Mackenzie House: A Step Back into Victorian Toronto

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Step back in time at Mackenzie House, exploring Victorian Toronto through the life of its first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie.

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Mackenzie House

Explore the meticulously restored 1858 home of William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first mayor and a key figure in Canadian history. Mackenzie House offers a glimpse into Victorian life with period furnishings, a working 1845 printing press, and exhibits detailing Mackenzie's impactful career as a journalist, politician, and rebel.

A brief summary to Mackenzie House

82 Bond St, Toronto, Old Toronto, Ontario, M5B 1X2, CA
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Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
Thursday 11 am-5 pm
Friday 11 am-5 pm
Saturday 11 am-5 pm
Sunday 11 am-5 pm

Local tips

Check the Toronto History Museums Calendar for special exhibits and events that may enhance your visit.
Visit the print shop for a hands-on experience with the 1845 printing press.
Explore the neighborhood surrounding Mackenzie House to see the contrast between Victorian architecture and modern skyscrapers.

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Getting There

Public Transport

Mackenzie House is easily accessible by public transit. Take the Yonge/University subway line to Dundas Station. Exit the station and walk two blocks east on Dundas Street to Bond Street. Turn right (south) onto Bond Street; Mackenzie House is on your left at 82 Bond Street. Alternatively, take the Dundas or Queen streetcar to Bond Street and walk south from Dundas Street East or north from Queen Street East. A single TTC fare is approximately $3.25 CAD.
Walking

From Yonge-Dundas Square, walk east on Dundas Street East for two blocks to Bond Street. Turn right (south) onto Bond Street. Mackenzie House will be on your left at 82 Bond Street. The walk is approximately 5 minutes.
Taxi/Ride-share

A taxi or ride-share from Union Station to Mackenzie House will typically cost between $10 and $15 CAD, depending on traffic. The journey is approximately 10 minutes.

Discover more about Mackenzie House

Mackenzie House, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, provides a unique window into the life and times of William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first mayor and a central figure in the 1837 Rebellion. This restored 1858 townhouse was a gift to Mackenzie from his supporters in recognition of his public service. Today, the museum showcases urban Victorian life through meticulously recreated rooms and exhibits.Visitors can explore the three-story brick house, built in the Greek Revival style, and a later addition that includes a narrow gallery space and a working print shop. The print shop features an 1845 printing press, offering demonstrations and workshops where visitors can learn about 19th-century printing techniques and even create their own printed keepsakes. Mackenzie House also delves into the social and political context of Victorian Toronto, exploring themes of democracy, rebellion, and the diverse communities that shaped the city.Rumored to be haunted, Mackenzie House adds an element of intrigue to its historical offerings. Visitors can learn about the ghost stories associated with the house, adding a layer of macabre fascination to their experience. The museum also highlights the stories of other significant figures, such as Mary Ann Shadd Cary, the first Black woman to publish a newspaper in North America. Mackenzie House offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and mystery, making it a must-see destination for anyone interested in Toronto's past.