The Dundurn Castle, designed by Sir McNab, is a house of neo-classic grandeur that has hosted Sir Macdonald and King Edward VII. This home, magnificently built on extensive grounds, was constructed using all of the advanced techniques of the early nineteenth century.
Dundurn Castle, now a National Historic Site, was one of Ontario's most luxurious residences, with a vast villa, lawns, and grounds, as well as a stunning view of Lake Ontario. The stone walls and arched wood beams will transport you to beautiful Victorian times.
The conventional design of this old structure is framed by an archway and beautiful ornamentation. The magnificent oak stairway and the extravagantly adorned chambers retain their antique beauty, reminding tourists of more exquisite times.
Getting To Dundurn Castle
The castle is built on York Boulevard in York, Ontario, Canada. Visitors can get to the castle via bus, train, or even driving from a nearby location.
The castle is open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., and it takes at least 2 hours to explore. Visitors are advised to make appropriate planning; While keeping an eye on the bus or train timetable to their itinerary.
Bus Stations Near Dundurn Castle In Hamilton
- York Opposite Hamilton Cemetery- 5 min walk
- York Opposite Strathcona- 5 min walk
- York at Dundurn - 7 min walkThe 1 is the first bus that takes you to Hamilton's Dundurn Castle. It comes to a halt nearby at 12:49 a.m.The 1 is the last bus that goes to Hamilton's Dundurn Castle. At 8:50 p.m., it comes to a halt nearby.
Train Stations Near Dundurn Castle In Hamilton
- West Harbour Go- 20 min walk
- The LW is the first train to Dundurn Castle, which is located in Hamilton. It comes to a
- halt nearby about 1:13 a.m.
- The LW is the last train from Hamilton to Dundurn Castle. It comes to a halt nearby at 9:03 p.m.
Entry Tickets
Visitors must purchase tickets to enter the castle, which are reasonably priced.
- Adults pay $11.50
- Seniors and students pay $9.50,
- Children pay $6.00.
- Children under the age of six are free.
What To Explore
Today, the castle serves as a museum that depicts everyday life for the MacNab family at the time. It also provides insight and perspective in Hamilton and Ontario during the nineteenth century. The narrative of the MacNab family and servants will be told by costumed translators and hosts as you tour the castle's halls and grounds.
Hamilton Military Museum
On the premises of Dundurn Castle is the Hamilton Military Museum. Images and artifacts from various battles, such as the War of 1812, the 1837 Rebellions, the Boer War, World War I, and World War II, are depicted in educational exhibits. The museum also emphasizes women's contributions to the Canadian armed forces.
The Castle Shop
The Castle Shop is located in Dundurn Castle's coach house, which was finished in the 1870s and currently houses handcrafted trinkets, crafts, and gifts from Canadian craftsmen.
The Gardens
The MacNab family used the Kitchen Garden at Dundurn National Historic Site 150 years ago. The public is welcome to visit the renovated 2-acre Kitchen Garden, which uses 1850s tools and techniques to cultivate food for Dundurn Castle's ancient kitchen. The gardens are still home to over 200 varieties of heirloom fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Instructional events include the opportunity to pick vegetables in the garden and create recipes in Dundurn's historical kitchen, and staff and volunteers labor in period clothing in the garden.
The garden is only open from May to October, even though the castle is open all year. Free tours of the garden are available during the summer months of July and August.
Where To eat
Although the tour to Dundurn Castle is brief, visitors may become exhausted after viewing the mansion's 40 rooms and the castle grounds. For this reason, knowledge about eateries is important to have. Even though the castle has a kitchen garden on the grounds, tourists can always eat at surrounding restaurants and shops.
Stonewalls Restaurant And Live Music Hamilton
A new age has brought contemporary, fresh tastes to the Stonewalls Kitchen and Patio, which has long been a local favorite as a live music venue. Stonewalls is a must-see in Hamilton, with daily specials, community activities, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Address: 339 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 2X9, Canada
Pho Lac Vien
Pho Lac Vien is a local mom-and-pop restaurant that serves a wide range of Vietnamese dishes. The rates are modest, and the portions are large.
- Address: 430 York Blvd, Hamilton, ON L8R 3K8, Canada
Brux House
The finest craft beer and ciders, vibrant cocktails, and adventurous wines are served at Brux House, influenced by the European beer belt. Executive Chef Fraser Macfarlane adds a distinctive culinary twist to classic food by employing high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Classic and unique beer styles from a comprehensive bottle and tap variety of local and overseas brewers are complemented with the food. A changeable blackboard menu lists daily specials in the restaurant's bar section.
- Address: 137 Locke St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 4A7, Canada
To conclude, Dundurn Castle is the oldest castle in Canada and is an exceptional surviving example of a magnificent Canadian estate with a high level of precision. It is a fantastic site to learn about the history of art, architecture, the nation, and people's daily life. If you are in Hamilton, this is a must-see attraction!