Italianate villa home of Canada's first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald.
What to Expect
Bellevue House is a striking Italianate villa and National Historic Site where Sir John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, lived in 1848–49. Its restored gardens and furnishings recall mid-19th-century Kingston.
Guided tours explore Macdonald's life and the early years of Canadian confederation. Allow an hour — it's a short detour from downtown and a quiet contrast to Fort Henry.
Best Time to Visit
May–October for the restored gardens; guided tours run on a set schedule through summer.
Practical Tips
Located at 35 Centre Street, a short detour from downtown. Allow an hour and combine with a walking tour of Kingston's limestone historic district.
Where to Stay
Downtown waterfront hotels sit within walking distance of Springer Market Square, boutiques and the ferry docks.
Book this experience
Tickets, tours and stays for your Kingston trip — all in one place.
1 hour · $
History lovers, sailors & families
More things to do in Kingston
Fort Henry National Historic Site
19th-century British fortress with guard drills and panoramic lake views.
Thousand Islands Cruise
Boat tour past island castles and cottages on the St. Lawrence.
Kingston Waterfront & Market Square
Lakeside boardwalk and a lively historic market square downtown.
Kingston Penitentiary Tours
Guided tours of Canada's oldest maximum-security prison, decommissioned in 2013.
Queen's University Campus
Limestone campus and National Historic Site on the Lake Ontario waterfront.
Murney Tower National Historic Site
1846 Martello tower museum of 19th-century military life on the lakefront.
Kingston Trolley Tour
Hop-on trolley tour past Kingston's historic sites and waterfront landmarks.