Mackenzie House

History museum · Church-Yonge Corridor

Mackenzie House

History museum · Church-Yonge Corridor

82 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X2, Canada

Highlights

Step into Toronto's vibrant past at Mackenzie House, a charming museum celebrating its first mayor, where intriguing history meets hands-on fun.

82 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X2, Canada Get directions

toronto.ca

@tohistorymuseums

@onthegrid

"Just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Yonge and Dundas Square is a hidden heritage treasure known as the Mackenzie House. This is the restored home of Toronto's first mayor, radical journalist and newspaper publisher, William Lyon Mackenzie. Determined to keep history alive, the museum workers are dressed in character as they show you a fully operating 19th century printing press. It's amazing (and humbling) to see how much work was put into printing one newspaper so many years ago, and it's fun to go home with your very own letterpresses card." - Jacknife

On the Grid : Mackenzie House

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@onthegrid

"Mackenzie House, Downtown by Jacknife. Just steps away from the hustle and bustle of Yonge and Dundas Square is a hidden heritage treasure known as the Mackenzie House. This is the restored home of Toronto's first mayor, radical journalist and newspaper publisher, William Lyon Mackenzie. Determined to keep history alive, the museum workers are dressed in character as they show you a fully operating 19th century printing press. It's amazing (and humbling) to see how much work was put into printing one newspaper so many years ago, and it's fun to go home with your very own letterpresses card."

Toronto

View Postcard for Mackenzie House

Anna P

Google

Such an amazing place! Even in the current state (undergoing repairs after a flood which affected many rooms) it is totally incredible! Great guided tours when you can learn about the history of Toronto, the incredible William Lyon Mackenzie and his times!

維尼在幹嘛

Google

Little gem of a museum. Staff are friendly and always love to share the story of the history. Can print your very own little newspaper to bring home as souvenir. Just went there earlier today and we were the first guests of 2025. Printed a holiday Christmas card. Awesome little museum.

Sandi Cole

Google

Smashing IT! Historical Site. Take a trip down Toronto's historical lane and enter the house of the remarkable William Lyon MacKenzie. Rebel or Freedom fighter? The house has still maintained it genius turn of the century charm. The tour is very educational, and the tour guides are clearly well educated and know their Canadian history very well. History buffs or just curious make sure you pay this historical gem a visit. Historical Background; "William Lyon Mackenzie[a] (March 12, 1795 – August 28, 1861) was a Scottish Canadian-American journalist and politician. He founded newspapers critical of the Family Compact, a term used to identify elite members of Upper Canada. He represented York County in the Legislative Assembly of Upper Canada and aligned with Reformers. He led the rebels in the Upper Canada Rebellion; after its defeat, he unsuccessfully rallied American support for an invasion of Upper Canada as part of the Patriot War. Although popular for criticising government officials, he failed to implement most of his policy objectives. He is one of the most recognizable reformers of the early 19th century."

Aleksandra Posmetnaya

Google

Had an amazing experience today at Mackenzie House, thanks to our guide Madeline. She provided a fulfilling and glamorous experience, being not only incredibly knowledgeable about the history but also a big inspiration. Whether rolling our names in newspapers or creating quoted bookmarks, she was our partner in crime. The experience was free, informative, and conveniently located in the downtown core. Additionally, we're thankful for the resources and information she provided.

Eli Blogz

Google

Mackenzie house was the last home of Toronto’s first mayor, outspoken newspaper editor, and primary leader of the 1837 Rebellion in Upper Canada. Admission is free for everyone! Here is a bit more history about this beautiful house: The defeat of the rebels forced Mackenzie to flee to the United States. Pardoned in 1849, he returned to Toronto and resumed his political career. When Mackenzie retired from the provincial Legislature in 1858, his friends and supporters bought this house for him. Mackenzie lived here until his death in 1861, and in 1967 a new addition was built to re-create a 19th-century printing shop.

Rafael S

Google

The print shop is beautiful. Unfortunately, aside from that room, the house is empty right now. The staff was very nice and shared very interesting facts about Toronto. They do organize workshops and events that I think are worth checking out. Overall, I enjoyed my time at the museum. I would definitely recommend a 1-hour visit!

Art Hill

Google

This is a wonderful little museum dedicated to Toronto's first mayor and the Grandfather of Willian Lyon Mackenzie King. The house is in poor shape due to a flood, but the staff do a great job describing how the house used to look. The print shop is very interesting.

Sam Newton

Google

Really great free museum! The tour we had was excellent - even though the artifacts were removed at the time because of flooding, the tour guide gave us some excellent information and was very personable. Very cool too to see some of the bones of the house that were exposed to let them dry! I recommend going anytime!