The Mackenzie King Estate is the former summer residence of William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s 10th and longest-serving prime minister. For more than four decades, Mackenzie King spent most of his summers at the Estate, where he hosted dignitaries, friends and family.
He gradually expanded and beautified the grounds, and eventually came to own 231 hectares (2.31 square kilometres) of land. At his death in 1950, he bequeathed his beloved estate to all Canadians. It is now a precious legacy and heritage site in the heart of Gatineau Park.
Today, visitors can enjoy a quiet walk on the property and walk around the lush gardens, historical ruins and wooded paths. The original cottages were faithfully restored into museums, and now feature interactive exhibits that take visitors back in time to Mackenzie King’s era, in the early 1900s. Guide-interpreters share stories of the Estate during free guided tours offered Thursday-Sunday from the end of June to Labor Day.
Admission is free. Limited parking ($) on site. The Mackenzie King Estate is accessible with the NCC free shuttle 6 days a week, from May to October. Most of the buildings, including washrooms, and the paths between them, are universally accessible. The hiking trails are not wheelchair accessible.
The Mackenzie King Estate is managed by the National Capital Commission.
