Visiting Laurier House: Hours, Tickets, and Tips

Date: 01/08/2024

Introduction

Laurier House, located at 335 Laurier Avenue East in Ottawa, Ontario, stands as a significant monument to Canada’s political history. Originally constructed in 1878, this historic house museum provides an immersive perspective into the lives of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King, two of Canada’s most influential Prime Ministers. This guide offers comprehensive details about visiting Laurier House, including its history, visiting hours, ticket prices, and travel tips, ensuring a memorable experience for every visitor. The house, a blend of Italianate and Second Empire architectural styles, serves as a testament to the rich cultural and political heritage of Canada (Parks Canada). From its role as a political hub during Laurier’s tenure to its preservation as a national historic site, Laurier House holds a treasure trove of historical artifacts and exhibits that reflect the era and contributions of its notable residents (The Canadian Encyclopedia).

Table of Contents

Construction and Architectural Evolution

Laurier House was originally constructed in 1878, and over the years, it has seen significant alterations that blend elements of Italianate and Second Empire styles. These architectural styles are characterized by ornate detailing, mansard roofs, and elaborate window treatments, all of which are evident in the design of Laurier House (Parks Canada).

The Laurier Years (1897-1919)

Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the first French Canadian Prime Minister, resided in Laurier House from 1897 until his death in 1919. During his tenure, Laurier House became a hub of political activity, hosting numerous dignitaries and political figures (The Canadian Encyclopedia).

The King Years (1923-1950)

After the death of Laurier’s wife, Zoé Laurier, in 1921, the house was bequeathed to William Lyon Mackenzie King. King lived in Laurier House from 1923 until his death in 1950, overseeing significant events like the Great Depression and World War II from this historic residence (Parks Canada).

Bequeathment to the Canadian Crown

Upon King’s death in 1950, Laurier House was willed to the Canadian Crown, ensuring its preservation as a historic site. It was officially recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada in 1999 (The Canadian Encyclopedia).

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Laurier House is open to the public from Victoria Day in May until Thanksgiving in October. The visiting hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online, with prices as follows:

  • Adults: $7.80
  • Seniors (65+): $6.55
  • Youth (6-17): $3.90
  • Children (under 6): Free
  • Family/Group: $19.60

For the latest ticket prices and special offers, visit the Parks Canada website.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Laurier House is situated in the historic Sandy Hill neighborhood, close to Ottawa’s commercial and political center. Nearby attractions include the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market, and the National Gallery of Canada. Visitors can easily access Laurier House via public transportation, and while there is no on-site parking, street parking is available nearby.

Accessibility

Laurier House is committed to accessibility. The museum offers ramps and elevators to ensure all visitors can enjoy the exhibits. For specific accessibility needs, contact Laurier House in advance.

Preservation and Museum Conversion

Today, Laurier House operates as a historic house museum, meticulously preserved to reflect the period during which Mackenzie King lived there. The museum features personal objects, priceless artwork, and exhibits that highlight the achievements of Laurier and King (Ottawa Tourism).

Exhibits and Collections

Notable exhibits include a kitchen display showcasing wartime cuisine and a collection of personal objects and artwork belonging to Laurier and King. These exhibits provide a tangible connection to these historical figures (Ottawa Tourism).

High Tea on the Veranda

In partnership with Working Title Kitchen, Laurier House offers high tea on the historic veranda. This experience allows visitors to enjoy traditional afternoon tea while taking in the historic ambiance (Parks Canada).

FAQ

What are Laurier House visiting hours? Laurier House is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, from Victoria Day in May until Thanksgiving in October.

How much are tickets to Laurier House? Tickets are $7.80 for adults, $6.55 for seniors, $3.90 for youth, and free for children under 6. Family/group tickets are $19.60.

Is Laurier House accessible? Yes, Laurier House offers ramps and elevators for accessibility. Contact the museum for specific needs.

Conclusion

Laurier House stands as a testament to Canada’s rich political history, offering visitors a chance to explore the lives of two of the nation’s most influential leaders. Its architectural beauty, historical significance, and well-preserved state make it a must-visit destination in Ottawa. Plan your visit today and step back in time to experience Canada’s heritage firsthand.

