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City of Hamilton

Dundurn National Historic Site - Events



Location:   610 York Blvd. (map)
Hamilton, Ontario
Phone: 905-546-2872
Fax: 905-546-2875
Email: dundurn@hamilton.ca



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Admission Rates

Adult (18-59)   $11.25
Senior (60+)   $9.25
Student * (13-17)   $9.25
Child (6-12)   $5.75
Infant (5 and under)   Free
Family **    $28.00


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Buy admission now, save 20%

* Student = 13-17 or with valid student ID
** Family = two adults and dependant
 children under 18

Full-price ticket includes admission
to Dundurn Castle, the Kitchen Garden
and the Hamilton Military Museum.

Hours of Operation

Labour Day to June 30:
Tuesday to Sunday: 12 - 4 pm

July 1 to Labour Day:
Tuesday to Sunday: 11 am - 4 pm

(Closed Mondays, Good Friday,
Christmas Day, Boxing Day and
New Year's Day)

Depending on availability, we will gladly
open outside of regular hours for
pre-booked groups.

 

Events, Workshops and Exhibitions

Admission rates and scheduled events are subject to change. Please call to confirm.


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



Buy tickets nowDundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812. Burlington Heights, where Dundurn 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 to The Hamilton Cemetery and Dundurn Park. The guided tour will end with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features which Sir Allan MacNab would later incorporate into his well-known home. Receive free admission tickets for a guided tour of Dundurn Castle to use anytime during 2013. NOTE: This tour contains outdoor components; please come dressed for the weather and for walking on uneven terrain.
Date: Saturday, May 18, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 years and older.
Cost: $20.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


A Royal Sunday


Dundurn National Historic Site

Buy tickets nowPlease join us for a special interest tour of Dundurn Castle. Costumed staff will take you on a guided tour of the lavish home of Sir Allan MacNab. Discover Queen Victoria's influence on style and traditions, MacNab's contribution to suppress the Upper Canadian Rebellion of 1837 for which he was knighted, the MacNab family connection with the Royal Family and their recent visit to Dundurn Castle.
Date: Sunday, May 19, 2013
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $8.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


SOLD OUT A Royal Sunday


Dundurn National Historic Site

Buy tickets nowPlease join us for a special interest tour of Dundurn Castle. Costumed staff will take you on a guided tour of the lavish home of Sir Allan MacNab. Discover Queen Victoria's influence on style and traditions, MacNab's contribution to suppress the Upper Canadian Rebellion of 1837 for which he was knighted, the MacNab family connection with the Royal Family and their recent visit to Dundurn Castle.
Date: Sunday, May 26, 2013
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $8.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


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



Buy tickets nowDundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812. Burlington Heights, where Dundurn 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 to The Hamilton Cemetery and Dundurn Park. The guided tour will end with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features which Sir Allan MacNab would later incorporate into his well-known home. Receive free admission tickets for a guided tour of Dundurn Castle to use anytime during 2013. NOTE: This tour contains outdoor components; please come dressed for the weather and for walking on uneven terrain.
Date: Sunday, June 2, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 years and older.
Cost: $20.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


War of 1812 Bicentennial Performance


Dundurn National Historic Site

Enjoy free admission to Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Military Museum, including the rarely seen Cock Pit building, between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Discover the history of the area known as Burlington Heights where Dundurn now stands, occupied by the British Military from 1813 until 1815. Learn how architectural features introduced by the military were later incorporated by Sir Allan MacNab during the construction of his home. After your visit, stay for a special evening of musical and artistic talent featuring a performance by The Corps of Drums of the Royal Anglian Regiment from England, and other performing groups representative of the Native and Black-Canadian contributions to the War of 1812.
Date: Tuesday, June 4, 2013 (Performance starts at 7:00 pm.)
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free event and museum admission.


Workshop:

Strawberry Sunday: A Historic Garden and Cooking Family Workshop


Dundurn National Historic Site

Buy tickets nowStrawberries were once thought to be a source of uniting communities through the celebration of their harvests. Help preserve the heritage by learning of the traditions around the agricultural and historic legacy of the strawberry. Pick fruit in the garden and prepare a fresh luscious 19th century recipe in the historic kitchen. Receive free admission tickets for a guided tour of Dundurn Castle to use anytime during 2013. Components of this workshop are outdoors, please come dressed for the weather and for working in our garden.
Date: Sunday, June 23, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 6 years and older.
Cost: $45.00 for 1 adult and 1 child. $20.00 for each additional child. Pre-registration required.


