Billings Estate National Historic Site

The Billings family settled on the shores of the Rideau River in 1812 and took an active role in shaping the community as it evolved over time and until the 1970s when they left the estate. They helped build farms and churches, ran a dairy operation, and contributed to the development of the Byward Market by providing produce for sale and building the "Farmers' Bridge".

This National Historic Site on 8 acres of green space is also home to one of Ottawa's oldest community cemeteries where well-known Ottawa pioneers, such as the Evans, Brouse and Firth families, are laid to rest.

Halloween Heist

October 25 and 26 from 10 am to 4 pm (recommended final entry by 3 pm)
Cost: $27.93 per group, plus tax (maximum of 6 people per group; children under 2 are not counted toward the group total).
Advance registration is required.

Mischief is afoot at Billings Estate National Historic Site. A thief has been sneaking treats from our candy vault, and we need some clever kid sleuths to help us crack the case! Explore the museum and grounds, complete activities and collect clues as you go. From monster crafts, pumpkin games and a batty scavenger hunt to a fun spin on a classic prank and a special visit from The Zoo Crew, we’re ready for a weekend full of Halloween fun. Costumes are encouraged! Admission ($27.93, plus tax) includes entry for up to 6 people (at least one group member in attendance must be an adult over the age of 18). Children under two are not counted toward the group total. Activities are best suited for children 10 and under.

Notes

• Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable.
• Please take careful note of the date and session you registered for. Your registration is valid for the indicated session only.

• Except for service animals, dogs are not permitted at this event. Thank you for helping us provide a comfortable and safe environment for all visitors.

• This program will take place rain or shine. Please dress for the weather as some activity stations will be outdoors.

• All reasonable attempts will be made to ensure treats are nut free. However, we cannot guarantee a nut free environment. Please let a staff member know if you have allergy concerns.
• The museum grounds include compressed gravel pathways, grass and uneven terrain. If you have questions regarding accessibility, please contact 613-580-2088 or email museums@ottawa.ca). Additional information about accessibility can be found on the museum’s webpage.

Alone in the Dark – The Haunted Walk

Various dates and times – October 3 to November 2
Ages 16 and up
Cost: $64.99 + tax (per person)
Tickets: Available online from The Haunted Walk. Bookings must be made in advance.

What happens when the lights go out at Billings Estate National Historic Site? Throughout the evening, you’ll participate in a series of suspenseful paranormal experiments as you move through dimly lit rooms and peer into shadowy corners, where the past may not be entirely at rest. *This program is presented in English.

Please note that this program is delivered by The Haunted Walk. For more information, please visit The Haunted Walk online. Contact: info@hauntedwalk.com

Dates (program duration – 2 hours):
October 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 and 31
November 1 and 2

*Schedule subject to change.

Christmas Tea 

December 13, 14, 20 and 21 with seatings at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm 
Cost: $32.04 per person (taxes included) 
Reservations are required. The online reservation request form opens Wednesday, November 5 at 10 am.  

Celebrate the season with your friends and loved ones at Billings Estate National Historic Site. Share in the holiday spirit as you enjoy a seasonal three-tier tea service surrounded by our festive, 19^th century-inspired, décor. Your tea service will include a pot of tea (coffee and hot chocolate are also available), finger sandwiches, a scone with butter and jam, and a selection of mini desserts. All menu items are prepared or baked in-house with fresh ingredients.  

Reservations

To request a reservation, submit the online request form beginning Wednesday, November 5 at 10 am. Thank you for your patience while we process the high volume of requests.  

By submitting an online reservation request, you are confirming that you have read and acknowledged the information provided below.  

• We anticipate that interest in this program will exceed capacity. Once reservations are full, a waitlist will be maintained. 

• Reservations are filled in the order requests are received. Submitting the request form does not mean your booking is confirmed. A staff person will follow up with you by email to review your request and to provide further details regarding online advance payment. If advance payment is not received by the indicated date, the reservation will be offered to the next group on the waitlist. Your reservation is not confirmed until advance payment has been received.  

• The maximum reservation size is six.  

• Guests are seated at tables of four or six. To ensure pathways remain clear, tables cannot be pushed together, and additional chairs cannot be added.  

• Pairs or smaller groups will be seated at a shared table. We encourage guests to embrace the season and break the ice with new friends over a hot cup of tea. 

