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A joint venture was established in 1990 between The Niagara Parks Commission and a volunteer non-profit Printery Committee concerned with the preservation of printing equipment. To learn more about the Printery and upcoming events, visit Mackenzie Printery

Mackenzie Printery Facts & Figures

Location: , Queenston, Ontario, just a 15 minute drive north of the Falls on the scenic Niagara Parkway. This historic building is not wheelchair accessible.

Admission:  Adults $5.00,  Children (6 to 12 years) $3.75 (Canadian $ before taxes)

Children 5 years and under admitted for Free at all Niagara Parks attractions!

2012 Hours of Operation – Subject to change:

10:00am to 5:00pm Daily, until September 3rd

Group Tours available: call 1-877-642-7275 ext.2 to pre-book.

Is Canada’s largest operating printing museum devoted to displaying historic presses covering more than 500 years of the letterpress printing era.
Was the former home of “responsible government,” where firebrand editor William Lyon Mackenzie began his publishing career with his newspaper, the Colonial Advocate, dedicated to political reform.
Contains Canada’s oldest press circa 1770. The Louis Roy Press was used to print Upper Canada’s first newspaper, the Upper Canada Gazette or American Oracle, in 1793 at Newark, Ontario’s first capital, now Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Was reconstructed from ruins by The Niagara Parks Commission, the home of William Lyon Mackenzie was opened in 1938 by Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King, Mackenzie’s great grandson.
Features an informative display on William Lyon Mackenzie’s home.
Is located in the village of Queenston, 10 kilometres north of Niagara Falls, on the scenic Niagara Parkway; the mid-point between Niagara Falls, and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Hands-on experience – Try your hand at setting type and working one of eight operating presses. Qualified staff provide guided tours of the site, interesting demonstrations and opportunities to “try it yourself”. Working hot metal typecasters will cast type before your eyes.

The Best Hands-on Museum in Upper Canada

Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum in Queenston is a place that played a brief, but important role in Canadian history. The beautiful limestone building was the home of William Lyon Mackenzie and from here he began his career as publisher and agitator for political reform.
Mackenzie Heritage Printery Museum
Mackenzie emigrated from Scotland to York (Toronto) in 1820 and engaged in a lucrative book and drug business, first in York, then in Dundas. In 1823 he moved his family to the beautiful, stately home at the foot of the escarpment at “Queenstown” (Queenston) and opened a country store. His dislike for the malpractice of the Family Compact, as the ruling political clique of the time was called, led him to cast aside his mercantile pursuits for that of publishing and politics, in an effort to right these political wrongs.

Accordingly, on Tuesday, May 18, 1824, the first issue of “The Colonial Advocate and Journal of Agriculture, Manufacture and Commerce” was published. The newspaper carried agricultural advice, poems, anecdotes, classified advertising, current events and most importantly, Mackenzie’s own fiery political commentary. It was published weekly (each Tuesday) at the cost of five pence a copy or 15 pounds sterling, Halifax currency for an annual subscription. Mackenzie liked to refer to his “Colonial Advocate,” as the western-most newspaper in His Majesty’s dominion.

Mackenzie’s ideas, criticisms and denunciations of the ruling Family Compact through his newspaper did not sit well with the politicians of the day. At the time of Colonial Advocate’s first issues, work had just begun on the monument to General Brock. During a ceremony for the laying of the cornerstone, a bottle containing a copy of the Colonial Advocate was placed in the foundation stone. When Sir Peregrine Maitland, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada and head of the Family Compact heard of this, he ordered construction on the monument stopped, and a large quantity of the newly-erected masonry pulled down in order to remove what he called a “colonial rag”.

On November 18, 1824, Mackenzie moved his family and press to York, where he could enjoy a larger circulation and be closer to the centre of Upper Canada’s politics. Mackenzie continued his agitation against the Family Compact and led the ill-fated Rebellion of 1837. Although the rebellion failed, the people’s desire for responsible government continued to grow, and was finally achieved by peaceful political evolution in 1849.

By the 1890′s Mackenzie’s home had begun to deteriorate. In 1935, the only remnants of the home’s former glory were skeletal remains of the walls and a single small stone marker, erected by the Niagara Historical Society, which proclaimed “Home of William Lyon Mackenzie. The birthplace of responsible government, 1823-1824.” In 1936, The Niagara Parks Commission undertook the restoration of the Mackenzie House. The beautifully restored home was officially opened on June 18, 1938 by William Lyon Mackenzie King, Prime Minister of Canada, who was the namesake of his grandfather. This site held special significance for King, as it was here that his father proposed to his mother, who was William Lyon Mackenzie’s daughter. A gold key was used to officially open the home and was presented to the Prime Minister.

