Whitehern Historic House & Garden

Categories: Arts & Culture, Family Fun, Museums

This elegant museum in the heart of downtown is widely considered one of the most historically intact homes in Canada.

Built in 1848, this National Historic Site is well worth exploring, showcasing three generations of ideas and possessions of Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian influences.

Enjoy a guided tour of the home with a costumed interpreter to learn about several generations of the fascinating McQuesten family, whose many contributions to the city include the construction of the Rock Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens and the Queen Elizabeth Highway (QEW).

Highlights

• Be sure to leave some time to explore the stunning walled garden that surrounds the home, a peaceful and lush oasis in the heart of downtown
• In the summer, enjoy weekly lunch time concerts in the garden during Wednesdays at Whitehern complete with bottomless ice tea and lemonade
• The annual McQuesten Family Christmas looks back at how the family celebrated this special time of year through the eras from the 1850s to the 1930s. The house is decorated with satin ribbons, the table is set with Christmas china and the family toys are gathered under the tree