Billings Estate National Historic Site

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About us

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.

Hours and admission

Hours of operation

Temporarily closed. We appreciate your understanding while we complete maintenance.

General admission 

  • Adult - $7.81
  • Students and seniors - $6.46
  • Child - $4.59
  • Family (2 adults and accompanying children under 18) - $19.38
  • Ages 5 and under - Free

*Please note that fees may vary for programs and special events. 

Collections and permanent exhibitions

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, with telescopes showing a peek into the past. We've made sure there's a scavenger hunt for our young visitors, too. An accessible audio tour is also available.

Billings Family virtual exhibition 

The Billings Family virtual exhibit Opens in a new tab or window, 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.

Rentals

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Christmas Tea

Mother’s Day Tea 

Sunday, May 11 with seatings at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm 
Cost: $32.04 per person (taxes included)
Please note that the reservation request form is now closed.

Share a special Mother’s Day experience with your loved ones. The beautiful grounds at Billings Estate National Historic Site provide a unique backdrop as you enjoy a delicious three-tier service. Following tea, step inside the museum to learn more about the Billings family and explore the temporary exhibition, shining a new perspective on artefacts from the Billings collection. Admission to the museum is included in the tea price.  

Tea service includes a pot of tea, finger sandwiches, scone with butter and jam, and a selection of mini desserts. All menu items are prepared or baked in-house with fresh ingredients.  

Notes: 

  • We anticipate interest in this program will exceed capacity and that reservations will fill quickly. Once reservations are full, a waitlist will be maintained. We encourage visitors to also consider our Tea on the Lawn service. Tea on the Lawn is offered from May 14 to August 31. The online reservation request form for Tea on the Lawn opens April 9.
  • The maximum reservation size is 6 guests.
  • Guests are seated at tables in groups of 4 or 6. To ensure pathways are clear, tables cannot be pushed together and additional chairs cannot be added to a table. Smaller groups will be seated at a shared table. We encourage guests to break the ice with new friends over a cup of tea.
  • Mother’s Day Tea is served outside under the cover of a tent. The first seating area is accessed by a paved pathway and has a stone floor. The second seating area has a grass floor and is accessed by crossing the lawn. Please let us know on the reservation request form if you require seating in the first area for accessibility.
  • A passenger drop-off and pick-up zone is available in front of the lobby entrance. Parking is available on site.
  • The temporary exhibition on the second floor of the museum is accessed by stairs only.
  • If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please contact the museum by email at museums@ottawa.ca.  

Reservations 

Please note that the reservation request form is now closed. If you submitted a request, a member of our team will follow up with you by email. We will respond to all requests in a timely manner. Thank you for your patience as we process the high volume of reservation requests.

Once reservations are filled, a waitlist will be maintained. Regrettably, we are unable to guarantee a reservation to every visitor who submits a request for Mother’s Day Tea. If you are offered a reservation, you will receive information on how to complete the advance payment online. If advance payment is not completed by the indicated deadline, the reservation will be offered to the next group on the waitlist. Your reservation is not confirmed until advance payment has been received. 

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

Complement your visit to Billings Estate National Historic Site with Tea on the Lawn. Enjoy tea and freshly baked goods alongside our beautiful gardens. Heritage staff are happy to highlight the unique history of the estate, making Tea on the Lawn a memorable addition to your museum experience.

Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays from May 14, 2025 through September 1, 2025 (excluding June 15) with seatings at 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:30 pm.
Reservations are required. The online reservation form opens April 9, 2025 at 10 am.

2025 menu and prices

Three-tier service for one: $21.31 (taxes included) 
Pot of tea; finger sandwiches; scone with butter and jam; desserts. Admission to the museum for one visitor is included.

Substitute gluten-free options: $3.49 (taxes included)
Add Devon cream: $3.49 (taxes included)

Tea and scone: $6.57 (taxes included)

Substitute gluten-free options: $1.16 (taxes included)
Add Devon cream: $3.49 (taxes included)

Reservations

Request your reservation online beginning April 9, 2025 at 10 am. Reservation requests should be made no later than 4 pm on the Sunday prior to your desired visit.

Please note that submitting a reservation request does not mean your booking is confirmed. A member of staff will follow up with you by email to confirm your reservation. Reservations are filled in the order requests are received.

If you require assistance with your Tea on the Lawn reservation, please email BillingsEstateTea@ottawa.ca or call 613-580-2088 ext. 35258.

Notes:

  • Large groups: Reservations of 7 or more guests must be confirmed by the tearoom coordinator (call 613-580-2088 ext. 35258). Groups will be seated at tables of four or six. To keep pathways clear, tables cannot be pushed together.
  • Allergies: We will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions identified during the reservation process but cannot ensure an environment free from all risk of cross-contamination. Regrettably, we cannot guarantee to meet last minute requests for accommodations at the time of service. If your allergy or dietary needs change, please contact the museum in advance of your seating to update your reservation.
  • Accessibility: Tea on the Lawn is served outside under an open-sided tent with a stone floor which may be rough or uneven in some areas. A passenger drop-off and pick-up zone is available in front of the lobby entrance. If you have questions or concerns regarding accessibility, please inform staff at the time of reservation or contact the museum by email at BillingsEstateTea@ottawa.ca. Additional information about accessibility can be found on the museum webpage.
  • Weather: In the event of inclement weather, Tea on the Lawn may be served inside the museum. In the rare event that weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances necessitate the cancellation of Tea on the Lawn, all guests will be contacted directly with further information.

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.