Bellevue House Kingston is a historic Italianate villa in Kingston, Ontario, connected to the life and legacy of Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada’s first prime minister. You can visit the house, gardens and Visitor Centre on a self-guided visit, with guided programs available too.
- Location: 35 Centre Street, Kingston, Ontario.
- Visit format: your self-guided visit includes the Visitor Centre, house and gardens.
- Admission basics: youth aged 17 and under enter free; guided tours have separate fees.
Bellevue House and its place in Kingston history
Bellevue House National Historic Site is an Italianate villa built at the beginning of the 1840s. John A. Macdonald lived there in 1848–1849, before becoming Canada’s first prime minister.
The house was closed from 2018 and reopened in May 2024 after restoration and renewal. Its exhibits and programming were updated, with interpretation that presents multiple voices and perspectives on Macdonald’s complex legacy.
The site is 2.3 km west of Kingston City Hall on King Street West, then half a block north on Centre Street. Its address is 35 Centre Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7L 4E5.
What to see at the historic site
A self-guided visit takes in the Visitor Centre, historic house, ornamental gardens, heritage apple orchard and Victorian kitchen garden. You can start at the Visitor Centre, then continue through the house and gardens.
The Visitor Centre has the Many Voices of Confederation exhibit, a multimedia display area, gift shop, public washrooms and tourism information. Picnic tables, benches and Parks Canada Red Chairs overlook the gardens, where you can pause during your visit.
If you’re planning a wider heritage day, the Murney Tower Kingston visit guide covers another historic site in the city.
Tickets, hours and seasonal access
Bellevue House hours vary with the season, so check the official site before you go. Admission is free for youth aged 17 and under; adults and seniors have paid admission, and guided programs may cost extra. Check the current schedule before choosing a visit date.
Temporarily closed
This place is listed as temporarily closed. Check the official site before you go.
Last checked November 2026.
The paid “Bellevue, in brief” guided tour lasts 20–30 minutes, takes walk-ins only and accommodates up to 30 participants. It is offered in English and French. “Unpacking Macdonald” runs 60–75 minutes for groups of 2–20, also in English and French; advance booking is recommended, though you can try a walk-in if capacity allows.
For a day that combines heritage stops with the city’s other highlights, the one-day Kingston itinerary brings history, campus and waterfront time together.
Getting ready for a visit
By car, Parks Canada’s directions from Highway 401 use Sir John A. Macdonald Boulevard, Exit 615: head south 5.5 km to Union Street, turn left on Union Street, then right on Centre Street for 1½ blocks. You can use the free off-street parking, which includes designated areas for tour buses.
The site has accessible parking and an accessible approach, power-assisted Visitor Centre doors, an accessible washroom and an accessible approach to the historic house. The grounds and kitchen area have level access. Electric-vehicle charging stations are in the parking lot and available to you during operating hours.
For a broader route through Kingston’s historic stops, the site is 2.3 km west of City Hall; Seven Oakes is about an 11-minute drive away. Confirm seasonal schedules before you set out.
FAQs
How long is the Bellevue, in brief tour?
The guided tour lasts 20–30 minutes. It is walk-in only, with space for up to 30 participants, and is offered in English and French.
Is Bellevue House accessible?
Accessible parking, an accessible approach, power-assisted Visitor Centre doors and an accessible washroom are available. The grounds and kitchen area have level access.
Who gets free admission to Bellevue House?
Youth aged 17 and under enter free. Adult and senior admission is paid, and guided programs may have additional fees.