This historic and beautiful Georgian style home was built in 1800 and was the residence of John McFarland and his family for 150 years. It is one of the few buildings in Niagara-on-the-Lake which pre-dates the War of 1812. McFarland built the home with his sons from bricks made in a kiln on the property. A back wing was added later to accommodate a growing family.
Visitors will be taken back in time as interpretive guides in period costume take you through this stately home and garden. Be sure to indulge in some scrumptious home baked treats or a lovely cup of tea at the McFarland Tea Garden. Sample fine refreshments or sip a glass of Niagara wine. Light lunches and ice cream are also available for take-out to be enjoyed in the park, or along the adjacent Niagara River Recreation Trail. Traditional 19th century gardens have been meticulously designed to resemble a traditional door yard garden.The spacious grounds surrounding this stately home are the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or a leisurely stroll on a sunny summer day.
This point of interest is linked to The Battlefields of The War of 1812 Tour.
Seasonal Times subject to change.
May 12 - September 4
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Selected Dates in December
Last ticket sold 1/2 hour before closing.
From Toronto
Get onto Queen Elizabeth Way (Niagara)
Slight left at King's Highway 405
Take the Stanley Avenue E exit toward County Road-102/Niagara Falls
Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Niagara Parkway
Turn left at Stanley Avenue
Continue onto Portage Road
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Niagara Parkway
From Niagara Falls
Head north on Victoria Avenue toward Valley Way
Turn left at Niagara Parkway
At the roundabout, take the first exit and stay on Niagara Parkway
Continue onto Niagara River Boulevard
From USA
Head north on Stanley Avenue toward McRae Street
Turn right to stay on Stanley Avenue
Continue onto Portage Road
At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Niagara Parkway
The historic house is located south of Niagara-on-the-Lake on the scenic Niagara Parkway
Historical McFarland, widowed with four children, emigrated from Paisley, Scotland in the 1790s.The house was restored and opened in 1959 by The Niagara Parks Commission, using period pieces to recreate its original appearance.
Traditional 19th century gardens have been meticulously designed to resemble a traditional door yard garden.McFarland was granted 608 acres of land by the British Crown in return for his services as boat builder to King George III. Upon settling in Newark (now Niagara-on-the-Lake) he married Margaret Wilson, a neighbor, and before her death in 1809 five additional children were welcomed into the family.
During the War of 1812 the home was used as a hospital for injured British and American soldiers and a British canon was set up on its property to protect the river. Further, due to its strategic location, the British raid and capture of Fort Niagara on December 18, 1813 was launched from the ravine behind the home. The home is of particular historical significance as it survived the burning of Newark, a tragedy which took place when the American forces occupying Fort George retreated from the area in December 1813.
Adjacent to the Niagara River Recreation Trail.
The House is adjacent to the Niagara River Recreation Trail.
There are picnic pavilions located on the property that can accommodate groups of picnickers. The park is divided by a deep ravine and visitors can access the wooden bridge to cross it. Nature enthusiasts can access several nature trails from across the bridge.Nature enthusiasts can access several nature trails across the bridge. Cycling, hiking, rollerblading, dog walking, and jogging are common activities. In winter, cross-country skiing can be enjoyed.
Niagara River Recreation Trail Map: www.niagaraparks.com/files/Map_Heritage_Trail.pdf
This webpage was prepared by Cavelle Schmid and Kristin Atkinson in December 2009. Trip narration by Cavelle Schmid, photos by Cavelle Schmid and Kristin Atkinson. Thanks to the staff at Brock University for their help in the creation of this page.
Niagara Parks Commission
Free parking
Picnic Pavilions
Tea Room and Refreshments
Washrooms
Admission Prices do not include taxes. $4.50 Adults (13+ years) $3.50 Children (6 to12 years) Children 5 and under are FREE!
The main floor and the tea garden of this historic building are wheelchair accessible.
Phone: | (905) 371-0254 |
Website: | http://www.niagaraparks.com/heritage/mcfarland.php |
McFarland House
15927 Niagara Parkway
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
L0S 1J0 Municipality Niagara
Latitude: | 43.23196009590 |
Longitude: | -79.06064018760 |
UTM easting: | 657480 |
UTM northing: | 4788400 |
McFarland House
Oak Hall Administrative Office
Box 150
Niagara Falls, Ontario
L2E 6T2
Tel (905) 371-0254
Fax (905) 356-8448
Toll free 1-877-642-7275
Email npinfo@niagaraparks.com or through: www.niagaraparks.com/can-we-help/contactus.php
Website http://www.niagaraparks.com/
Niagara River Recreational Trail