For more information, download the Parks Canada mobile app or follow Laurier House on social media for updates.

References

Visit The Most Interesting Places In Ottawa

138 St. Patrick Street
138 St. Patrick Street
24 Sussex Drive
24 Sussex Drive
Alexandra Bridge
Alexandra Bridge
Algonquin College
Algonquin College
Apostolic Nunciature To Canada
Apostolic Nunciature To Canada
Arts Court
Arts Court
Aylen-Heney Cottage
Aylen-Heney Cottage
Babs Asper Theatre
Babs Asper Theatre
Bank Of Canada Museum
Bank Of Canada Museum
Bank Street
Bank Street
Bayshore Shopping Centre
Bayshore Shopping Centre
Beechwood Cemetery
Beechwood Cemetery
Billings Bridge
Billings Bridge
Billings Estate Museum
Billings Estate Museum
Briarcliffe Heritage Conservation District
Briarcliffe Heritage Conservation District
British High Commission, Ottawa
British High Commission, Ottawa
Bronson Centre
Bronson Centre
Bytown Museum
Bytown Museum
Bytowne Cinema
Bytowne Cinema
Byward Market Building
Byward Market Building
Canada Agriculture And Food Museum
Canada Agriculture And Food Museum
Canada Aviation And Space Museum
Canada Aviation And Space Museum
Canada Science And Technology Museum
Canada Science And Technology Museum
Canadian Museum Of History
Canadian Museum Of History
Canadian Museum Of Nature
Canadian Museum Of Nature
Canadian Parliament Buildings
Canadian Parliament Buildings
Canadian Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier
Canadian Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier
Canadian War Museum
Canadian War Museum
Cape North Lighthouse
Cape North Lighthouse
Capital Pathway
Capital Pathway
Capital Ward
Capital Ward
Carleton University
Carleton University
Centennial Flame
Centennial Flame
Central Experimental Farm
Central Experimental Farm
Central Post Office
Central Post Office
Centretown Heritage Conservation District
Centretown Heritage Conservation District
Cfs Carp
Cfs Carp
Champlain Bridge
Champlain Bridge
Charron House
Charron House
Château Laurier
Château Laurier
Chaudière Bridge
Chaudière Bridge
|
  Children'S Hospital Of Eastern Ontario
| Children'S Hospital Of Eastern Ontario
Chinatown
Chinatown
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
Confederation Building
Confederation Building
Confederation Park
Confederation Park
Confederation Square
Confederation Square
Connaught Building
Connaught Building
Cumberland Township Heritage Museum
Cumberland Township Heritage Museum
Dominican University College
Dominican University College
Dominion Arboretum
Dominion Arboretum
Dominion Observatory
Dominion Observatory
|
  Dow'S Lake
| Dow'S Lake
Dundonald Park
Dundonald Park
East Block
East Block
Embassy Of Afghanistan, Ottawa
Embassy Of Afghanistan, Ottawa
Embassy Of Algeria, Ottawa
Embassy Of Algeria, Ottawa
Embassy Of Brazil, Ottawa
Embassy Of Brazil, Ottawa
Embassy Of Croatia, Ottawa
Embassy Of Croatia, Ottawa
Embassy Of Denmark, Ottawa
Embassy Of Denmark, Ottawa
Embassy Of France, Ottawa
Embassy Of France, Ottawa
Embassy Of Germany, Ottawa
Embassy Of Germany, Ottawa
Embassy Of Italy, Ottawa
Embassy Of Italy, Ottawa
Embassy Of Japan, Ottawa
Embassy Of Japan, Ottawa
Embassy Of Kazakhstan, Ottawa
Embassy Of Kazakhstan, Ottawa
Embassy Of Mexico, Ottawa
Embassy Of Mexico, Ottawa
Embassy Of Russia, Ottawa
Embassy Of Russia, Ottawa
Embassy Of South Korea, Ottawa
Embassy Of South Korea, Ottawa
Embassy Of Sweden, Ottawa
Embassy Of Sweden, Ottawa
|
  Embassy Of The People'S Republic Of China, Ottawa
| Embassy Of The People'S Republic Of China, Ottawa
Embassy Of The United States, Ottawa
Embassy Of The United States, Ottawa
Embassy Of Ukraine, Ottawa
Embassy Of Ukraine, Ottawa
Fallowfield Railway Station
Fallowfield Railway Station
