 

  • All venues and programs are subject to availability.
  • Pre-registration is required.
  • To qualify for a group rate, we require a minimum payment for 15 people.
  • The maximum group size for MacNab’s Kitchen is 45 people.
  • Numbers must be confirmed at least 4 days prior to arrival.
  • Prices are quoted in Canadian currency and include all applicable taxes and gratuities.
  • Prices are subject to change without notice.
  • Fair exchange is always given on U.S. currency.
  • One complimentary admission will be provided for every 20 paid persons.
  • Applicable to group leader or professional escort/driver only.
  • Volume and Receptive Operator discounts are available by emailing [email protected] or calling 905-546-2424 ext. 7527

Mary Christmas

Explore 100 year of Christmas at three National Historic Sites beautifully decorated for the Holidays and learn about the Mary’s that once lived in these elegant homes.

Battlefield House Museum & Park - former home of Mary Gage (1777 to 1853) & her 10 children

Step back in time to experience the warmth, welcome and simplicity of an early 19th century Christmas. Relive a holiday when tallow candles lit the way and evergreen boughs bedecked the mantles.

Dundurn Castle - former home of Mary MacNab (1812 to 1846) & her children

Rediscover a Victorian Christmas at Dundurn National Historic Site as Sir Allan MacNab and his daughters Minnie and Sophia might have enjoyed in 1855. Cedar garlands grace the drawing room, and the dining room is set for a gracious Christmas feast.

Whitehern Historic House & Garden - former home of Mary McQuesten (1849 to1934) & her 6 children

Experience The McQuesten’s Childhood Christmas, complete with their original toys and holiday décor including cedar garland, rich satin ribbons, and a twelve-foot-high tree trimmed with tinsel and glass ornaments.

People standing around the inside of Battlefield during Christmas

Cost: $19 per person
Time: 3.5 hours plus travel time & lunch stop
Discounts available for Receptive Tour Operators, and series volume bookings.
Note: Minimum payment for 15 persons required.
To book, contact 905-546-2872 or [email protected].

Immersive Encounters

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.  Assisted by Dundurn’s Cook Demonstrators, guests will work together to make a traditional recipe in our historic kitchen. Visitors will also have the opportunity to explore with costumed staff over 40 rooms and discover the history of the MacNab family and the servants who lived and worked below stairs to support their affluent lifestyle.

Dundurn also offers tailor made programming to suit the taste and needs of your group. Please call the museum and we will be happy to work with you to make your cooking experience a successful one.

Guests preparing food at Dundurn kitchen

Cost: $35 per person
Time: 2 hours - mornings only
TICO Certified Tour Operators: $30 per person
Further discounts available for Receptive Tour Operators, and series volume bookings.
Note: Minimum payment for 15 people required.

 

The Heights: A War of 1812 Tour of Dundurn National Historic Site

Dundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812. Burlington Heights, where the Castle now stands, was occupied by the British military from 1813 until 1815. Your journey will begin at The Hamilton Military Museum to uncover the history surrounding the property. Discover evidence of military fortifications as the tour takes you outdoors through key areas in Dundurn Park including the rarely see Cock Pit building. The guided tour concludes with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features that Sir Allan MacNab later incorporated into his well-known home.

This tour contains outdoor components; please come dressed for the weather and prepared for walking on uneven terrain.

Aerial photograph of Dundurn National Historic Site

Cost: $30 per person
Time: 2 hours - mornings only
TICO Certified Tour Operators: $25 per person
Further discounts available for Receptive Tour Operators, and series volume bookings.
Note: Minimum payment for 15 people required.

 

Suggested Itineraries

Homes and Gardens

The War of 1812 Encounter

The Vintage Experience