The original plan for the restored home had been to house a printing museum and in anticipation of the event Mackenzie’s original press was purchased by The Niagara Parks Commission for a sum of $500. Unfortunately, these plans were put off, the press was loaned to William Lyon Mackenzie’s home in Toronto and the House was used as the Municipal offices for the township of Niagara until 1958, then as the home of the Kirby Collection until 1974. It wasn’t until 1990 that the Mackenzie House reopened to play an integral part in the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Niagara’s Portage Road. The development of this important peninsular route was showcased, along with Mackenzie memorabilia and the history of the village of Queenston. In 1991, a joint venture between The Niagara Parks Commission and the Mackenzie Printery Committee commenced to bring a collection of working heritage hand presses and an interpretive display on the history of printing to the home.

Today, the Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum features a hands-on environment with a working linotype, eight operating heritage presses and the restored lithography studio of Canadian artist Frederick Hagan.

When you visit this beautiful building, take special note of the two large locust trees growing at the entranceway as they play a special part in our history. As Mackenzie wrote in 1854, “Thirty years ago, I published at Queenston, on the 18th of May, 1824, the first number of a public newspaper, voluntarily established to promote justice and equity in a sparsely populated, badly governed colony. To commemorate the day that had transformed a quiet, peaceful obscure trader into an ardent colonial politician and public censor, I then planted in front of my dwelling a row of acacia or locust trees, and a grapevine and had the pleasure last week of seeing them growing luxuriously.” The grapevine has long since disappeared, but two of his original five locust trees remain, a living memorial to an early Canadian publisher and political activist.

During the war of 1812, a brave woman set out on a perilous journey in the service of her country, and stepped forever into the history and folklore of Niagara. Travel back in time to her lovingly restored homestead and be enchanted by stories of her adventures and surroundings as interpreted by authentically costumed guides.

Guided tours are provided by qualified costumed interpreters, providing information about this historic house and the history of the area. Light refreshments, ice cream, Laura Secord chocolates and a selection of quality souvenirs are available.

Niagara Parks is preparing to celebrate the War of 1812 Bi-Centennial. Plans are being made for special events beginning in 2012 – visit the official website Visit1812.com for updates on this important milestone shared by Canada and the United States of America – 200 Years of Peace.

Laura Secord Homestead Facts & Figures:

Was the residence of Canadian heroine Laura Secord from 1803 to 1835.
ransacked by invading American soldiers during the Battle of Queenston Heights in October of 1812 during the War of 1812.
the starting point of Laura Secord’s perilous 32 kilometre (20 mile) journey to warn the British of an imminent American surprise attack in June of 1813 during the War of 1812.
restored and furnished with original furniture by the Laura Secord Candy Company in 1971 and gifted to The Niagara Parks Commission in 1998.
in the pleasant village of Queenston, just off the scenic Niagara Parkway conveniently located minutes away from a People Mover bus stop in Queenston Heights Park and a short walk away from the Bruce Trail and the Niagara River Recreation Trail.

Location:   29 Queenston St. in the Village of Queenston, Ontario, a 15-minute scenic drive north of the Falls along the Niagara Parkway. The main floor only of this historic building is wheelchair accessible.

Admission:   Adults $9.50,  Children (6 to 12 years) $6.25 (Canadian $ before taxes)

Children 5 years and under admitted for Free at all Niagara Parks attractions!

Hours of Operation – Subject to change:

May 5th to Labour day – Open 7 days a week 10am – 5pm

Labour day to October 14th – Open Wednesday through Sunday 11am – 5pm

History

Laura Ingersoll Secord, heroine of the War of 1812, came to Upper Canada from Massachusetts with her father and siblings in 1795. Her father, who had sided with the Patriots during the American revolution, came to Canada in hopes of regaining his lost family fortune. The Ingersolls settled in the Niagara Peninsula and opened a tavern. It was in Niagara that Laura met James Secord, a United Empire Loyalist. Two years after her arrival, Laura and James were married. In the early 1800′s the Secords moved to Queenston from nearby St. David’s. It was from this Queenston homestead that Laura Secord began the journey that has earned her a place in Canadian history.

The Secords had been ordered to billet American soldiers in their home. On the evening of June 21, 1813, Laura and her husband James overheard an American plan of an impending attack on British forces. The Americans were planning an assault against Lt. James Fitzgibbon at Beaverdams. With that position captured, the Americans could control the entire Niagara Peninsula. Upon hearing the plan, the Secords knew that Fitzgibbon must be warned. Injured at the Battle of Queenston Heights the previous October, James could not attempt the journey. Despite the danger and harsh unsettled country, Laura decided she would go to warn Fitzgibbon.

Her journey along a 32 km (20 mile) treacherous route took more than 18 hours to complete. Fearing discovery by American patrols that were in possession of that part of Niagara, Laura Secord daringly made her way to DeCew house on the outskirts of Thorold. The dangers of such a journey were many – wolves, wildcats and rattlesnakes were common in the peninsula at this time, as were unfriendly Native forces. A woman walking alone toward enemy lines risked being arrested or even shot. Overcoming exceedingly hot temperatures and wild, unsettled land, Laura trekked through thick woods and across unbridged streams, tattering her slippers and leaving her feet blistered and bleeding.

At Beaverdams, Laura encountered Native forces who were allies of the British. Upon hearing her news, they accompanied her to DeCew house where she was able to deliver her vital message to Fitzgibbon. As a result, the Native forces, under the command of John Norton and Dominique Ducharme, ambushed the invading Americans and defeated them at the Battle of Beaverdams, June 24, 1813.

Although Laura was due much of the credit for the victory, her heroism was soon forgotten. It wasn’t until 1860, almost fifty years later, that Laura received recognition of her act during a visit by Edward, Prince of Wales. She died in 1868 at the age of 93 and is buried in Drummond Hill Cemetery. In 2003, the Minister of Canadian Heritage designated Laura Secord a Person of National Historic Significance for her heroic actions during the War of 1812.

The Secord Homestead in Queenston was reconstructed in 1971 by Laura Secord Inc. Open for tours during the summer months, the Homestead features authentic furnishings of the 1812 period. The company’s signature chocolates and ice cream are available in an annex building, which was built where the original summer kitchen is thought to have been located.

In 1998, through the generous gift of Laura Secord Inc., the Laura Secord Homestead became part of the public trust, enabling The Niagara Parks Commission to ensure the Homestead’s preservation and safekeeping for future generations

For more than two centuries McFarland House has stood as a monument to the impeccable manners, good taste and gracious living that epitomizes Niagara-on-the-Lake.Visit us and experience a taste of Georgian style and pace. Qualified costumed interpreters provide guided tours of this historic home throughout the day.

Come visit this gem – built in 1800, the House is the oldest property owned by The Niagara Parks Commission.

Located in a picturesque park setting with playground facilities and a baseball diamond, the House is adjacent to the Niagara River Recreation Trail. McFarland Park also offers a covered picnic pavilion which seats approximately 250 people, with water and washroom facilities nearby.

In preparation for the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 McFarland House has undergone some much needed renovations since last season. This is the first occasion that such large scale improvements have been made to the property. The house was last renovated in 1955 before the site opened to the public in the spring of 1959.

We are very proud of these enhancements to our facilities which will allow us to better serve our guests. We have built a new historically inspired conservatory, created modern washrooms, and drastically renovated the interior spaces within the back wing of the home to make the property more accessible and welcoming for all who come to visit.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL EVENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

McFarland House Facts & Figures

Built in 1800 by John McFarland and his sons, on land granted to him by King George III
One of the few buildings in Niagara-on-the-Lake which pre-dates the War of 1812
Used as a hospital and headquarters for both the British and American armies during the War of 1812. It was also the location of a cannon battery created to protect the Niagara River
Built on a ravine that was used as the launch point for the British attack on Fort Niagara in 1813
Beautifully restored by The Niagara Parks Commission and opened to the public in 1959

Admission:   Adults $5,  Children (6 to 12 years) $3.75 (Canadian $ before taxes).

Children 5 years and under admitted for Free at all Niagara Parks attractions!

Hours of Operation – Subject to change:

McFarland House is now open for the Season

Saturday May 12 to Monday September 3 (Labour Day), 7 days a week, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Weekends only from Saturday September 8 to Sunday October 28.

Last seating and last tour are at 4:30 p.m.

Reservations are welcome.

History

This historic Georgian structure was the home of John McFarland and his descendants for some 140 years. McFarland, a widower with four children, emigrated from Paisley, Scotland in the 1790s. He 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 neighbour, and before her death in 1809 five additional children were welcomed into the family.

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. This makes McFarland House one of the oldest structures in Niagara-on-the-Lake, as well as the oldest building owned by The Niagara Parks Commission. John McFarland and his sons built the house in 1800 from bricks made in a kiln on the property. A back wing was added later in the nineteenth century in order to accommodate the needs of this growing family.

