Reviews of Bellevue House National Historic Site (Tourist Attraction)

Anuj C

The small museum was a fun little place to learn about the history of the people that lived in the home. We unfortunately were not able to go into the home as it was under construction. The grounds were nice to walk around and look at your own leisure. Same goes for the garden. Overall interesting experience.

Donald Hubel

BELLEVUE HOUSE WAS CLOSED MAYBE WILL REOPEN 2019. DISAPPOINTED! PROBLEMS WITH THE PLASTER CEILINGS. Not safe for visitors, hopefully ceilings can be restored beautiful old home.

Dominic Benoit

(Translated) A very interesting place in the history of Canada, the staff very friendly and attentive. (Original) Un lugar muy interesante de la historia de Canadá, el personal muy amable y atento.

yu chen

Arrived in the morning. Unfortunately the house itself is closed because they are renovating. It wont be done till next year I believe. You can walk around in the visitors centre and the gardens. The people taking care of the place are dressed up and have interesting information. Very friendly. Since the house is closed, there is no admission to see the rest.

Lori Johnson

This place is okay. However, it should not be listed as government owned and national historic site due to Sir John A MacDonald treating Chinese, Indigenous, and Black People mean.

Kirk L. Hoadley

There was an amazing fiddling group and staff were also playing!

Lee Maddy

Nice place to visit

Shaunis Sakell

Good bit of history

Al Lancaric

Should have told us on trolley that house was closed for renovations. Would have spent time elsewhere.

Demi

This is the first time I visited Bellevue house and good to bring the kids here to learn about history and how people live 150 years ago. Staffs are very friendly and it is a relaxing environment. Must visit if you travel to Kingston.

Demi

The house has been under restoration since 2018 but I'm sure it'll be well worth the wait when it reopens. The staff are really friendly and the grounds are cute

Nagabandi Dheeraj Kumar

Visited the Bellevue House with the 2 best friends that anyone could ever have... and what an experience it was! The people who are on site are so knowledgeable and entertaining! I learned so much with the short amount of time we were there. The garden is also quite lovely and I absolutely love how they try to give back what they are able to grow utilizing similar techniques as we did in the past. Highly recommend, a must visit while in Kingston!

Curtis Davies

We recently held our wedding ceremony at Bellevue House in Kingston. The staff were incredibly helpful and accommodating from the moment we inquired about having our wedding on the grounds. The ceremony went off without a hitch. The grounds were beautiful and the flowers were in bloom. The staff interacted with our guests and offered tours of the site while in period costumes. We can't thank the staff at Bellevue House enough for making our day as great as it was.

Joan Mercier

I think this is a must see in Kingston if you love old houses, gardens, and history.

Wennan Guo

Beautiful garden

Anabel Lindblad

It seems an interesting place. Unfortunately when we were there, it has been renovated until the end of year so just go around outside. Hope to see more in future.

Dinh Hong

One of the Kingston houses Sir John A. MacDonald lived in during the time of confederation. It is under restoration currently, but several exhibit rooms are still open as is the authentically recreated garden. The staff are well-informed and pleasant.

Ramses Morales

It's under renovations right now so we couldn't see inside.

Colin West

It's a nice place to visit, especially when it's not busy. Even without going inside the house, the garden and orchard are worth spending twenty minutes there.

Emily M Webster

Nice place with costume guides. Small place for a quick visit or for some entertainment. Visit the website for more information.

Marika Enders

Never forget the past, just learn from your mistakes. Taking down statues is not the answer, it is just ignorance.

Len Whalen

Not open until may

Tara Signorelli

Very interesting guided tour with Michael. Highly recommend

Brian Michel

nice grounds and nice exhibit

Emma Sadlowski

Always a charm. Beautiful spot to revisit. You can the past with the present. I could smell the same scents I did when I visited at a younger age. I'm so glad to visit spots like this again and again. 4????????????????

buddhadeb chakrabarty

Great house, interesting architecture.

ritesh parekh

it was okay. not much to do nor see .can't go inside. no public washroom to use. the people were friendly.

HDSHANSEN GAMING

Great staff with only dedication to John A MacDonald.

