Mackenzie King Estate

About Mackenzie King Estate

The Mackenzie King Estate is a 231-hectare (571-acre) heritage property in the heart of Gatineau Park, managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC). It was the country retreat of William Lyon Mackenzie King — Canada's 10th Prime Minister and longest-serving PM (1921–48). The grounds are now open to the public for free year-round.

The estate features two Federal Heritage Buildings — the Main House at Moorside (closed for repairs during the 2026 season) and Kingswood Cottage — alongside picturesque garden ruins, hiking trails, mature forests, and Kingsmere Lake views.

What to See

• Moorside House — Main residence; closed for repairs for the 2026 season
• Kingswood Cottage — Original cottage (Federal Heritage Building)
• Garden Ruins — Picturesque architectural ruins among the gardens; do not climb on the walls or ruins
• Kingsmere Lake — Adjacent lake, hiking trails
• Moorside Gardens — Restored 1920s formal gardens

What to Expect

• Cost: Free admission to grounds; P6 parking fees apply from mid-June to October
• Grounds: Open year-round; museums close in winter
• Kingswood museums, gift shop and kids' corner: September 8–October 25, 2026, weekends and Thanksgiving Monday, 10 AM–5 PM
• Moorside: Main cottage closed for repairs for the 2026 season
• Picnic: Tables near Moorside cottage
• Food: The NCC says a new food and beverage offering is forthcoming; an operating tearoom is not confirmed

Verified October 23, 2026: see the current NCC estate notice for building closures, seasonal facilities and future museum dates.

Getting There

• From Chelsea: Access P6 via Kingsmere Road and follow the estate signs. This route remains available when the scenic parkways restrict cars
• Parking: P6 is open year-round; seasonal fees apply
• Parkways and shuttle: Check the NCC access schedule. The scenic parkways close to private vehicles October 26, 2026 through spring 2027, with no winter parkway shuttle