Pinhey’s Point Historic Site

Nestled on the banks of the Ottawa River approximately 40 minutes west of downtown, Pinhey’s Point features a nearly 200-year-old manor house and surrounding ruins and is an Ontario Heritage Trust site.  Scenic views, historic buildings, stone ruins and rolling green hills come together to create one of the most spectacular places in Ottawa to relax, learn, and explore. The site is a popular destination for boaters and cyclists. 

On land granted to him following the Napoleonic Wars, Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey, a British settler, built a significant estate of several stone and log structures. Today it is known as Pinhey's Point Historic Site, but then it was known to the Pinhey family as Horaceville. The site includes 88 acres of natural heritage space, the manor house, and several ruins.

Greenspace

Situated on 88 acres of farmers' fields, shoreline, and parkland, Pinhey's Point is an ideal outing for anyone who loves the outdoors. Pack a picnic lunch or use one of the barbecue pits on-site and plan on spending an afternoon in the sunshine, on the river, soaking up local history. Wooded areas and areas with tall grasses are also great habitats for ticks. Visit Ottawa Public Health online for more information on preventing tick bites. 

270 Pinhey’s Point Road
Dunrobin, Ontario, K0A 1T0     

Contact us

Tel: 613-832-4347 (May to August)
Tel: 613-580-2088 (September to April)
Email: museums@ottawa.ca
Facebook: @PinheysPoint
Instagram: @PinheysPoint
Subscribe to our monthly "At your museum" eNewsletter. 

Mailing address

2100 Cabot Street
Ottawa, Ontario, K1H 6K1

Hours

The museum is now closed for the regular season. Special programming is offered throughout the year.

Please see our Programs and Special Events listing below, subscribe to our monthly "At your museum" eNewsletter, or follow us on Facebook for further information.

We welcome private tours even when the museum is not open to the general public. Contact the museum to make arrangements.

Admission

Daily admission to the museum is by donation. Special event and program fees may apply. Contact the museum for special group rates.

Snowshoeing under the stars

Saturdays, February 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 7 pm to 9 pm
Ages 15 and up
Cost: $11 per person

Explore beautiful Pinhey’s Point on a guided snow shoe hike under the starry night sky. Learn about the history of the Pinhey family and how they, and other early settlers, survived winters in March Township. Warm up with some delicious hot cocoa served by an open fire. Snowshoes are provided. Notes: Please check the forecast and dress for weather conditions. This activity is appropriate for all skill levels. This program will be delivered in English with bilingual (English/French) staff available to assist.

Registration is required. A minimum of 5 registered participants is required for a session to run. Registration deadlines are noted below. Please use the corresponding barcode to register for your preferred session using Service Ottawa’s online system. All registered participants will be contacted by email in advance of their session to confirm snowshoe size, etc.

February 1
1507466 (*Registration is now full.)
February 8
1507473 (*Registration is now full.)
February 15
1507479 (*Registration is now full)
February 22
1507483 
February 29
1507488 (*Registration is now full.)

Postcards from the Past

March 16 to March 20
Various locations
Ages 7 to 12

Join Pinhey’s Point Historic Site at your local Ottawa Public Library branch for heritage-inspired March Break fun. While Hamnett K. Pinhey and his family settled along the Ottawa River, other members of the Pinhey family stayed in England and others settled in Australia. Discover the ways Early Settlers communicated across great distances, with letters and postcards, and try your hand at writing a postcard with pen and ink yourself. Ages 7-12.

To register, visit the Programs and Events page on the Ottawa Public Library’s website and search “Pinhey’s Point Historic Site”.

Monday, March 16 at 2 pm – Beaverbrook branch
Tuesday, March 17 at 2 pm – Ruth E. Dickinson branch
Wednesday, March 18 at 2 pm – Carlingwood branch
Thursday, March 19 at 2 pm – Greenboro branch
Friday, March 20 at 2 pm – Sunnyside branch

School Programs

Curriculum-linked School programs and educational activities are offered for students from Grade 1 through Grade 4. Students will learn through discovery and cross-disciplinary exploration topics related to history, social science, and science.

