Dundurn Park

Description

Look, I’ve visited quite a few historical sites in my day, but there’s something genuinely special about Dundurn Castle and its surrounding parkland. This stunning 40-acre historic estate takes you right back to the 1830s – and I gotta tell you, it’s pretty impressive! The castle itself stands as this gorgeous example of Italianate-style architecture, built for Sir Allan Napier MacNab, one of Canada’s most influential politicians of the 19th century.

Ya know what really gets me excited? The way this place mixes fancy historical vibes with just straight-up beautiful nature. The gardens here aren’t your average park greenery – they’ve actually restored them to look exactly like they did in the 1850s! I particularly love the kitchen garden, which still grows heritage vegetables the same way they did back then. Pretty cool, right?

Key Features

• A fully restored 40-room historic castle that’s basically a time machine to the 1850s
• Historically accurate Victorian gardens that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a period drama
• Working kitchen garden growing heritage vegetables (trust me, it’s way more interesting than it sounds!)
• The Hamilton Military Museum right on the grounds
• Stunning views of Burlington Bay that’ll have your Instagram followers drooling
• Beautifully maintained grounds perfect for picnicking or afternoon strolls
• Historic cooking demonstrations in the castle’s basement kitchen
• Period-costumed interpreters who really know their stuff
• Several walking trails throughout the estate
• A gorgeous restored coach house

Best Time to Visit

Between June and September is when you’ll catch this place at its absolute finest. The gardens are in full bloom, and the weather’s perfect for exploring both inside and out. But here’s a little insider tip – September is actually my favorite month to visit. The summer crowds have thinned out, the weather’s still gorgeous, and the garden’s harvest season is in full swing.

That said, each season brings its own magic. Spring shows off with beautiful bulb flowers, while fall paints the grounds in amazing colors. And winter? Well, you haven’t lived until you’ve seen the castle decorated for a Victorian Christmas – it’s absolutely magical!

How to Get There

Getting to Dundurn Park is pretty straightforward. If you’re driving (which honestly is the easiest way), you’ll find plenty of parking right on site. Using public transit? Hamilton’s HSR buses stop nearby, and it’s just a short walk from downtown Hamilton.

For the cyclists out there (I’ve done this route myself!), you can access the park via the Waterfront Trail, which is a really pleasant ride along the bay. And if you’re walking from downtown, it’s about a 20-minute stroll with some nice views along the way.

Tips for Visiting

Alright, lemme share some real talk from someone who’s been here more times than I can count. First off, definitely book a guided tour of the castle – the stories these guides tell are fascinating, and you’ll miss half the good stuff if you try to wing it alone.

Bring a picnic! There are some lovely spots on the grounds with amazing views of the bay. I usually pack a lunch and make a whole day of it. The grounds are free to explore, so even if you’re not doing a castle tour, you can still enjoy the gardens and paths.

Pro tip: check their events calendar before you go. They often have special themed tours, workshops, and events that are totally worth planning your visit around. The Victorian cooking demonstrations are particularly awesome – you might even get to sample some historic recipes!

If you’re into photography, morning light hits the castle perfectly, and the gardens look absolutely stunning in that golden hour glow. And don’t forget to wear comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing quite a bit of walking if you want to see everything (learned that one the hard way!).

Oh, and one last thing – while the castle has a lot of accessible features, some parts of the historic building have stairs only. If mobility is a concern, call ahead and they’ll help plan the best route for your visit.

For families, there are usually some hands-on activities for kids, especially during special events. My niece absolutely loved trying on the period costumes they sometimes have available. Just keep in mind that some of the castle’s artifacts are pretty delicate, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on little ones.

Location

Places to Stay Near Dundurn Park

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides