Aurora: Hillary House National Historic Site Guided Tour

Explore Hillary House in Aurora on a guided tour. Discover the history of this National Historic Site, see original medical instruments, and learn about the lives of the doctors who lived there.
Step into the past with a guided tour of Hillary House, a National Historic Site and one of Canada’s best-preserved examples of Picturesque Gothic Revival architecture. Admire the wide verandahs, “gingerbread” trim, casement windows, and pointed arches that showcase the style that influenced many Victorian Canadian homes.

Explore the former residence and workplace of four Canadian physicians, Dr. Walter Geikie, Dr. Frederick Strange, Dr. Robert William Hillary, and Dr. Robert Michael Hillary, whose practice spanned a time of immense scientific change.

See original instruments and equipment used in medical practice, from the era of leeches and bloodletting to the development of antibiotics. Discover how doctors and their families lived through rooms furnished by the Hillary family during their long period of ownership of the house from 1876 until 1992.

Visit the unique “ballroom,” part of a wing added around 1869 and now restored to house special events and exhibits. This wing also houses what was probably Aurora’s first indoor bathroom with its original metal tub.

Stroll through the spacious grounds, including an original grass tennis court, flower gardens, tall trees, and a small barn that once housed the doctors’ horses, carriage, and sleigh for traveling to visit patients.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.