Admission & Operating Schedule
Operating Schedule
Winter Season – Sept. 7 – May 31 (Wednesday – Sunday)
Auto Baron Tour – Feb. 1-May 31 (Wednesday – Sunday) 1:00pm, 2:00pm & 3:00pm
SPECIALTY TOURS – Click “Book Now” to reserve your spot.
- Guided Garden Tour: June 2 – Aug 30 (Wed & Fri)
- Private Spaces Tour: June 17 – 25
- Basement Tour: Aug. 12 – 20
- Behind the Scenes Movie Tour: Oct. 18 – 22 & Oct. 25 – 29
- Christmas Tour (main floor): Nov 22 – Jan. 7
Gift Shop – Feb. 1-May 31 (Wednesday – Sunday)
12:30pm – 5pm
11 Acre Gardens – OPEN, no fee to explore the garden.
9am-5pm Mon-Fri | 12:30pm-5pm Sat-Sun
Important Safety Note while you are enjoying your walks through the Parkwood grounds, please be aware that there are many different surfaces and transitions from one surface to another. (grass, gravel, flagstone, paved walkways) We encourage you to choose appropriate footwear and be aware of the terrain and transitions.
Tea House Restaurant –May 24 – September 4
10:30am-4:30pm Sat-Wed | 10:30am-8:30pm Thurs & Fri
Onsite Parking:
Complimentary limited parking available for Parkwood Guests.
Auto Baron Tour Admission (main floor)
- Adults: $15.00
- Seniors (55+): $12.00
- Youth (7-14): $12.00
- Children 6 and under are free
- Family Rate (2 adults & 2 seniors or 2 youth): $45
- Military, Veterans (with ID) are Free
- National Trust Canada Members (with ID) are Free
- All rates are subject to HST
Tickets can be purchased by visiting our Gift Shop.
About Our Tours
Parkwood National Historic Site is pleased to offer several tour options for you to choose from. Led by knowledgeable and friendly guides, you will experience the estate as guests of the McLaughlin Family once did as you wander through luxurious interiors and learn about the nationally significant architecture and original furnishings, artwork and artifacts. You will gain insight into the interesting life and lifestyle of Canadian auto baron R. S. McLaughlin. In addition to these tours, you are welcome to visit the 11 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens at no charge.
The Auto Baron’s Experience – up to 90 minutes
Step back in time and experience life in 1917. For first-time visitors, this is the recommended tour that will provide you with an overview of the entertaining spaces (main floor) of the Estate and an introduction to the McLaughlin Family.
To book tickets please click the link below, or the “Book now” button that can be found on any page of our website.
Private Spaces – Take a Peek Behind the Curtains! – up to 90 minutes
After being absent for three years, we are excited to bring back this reimaged specialty tour. Beginning in the Grand Foyer you will be introduced to the McLaughlin Family, after which you will make your way up the grand staircase for a guided tour of the private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms, etc) that were used by the family and their guests.
Please be aware that stairs are required to access the second floor.
The Servants’ Life Experience Tour – 60 minutes
The Servant’s Life Experience allows visitors to journey into the past to see spaces that include the servant’s dining hall, the butlers’ keep, the head housekeeper’s room, and the third-floor bedroom spaces occupied by many of the female household servants from 1917-1972. Join us as we share with you the history of these spaces through the 55 years that the McLaughlin Family was in residence. Stairs are required to access many of the spaces on this tour.
Currently unavailable – Parkwood Collects, The Art Collection Tour – 2 hours ($15.00 + HST each)
This tour interprets the impressive art collection on both floors of the mansion. This tour is currently unavailable due to ongoing conservation. Please check back with us in early 2023.
Basement Tours – 60 minutes
Just like most homes, the basement at Parkwood is used for storage and a place to work on repair projects for the estate. When the McLaughlin’s were in residence the basement was the industrial hub of the mansion including laundry facilities, the cannery, the boilers, the workings of the elevator, the wine cellar, and much more.
This annual 10-day tour interprets these fantastic areas of the house, along with information that Parkwood has collected over the years through our oral history collection program. A few stairs are required to access the basement areas of the estate. This tour is a must-do for inquisitive minds and is best suited for adults, and not as suitable for young children.
As one of our most popular tours, this sells out quickly so advanced reservations are suggested.
Group Tours
Looking for somewhere new to take your group. Come visit Parkwood and immerse yourself in one of Canada’s premier estates. Whether you are a school group, a community organization or a bus tour we look forward to hosting you. For more information, group rates, or to make reservations for your group tour, please contact info@parkwoodestate.com or call 905.433.4311. (typically we require three week’s notice)
View our Group Tour Registration and Cancellation Policy Form below:
Garden Tour – 90 minutes
A stroll through the Parkwood grounds provides a reward at every turn. The Parkwood Gardens have references to the grand gardens of England and Europe but with a 20th-century spirit and much of the landscape design draws inspiration from the English Arts & Crafts gardening movement. This style called for a high degree of formality near the house, dissolving into a less formal presentation with distance from the home. A stroll through the grounds provides a reward at every turn.
Accessibility
Parkwood National Historic Site has designated accessible parking spaces located near the entrance of the Carriage House. Due to the historical nature of period construction, some areas may have limited accessibility.
