McFarland House

Historic house with cafe where you can have high tea. Tours are offered as well. High tea would cost about CAD 20 per person and the tour about CAD 8. Closed for rest of 2025, check website for open hours. This site is close to Niagara River and walking trails. Parking is free for paying customers.

A wonderful place for a picnic in a place of history. Well kept area outside, can't wait to do a tour inside. Found a snake on my walk here.

The McFarland House was an absolute dream venue for our wedding! The historic charm, lush gardens, and beautifully maintained grounds created the most romantic atmosphere for our special day. From the moment we arrived, it felt timeless and intimate — like we had stepped into a fairytale. The natural beauty of the property meant we hardly needed extra décor, and every spot was picture-perfect for photos. Our guests couldn’t stop raving about how stunning and unique the venue was. The staff was also wonderful and ensured everything went smoothly. We are so grateful to have had such a magical place to begin our married life — it will always hold a special place in our hearts.

We visited the McFarland House, Friday July 25 th. Our visit started in the opulent gardens which were such a treat. They were a combination of Country English Garden that combined a fully versatile Kitchen Garden. What a world of abundance we would live in if we all planted with so much purpose and beauty. As we entered the house there were three hosts were bubbling around. They were full of so much joy and laughter. We signed up for a tour of the house to learn about the McFarland House, John McFarland and his family. That house had interesting features including the brickwork and the methods applied in building the house. Very interesting to anyone in construction or architecture. The guide highlighted many original features including peek holes into the original paints. The main stairway which was ahead of its time. The original locking mechanism on the front door. To one of the original cast iron heaters. Upstairs they have set up the main bedroom, a child’s bedroom, a servants room (Which in all likelihood would not have been in the main house.) and as the house was used as a hospital during the war of 1812 there was a soldiers room. This area is ripe in history especially of the war of 1812. It is the focus of the tour. My only disappointment was there was no mention of the history of of our First Nations and how this land came to be in the possession of the McFarlands. Not to takeaway from the families history. Yet to honour the history of these lands and how our country came to be. Our tour was about 45 mins. We had some wonderful conversations with our tour guide and shared some trips down memory lane. We were able to share living history of seeing some of the artifacts in use in our families homes. My Great Grandmother used a chamber pot and a bed warmer her passing in 1979. My Great Aunt always used a wash stand in her bedroom til early 1980’s There was a clay pipe similar to the one my husband had til 2020. We were then fortunate to stay for High Tea in their beautiful Tea Room in the Conservatory. They were served by the tour guides in period dress. The sandwiches were watercress, cucumber and turkey. The scones cheese and chive, berry and plain with jam , cream and butter. Finished with an assortment of desserts and fruits. You have a selection of teas to enjoy. We loved the Scottish Breakfast Tea. I indulged in a mimosa. My only regret was not taking a picture of the Lady with the Pearls. We are making plans to return for the Murder Mystery event they offer. Accessibility of the fist floor was great. Sadly being a period home the 2nd floor would not be available to wheel chair users. I left my walker used my cane and they did provide spots to sit along the way. If you wish to have high tea I would recommend reservations.

McFarland house is located on Niagara Parkway directly on the Niagara river which forms the international boundary between Canada and the United States. Lewiston, New York is directly visible from the property. The home is meticulously maintained and is part of many guided, group tours. The surrounding park has trails, park benches as well as picnic tables, which makes it a great spot to spend time with family and friends and have a barbecue. There are many wineries located in close proximity. Paid parking is available and an admissions ticket is required Absolutely the historic piece of Canadian history. Definitely worth a visit.