Bizwar 72

Bellevue House, The House of the First Prime Minister of Canada.

Kevin Michael Offord

Really nice place to visit! Great history and really friendly guides!

ken Lawson

I had a fantastic time exploring the Bellevue House this past weekend! All of the staff onsite are outstanding. They are highly knowledgeable and incredibly friendly. It’s clear that they want every person who visits to have the best experience possible. I thoroughly enjoyed learning all sorts of interesting facts about the history of the house (i.e., specific ways the house was designed to appear more lavish than it really was) and exploring the beautiful garden (i.e., kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate, lamb’s ear). Thank you to all of the lovely ladies at the house and visitor’s centre – you made it a wonderful experience for me. ????

Marge Simpson

Recently did an escape room at Bellevue House and it was incredible. A historic gem in the heart of Kingston.

Anupam Nath

Customer service is something makes it interesting and your visit a perfect one! Some great things to know about history and italian structures . 5+stars to team working there

Jean-François Pouliot

(Translated) very nice site. free parking. Visit in French and English. interesting for the history of the country as much as for the history of the way of life of the time. The gardens are good for picnicking. (Original) très beaux site. stationnement gratuit. Visite en francais et en anglais. intéressant pour l'histoire du pays autant que pour l'histoire du mode de vie de l'époque. Les jardins sont bien pour piqueniquer.

Kalli Eccleston

We went on the guided tour with Kyle. It is very informative when you are on a guided tour. You get way more out of the tour. The staff makes the place what it is.

Reed Collis

The knowledge of the young staff here was astonishing. If you asked them any questions regarding the home and the time period we got an answer. The home was so interesting to see just knowing that Sir John A. McDonald lived there at one time was amazing in itself. I recommend if you visit Kingston Ontario gist Bellevue House and take in its beauty and history.

Abner King

Unfortunately, the house was closed when we visited. We were able to go to the yard though. The staff is helpful and knowledgeable about the place.

Fadéla Abdesselam

(Translated) Did not go in ... Sunday (Original) 没进去…周日

Kate Howell

Very nice place to visit

Dallas Wang

Extremely friendly and knowledgeable staff. The gardens and house are beautiful and well worth an hour of your time

Tim Reynolds

Great to experience where our first prime minister lived with his family in the early days.

Angela Greavette

It was closed for renovations but the museum was interesting

Andy Ransom

Not open,but grounds are

Frederic Emerence

(Translated) Very interesting to better know the history of our country, by knowing better that of its first Prime Minister! (Original) Très intéressant pour mieux connaître l'histoire de notre pays, en connaissant mieux celle de son premier Premier Ministre!

Joey Peterpaul (NDN JOE , #ndnjoe)

This is the former residence of Canada’s first prime minister. There are three service staff and free tours, but at present it can only be visited in the garden. The house is under renovation and cannot be entered temporarily. The door opens at 9 am and closes at 4 pm.

Chris Marshall

I realized once more that it was not a sinner from the beginning, but an inevitable environment. Pray that all prisoners will realize their faults and live a new life to fulfill their duties as God-given human beings throughout their lives.

Michaela Schumacher

(Translated) Very interesting (Original) Très intéressant

林修峰

(Translated) In renovation but very pretty house which bears witness to the belle epoque (Original) En renovation mais tres jolie demeure qui temoigne de la belle epoque

Amit Soni

A peaceful; serene part of Canadian history. Rebecca was very gracious.

Narayan Ramachandran

Had a good tour, might go again

Roberta Rubin

This National Historic Site is a must see. Home of our 1st Prime Minister. Staff is very knowledgeable. A wonderful place to take your child to. We spent about 1 hour there. Free parking & there is a bus/trolley that stops at the site too. Knowledge is the key to your child's development. My son really enjoyed this place.

B Dem

(Translated) Beautiful house (Original) Belle maison

SportZi Girl

Beautiful veg garden from the 19th century

Anthony Peart

Interrestin museum orchard near by

Kessié Badagouli

(Translated) nice place (Original) bonito lugar

David Bates

Sir John A McDonald home very good.

