Mackenzie House, Toronto
The Mackenzie House, located on Bond Street, is a remarkable gas-lit Georgian-style row house constructed in the 1850s. Legend has it that this historical residence is haunted by the ghost of William Lyon Mackenzie, the first mayor of Toronto. Mackenzie, who migrated from Scotland in 1820, established his political newspaper, "Colonial Advocate," within these walls.
Originally, the house served as a print shop, where Mackenzie produced his publications. He resided here with his wife Isabel and their 13 children until his passing in 1861, which occurred in the second-floor bedroom. In the 1930s, the property faced the threat of demolition until concerned citizens rallied together and raised enough funds to save it.
Thanks to their efforts, the Mackenzie House was spared. In 1950, the Toronto Historical Board undertook a comprehensive renovation and restoration project, transforming the house into a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into Victorian-era life. The museum is now managed by the Cultural Division of Toronto City and Museum and Heritage Services.
During a period of a prolonged closure, the Mackenzie House became the subject of numerous reports detailing strange occurrences, fueling beliefs in its haunting. Witnesses claimed to have seen a figure matching Mackenzie's description, as well as a woman with long hair, even when the house was empty and securely locked.
Other paranormal phenomena included the eerie sound of an antique piano playing, the faint echoes of a printing press in operation, and mysterious footsteps. Although these supernatural activities have been witnessed and reported, they have yet to be fully documented. Whether for the thrill of history or the allure of mystery, a visit to the Mackenzie House is an absolute must.
Originally, the house served as a print shop, where Mackenzie produced his publications. He resided here with his wife Isabel and their 13 children until his passing in 1861, which occurred in the second-floor bedroom. In the 1930s, the property faced the threat of demolition until concerned citizens rallied together and raised enough funds to save it.
Thanks to their efforts, the Mackenzie House was spared. In 1950, the Toronto Historical Board undertook a comprehensive renovation and restoration project, transforming the house into a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into Victorian-era life. The museum is now managed by the Cultural Division of Toronto City and Museum and Heritage Services.
During a period of a prolonged closure, the Mackenzie House became the subject of numerous reports detailing strange occurrences, fueling beliefs in its haunting. Witnesses claimed to have seen a figure matching Mackenzie's description, as well as a woman with long hair, even when the house was empty and securely locked.
Other paranormal phenomena included the eerie sound of an antique piano playing, the faint echoes of a printing press in operation, and mysterious footsteps. Although these supernatural activities have been witnessed and reported, they have yet to be fully documented. Whether for the thrill of history or the allure of mystery, a visit to the Mackenzie House is an absolute must.
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Mackenzie House on Map
Sight Name: Mackenzie House
Sight Location: Toronto, Canada (See walking tours in Toronto)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Toronto, Canada (See walking tours in Toronto)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Toronto, Canada
Create Your Own Walk in Toronto
Creating your own self-guided walk in Toronto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Cabbagetown Walking Tour
Once a small community of Irish immigrants east of downtown and one of the poorest neighborhoods in Toronto, Cabbagetown is also one of the city's oldest districts, established in 1840. In 2004, it was declared a historic district and presently claims to be "the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in North America". Attesting to this claim are the picturesque... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Toronto Introduction Walking Tour
Sprawling on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario, the capital of the Canadian province of Ontario, Toronto, is a major metropolis renowned for its dynamic pace and high-rising skyline, incorporating both ultra-modern skyscrapers and historic architecture.
The area of present-day Toronto has been inhabited for thousands of years. Its first known settlers 鈥� the Wyandot (or Huron) people 鈥�... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The area of present-day Toronto has been inhabited for thousands of years. Its first known settlers 鈥� the Wyandot (or Huron) people 鈥�... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Once an Anglo backwater, today's Toronto is the cultural and economic hub of English-speaking Canada. The city's architectural beauty is supplemented by its historical richness, with some of the buildings dating back as far as the late 18th century. This self-guided tour invites you to explore the most prominent structures making up the historic heritage of Toronto.
The Gooderham... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The Gooderham... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Toronto Islands Walking Tour
The Toronto Islands, otherwise simply known as 鈥渢he Islands,鈥� are a chain of islands in Lake Ontario, just off the coast of downtown Toronto. They include three major islands (namely: Centre Island, Algonquin or Sunfish Island, and Olympic Island) and several smaller ones. Collectively they are a great natural retreat set in a peaceful and joyful environment, which, apart from the panoramic... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Distillery District Walking Tour
Toronto's Distillery District is a trendy neighborhood and an architectural treasure dating back to 1859. Once the largest distillery in the British Empire, today this former industrial complex is a National Historic Site of Canada and a unique pocket of Victorian-era architecture, featuring the continent's best-preserved collection of cobblestone pathways and historic buildings housing... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Toronto's Waterfront Walking Tour
It is more than obvious that the locals of Toronto, as well as visitors, cherish and admire the alluring views of Lake Ontario on the shores of which the city is located. Toronto's waterfront is one of the most picturesque places for walking, but it is also a great destination for those in search of entertainment.
At the heart of this waterfront area stands Queen's Quay Terminal, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
At the heart of this waterfront area stands Queen's Quay Terminal, a... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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