During the War of 1812 McFarland House was used as a hospital by both the British and the American armies and a gun battery was situated on the property to help guard the Niagara 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.Interior of the McFarland House

John McFarland was taken prisoner during the war and sent to Greenbush, New York. When he returned after the conclusion of the conflict he found his house rather worse for wear, with windows, doors and mantels missing. McFarland was heartbroken over this damage and took ill in the spring of 1815, passing away soon thereafter. He rests at St. Mark’s Church, Niagara-on-the-Lake, where his tombstone bears an inscription listing these lamentable woes.

The garden at McFarland House is illustrative of a typical mid 19th century door yard garden. Gardens located in the door yard (typically defined as the area between the house and the nearby kitchen or barn) were usually used for both culinary and decorative purposes. McFarland House thanks the Garden Club of Niagara for their planning and upkeep of the garden.

Restored by The Niagara Parks Commission in 1959, McFarland House is furnished in the Empire style and portrays life in Niagara between 1800 and 1830. Guided tours of the home are available from mid May until Labour Day.

Indoor Heated Pool and Hot Tub
Fitness Center, Business Center and Arcade
Guest Laundry Facilities
Meeting Space for up to 60 People
Whirlpool Suites & Family Suites
Shuttle Service to Casino and Other Attractions
Top Floor Luxury Suite
100% Smoke Free

Room Features

37” High Definition Flat Screen TVs
Complimentary High Speed Internet
In-Room Wolfgang Puck Coffee & Tea
Free Movie Channel
Individual Room Climate Control
Hairdryer, Iron & Ironing Board

Bring your RV, trailer, pop-up, or tent. If camping is not for you, stay in one of our cozy little motel rooms. Nature lovers will enjoy a variety of birds nestled amongst the trees in our Campground. Relax at our dock along the rivers edge or bring your boat and fishing rod. Muskie, bass, and perch, are just some of the fish caught in the Niagara River. Head upstream to Lake Erie where scuba diving, kayaking, canoeing, and water skiing are popular water sports.

Just a short drive away are popular tourist attractions like Marineland, Maid of the Mist, Journey behind the Falls, Clifton Hill, and much more. There’s lots to see and do in Niagara Falls, Canada.

Strathaird Bed & Breakfast is just a short walk along the Niagara River Gorge to the Falls and all major attractions. The People Mover Transportation system is also available for your convenience.

So whether you’re creating lifelong memories on a Christmas family vacation or out for a romantic winter afternoon with a special someone, the TD RINK at the Brink is a captivating experience – skating just steps away from one of the most magnificent natural attractions in the world. It’s sure to be a favourite among wintertime Niagara entertainment for years to come.

The CAA Winter Festival of Lights’ TD RINK at the Brink provides recreational ice skating, skate, helmet and locker rentals, and is also a novel idea for corporate holiday parties, birthdays, group functions and school trips.

Adjacent to the Table Rock Welcome Centre (6650 Niagara Parkway), the TD RINK’s location near the brink of the Horseshoe Falls offers magnificent views of both the American and Horseshoe Falls, along with nighttime views of the illuminated Falls.

The TD RINK at the Brink is close to amenities located within Table Rock and conveniently abuts the large Falls Parking Lot. The TD RINK is refrigerated and thereby not dependent upon cold weather conditions for ice making.

Parking
The TD RINK is located just steps north of the Falls Parking Lot, which is a variable-rate parking lot operated by The Niagara Parks Commission.

Guided by the theme of Crossing Boundaries: Niagara’s Creative Spirit, Niagara’s program will cross the spectrum of cultural expression including contemporary art exhibits; 1812 bicentennial celebrations and interpretations; dance; a newly commissioned choral work; digital and multi-media exhibits; a new play; and cultural events for and by aboriginal, multicultural, francophone, youth groups and more.

About the Cultural Capital of Canada Designation:
The Cultural Capital of Canada designation is awarded on the basis of a candidate community’s achievements and its ongoing commitment to culture. Designated municipalities must also propose a series of projects that celebrates culture and integrates it into overall community planning. The program’s objective is to stimulate sustained community support for culture.

Don Cherry’s Sports Grill, Great Food, Great Atmosphere, who could ask for anything more?  This Don Cherry’s Sports Grill is unique. We have opened up in the famous Ramada Plaza Niagara. Our staff will provide you with friendly and prompt service, leaving you happy and satisfied.  You won’t be disappointed, so come and visit us for Great Food and Great Service.