Dundurn Castle is a grand historic mansion built in the 1830s that shows what life was like for an affluent family (“above-stairs”) and the people who served them (“below-stairs”) in mid-19th-century Ontario. Along with its beautiful grounds, gardens, and the Hamilton Military Museum, it’s a place rich in architecture, social history, and heritage. Hamilton Civic Museums.
Getting There
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Address: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton, Ontario L8R 3H1
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Parking: Free on-site parking available.
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Public Transit: Accessible via Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) routes.
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Note: Major road construction is taking place on York Boulevard from Dundurn Street North to Caroline Street North, reducing traffic to one lane in each direction. Visitors are advised to allot extra time when travelling to the site.
You can also check the Translink website for the current Skytrain schedules.
Hours of Operation
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Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
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Closed: Mondays and select holidays (e.g., Good Friday, Canada Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day)
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Extended Hours: Friday evenings in July from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Admission & Tours
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Guided Tours: Admission includes a 1-hour guided tour of Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Military Museum. Tours begin at 12:10 PM and run every 20–30 minutes, with the last tour at 3:30 PM.
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Tickets: Available for purchase in person only at the museum.
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Admission Fees:
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Adult (18–59): $16.00
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Senior (60+): $14.00
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Youth (13–17): $14.00
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Child (6–12): $10.00
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Infant (5 and under): Free
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Family (2 adults + dependent children under 18): $45.00
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Historic Kitchen Garden
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Season: Mid-May through mid-October
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Features: Restored garden with over 200 heirloom varieties of fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers.
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Access: Free self-guided tours; educational programs and pre-booked guided tours available.
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Programs: Includes hands-on workshops where visitors can harvest food for use in historic recipes.
Coach House & Castle Shop
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Location: 1870s Coach House on the estate grounds.
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Features: The Castle Shop offers a variety of Canadian handmade crafts, souvenirs, and special gifts. The former Hayloft on the upper level serves as a unique meeting and reception facility.
Group & Educational Programs
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Group Tours: Available for groups of all ages, featuring one-hour guided experiences led by costumed interpreters.
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Virtual Tours: Accessible options are available at Dundurn Castle, Battlefield House Museum, and Whitehern Historic House for a $50 flat fee, in addition to the per-person group tour rate.
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Educational Programs: Offerings include "Cultivating the Past," where students engage in sensory exploration tours and seasonal activities in the Historic Kitchen Garden.
Tips for Visitors
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Arrive Early: Tours can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving soon after noon ensures a better chance of securing a spot.
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Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as some areas and gardens have uneven terrain.
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Photography: Permits may be required for professional photography or large group shoots.
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Accessibility: Dundurn Castle and The Hamilton Military Museum are partially wheelchair accessible. Please call ahead for more details.
Dundurn National Historic Site offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the grandeur of 19th-century life in Canada. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a garden lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Dundurn provides a memorable and enriching experience.