Scott Bowles

We had a wonderful tour today. Monica was our tour guide and she was fantastic! Monica was very knowledgeable and funny and entertaining. She answered all our questions and shared stories about Sir John A. MacDonald and his family. We enjoyed our time at Bellevue House.

Allyson Raymond

The house itself was unfortunately closed for maintainence and restorative work the day I visited. But you get to check out the grounds and gardens yourself if you wish. There is also a small theatre where you can watch a little video about history and background of the place. Yes- I would go there again.

rakaraven

The Bellevue house is extremely well restored to the period and absolutely beautiful to walk through. From the ornate rooms (including his study, which I found to be fascinating, filled with some of Sir Macdonald's own books and chest) to the beautiful gardens, walking through this site was truly like stepping back in time. Not only is the site as well as the exhibit pertaining to Sir Macdonald's life very well put together, but also the Parks staff were incredibly helpful and earnest. A lot of love clearly goes into this site, and it is a must see for everyone passing through and living in Kingston.

Nathaniel Smith

Closed for renovations, nothing much to see.

Kevin Delph

Under renovation, expected to open by January 2021, must be great by then

Harry

One of my favourite historic sites. Despite the fact that the house itself is under construction, their interpreters managed to keep the kids occupied for a full hour with old-time games. The grounds and the gardens are beautiful and they’ve done a great job with the interpretation center.

heidi schernekau

The history is amazing. Would visit again

MINGRUI GENG

Under renovations

Reinhard Drobig

Fantastic staff ensure that you enjoy your visit and learn about the times of Sir John A MacDonald

Maher Jebara

I would have given it 5 stars, but the actual house was under construction/renovation. They didn't charge us the ticket price to walk around it though.

Sina Dadras

Building is.under renovation in 2018. Outside was spectacular and historical information provided was excellent.

ItsJustMel

Very well done by volunteers.

La Vern Simkins

A beautiful place. With fantastic staff

Heayoung Byun

I'm a resident of Kingston and my previous visit to Bellevue House was decades ago when we first came to Kingston. During the past week, I visited the House twice. The first occasion this past week was to take the grandkids for a visit. They were very interested in the House and what the guide had to say. However, once done, we would be unlikely to visit again. The second occasion to visit Bellevue this past week was to attend a whisky tasting event with my wife. We quite enjoyed this event and will likely come again for a forthcoming talk about some of the more interesting but lessor known aspects of MacDonald. The lesson learned is that if Parks Canada wants to have repeat visitors, it has to offer programming that goes beyond a house tour. They also need to promote it in advertising or by other means. I first heard about the whisky tasting by word-of-mouth. I heard about it again from a local club to which I belong.

John Mcguire

Closed to visitors but the grounds were beautiful with period dressed enactments

Simply Anon

What a beautiful piece of history. So glad I got the chance to go see it.

Minnan Hu

Great place to visit

Fernando Torres

(Translated) For the first time, the chief residence of this city is worth seeing. (Original) 首次開創這個城市的長官住處 值得一看

Sebastian Kluth

Great tours and very informative. I highly suggest getting the guided tour, you learn so much more. Great grounds and sites.

Greg “GregTheTurk” Turcotte

Staff is very helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly. I really enjoyed seeing the gardens most of all--and I love that the fruits and vegetables grown are donated to Lovin' Spoonful. Make sure to grab a one-of-a-kind Sir John A action figure in the gift shop on your way out! Will be returning!

Jessica Foley

The house is being renovated so you cannot go in. Watch a 10 minute movie about Sir John A. Stroll around outside. Some kid activities.

Michelle Conway

Today we took a guided tour of Bellevue House in Kingston as part of our amazing 48 hour KPASS package. Touring this former residence of both wealthy 19th century merchant, Charles Hales, as well as modern Canada's founding father, Sir John A MacDonald, was both entertaining and enlightening. It gave an objective perspective of the life and times of Sir John A, which is refreshing, as not all other historical mentions of our first Prime Minister are quite as transparent. They present the good, the bad and the ugly. Our guide Kyle gave a witty, entertaining and thoughtful tour, allowing us time to ask questions and learn as we went along. Dressed in his 19th century best, he was a real highlight of our Kingston experience.

