Bellevue House is the Italianate villa on the Kingston lakeshore that was once home to Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, in the 1840s. Parks Canada operates it as a National Historic Site, with a historic house, a visitor centre and grounds. The house reopened after a major renewal. Its hours are strictly seasonal. In 2026 the site was open Thursday to Monday from 16 May to 30 June, daily from 1 July to 7 September, and Thursday to Monday again from 8 September to 14 October.
What to do
Tour the house, which shows the domestic life of the Macdonald family and the household around them, then explore the visitor centre and walk the grounds. The villa's bright Italianate style is unusual for the area, and the grounds are part of the visit.
Seasons and planning
The 2026 hours were 10 am to 4 pm for the historic house and 10 am to 5 pm for the visitor centre and grounds, on the days above. The season ended on 14 October 2026, and the site is closed from 15 October 2026 to 15 May 2027. The page does not give 2027 hours beyond the closure, so check Parks Canada before a spring trip. Admission fees are shown on a separate Parks Canada fees page, and the site's phone line is the quickest way to confirm details.
Fitting it in
Allow about 90 minutes for the house and grounds. Bellevue House is on the lakeshore west of downtown, a short drive or a bike ride from the main sights, and it combines well with Fort Henry and City Hall in the open season. In the closed season, the self-guided floors at City Hall, the public market and an evening ghost tour make good substitutes for a day of Kingston history.
What to expect
The experience
A self-paced visit to a historic house, a visitor centre and lakeshore grounds run by Parks Canada.
Best time
The open season, from mid-May to mid-October; July and early September are good, and the site is closed from 15 October to 15 May.
How long
About an hour and a half including the grounds.
Tips
Check the Thursday-to-Monday pattern outside July and August, confirm admission on the fees page, and wear comfortable shoes for the grounds.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History readers and anyone interested in Sir John A. Macdonald and Canada's early story.
- Families
- The open grounds give children room to move, and the house is short enough to hold their attention.
- Couples
- A calm stroll by the lake after the house tour, before a downtown dinner.
- Pair with
- Fort Henry, Kingston City Hall and the waterfront fit into the same day in season.
- Time needed
- About ninety minutes, plus a short drive or bike ride from downtown.
Good questions
Is Bellevue House open now?+
No. Parks Canada lists it as closed for the season from 15 October 2026 to 15 May 2027. Check the hours page for 2027 details.
What were the 2026 opening hours?+
The historic house was open 10 am to 4 pm and the visitor centre and grounds 10 am to 5 pm. Days were Thursday to Monday in spring and autumn and daily from 1 July to 7 September.
Who lived at Bellevue House?+
Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, lived there in the 1840s. Parks Canada now runs it as a National Historic Site.
How much does it cost?+
Fees are on a separate Parks Canada fees page, so check it before you go. The site's phone line can also confirm current admission.
How do I get there?+
It is on the lakeshore west of downtown Kingston, a short drive, taxi or bike ride from the main sights. Parks Canada's getting-here page gives directions.
