Swing into summer with Free Admission Day at Laurier House on June 16
News release
Youth, families, and visitors are invited to enjoy their local Parks Canada’s place
June 12, 2018 Ottawa, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Laurier House National Historic Site kicks summer off early with Free Admission Day and a swinging kitchen party on June 16th in the nation’s capital. This year, Parks Canada is pleased to offer free admission or lockage for one day at Parks Canada’s places across the country. This is a special thank you to the millions of Canadians who celebrated Canada 150 with Parks Canada in 2017 when more Canadians than ever before had amazing experiences at Parks Canada’s places.
Free admission to Laurier House offers an ideal Saturday, strolling through Ottawa’s Sandy Hill community to this stately mansion that two Canadian Prime Ministers once called home. As an epicentre of Canadian political life for over 50 years, Laurier House offers visitors unique ways to experience aspects of Canada’s dynamic history. Learn about the untold stories and little-known tidbits of the lives of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King . Be charmed by the authentic Second World War Homefront kitchen where a housewife welcomes guests into her kitchen for a chat about rationing, her work at the factory, and her worries for friends and family at war. Be transported to another era while appreciating the many well-preserved artifacts or taking in the view from the historic veranda. This season, the historic mansion hosts an exclusive exhibition of original artwork by Josh Silburt. Silburt’s cartoons frequently depicted Prime Minister Mackenzie King and were featured in newspapers across the country in the 1930s and 1940s. Those with an extra thirst for history can snoop into the lives of former prime ministers on a self-guided tour and talk with Parks Canada’s staff in vintage costumes. Visit Laurier House and see why many visitors call it a hidden gem.
Free Admission Day is site-specific and the date is determined by each national park or historic site. It is important to note that only admission is free on free admission day. Fees for recreational services and goods such as camping and firewood, boat launches, transportation, or special tours remain.Parks Canada manages one of the finest and most extensive systems of protected natural and cultural heritage areas in the world. Through its broad network of national parks, marine conservation areas, and national historic sites, Parks Canada connects Canadians with their heritage. For a complete list or dates for each national park or national historic site, please visit Parks Canada’s website.
Quotes
“National parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas represent the very best that Canada has to offer. They tell the stories of who we are, including the history, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Laurier House National Historic Site is a national treasure, and on Free Admission Day, I invite Canadian families, youth, and visitors to our country to explore it and connect with Canada’s nature and history.”
The Honourable Catherine McKenna,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada
Quick facts
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Parks Canada manages a nation-wide network of 171 national historic sites, 46 national parks, one national urban park, and four national marine conservation areas.
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Laurier House is open Thursday to Monday in May, June, and September (closed Tuesday and Wednesday) and open seven days a week in July and August.
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Free Admission Day at Laurier House is June 16th. Regular site admission fees are $3.90 per adult, $3.40 per senior, and youth aged 17 and under are free.
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Laurier House, the residence to both Prime Ministers Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King, is located just a twenty minutes’ walk from Parliament Hill. Visitors and Ottawa residents are encouraged to discover the many authentic experiences of this attraction.
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Discovery Passes are available online, at Parks Canada’s entry gates and visitor centres, as well as through partners such as Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC). This pass provides families with unlimited opportunities to visit Parks Canada’s places throughout the year. Please visit the Parks Canada’s website for more information. The Discovery Pass is valid one year from the date of purchase.
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As reiterated in Budget 2018, the Government of Canada is pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth aged 17 and under in 2018 and beyond.
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On Sunday, July 1st, Parks Canada’s places will also welcome visitors with free admission to celebrate Canada Day.
Associated links
Contacts
Leslie MacPherson
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
613-923-5261, ext. 114
Leslie MacPherson@pc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.media@pc.gc.ca