Colborne Lodge — Attraction in Toronto

We have been going to High Park over 20+ years but never went into this museum. It’s was very interesting to learn more about High Park history.

From Colborne Lodge:

Colborne Lodge, now a museum, is the historic 1837 home of John and Jemima Howard, the couple who founded High Park. It is a rare North American example of a Regency picturesque building, which is more common in Britain. Designed to compliment the natural world, Colborne Lodge sits comfortably among High Parks beauty and includes 19th-century recreated gardens, a Coach House and the Howards' Tomb. The muse um also displays much of the Howard's original furnishings and watercolours. Following Howard's death in 1890, the property and surrounding land was donated to the City of Toronto with the condition that the surrounding land would remain free to use, remain untouched and be used exclusively for the enjoyment of residents.

It’s an important part of the community

Thank you for keeping the community together and sharing this beautiful place with us all. We owe to the...

The Colborne Lodge has reopened after renovations, and it is open from Wednesday to Sunday during guided tours offered at 11.30, 1.30 and 3.30. Admission is free. It is a delightful place to visit. guided tours are lead by knowledgeable staff who shares history of the building and its inhabitants (Mr and Mrs Howard who purchased the land in 1830s, and whose endowment originated what we now call the High Park). The rooms are restored to look like they did nearly 200 years ago. While the original furniture and decorations were lost, the house is full of authentic beautiful artefacts from that period. The Coach House (right next door) remains open (also Wed-Sun) from 11am to 4pm. It houses some temporary displays (currently: medicine of the Victorian era) and a permanent exhibit dedicated to John G. Howard, his professional achievements and also history of Toronto. The Museum also offers special seasonal events - like upcoming Victorian Christmas Ghost Stories at Colborne Lodge (December...

Great place to visit near Lake Ontario Westbound. One of 10 free admission museums of Toronto. Free admission from Wednesday to Sunday. Guided tour only. Should check their website about the time lots of guided tour before coming. Ms. Catherine Alexandra, the senior museum tour guide. Thank you so much for your amazing and informative explanation of the history of this historic site. The kitchen of the house is so impressive with all well-invented tools and equipment, which showcased how skill-full, creative and talented of Mr. John Howard, the house owner. So excited to see the early High Park Map, made by Mr. Howard around 1875. Very limited free parking spots in front of the museum, only 6 normal and...