Nicolai Dufva

Very friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable staff. If your into historic sites like this then its definitely worth the visit.

Lorraine Curtis

Not sure about a house John A. McDonald lived at for one year.

Jean-Philippe Proslier

(Translated) We had a superb visit this past Monday! We appreciated that the guides Rebecca, Leah and Colleen were able to provide us with information and answer all of our questions in French! Learned a lot about the vegetable garden, the history of Macdonald and the house. We will be back when the house is open to the public! (Original) Nous avons eu une superbe visite ce Lundi passé! Nous avions apprécier que les guides Rebecca, Leah et Colleen ont été capable de nous provenir l'information et répondre at tous nos questions en français! Ont a appris beaucoup appropos du potager, l'histoire de Macdonald et la maison. Nous allons revenir quand la maison sera ouvert au public!

Timothy McGrath

A good historical tour. Learned slot about Sir John A McDonald. Tour was lead by a lady in historical costume. Would defently reccommend the tour.

Coraline Bretonneau

I think this is a must see in Kingston if you love old houses, gardens, and history.

Denise Golinowski

Good historic site, though you need a tour guide (extra cost) to really get good information on the place as there is very little signage or detailed descriptions.

Brock Pearson

Wonderful experience Friendly staff

Joan Mercier

I've lived in the area my whole life and just visited last week for the first time. Its a great historic site. The interpreters are so knowledgeable. You can tell they love their jobs and painting a picture of Canada in the 1800's.

Fadi Suleiman

Very instructive guides and a great place to visit to get a better understanding of Sir John A MacDonald

Dylan Sachs

Nice historic place

Paul Bearne

Great history, friendly staff

Janine Baillie-Roos

I arrived a little late, they were getting ready to close, had about 45 min to take some pics and ask some questions. A great Fist Nations exhibit in the first building. Great place to learn about how Canada was formed and how settlers first lived here in North America in the Olden days.

Maxime Viger

Great place to learn some facts about the first Prime Minister who was living there. The staff working there are very knowledgeable and friendly.

mrjameschong

(Translated) Great house, free entrance, good info, friendly staff (Original) Tolles Haus,gratis eintritt, gute info, freundliches Personal

Allan Nelson

Neat little spot to visit

Chris Hariski

Despite the actual house being closed for the season, strolling the grounds (for free!) is a lovely afternoon past time.

Mark S. Caruana

Great and informative staff, with lots of knowledge about the grounds. Opinion of John A. aside, neat place to check out.

John MacKenzie

Wonderful visit with my in laws from Newfoundland!

Kelton Rynard

Great historic site

Anthony Di Iorio

Awesome house still set in 1880s Canada including actors and furniture

Filipe Ferreira

Victorian Canada! Very informative and enjoyable. Our guide, Robin, was both knowledgeable and engaging.

david charles

Beautiful place

Kristoffer Mortensen

I and my family visited this nice place called Bellevue house in Kingston ON. We had very good time there. It was quiet, Vintage, extravagant, well preserved. It took us virtually back to 18th century lifestyle. The highlight of my experience was the staff hospitality. Simply Awesome. On my way back, my car ditched me in parking lot. It did not start. I thought car battery went dead. It was morning and we had out whole day and trip in jeopardy. This quiet place had no service center nearby moreover it was a Sunday. Seeing my hood off the car, a nice gentleman from the welcome Centre walked towards us offered to help. He pulled over his truck swiftly, figured out the issue and helped us with jump start. He discovered loose contact issue as well with my car battery and gave us a spanner to keep for the trip in case if I need to re adjust the bolts having loose contact. So nice of him. We saluted him in our hearts. He left us a most wonderful experience that Canadians had offered when needed the most. I don't know his name but he will be remembered for long. Thank you

steven tompa

Lovely place, friendly staff, a nice way to spend a couple hours with the kids on a summer day.

David Hinchliffe

Should go with guide!You will be amazed to know many facts about how people were living some 200 years ago and their daily routine and activities

Stephen Arnold

Amazing heritage house. Park canada employees are extremely friendly and were very helpful. Recommended to families and single people as well.

