Bellevue House National Historic Site officially opens for visitor season on May 18
News release
May 16, 2019 Kingston, Ontario Parks Canada Agency
Whether you’re looking for adventure, fun science activities for the whole family, a chance to explore history, or a break from the everyday, Parks Canada has 450 000 km2 of protected areas with countless unique experiences to suit your needs.
Bellevue House National Historic Site encourages Canadians to explore the many viewpoints related to our country's first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Parks Canada is renewing Bellevue House National Historic Site as a place of discovery, learning and reflection on the benefits and consequences related to the foundation of Canada. The historic house itself will be closed until the exciting restoration and renewal work is fully completed, however, the rest of the site will officially open for the 2019 visitor season on Saturday, May 18.
This year, Bellevue House will be offering plenty to see and do in the visitor centre, gift shop, heritage gardens and heirloom orchards. Visitors are invited to take part in special programs and guided tours, offered daily throughout the summer. There is something for everyone to do, from youngest to wisest!
Regular admission fees will not apply while the historic house is closed. Fees may apply to special enhanced programs. Plan your visit today and hear stories of the events that have shaped Canada’s past, present, and future!
Located in every province and territory, Parks Canada’s 171 national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history.
Canada Historic Places Day benefits historic places across Canada, increasing their awareness and interest in visiting them, as well as emphasizing the vital role these places have in their communities. Canadians are encouraged to take part in the national celebration during the third annual Canada Historic Places Day on July 6 by visiting a historic place near them!
Parks Canada places belong to all Canadians. That is why the Government of Canada is pleased to continue to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth aged 17 and under. By encouraging young people to discover nature and connect with history, we can help to inspire the next generation of stewards for these protected places.
In celebration of diversity, Parks Canada continues to offer free admission to new Canadian citizens for one year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo mobile app. Visiting Parks Canada’s national heritage places is a great way for Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and heritage.
Parks Canada staff are excited to welcome new and returning guests to experience everything that the Bellevue House National Historic Site has to offer.
Quotes
“Warm weather is finally here. It’s the perfect time to head back outside and reconnect with the places we love. Parks Canada has so many wonderful places, like Bellevue House, where Canadians and visitors to Canada can explore our wilderness and learn about our culture and history. The Government of Canada is pleased to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for young people, 17 and under. So let’s get outdoors, visit our national parks, historic sites, or marine conservation areas, taking advantage of discovering the places in Canada we love best.”
Mark Gerretsen
Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands
Quick facts
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Bellevue House National Historic Site was built in the 1840s and was home to Sir John A. Macdonald at the beginning of his political career.
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The latest Parks Canada app update makes trip planning for Parks Canada locations across the country even easier for first time visitors. Visitors can now find Learn-to Camp content in the app and can obtain information on proper camping equipment, tips, and recipes. Visitors can even plan their entire trip itinerary and create a camping checklist.
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Canada’s network of protected areas plays an important role in helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change by protecting and restoring healthy, resilient ecosystems and contributing to the recovery of species at risk.
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Visitor safety is important to Parks Canada. Visitors can do their part by getting informed and being prepared by planning an activity and sharing that information with a friend or family before they begin. Learn about the wildlife in the park/site you will be visiting to help us keep wildlife wild by checking out our top ten tips: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/conseils-tips/faune-wildlife
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Enter Parks Canada’s Discover Canada contest for a chance to win an amazing trip to Canada’s North- Yukon! In collaboration with our proud partners: MEC, CIBC Air Canada, and Air North.
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The possession and consumption of cannabis is now legal and is strictly regulated in Canada. For more information about cannabis in Canada, please visit: Canada.ca/cannabis.
Associated links
Contacts
Bruce MacMillan
Public Relations and Communications Officer
Georgian Bay and Ontario East Field Unit
bruce.macmillan@canada.ca
613-923-5261 extension 122
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca