Explore the World of Jane Austen and The Bridgertons with Passport Places

Dearest Gentle Reader,

As we embark upon the early decades of the 21st century, with cars instead of carriages, dating apps instead of lavish balls, and social media instead of Lady Whistledown, one cannot help but marvel at the grandeur and historical significance of Canada’s historic places.  

Indeed, what a marvel these grand estates are! When Canada was first settled by Europeans in the 18th century, Ontario’s proximity to the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River made it a particularly strategic location for settlers, connecting them to Europe and facilitating trade routes with relative ease. Western provinces like British Columbia weren’t reached until later, due to their distance and the natural barrier created by the mountains. Permanent settlements associated with fur trade didn’t begin to take root until the 19th century. Meanwhile, by the time Britain’s Regency period began in 1811, major cities and industrial centres were already thriving in Ontario and Quebec, and wealth steadily grew, allowing the richest of the rich to build lavish estates that served as splendid domiciles for themselves and their families. 

One does not have to travel “across the pond” to escape into a Jane Austen novel or imagine themselves in the world of Netflix’s Bridgerton. These Passport Places, free to visit with a National Trust membership, transport visitors into the world of Mr. Darcys, Elizabeth Bennets and Penelope Featheringtons without a transcontinental flight. Wander through sun-kissed fields, explore extravagantly furnished rooms, and gaze longingly out windows while you explore these beautiful historic places.   

Ruthven Park, Cayuga, ON

Ruthven Park National Historic Site, once the home of the Thompson Family, is an impressive 1845 Greek Revival Villa with an astonishing 598 hectares and 33 rooms. David Thompson laid out the estate using British country estates as a model. At the time of construction, the elegance and harmony of Ruthven marked a new level of elegance in Upper Canadian society. A visit to Ruthven Park might include a walk along one of the trails, a picnic on the grounds, a visit to one of the onsite cemeteries, or a guided tour of the mansion.  Exploring this extravagant property, visitors can feel as though they are being transported in the world of Jane Austen and exploring Mr. Darcy’s Pemberly Estate. 

https://www.ruthvenpark.ca/

Dundurn Castle, Hamilton, ON

Built upon the former site of a British fortified military encampment, this 40-room Italianate-style villa was built in the 1830s and was once renowned across Canada for its grand entertaining (Sir John A. MacDonald and King Edward VII have been entertained there!). Today it tells the story of the affluent MacNab family who lived above the stairs and the servants below. Get a glimpse into how both halves of society lived during this period, explore the restored kitchen gardens, and explore the house with a costumed interpreter on a guided tour. 

https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/hamilton-civic-museums/dundurn-national-historic-site

Ireland House Museum, Burlington, ON

Constructed toward the end of the Regency period in 1835-1837, Ireland House at Oakridge Farn was constructed for Joseph Ireland, one of Burlington’s earliest settlers. Explore this late-Regency family home, occupied by the Irelands until 1985, and explore how the home changed in the years following the Regency period and into the Industrial Revolution and 20th century. 

https://museumsofburlington.ca/visitor-information/ireland-house-museum/

Colborne Lodge, Toronto, ON

Explore 19th-century innovation and creativity at Colborne Lodge, located in the south end of High Park. Built just after the end of the Regency period in 1837, Colborne Lodge retained many of the architectural characteristics of the period, with the stucco cottage on site being built in the Regency Picturesque style. Visitors can explore original furnishing and artifacts at this lakeside summer cottage, as well as view John Howard’s own watercolours depicting early Toronto. Plus, marvel at the nature surrounding the cottage that inspired John Howard to bequest the land to the City of Toronto, creating the oasis of High Park. 

https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/colborne-lodge/

Homewood Museum, Maitland, ON

Escape to the countryside with the rest of the ton and visit Homewood Museum. This “gentleman’s residence” overlooking the river was built between 1799 and 1800 by Dr. Solomon Jones and his three brothers, Homewood Museum is one of the oldest houses in Ontario. Though it was built in the late Georgian style, it undoubtedly demonstrates a French-Canadian influence. Since 1974, Homewood and its 11 acres of land have belonged to the Ontario Heritage Trust, and features period rooms with original furnishings, from textiles to porcelain and furniture. 

Homewood Museum is temporarily closed to the public. Please check before visiting.

https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/properties/homewood-museum

Seigneurial Mill of Les Éboulements, Les Éboulements, QC

Though grand estates are spectacular the Regency Era was much more than balls, promenades, and suitors from afar. Seigneurial Mill of Les Éboulements was built around 1790 by the Seigneur (the landowner), Jean-François Tremblay, and has changed very little over the last 230 years. It is the last in the province of Quebec to produce flour year-round using only waterpower and is the last where the miller, Jean-Guy Tremblay (who is descended from the first owner) was born and still lives today. Experience what life would have been like within the seigneurial system of New France in the early 19th century by joining a guided tour watching the mill’s gears and wheels in action and purchase some wheat and buckwheat flour. 

https://hcq-chq.org/seigneurial-mill-of-les-eboulements/

All the above historic places are part of the Trust’s Passport Places program, a National Trust membership benefit that provides free access to 100 historic places in Canada, as well as 1000+ National Trust places abroad. Become a member today!

Interested in experiencing Regency England? Your National Trust for Canada membership includes *free access to more than 1000+ National Trust properties around the globe including England. Visit INTO.org/Places to discover all participating countries. 

*Admission to special exhibits, tours and parking fees, if any, are typically not included in this offer.