Mackenzie House

History museum · Church-Yonge Corridor

Mackenzie House

History museum · Church-Yonge Corridor

82 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X4, Canada

Highlights

Home of Toronto's first mayor with a working print press

82 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X4, Canada Get directions

toronto.ca

@tohistorymuseums

@onthegrid

On the Grid : Mackenzie House

"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

https://onthegrid.city/toronto/downtown/mackenzie-house

View Postcard for Mackenzie House

@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

Graeme MacKay

Google

I absolutely love Mackenzie House! Off the beaten tourist track, this wonderful spot in Toronto celebrates William Lyon Mackenzie, one of Canada’s greatest (and under appreciated) reformers. If you cherish history and are devoted to democracy, this is a must-visit. The house is beautifully preserved and offers a fascinating look into the 1860s. While younger kids may squirm with boredom through the house, adults will find the stories engaging. A standout feature is the historic printing press demonstration, showcasing the era's journalism. It's also worth noting that Mackenzie fought for the abolition of slavery and worked with Mary Ann Shadd a pioneer in her own right, being the first woman and first black printmaker in North America. Despite some recent damage from a leak, the city has done well to keep the house open. If you cherish history, Mackenzie House is a true treasure! And yes, that’s my caricature of the one and only William Lyon Mackenzie.

Linda Niu

Google

One of the highlights of the visit was the opportunity to try out an old-fashioned printing press, just like those used in Mackenzie’s time. The staff were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, and the restored interiors and original artifacts created a rich and immersive atmosphere. Although it’s a smaller museum, it’s packed with historical significance and charm.

Paola Vecchini

Google

An incredible experience at Mackenzie House, a place full of history and wonderfully presented by the staff. James did an exceptional job recounting the story of William Lyon Mackenzie in an engaging way that kept everyone hooked. Madeline also stood out with her explanation and interactive approach in the printing press section, where we got to experience firsthand how newspapers were printed in Mackenzie's time—even printing our own name using a rudimentary 1830s method! This is a free activity offered by the City of Toronto, and honestly, it deserves much more promotion. Places like this bring history to life and should be more widely known. Highly recommended for both tourists and locals!

Olha Khudyk

Google

I really enjoyed visiting the Mackenzie House in Toronto. It’s one of the most interesting historical buildings in downtown, full of character and rich with history. I especially loved seeing the old printing press — it’s fascinating that it still works! The experience gave me a real sense of 19th-century life in the city.

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!

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.

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."

Ainsleigh Urkosky

Google

My friend and I had an amazing time visiting the Mackenzie house this past weekend! Our guide Laura was so fun and knowledgeable about the history and an AMAZING storyteller. I learned so much about printing history and all of the crazy, inspiring, and cool details of Mackenzie’s life. Being able to use the printing press was such a sick experience, and despite undergoing some repairs, the tour through the house really brought the history to life!! Thanks Laura and the staff :)

Eli K.

Yelp

Mackenzie house was the last home of Toronto's first mayor, outspoken newspaper editor, and primary leader of the 1837 Rebellion in Upper Canada. The admission is free to 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.

Rachel D.

Yelp

Really great historic house tucked behind the busy Yonge and Dundas square. It's a good size to make it feel worth the trip, but not so big that you'll feel like it's taking too much time. The guide was informative and engaging!

Payton H.

Yelp

The main part of the house is currently closed for repairs, but they are running some really great interactive print workshops in the back. The theme of the workshop changes, but you always get a history lesson on the Mackenzie family. The workshop facilitators really go above and beyond to engage all participants in discussion during the session. You will even get a chance to use the printing press and come away with a print that you made yourself.

Anna P.

Yelp

a wonderful place to visit! the best way to spend $8 in the city!!! the house, located in the heart of Toronto (literally steps from the Eaton Centre and Dundas Subway station) was salvaged from (planned) destruction and turned into a small museum. It belonged to a prominent figure from the Canadian history: William Lyon Mackenzie. you will learn a lot about the history during the visit. a beautiful house with antique furniture and artefacts from the era (a few of them actually belonged to the Mackenzie family), a well equipped kitchen. Super knowledgeable guides will take you back in time to Toronto of 1830s to 1850s. I totally recommend this place to visit!!!!

Sarah W.

Yelp

This is a great little hidden gem in the city. Had a fantastic time. Spent about 1.5 hours here. You get a guided tour of the home and then a tour of the print shop. In the print shop you get to use the print press and take home a little souvenir. Tour guides were very knowledgeable and clearly passionate about the history. The groups were very small during the tour, so you are able to have a personalized tour and ask all the questions you'd like. Entrance fee to the museum is a great value. Overall this was excellent and highly recommend!

Susan C.

Yelp

Really enjoyed my visit at MacKenzie House in May 2015. Paid for their historic baking workshop and the price included a tour and afternoon tea. Fabulous experience and I'm glad that I went. We learned how to make shrewsbury cakes, French style chocolate macaroons and Queen cakes - the recipes were adapted from the 1800's. When we had a guided house tour and learned about the tea routine of that time, our instructor made us hot tea cakes to add to our feast. When we arrived in the dining area, we were met with a wonderfully set table for afternoon tea and we kept eating and eating. Conversation was enjoyable and I met some very nice people. The tea was too good to have only once so I bought some at their gift shop. I plan to return again - the instructor and tour guide were friendly and knowledgeable - great ambassadors to this historic museum.

Julia L.

Yelp

My partner and I decided to visit Mackenzie House to learn more about our city and spent about an hour and a half there. What a hidden treasure! While it's not a large place by any means, this lovingly restored house and print shop will give you a sense of what it was like to be a middle-class family in 1860s Toronto. What we appreciated most were the tour guides - they were friendly, very knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about local history and William Lyon Mackenzie's place in it. The mulled cider and ability to try the printing press (under supervision) were added bonuses. Would definitely go again.