Secret stories from Canada's oldest surviving homes

Period properties you'll fall in love with

Canada's oldest surviving homes were built to last, with some even predating the creation of the nation by a century or more. These charming houses are loaded with period features and old-world character, stretching back to the 1700s.

Click or scroll as we look at some of the most venerable homes and historic landmarks across Canada, from earliest to oldest...

Lougheed House, Calgary, Alberta: built 1891

As imposing as it is historic, Lougheed House is one of Canada’s last prairie sandstone mansions. Constructed in 1891, with three acres (1.2ha) of garden, the property blends Victorian and Edwardian architectural styles and is still renowned for its beauty.

Listed as a National and Provincial Historic Site, it is thought to be one of the oldest buildings in Calgary.

Lougheed House, Calgary, Alberta: built 1891

The amazing mansion was crafted for Senator Sir James Alexander Lougheed and his wife, Lady Isabella Clark Hardisty Lougheed. Not only was the building their family home, but it was also a political, cultural and social hub until 1936.

Emerging community groups later made the property their home. It was a women’s training facility and even housed the Women’s Army Corps. It was also once a Red Cross blood donor clinic.

Lougheed House, Calgary, Alberta: built 1891

Today, the building is a museum that's open to the public. Thanks to a 2005 restoration, the interior is truly exquisite and appears entirely untouched since it was built more than 130 years ago.

From rich mahogany walls to elegant fireplaces, classic wallpapers and spectacular stained-glass details, Lougheed House is full to bursting with amazing historic gems.

Lougheed House, Calgary, Alberta: built 1891

Even more remarkably, the house stands alongside some of Calgary's tallest and newest skyscrapers, providing a stark juxtaposition between old and new.

The house is open to the public from Friday to Sunday from 11.30 am to 3.00 pm, while the tranquil gardens can be accessed daily between 7.00 am and 11.00 pm.

Thomas Williams House, Moncton, New Brunswick: built 1883

The city of Moncton in New Brunswick is home to plenty of landmark buildings, including the Free Meeting House and Treitz Haus.

Yet Thomas Williams House (captured here by Isabelle Smith) is perhaps the finest property the city has to offer.

As grand as it is beautiful, the historic home was built in 1883 and is now a designated municipal heritage site.

Thomas Williams House, Moncton, New Brunswick: built 1883

The stately, Victorian-era home was constructed by prominent Monctonian, Thomas Williams, who was a noted industrialist and treasurer for the Intercolonial Railway.

Extremely wealthy, he needed a home that showcased this status and bank balance, and we think he succeeded.

Thomas Williams House, Moncton, New Brunswick: built 1883

Thomas and his wife had 11 children, and six were born in the house. It remained a private dwelling for the Williams’ descendants until 1981.

This meant it remained in good condition for nearly 100 years after its construction.

Thomas Williams House was designated as a landmark for its level of preservation and Victorian-era interior design.

Some of its key features include its square frontal tower, paired gabled pediment dormers, ornate mouldings, pilaster window trims, panelled doors with transom windows and beautiful ironwork.

Thomas Williams House, Moncton, New Brunswick: built 1883

Today, the 12-room, Second Empire property is an elegant symbol of local life during the Victorian era and has been lovingly restored and preserved over the centuries.

Visitors can step inside during the summer months (July and August), to take in the home's retro wallpapers, antique furnishings, regal chandeliers and historic artefacts.

Witch Bay Castle, Stanstead, Quebec: built 1880

Quebec was founded back in 1608, so it makes sense that the city and its surrounding areas are filled with amazing architecture and gorgeous historic homes.

Known as Witch Bay Castle (spot the witch on the roof!), this enchanting residence lies in the town of Stanstead and has been described as "one of the most beautiful ancestral houses in Quebec".

Liking this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING

Witch Bay Castle, Stanstead, Quebec: built 1880

The property was built in 1880, but it looks wonderfully preserved, thanks to a complete restoration in 2000. The owners took time and great care fixing up the home to bring back its "majestic and sumptuous character".

Everywhere you look you'll spot beautiful historic features, including solid wood doors, stained-glass windows, elegant fireplaces and antique furnishings.

Witch Bay Castle, Stanstead, Quebec: built 1880

The Victorian residence can accommodate up to 12 people and comes complete with 25 rooms across four floors.

There are not one but three gorgeous living rooms, a formal dining room, a retro kitchen, six bedrooms and two bathrooms.

We love the antique basin and skirt found in the largest suite in the house.

Witch Bay Castle, Stanstead, Quebec: built 1880

Despite being wonderfully traditional and classically styled, the home also benefits from plenty of modern touches. There's a tennis court, for one, as well as a hot tub and a games room.

There's also a large outdoor terrace with a barbecue and numerous sitting areas. Plus, guests can take a dip in the nearby Fitch River.

Grand Victorian manor, Elmvale, Ontario: built 1875

Step back in time and soak up the splendour of this remarkable Victorian manor.

Located on one of the most historic streets in Springwater Township, the building dates back to 1875 and offers bags of kerb appeal.

Grand Victorian manor, Elmvale, Ontario: built 1875

Nestled on 1.44 acres (0.58ha), the building extends 4,343 square feet (403sqm) over four floors. The wrap-around front porch leads to the front door, which opens into this elegant entrance foyer.