Canada Day Military Tattoo


Dundurn National Historic Site

Come and enjoy a spectacular evening of musical celebration! Thrill to the sounds of the pipes and drums and Regimental Bands.
Date: Monday, July 1, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free outdoor event. Regular admission rates apply to the museum.


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



Buy tickets nowDundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812. Burlington Heights, where Dundurn 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 to The Hamilton Cemetery and Dundurn Park. The guided tour will end with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features which Sir Allan MacNab would later incorporate into his well-known home. Receive free admission tickets for a guided tour of Dundurn Castle to use anytime during 2013. NOTE: This tour contains outdoor components; please come dressed for the weather and for walking on uneven terrain.
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 years and older.
Cost: $20.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


Historic Garden Tours


Dundurn National Historic Site

Every Saturday and Sunday, discover how the pastoral elegance of Dundurn's historic Kitchen Garden catered to the nutritional needs and aesthetic desires of the MacNab family 150 years ago. You will be delighted by informative stories and historic gardening knowledge conveyed by professional garden staff. The tour promises to be a pleasure for the mind and the senses.
Date: Saturday, July 6, 2013 to Sunday, September 1, 2013 (Saturdays and Sundays)
Time: 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Regular admission rates apply to the museum.


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



Buy tickets nowDundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812. Burlington Heights, where Dundurn 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 to The Hamilton Cemetery and Dundurn Park. The guided tour will end with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features which Sir Allan MacNab would later incorporate into his well-known home. Receive free admission tickets for a guided tour of Dundurn Castle to use anytime during 2013. NOTE: This tour contains outdoor components; please come dressed for the weather and for walking on uneven terrain.
Date: Saturday, July 20, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 years and older.
Cost: $20.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


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



Buy tickets nowDundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812. Burlington Heights, where Dundurn 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 to The Hamilton Cemetery and Dundurn Park. The guided tour will end with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features which Sir Allan MacNab would later incorporate into his well-known home. Receive free admission tickets for a guided tour of Dundurn Castle to use anytime during 2013. NOTE: This tour contains outdoor components; please come dressed for the weather and for walking on uneven terrain.
Date: Saturday, August 3, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 years and older.
Cost: $20.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


Death and Dying at Dundurn


Dundurn National Historic Site

Buy tickets nowElaborate mourning practices and rituals were developed during the Victorian period. The MacNab family was not spared these experiences which are well documented through newspaper articles, illustrations and journals when both Sir Allan MacNab and his wife Mary died at their family home. Other events surrounding Dundurn include hangings for treason, death from cholera and the tragic Desjardins train accident of 1857. Join costumed Historical Interpreters for a special evening tour of the grounds and castle to uncover the truths about these tragedies. NOTE: This tour contains outdoor components; please come dressed for the weather and for walking on uneven terrain.
Date: Thursday, August 8, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Ages: 14 years and older.
Cost: $25.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


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



Buy tickets nowDundurn Castle is built on the history of the War of 1812. Burlington Heights, where Dundurn 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 to The Hamilton Cemetery and Dundurn Park. The guided tour will end with a look inside Dundurn Castle focusing on the 1812 architectural features which Sir Allan MacNab would later incorporate into his well-known home. Receive free admission tickets for a guided tour of Dundurn Castle to use anytime during 2013. NOTE: This tour contains outdoor components; please come dressed for the weather and for walking on uneven terrain.
Date: Saturday, September 7, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 10 years and older.
Cost: $20.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


Hamilton & Scourge Memorial



Join us for a full day of events to celebrate two hundred years of peace and remember the fifty-three American sailors who lost their lives during the sinking of the United States Navy schooners Hamilton and Scourge, in August of 1813. Taking place on the grounds of Dundurn National Historic Site the event will feature the debut of On the Water, a film made during the recent commemoration ceremony on September 4, on the flight deck of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship Griffon over the site of the sunken ships. Throughout the day there will be music, indoor and outdoor children’s activities such as military drills and dress up. Dundurn Castle and the Hamilton Military Museum will also be offering free admission beginning at 12:00 p.m.
Date: Saturday, September 21, 2013
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free event.


Workshop:

Life of a Servant: A Family Garden and Cooking Workshop


Dundurn National Historic Site

Buy tickets nowIn the 19th century children were employed in large homes like Dundurn Castle to do a variety of tasks including gardening, household chores and assisting the cook in the kitchen. In this hands on workshop everyone will work together to harvest seasonal produce from Dundurn’s restored kitchen garden to use in a traditional recipe assisted by our cook demonstrator in the historic kitchen. All the children will try a variety of chores which servants were responsible for in the 19th century. This workshop contains outdoors components, please come dressed for the weather and to work in a garden setting.
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Ages: 6 years and older.
Cost: $35.00 for 1 adult and 1 child. $13.00 for each additional child. Pre-registration required.


