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Woodside National Historic Site

Explore Canada’s history at Woodside National Historic Site in Kitchener, Ontario, the boyhood home of William Lyon Mackenzie King, Canada’s tenth, and longest-serving Prime Minister. This lovingly preserved Victorian home, filled with King family heirlooms and period reproductions, is a portal to the Victorian era in Canada. Located on 11.5 acres of mature forest, the home opens for the season in October when the fall colours are on display both inside and out. Enjoy Thanksgiving at the home and be sure to visit in December to experience the twinkling charm of an authentic Victorian Christmas. Small groups and schools can book a tour to experience a ‘behind the rope’ look at Woodside as well as access to artifacts dating from the 19th century. When the house is closed for the season at the end of December, you can still take advantage of the wooded grounds where nature and history collide all year long.

Parks & Trails

Woodside offers an urban oasis near downtown Kitchener, Ontario. The house is surrounded by a beautiful park with wooded areas, gardens, lawns, and serene pathways. Stop by the lily pond and admire the tulip tree planted by John King over 110 years ago.

You can now walk up the lane through the 4.65 hectares (11.5 acres) of wooded grounds, gardens, and lawn. The site is perfect for picnics and afternoon strolls. It is easy to imagine that it is summer and that the year is 1891. In the autumn, you will be dazzled by the property ablaze with fall colours. The grounds in the winter months are a peaceful place for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing or just walking around and admiring the winter wonderland.

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