Danny Kelly

I would highly recommend stoping in at this place it was very enjoyable. Our tour guide Hannah was very informative and able to give a wonderful tour full of history and interesting stories in both official languages. Steve the gardener was also great in growing crops like they did in the 1840s except he has to do it without a horse. I think Parks Canada should buy him one to make his job easier.

FilmGamer

Great historical place to visit. Was my second time there. The house is closed this summer for renovations so only the grounds are open to the public.

Justin De Vries

Staff are very friendly and the grounds are vey pretty.???? very nice place to be. I would definitely recommend this place

Elaine McArthur

Wonderful, kind staff. Loved learning about the garden.

Derek A

The staff were very friendly, as well as informative whenever we had any questions. The property has been very well-restored to what it was in the 1840s, including the house, garden and orchard. A fun and educational visit!

Tamara Williams-Martin

Excellent guided tour.

Yeni Martinez

(Translated) Great (Original) Super

Marc Beaudoin

This was one of my favorite places to go to, growing up. It's been years since my last visit. Took my son and his family here last summer. It was really nice to know that much hadn't changed, with the exception that 2 rooms were now open to go into.

Kwok Ng

Great place to see a piece of Canadian history. The guides are well informed and can tell you anything you want to know.

Sonal Jamwal

We were only able to visit the grounds. We were not able to visit inside the house because of renovations.

Shari Bullock

Nice site and gardens, can't wait for the house to be done renovations.

Manny D

The site is very simple yet historic .. with enough imagination you can almost see how the history of kingston developed .. however, there are renovations being made and you cant see the house from the inside till 2022

Lili Lili

A must see in Kingston!

janette lynn

(Translated) I loved visiting the villa of the first Prime Minister of Canada Sir John A. Macdonald although during the Covid we could not get inside. This historic place is full of things to see that the staff present will be happy to show you. (Original) J'ai adoré visité la villa du premier Premier ministre du Canada sir John A. Macdonald bien que durant la Covid on n'a pas pu pénétrer à l’intérieur. Ce lieu historique regorge de choses à voir que le personnel présent se fera une joie de vous faire découvrir.

Clinton B

Was closed for renovations. But the staff were fantastic and informative

Cynthia Howald

Impressive property upkeep. Taught me a lot more about Sir John A. Macdonald than I remember from the field trips and especially in light of controversy surrounding him. If you are from outside of Kingston you might be disappointed to know the inside of the house is undergoing renovations. There's still stuff to see.

Gregg LaLiberte

I was lucky enough to visit the Bellevue House during the Canada 150 celebration, where there was free admission. It is a truly beautiful location with a wonderfully maintained property including apple trees and gardens. Staff were very friendly and loved explaining the history of the area.

Suzanne Gingrich

Fun experience to see where our first prime minister lived.

Inderjit Singh

A must see historical place, free admission and knowledgeable tour guide with 1800 props.

Jacob Shepherd

A MUST visit if you're in Kingston, theres also a pokemon gym, so theres something for children too!

Maiwenn Le Beherec

Very well kept, a must see

Cake Pies

Currently closed for renovations grounds open not much to see gardens have not be kept up.

Aleeza Sohn

Nothing really to see. You cannot visit inside the house due to Covid 19. You are allowed to view from external. The house is not big, so spend less than 10 minutes then you can leave.

Danny Vinet

great experience loved the house beautiful house amazing

Donovan Selbye

This summer I visited Bellevue House for the first and second time! What a beautiful spot and so much fun for the grandchildren. They loved solving all the questions in the activity booklet....so did Grandma! A definite must and children of all ages will enjoy it. Lots of areas to take beautiful pictures as well!

Jo Ann Hayward

Great place to visit to learn about Sir John A. Macdonald.

Amanda C

Couldn't go inside as it was closed. :(

Robert Clarke

Still Closed.

Dany Faulkner

A must visit if you are in Kingston.

Christine Hillis

Wonderful place for day trip

Alexia Hughes

Love the Archad! Picked up some apples :)

geohockey

We had a guided tour with Emma it was great learnt a lot and saw a lot and everyone was very friendly

Alain Lemieux

(Translated) Little to see during the renovations that will last until 2020. The visit is nevertheless free during this time. (Original) Peu de chose à voir pendant les rénovations qui vont durer jusqu'en 2020. La visite est néanmoins gratuite pendant ce temps.

Carol S

A good lesson in Canadian history.

Mariana K

Interesting place to see the history of Canada with some of the original item from the first Prime Minister. Great place to visit

Tammy Marr

Great service and wifi

heather dunne

Took a great tour through this property. We were there in the summer months where there are guided tours, all in costume from the correct time period. There was a lot of valuable information presented by our guide who was very good. I would suggest paying the nominal amount to get the guided tour as it made it much more enjoyable.

Christiaan Fiegen

Something basic nothing too crazy other than the fact it was a previous pm house. I didn’t get a chance to check the inside as it is closed throughout the winter months.

Norman Wu

Closed for renovations this year

John Wong

The staff were wonderful! Friendly, informative and most importantly - listened to and valued our thoughts, experiences as fellow Canadians.

Kyle J

Great staff. Definitely worth checking out especially in 2017 as parks canada admission is free and they operate this. Small fee for a tour 7.30 likely worth it but we went for free and there were lots of staff to answer questions and show you the rooms and even play some old games that were used at the time .

Tina Battrick

Freaking nice place, bro

Helen Cuthbert

Well put together. Very pleasant staff. Great history. Nice gifts for purchase.

Buzz Williams

Great pokemon

Carlos De Sousa

Nice place. The whole ticketing experience is weird, though, as you go next door to buy a ticket and then go back out on the street to go to the actual house. The guides are nice, though, and it gives you a real feeling of being in Macdonald's shoes.

Ana Saiza

Very interesting history. Well worth the visit.

Natalie R

Great tour, very informative.

mohammed elahi

Interesting old place to visit. The house is under renovation when I visited and it was free entree. The people are so good inside. There is a free tea coffee with chance to taste the food grown in yard organic. There are toys displayed that were remade to look like how toys were then. There is a pretty old tree in the back yard. Worth watching!!

Darlene MacFarlane

Didn't get to see much under refurbishment.

Corinne Babiolakis

The house is now under renovation. However, you can explore the historical gardens and small museum inside the visitor center free of charge. Museum’s staff is super welcoming and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure to find out a history of the house in a very entertaining way. We will come back once Bellevue House will reopen its doors to the public.

Mike Finan

Great tour by Ella. She's knowledgeale, engaging, and energetic. It was a fun introduction to MacDonald and Canada's past and present.

Shell

(Translated) Beautiful (Original) Beau

Cameron Cal

The guided tour was well worth the small fee versus doing the self guided free tour.

Katerina Kryst

Interesting period house. Worth a visit to see how the affluent lived back in the day.

Wilma Wallace

Closed for Renos

Sidequest Rob

Bellevue House is a National Historic Site of Canada where Canada's first Prime Minister Sir John Alexander MacDonald lived for about a year with his sick wife and their son. Today, this location consists of a little museum and the original property where you can visit the entire house as well as its big garden. People who are working there are dressed like the charwomen, gardeners and nurses back in the middle of the nineteenth century. Visiting this location is like traveling back in time and a truly authentic experience. The entance fee is reasonable and the staff is very professional. If you care for Canadian history, you should definitely visit this place.

Kingsman Tang

Had such a wonderful visit with my family! Spoke to two very kind high school students who answered all of my daughter's questions and guided us throughout the site!

Labrador Kiko

The house has been under restoration since 2018 but I'm sure it'll be well worth the wait when it reopens. The staff are really friendly and the grounds are cute

Jake Mosseri

I was disappointed that no mention was made of Sir John's bragging in the house of commons about starving the Native People of Canada. I mean this guy lied to and then tried to starve thousands of people to death, bragged about it in the house of commons and nothing in the museum even mentions that. They portray him as a hero of sorts.

Trent Dykes

Going to the house with a guide is definitely worth it. I got to learn a lot more than if I had walked through by myself