We Remember



On Remembrance Day we acknowledge the struggle of men and women in their work toward the goal of peace. In honour of this commitment, the Hamilton Military Museum presents a special display and free admission to the museum.
Date: Friday, November 8, 2013 to Sunday, November 10, 2013
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free event.


First Day of Christmas


Dundurn National Historic Site

On the first day of Christmas Dundurn opens its doors for FREE! We would like to invite everyone to kick off the first day of our Victorian Christmas with us. Join costumed interpreters at Dundurn Castle for a free visit of the lavish home of Sir Allan MacNab and his family. The Castle will be decorated by The Garden Club of Hamilton with cedar boughs, ribbons and dried flowers. Bring your family and share a Hamilton holiday tradition. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help stock the Good Shepherd's pantry!
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2013
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Free event.


Victorian Christmas


Dundurn National Historic Site

Enjoy the beauty of a mid-19th century family Christmas celebration at Dundurn Castle. The Garden Club of Hamilton decorates the Castle in Victorian splendour with cedar boughs, ribbons and dried flowers. Bring your family and share a Hamilton holiday tradition.
Date: Saturday, November 30, 2013 to Sunday, January 5, 2014 (Closed Mondays)
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Regular admission rates apply to the museum.


Workshop:

Victorian Christmas Delights


Dundurn National Historic Site

Dundurn Castle is your premiere site for an authentic Victorian Christmas cooking experience. Your culinary journey begins as you are greeted by our costumed cooks who lead you below stairs to our 19th century kitchen for a very unique and entertaining experience preparing seasonal desserts! A tour of Dundurn decked out for the season is also included
Date: Sunday, December 1, 2013
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Ages: 14 years and older.
Cost: $50.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


Christmas Evening Tours


Dundurn National Historic Site

Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening. Begin your evening with carol-singing in the front hall, followed by an extended tour of MacNab's lavish home and a chance to sample an assortment of traditional Christmas foods served in the historic kitchen.
Date: Friday, December 6, 2013 and Saturday, December 7, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $25.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


Workshop:

Dough-Re-Me


Dundurn National Historic Site

Family fun is on the menu! Come to Dundurn and prepare some tasty treats in the historic kitchen below stairs. While they are baking in the oven, costumed interpreters will guide you on a tour of the home. Then complete your visit with a tasting of your delicious treats.
Date: Sunday, December 8, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Ages: 6 years and older. 6 years and older
Cost: $55.00 for 1 adult and 1 child. Pre-registration required.


Christmas Evening Tours


Dundurn National Historic Site

Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening. Begin your evening with carol-singing in the front hall, followed by an extended tour of MacNab's lavish home and a chance to sample an assortment of traditional Christmas foods served in the historic kitchen.
Date: Friday, December 13, 2013 to Sunday, December 15, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $25.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


Christmas Evening Tours


Dundurn National Historic Site

Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for Christmas in the evening. Begin your evening with carol-singing in the front hall, followed by an extended tour of MacNab's lavish home and a chance to sample an assortment of traditional Christmas foods served in the historic kitchen.
Date: Friday, December 20, 2013 to Sunday, December 22, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $25.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


Ring in the New Year


Dundurn National Historic Site

Enjoy a unique opportunity to see Dundurn Castle decorated for the holidays in the evening. Sir Allan MacNab was very proud of his Scottish Ancestry and celebrated the New Year surrounded by family and friends. Ring in the New Year at Dundurn with music, an extended tour of MacNab's lavish home and a chance to sample an assortment of traditional holiday foods served in the historic kitchen.
Date: Friday, December 27, 2013 and Saturday, December 28, 2013
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: $25.00 per person. Pre-registration required.


Blood Ties to a Gentle Landscape



Burlington Heights where Dundurn Castle and The Hamilton Military Museum now stand was occupied by the British military from 1813 until 1815. Blood Ties to a Gentle Landscape tells the story of the people who lived on and around Burlington Heights during the War of 1812. This exhibit will showcase the historical figures of this area through documentary evidence, period artifacts as well as stories passed down from one generation to the next by their descendants.
Date: Saturday, February 1, 2014 to Wednesday, September 30, 2015
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ages: All
Cost: Regular admission rates apply to the museum.