Categories: Travel

Ontario’s breathtaking 1830s Italianate-style castle is steeped in history & you can still visit

Photo via @hamilton_civicmuseums on Instagram

Hamilton, Ontario is home to a massive castle, rich in history that dates back almost 200 years. This Ontario gem is Dundurn Castle and it’s a historic site waiting to be explored.

This massive estate is a 40-room Italianate-style villa, built in the 1830’s. It’s the former site of a fortified military encampment established by the British during the War of 1812, according to the City of Hamilton.

You’ll be transported back to the mid-19th century as you step inside the massive castle. It’s just less than an hour’s drive away from Toronto and is worth the trip.

Travel back in time

It was once the home of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, a “railway magnate, lawyer and Premier of the United Canadas” from 1854 to 1856, per the city. MacNab and his family lived like royalty, while the servants lived “below the stairs.” You’ll get a glimpse into their world at this castle as you wander through all 40 rooms.

“Her Majesty, The Queen Consort is the museum’s Patron and the great, great, great-granddaughter of Sir Allan MacNab,” said the city.

The tour takes around one hour to complete. In the warmer months, you can also pay a visit to the historic Kitchen Garden which hosts workshops where you can harvest food for 19th-century recipes.

Costumed staff grow over 200 heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers for use in the kitchen too. Per the city, the Historic Kitchen Garden is open from mid-May to mid-October for free self-guided tours, educational programs and pre-booked guided tours.

On your way out, you can stop at the Coach House. It is now a shop that sells unique gifts and items all handmade here in Canada.

How to visit?

Admission to the castle also includes entry to The Hamilton Military Museum. It’s important to note that now general admission tickets will be available for purchase in person only at the museums. According to the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Public Library cards can be presented in person at the museums to get free general admission.

Though walk-in visitors are accommodated when possible, tour times sell out during the busy months so plan accordingly. Like Casa Loma, Dundurn Castle also hosts events throughout the year, like garden tours.

If you needed something to do this weekend, this is it!