Dundurn Castle East View
Completed in 1835, Dundurn Castle is actually more of an important historical home built on the bluffs between Burlington and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Today it is a historic site of Canada.
Sir Allan MacNab, a prominent local politician and figure of the time, built Dundurn on the site of a previously existing building. It featured gas lighting and running water (very modern for the time!), and an entire floor at basement level for the servants and utility functions.
Located at 610 York Blvd., Hamilton, Ontario, the house is open year 'round, excepting Mondays, Good Friday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Years. Admission for Adults is $11.50, Students $9.50, and Children $6.50.
Events, workshops, and exhibits are offered throughout the year and feature the working kitchen and garden.
Dundurn Castle Garden Irises
The grounds of Dundurn are extensive and free to walk at any time. To the south east is a working garden which currently produces vegetables and flowers. There is also a mystery building thought to be gazebo, or boat house. From the back lawn which faces Hamilton Bay, there is a fine view over the bay, although a little overgrown now.
Dundurn Castle Gazebo
The tour of Dundurn brings the visitor through both floors of the living quarters of the MacNabs, and the entire basement, highlighting the kitchen, laundry room, ice room, and even a secret tunnel! A coach house is next door and houses a gift shop. On the edge of the property is a separate building now housing a military museum.
Lady Camilla Parker Bowles is a descendant of MacNab's, and is a royal patron of Dundurn Castle.
There is free parking to the side of the coach house. This is a wonderful day trip giving an intimate view into a prosperous family's home of the time.
Dundurn from a rear walkway.