Fourth Stage
Fourth Stage
Gladstone Theatre
Gladstone Theatre
Great Canadian Theatre Company
Great Canadian Theatre Company
Hart Massey House
Hart Massey House
Justice Building
Justice Building
Kanata Theatre
Kanata Theatre
Kitchissippi Ward
Kitchissippi Ward
La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins
La Nouvelle Scène Gilles Desjardins
Lansdowne Park
Lansdowne Park
Laurier House
Laurier House
Lees Station
Lees Station
Lisgar Collegiate Institute
Lisgar Collegiate Institute
List Of Designated Heritage Properties In Ottawa
List Of Designated Heritage Properties In Ottawa
Lyon Station
Lyon Station
Maison Joseph Archambault
Maison Joseph Archambault
|
  Major'S Hill Park
| Major'S Hill Park
Mer Bleue Conservation Area
Mer Bleue Conservation Area
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
Meridian Theatres @ Centrepointe
Mnp Park
Mnp Park
Montfort Hospital
Montfort Hospital
National Film Board Of Canada
National Film Board Of Canada
National Gallery Of Canada
National Gallery Of Canada
National Holocaust Monument
National Holocaust Monument
National Science Library
National Science Library
National War Memorial
National War Memorial
Nepean Museum
Nepean Museum
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ottawa
Office Of The Prime Minister And Privy Council
Office Of The Prime Minister And Privy Council
Ottawa Art Gallery
Ottawa Art Gallery
Ottawa Central Station
Ottawa Central Station
Ottawa City Hall
Ottawa City Hall
Ottawa Civic Hospital
Ottawa Civic Hospital
Ottawa General Hospital
Ottawa General Hospital
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport
Ottawa Normal School
Ottawa Normal School
Ottawa Station
Ottawa Station
Palestinian General Delegation To Canada
Palestinian General Delegation To Canada
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill
Parliament Station
Parliament Station
Peace Tower
Peace Tower
Peacekeeping Monument
Peacekeeping Monument
Pimisi Station
Pimisi Station
Portage Bridge
Portage Bridge
|
  Princess Patricia'S Canadian Light Infantry
| Princess Patricia'S Canadian Light Infantry
|
  Queen'S Gates
| Queen'S Gates
Queensway-Carleton Hospital
Queensway-Carleton Hospital
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park
Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park
Registry Office
Registry Office
Rideau Centre
Rideau Centre
Rideau Hall
Rideau Hall
Rideau Station
Rideau Station
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre
|
  Saint Brigid'S Church
| Saint Brigid'S Church
Salle Jean-Despréz
Salle Jean-Despréz
Senate Of Canada Building
Senate Of Canada Building
Service Building
Service Building
Shenkman Arts Centre
Shenkman Arts Centre
Sir John A. Macdonald Building
Sir John A. Macdonald Building
Southam Hall
Southam Hall
St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral
St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral
St. John The Baptist Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine
St. John The Baptist Ukrainian Catholic National Shrine
Statue Of Queen Victoria
Statue Of Queen Victoria
The Ottawa Hospital
The Ottawa Hospital
Tremblay Station
Tremblay Station
|
  Tunney'S Pasture
| Tunney'S Pasture
|
  Tunney'S Pasture Station
| Tunney'S Pasture Station
University Of Ottawa
University Of Ottawa
University Of Ottawa Heart Institute
University Of Ottawa Heart Institute
Uottawa Station
Uottawa Station
Valiants Memorial
Valiants Memorial
Victoria Building
Victoria Building
Victoria Memorial Museum Building
Victoria Memorial Museum Building
Wabano
Wabano
Wellington Building
Wellington Building
Wesley Clover Parks
Wesley Clover Parks
West Block
West Block
William Lyon Mackenzie King
William Lyon Mackenzie King