Hours: Book visits Wednesday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm in June 2019.

Book a program

Phone 613-832-4347 May through June and 613-580-2088 ext. 35253 September to April to book your program. The Education and Interpretation Programs Officer will contact you to arrange your visit. Faxed or emailed confirmation will verify your booking.

The artefact collection and permanent exhibitions at Pinhey’s Point are the accomplishments of the Pinhey’s Point Foundation, and provide historical context to your visit.

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.

To enquire about volunteering, please contact heritagevolunteers@ottawa.ca.

Take advantage of the stunning views at Pinhey's Point to host a wedding, anniversary, or any other special celebration. The rustic charm of the historic buildings, stone ruins, and rolling green hills make this one of the most unique rental locations in Ottawa.

Weddings and Special Events

Your guests will enjoy a truly romantic setting while making use modern amenities at this site, which was a family residence for 150 years.  Historic ruins and breathtaking views of the Ottawa River set the perfect backdrop to capture the memories of your special day. Choose your own caterer to make sure your event is exactly how you’ve always dreamed it would be.

Corporate Meetings and Retreats

Only 40 minutes from downtown Ottawa, Pinhey's Point Historic Site offers a truly relaxing atmosphere for your next corporate event. A lovely, spacious outdoor setting overlooking the Ottawa River is the perfect location for meetings, BBQs, picnics, and team building exercises that will inspire new ideas and rejuvenate the mind.

Birthday Parties

Birthday boys and girls can have a blast from the past when they host their birthday party at Pinhey’s Point. The site estate has plenty of green space to run around and several indoor and outdoor spaces ideal for celebrating in a fun and safe environment. Parents can plan their own activities, or work with our team to incorporate some of the museum’s favourite kids programs into their celebration.

Amenities for rentals include

• Large marquee tent (30’x50’) for up to 150 guests
• Tables and chairs for up to 100 guests
• Staff to help facilitate set-up and take-down of your event
• Use of the grounds immediately surrounding the Pinhey’s Point house
• Free parking

Due to the historic nature of the house, there is unfortunately no interior rental space available at Pinhey’s Point Historic Site. Kitchen facilities are unavailable. However, outside catering services are welcome.

The grounds immediately surrounding the Pinhey’s Point house are available for public rental use. Rental of this space includes exclusive use of a 30’ x 50’ tent. Other areas on site may also be available for rental upon inquiry.

You can book your outdoor special event up to 18 months in advance, and your indoor events can be booked up to 6 months in advance.

Book an appointment

The breathtaking beauty of Pinhey's Point must be seen to be believed. Make an appointment with our Customer Service Booking Clerk at museums@ottawa.ca, or call 613-580-9638 ext. 17300 for a tour of our facility and to receive a full rental information package and application form.

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.

Parking

• 2 designated parking spaces
• Accessible path of travel from the parking lot to entrance
• 110 metres from parking space to the door

Entrance/Exit

• 1 accessible entrance
• Ramp
• Wide door for wheelchair passage
• Must pass through one room before reaching lobby

Interior 

• Wheelchair available for patrons

Reception desks

• Floor area for manoeuvring a wheelchair

Floor Surfaces

• Most floors are hardwood
• Low pile carpet

Signage

• Directional signs
• High contrast signage

Washrooms

• Accessible washroom on 1st floor and exterior
• Lowered drinking fountains

Telephone

• Volume control
• Accessible path

Stairs

• Continuous hand rails

Museums/Galleries/Archives

• 88-acre site is only partially wheelchair accessible.  Barriers include surface (grass, rock, agricultural field, etc.) and grade
• Interpretative labels/panels in large font

 Learn more about special needs and accessible services.