• We will inquire about any food allergies, dietary requirements (e.g., vegan or gluten-free, etc.) or accessibility needs when confirming your reservation. Before requesting a reservation, please review any individual needs with every member of your group. While we make all reasonable efforts to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions identified during the reservation process, we cannot guarantee a cross-contact free environment. Regrettably, we cannot meet last-minute requests for accommodation at the time of service.  

If you require assistance with the reservation process, please contact 613-580-2088 ext. 35258 or email BillingsEstateTea@ottawa.ca.  

Tea on the Lawn

Tea on the Lawn has ended for the 2025 season. Thank you for a fantastic summer! 

Picnic on the museum grounds

Visitors are welcome to bring their own snacks and picnic on the museum grounds. To preserve the artefacts in the museum, no eating or drinking is permitted in the exhibition spaces. Outside food is also not permitted in the tent where Tea on the Lawn is served.

Artefact collections

A large portion of the Billings Estate National Historic Site artefact collection received Canadian Cultural Property designation in 1996 because of its significance as material evidence of the historic development of the nation's capital. The eclectic collection contains more than 27,000 artefacts - many of which are on exhibition at the museum - that belonged to the family and their neighbours, including furniture, household goods, personal possessions, an extensive library, tools, entomological specimens, agricultural equipment and a 1959 Cadillac. 

Exhibitions

The museum's exhibitions are designed to tell the stories of the estate and the community's evolution over more than 150 years, beginning in 1812 when the Billings family settled on the Rideau River.

Permanent exhibition - The Billings Family Story

Always at the museum is our permanent exhibition that explores the story of pioneers carving out from the wilderness a new life, the progress of relationships and families through good times and bad, the history of industry and agriculture in the area, and the community that grew over the years.

Interactive features like a touch-screen family tree, audio recordings of poetry readings and the Oath of Allegiance, as well as radio programs from days long gone by round out the experience. We've made sure there's a scavenger hunt for our young visitors, too. 

Billings Family virtual exhibition 

The Billings Family virtual exhibit, presented by the City of Ottawa Archives, gives a view of the Billings Family and their interactions with the growing city center of Ottawa and Billings Bridge Village. The histories are written from the perspective of one family’s experiences and activities, within the context of Ottawa’s development as a city.

Reminiscent of a country estate, the nearly 200-year-old manor house and surrounding eight acres of landscaped greenspace and gardens provide a picturesque and historical backdrop for your special event.

For more information, please contact our Customer Service Booking Clerk. Call 613-580-2088 or email museums@ottawa.ca.

The City of Ottawa Museums are committed to offering residents meaningful and rewarding volunteer experiences.

Heritage volunteers play an invaluable role in preserving our unique heritage and in providing museum visitors of all ages with opportunities to appreciate our shared story.

Thank you to all our volunteer team members for their continued support.

The museums are not currently accepting new volunteers. If you have any questions about the volunteer program or would like to be notified when volunteering resumes, please contact museums@ottawa.ca.

Work with us to shape your experience. Contact the museum before your visit to discuss your needs. Information about accessibility at the facility, programs, and services is available upon request.

The accessibility features of this facility are detailed below. While the City of Ottawa is constantly working to improve access, please note that not all parts of every facility are necessarily 'accessible for all' as facilities were built to meet accessibility standards of their time.

• Parking
  • 2 designated parking spaces 
  • Accessible path of travel from the parking lot to entrance
  • 100 metres from parking space to the door
• Passenger Loading Zone
  • Access aisle
• Entrance/Exit
  • 2 accessible entrances (Main House and Tombstone Garage)
  • Ramp
  • Wide door for wheelchair passage
  • Automatic door opener
  • Direct access to the main floor, lobby
• Interior
  • Accessible seating available
  • Wheelchair available for patrons
• Reception desks
  • Accessible counters
  • Floor area for maneuvering a wheelchair
• Signage
  • Directional signs
  • High contrast signage
  • Large lettering
• Washrooms
  • Accessible washrooms on first floor
  • Large stalls to allow transfers
• Telephone
  • Volume control
  • Accessible path
• Museums, galleries, and archives
  • 2 exhibition spaces are accessible
  • Good visibility for patrons in wheelchairs
  • Interpretive labels or panels in large font

Learn more about Inclusive Recreation and accessible services.