Pinhey’s Point Historic Site

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About us

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. 

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 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. 

Programs and special events

Outdoor guided tours

Sundays from July 3 to August 14.
Start times: 1 pm and 2:30 pm.

Enjoy a guided tour of the grounds with one of the museum’s knowledgeable interpreters. Reserve your tour online.

Heritage demonstrations and activities

Complement your visit with a heritage demonstration or hands-on activity. Drop in to the parlour at the museum (unless alternative location is indicated) to explore a trade, pastime, or recipe inspired by the experiences of Hamnett K. Pinhey (1784-1857), his family, and the residents of March Township. Admission is by donation.

*Please note that the schedule of demonstrations and activities is subject to change. This program is delivered primarily in English, however, all reasonable efforts will be made to have a bilingual (English/French) staff member available to assist.

Raspberry vinegars

Saturday, July 2 between 2 pm and 4 pm.

Also known as “shrubs”, vinegars were an alternative way to preserve fruit before modern refrigeration became commonplace. Join our interpreters as they try their hand at making this once-popular summer drink (and occasional fever treatment).

Pen and ink

Saturday, July 9 between 2 pm and 4 pm.

Pen and ink was a part of the daily lives of Hamnett K. Pinhey and his family as they kept meticulous records of their time at Horaceville. Learn to use a dip pen and ink to write your own name in stylistic cursive.

The language of flowers and flower pressing

Saturday, July 16 between 2 pm and 4 pm.

Language of flower books were a popular gift for young, upper class, ladies of the Victorian era. Join our interpreters outdoors to learn about the language of flowers and to pick a selection of blooms to press and take home.

Letter writing

Saturday, July 23 between 2 pm and 4 pm.

While Hamnett K. Pinhey and his immediate family settled along the Ottawa River at Horaceville, some members of the wider Pinhey family remained in England while others settled in Australia. Discover the ways through which early settlers communicated across great distances and write your own postcard with pen and ink.

Weaving

Saturday, July 30 between 2 pm and 4 pm.

The ladies of the Pinhey family and the servants of the household were likely adept at using a loom to create textiles for practical and decorative use. Give simple weaving a try and see more advance examples of the craft.

Exhibitions and collections

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.

Virtual Exhibition - Cabinet of Curiosities

Cabinets of curiosities displayed the strange and the scientific, the weird and the wonderful. Our team has gone through our collections and picked out the artefacts that appeal most to them to create our very own cabinet of curiosities. You can enjoy this exhibition from the comfort of your own home while learning the history of each artefact and why it stood out to our staff. Enter Cabinet of Curiosities here!

Our volunteers

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.

Rentals

A historic manor house and stone ruins nestled on 88 acres of greenspace with stunning views of the Ottawa River and the Gatineau Hills provide a picturesque backdrop for your special events.

We are regularly updating our rental program according to public health guidelines. For more information, please contact our Customer Service Booking Clerk. Call 613-580-9638 or email museums@ottawa.ca.

Accessibility

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.