Castle Kilbride is a fine example of an Italianate-style late-nineteenth-century Victorian home set in a Scenic environment and features a belvedere viewpoint. The superb interior design, however, overshadows the lovely outside.
Castle Kilbride was constructed by James Livingston, a renowned linseed oil businessman. It was given the name Kilbride, after his birthplace in Scotland.
Castle Kilbride is a memorial of Wilmot Township's legacy and values, as well as the community's dedication to preserving them. It is a rare surviving example of a spectacular Canadian estate with meticulous attention to detail.
It is a designated National Historic Site that attracts true history buffs.
Getting To Castle Kilbridge
Via Driving
Visitors can drive to the Castle from nearby areas.
- Castle Kilbride is in the township of Baden and is approximately halfway between the city of Kitchener and the city of Stratford on Highway 7 and 8.
- Visitors should exit at Foundry Street on Waterloo Route 51 and take the museum indications to Baden.
Via Bus
Visitors can also take the bus to reach the Castle.
- Nearest Bus Stop- Snyders/ Mill Bus Stop
Visiting Information
- The Castle is open for tours from Wednesday until Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance as there are limited slots available. The costs are: Adults $9, Seniors of 65+ in age and students pay $8, children are $5.
- Only guided tours of 30 minutes are permitted.
What to Do
Explore the Museum
A visit to Castle Kilbride is like stepping back in time to the opulent Victorian era.
- Standing in rural Baden, the Castle overlooks the area like no other private property in Canada, with its soaring Tower, minimalist design, unique furnishings, and interior creativity.
- The place has intricate wall paintings painted with linseed oil-based paint that decorates all of the house's primary rooms.
- The trompe l'oeil artworks provide the appearance of depth and gorgeous three-dimensional imagery around the house.
- The picture's classical style exemplifies a mid-nineteenth-century effort to resurrect the dying art of Renaissance mural painting.
- Every element of the design and structure of the house demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship.
- The Castle gives a one-of-a-kind glimpse of people's life in Victorian Canada.
- Year-round, Castle Kilbride hosts a variety of programs and exhibitions, including Christmas at the Castle and the Summertime Concert Series, which takes place on the Castle's front lawn on Thursday evenings throughout the summer.
Educational Programs For Kids
Castle Kilbride provides a comprehensive range of curriculum-based school programs to assist schoolchildren in engagingly learning about history. Some of the programs are listed below.
Just The flax: Life In Waterloo County
- This game is explored with the characters of James Livingston and his wife Louisa.
- Information: Tour of the Castle with a focus on flax, as well as a hands-on experience with pioneer models and flax crafts.
- 1.5 hours in length.
Playing in the Past
- Laura Louise, a tiny girl who grew up at Castle Kilbride and liked toys, is the protagonist of this game.
- Tour the Castle, play with antique toys, and construct your toy to carry home.
- 1 hour in length
Impressive Illusions
- Will study the murals in detail while exploring the Castle. They will learn the distinction between two and three-dimensional pieces of art.
- A hands-on experience where participants will construct their work of art using the trompe l'oeil style after an in-depth visit of the Castle and murals.
- 1.5 hours in length
Artifacts
- Students have an extended guided tour of Castle Kilbride, learn to handle and categorize items, and analyze images from the archive to acquire vital information.
- 1.5 hours in length.
Things To Note
- Programs are available Monday to Friday.
- The cost per child is $5.00.
- Teachers and caretakers are provided free of charge.
- There must be one adult for every six students.
Where To Eat
Exploring a historic castle can be exhausting, especially when accompanied by family and children. As a result, it's essential to keep track of where to dine near Castle Kilbride.
Pizza Express And Subs
- When visiting Castle Kilbride, this is the default eatery to dine.
- Pizza Express is well-known for its Italian cuisine. Order wonderfully cooked pizza at this location.
- The prices are reasonable and budget-friendly.
- Address: 1 Foundry St, Baden, ON N3A 2P8, Canada
Melina's Grill
- It is a modest restaurant in Baden, located across from Castle Kilbride.
- The cuisine is excellent, and the service is courteous.
- Lunch and dinner are served, with options for Canadian and Mediterranean food.
- Address: 55 Snyder's Rd W, Baden, ON N3A 2M2, Canada
E J's At Baden Tavern
- The Baden Hotel, which opened in 1874, is Southern Ontario's oldest continuously functioning eating establishment.
- The hotel takes pride in creating its meals and strives to use fresh, locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
- Address: 39 Snyder's Rd W, Baden, ON N3A 2M1, Canada
St Jacobs Farmers' Market Grill
- Market Grill serves lunch and breakfast and has an eat-in section.
- Freshly cut fries, local sausages, burgers, schnitzels, and shellfish are just a few of the freshly cooked dishes.
- You can either eat the dishes there or take fruits and vegetables and chicken home with you.
- Address: 878 Weber St N, Waterloo, ON N2J 4A9, Canada
In Canadian history, Castle Kilbride marks the crucial age of commerce and family values. Castle Kilbride is an excellent complement to any heritage tour of the area because it is one of Ontario's many renovated and protected historical buildings. It's an excellent resource for learning about the history of art, culture, the country, and people's everyday lives. If you are in Ontario, this is a must-see attraction!