The Mackenzie House seems to be squeezed between skyscrapers in the spot it was built, some 165+ years ago, in 1858. Brick walls dwarfed by its neighbours, the restored townhouse was the final home of William Lyon Mackenzie.
Linda’s Pick of the Exhibits
Being a writer, it’s no surprise that my favorite exhibit was the printing press room. Why a printing press in an historic house? Because William Lyon Mackenzie was a printer and newspaper editor. So, to honor that part of his life and work, the house includes an historic printing press.
The printing press is from 1845. Along with the press itself, I found various other printing tools. They included type cabinets, trays of metal type, and printing supplies like ink rollers.
An interpreter was in the house during my visit to give demonstrations. I, along with other visitors, was able to do some printing myself!
Various items on display had been created with the press.
What’s at Mackenzie House?
Mackenzie House is a restored Victorian-era Georgian-style home just steps from Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square) in downtown Toronto.
The three-storey brick townhouse is far from flashy, but it was built as the centre of three townhouses.
Its interior is furnished with period pieces, with a few originals.
One of the original pieces includes a bible owned by Mackenzie when he occupied the home.
The City of Toronto added a small building on the back of the original building in 1967.
An addition was required to turn the historic home into a museum while retaining its historic authenticity.
It has three functional spaces that include:
- The recreated 19th-century print shop
- A narrow gallery for temporary and thematic exhibits
- A reception and gift shop area for visitors to check in
If you’ve studied Canadian history, you may remember some of Mackenzie’s colorful history, although you’ll learn a lot more at the house.
Fast Fact: The house museum displays a proclamation that offers: One Thousand Pounds, to any one who will apprehend, and deliver up to Justice, WILLIAM LYON MACKENZIE.
~ Mackenzie House Museum
Mackenzie was, by all accounts, a fiery editor whose newspaper attacks against the “Family Compact” elite resulted in a Tory mob smashing his printing press in 1826.
Why was Mackenzie exiled from Canada?
William Lyon Mackenzie became a leading voice in a Canadian Reform movement and was elected to the House of Assembly for York County in 1828. His political career resulted in libel suits, threats, and physical assaults. While many disliked his political stance, he was continually re-elected to the provincial Parliament.
In 1834, Mackenzie was elected as an alderman for St. David’s Ward in Toronto. His fellow council members then elected him to be Toronto’s first mayor.
But back to the exile that happened after he was defeated at the polls in 1836.
Convinced he’d have the support of the people, Mackenzie led the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion on December 5, 1837. However, the rebellion fell apart quickly, and loyalist troops under Sir Francis Bond Head easily defeated the rebels at Montgomery’s Tavern.
Not ready to give up, Mackenze fled and declared a provisional government. His demands? American-style democratic reform. However, the Canadian militia sank his rebel supply ship, Caroline, and bombarded Navy Island in the Niagara River. Two fellow rebels were captured and executed for treason after pleading guilty to being part of the rebellion.
Mackenzie was exiled to New York. However, he was soon convicted of violating US neutrality laws. The result? He spent a year in prison and the next 10 years in the US.
In 1849, the government pardoned Mackenzie, and he returned to Canada. Quickly picking up where he’d left off before the exile, Mackenzie served as an MLA for Haldimand until he retired in 1857.
Who was Mackenzie, really? Some call him one of the most colorful and controversial people in 19th-century Canadian politics. Others called him a “national mistake.” Still others considered Mackenzie a hero for pushing for responsible government and the rights of ordinary people.
Fast Fact: Mackenzie House was actually a gift purchased with funds raised by a relief committee of Mackenzie's friends and relatives in 1858. They raised $7000+ to gift him the house "as a token of gratitude by the people of Canada, for his unswerving loyalty and consistency during a long period of useful public life."
~ Canadian Encyclopedia
Linda’s Road Trip Tips
The Mackenzie House is just a block or two from many of Toronto’s key attractions.
Head west to Sankofa Square if you’d like to experience Canada’s busiest intersection.
I always take the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway when I go downtown, so my visit was on foot.
Even without navigating traffic, I found the intersection definitely busy!
Of course, fitting in some shopping is important in Toronto.
So, the CF Toronto Eaton Centre, directly across the square is a must-do.
It’s also a great place to check out some neat food selections in the Urban Eatery Food Court.
Love live music concerts and cultural performances? You’ll find them a few minutes’ walk away from Massey Hall. This historic site opened in 1894 and hosted a long list of famous musicians.
And of course, there are more great museums nearby including the Royal Ontario Museum and Bata Shoe Museum.
Who Should Visit Mackenzie House?
Mackenzie House is an interesting addition to any itinerary exploring Canada’s early history and its growth to becoming a country. After Mackenzie’s 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion and Durham Report a couple of years later, the British merged Upper and Lower Canada into the Province of Canada in 1840. This was the first step toward a more unified political structure.
Fast Fact: Mackenzie's grandson, William Lyon Mackenzie King, was Canada's longest serving Prime Minister (1921-26, 1926-30, 1935-48), leading the country through WWII.
While a radical, Mackenzie was an early advocate of self-government and the union of colonies. He helped shape the idea that Canadians could govern themselves.
The Mackenzie House provides a great example of Victorian-era architecture and design.
So, it’s an important historic home for anyone interested in that period.
And of course, we can’t forget the ghosts.
Indeed, the Mackenzie House is often called the “Most Haunted House in Canada” or the “Most Haunted House in Toronto.”
I spent about an hour at Mackenzie House as I participated in the printing press demo.
Depending on your interests, your visit could be shorter or longer.
How Do You Visit Mackenzie House?
Mackenzie House is situated conveniently next to many attractions in downtown Toronto. If you’re on Toronto’s PATH, you could go up to street level at the Toronto Eaton Centre and be just a couple of minutes walk away.
Parking: The most convenient parking options are the parking lots and garages around Dundas/Yonge. Try apps like BestParking, SpotHero, or Green P for hourly rates.
If you're taking the TTC Subway system the best stop is Dundas Station.
Street Location: 82 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario.
Parts of Mackenzie House are under restoration, so you can check availability, special events, and exhibits on the Toronto History Museums website. Note that the print shop in the addition is always available during open hours.
Go inside Mackenzie House with CanTravelsHub on YouTube or learn more about its ghosts with The Mackenzie House Haunting with She’s Got Spirits on YouTube.
Plan your visit to Mackenzie House with Google Maps.
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