REDISCOVER MACKENZIE KING ESTATE STARTING THIS WEEKEND

May 11, 2010 · Filed Under Blog, Community

2010 SUMMER SEASON BEGINS SATURDAY, MAY 15

The National Capital Commission (NCC) is pleased to announce that the Mackenzie King Estate, located in the heart of Gatineau Park, will officially open to the public on Saturday, May 15, 2010, until October 17, 2010.

Visitors to this 231-hectare estate can share William Lyon Mackenzie King’s love of horticulture and landscaping while admiring the romantic Victorian gardens, the picturesque ruins and the Waterfall Trail. History buffs can learn more about the life, career and era of Canada’s tenth Prime Minister by visiting King’s two summer havens, Kingswood and Moorside cottages, or by viewing short films on Mackenzie King’s life and times. Visitors can re-live this extraordinary era thanks to guide-interpreters who re-create the enchanting atmosphere and setting of the Mackenzie King Estate in the early 20th century.

HERE’S WHAT VISITORS CAN DO AT MACKENZIE KING ESTATE:

• Visit the restored cottages accompanied by experienced guide-interpreters.

• View films on Mackenzie King’s life and times.

• Stroll through the gardens.

• Photograph the collection of ruins.

• Enjoy a succulent meal or a traditional English tea at the Mackenzie King Tearoom.

• Discover King’s favourite trail: the Bridal Veil Falls.

• Join costumed volunteer guides for a commented visit in the gardens at Moorside on weekend and holiday

afternoons between Canada Day and Labour Day.

2010 PROGRAMMING ACTIVITIES:

• May 15 — Opening of Mackenzie King Estate and Tearoom.

• July 1 — Canada Day activities.

• July 24 and 25 — The Estate in Bloom.

• September 4 to 6 — Labour Day Weekend activities.

• October 2 to 17 — Fall Rhapsody at Mackenzie King Estate and in Gatineau Park.

NEW — HULL-CHELSEA-WAKEFIELD STEAM TRAIN

• Travel on the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train, then climb aboard a luxury motorcoach and visit the Mackenzie King Estate. The Grand Tour of the Gatineau Hills includes a guided tour of the Estate and lunch.

• Every Thursday and Friday, from June 24 to August 27, 2010.

• Rate — $89 per person, plus applicable taxes (GST or HST and/or QST). Children 2 years and under, free.

• Reservations required: 1-800-871-7246 or 1-888-278-7777.

HOURS OF OPERATION

Summer Hours of Operation

From May 15 to September 6, 2010, the Estate will be open:

• everyday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Fall Hours of Operation

From September 7 to October 17, 2010 the Estate will be open:

• weekdays from 11 am to 5 pm, and

• on weekends and statutory holidays from 10 am to 5 pm.

Mackenzie King Tearoom is open everyday from 11 am to 5 pm. For more information or reservations, please call 819-827-3405.

ADMISSION

$8 Day pass – car

$30 Day pass – minibus (20 passengers or less)

$50 Day pass – bus

$65 Season’s pass (access to all Gatineau Park beaches and Leamy Lake beach, and Mackenzie King Estate)

Free access to the Estate’s parking lot for school groups participating in guided or non-guided tours.

GUIDED TOURS

Minimum 20 people (reservations required)

• For group reservations, please call 1-800-461-8020 or 613-239-5100.

• Please note that reservations are not required for non-guided tours and that parking fees will apply, except for school groups.

PUBLIC INFORMATION

For more information on the Mackenzie King Estate or activities offered in Gatineau Park, the public may contact the NCC at 819-827-2020, 1-800-465-1867, 613-239-5090 (TTY) or 1-866-661-3530 (toll-free TTY), stop by the Gatineau Park Visitors Centre located at 33 Scott Road, in Chelsea, or visit the NCC’s website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/king.

Tags: national capital, National Capital Commission