With rich mahogany wood taking centre stage, the hallway would have been the perfect welcome for important guests.

Grand Victorian manor, Elmvale, Ontario: built 1875

Off the hallway, you'll find several formal sitting rooms, as well as a beautiful dining room and kitchen.

Original details can be found everywhere, from textured, finely carved wood trims to sliding pocket doors, exquisite wainscotting, original hardwood floors, fireplaces and oversized sash windows.

Grand Victorian manor, Elmvale, Ontario: built 1875

Ideal for a growing family, the residence boasts five large bedrooms and two bathrooms. The attic, accessible via a separate staircase, presents endless possibilities and would make for a gorgeous private retreat or studio.

There's also a basement and an attached garage, not to mention a mature garden.

The grand Victorian was for sale in April 2025, with Sotheby's International Realty Canada, for CAD$1.5 million (£853k/$1.1m).

Carr House, Victoria, British Columbia: built 1863 to 1864

The Emily Carr House, better known as simply Carr House, is a National Historic Site of Canada. The two-storey, picturesque Italianate-style house is in the James Bay district of Victoria, British Columbia, and the childhood home of artist Emily Carr.

One of Canada’s most famous painters and a well-known author, Emily lived most of her life in this neighbourhood of Victoria, but the house was built for her father, Richard Carr.

Carr House, Victoria, British Columbia: built 1863 to 1864

The Carr family moved into Carr House on April 1, 1864. Emily loved the natural environment. The house's proximity to Beacon Hill Park and the ocean shoreline had a profound impact on her formative years, as she acknowledged in her books.

When she returned to Victoria in 1913 after training in London, Paris and San Francisco, Emily built her own house adjacent to Carr House at 646 Simcoe Street.

Carr House, Victoria, British Columbia: built 1863 to 1864

The house is a well-preserved example of an Italianate villa. Designed by John Wright of Wright & Sanders, a prominent early West Coast architect, it's used today as a museum for the life and work of Emily Carr.

Spaces like its sun porch, pictured here, are often used for local schools and educational tours to visit and display their artworks.

The Carr family owned the house until 1938. It was abandoned after damage in WWII and fell into disrepair. The restoration of the house began in the late 1970s. ​Many of the period features have been replicated, and neighbours of the Carr family originally owned the piano in the parlour. Some original items survived, however, such as the Carr family Bible.

Carr House, Victoria, British Columbia: built 1863 to 1864

Pictured here is Victoria's then Poet Laureate, John Barton, in 2020, who visited the site to read a selection of his poems, told from Emily Carr’s perspective, from his book, West of Darkness.

Where possible, the interior of the house is faithful to the original. Layers of newer paint and wallpaper were removed to discover original patterns and colours, the home was lovingly restored by local architects and the Province of British Columbia, who now own the site. The Carr House Community Society operates it.

Old Government House, Fredericton, New Brunswick: built 1826

It might look like a grand hotel or a parliament building, but the Old Government House in Fredericton, New Brunswick, was actually constructed as a residence.

Old Government House, Fredericton, New Brunswick: built 1826

Built between 1826 and 1828, the castle-like property was designed to be the residence of New Brunswick's Governors and Lieutenant-Governors.

Crafted from local sandstone and situated on 11 acres (4.5ha) on the banks of the St John River, the building is now a significant cultural landmark in Fredericton, and it's no real surprise.

Old Government House, Fredericton, New Brunswick: built 1826

From 1828 until the Canadian Confederation (the process by which the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick were united into one federation in 1867), most of the important decisions affecting the region were debated here.

Later, the historic house was a school for hearing-impaired students, a military barracks and a hospital for returning soldiers after World War I.

Old Government House, Fredericton, New Brunswick: built 1826

In 1999, the building was restored and opened to the public. Visitors can step inside to witness its stunning library, drawing room, dining room, two conservatories and the original Lieutenant-Governor's office on the main floor.

There's also a music room, where guests can enjoy special events.

Anderson House, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador: built 1804

St. John's is the capital of Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador province. The British established their harbour in the 1600s, and thanks to this, the city is filled with historic, colourful homes that date back centuries.

Here, you'll find one of the oldest and most important landmarks in the province, Anderson House.

Anderson House, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador: built 1804

Anderson House, built between 1804 and 1805, is thought to be the oldest structure in St. John's. With two and a half storeys, the hip-roof building is a fine example of late 18th- and early 19th-century Canadian architecture.

Anderson House, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador: built 1804

The property was built for James Anderson, who was a sergeant in the militia. The home was a residence until 1815, when it was used as a military barracks for the officers of the local garrison.

The eastern end of the ground floor was used as a stable for horses, but sadly this section was later demolished.

Anderson House, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador: built 1804

Not only has Anderson House maintained its façade, "many interior details remain unchanged, including the large open fireplace in the kitchen, original mantels throughout and a virtually unchanged attic", according to Canada's Historic Places.

If you want to take a look at the building, it's on 42 Powers Court.

Sinclair Inn Museum, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia: built 1708

With 300 years of history, the Sinclair Inn is the earliest surviving Acadian building in Canada.

The pretty timber property lies in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, and parts of it were constructed as early as 1708. 

In 1781, tavern-keeper Frederick Sinclair created the inn by combining two early 18th-century buildings.

Sinclair Inn Museum, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia: built 1708

The first section of the inn was once owned by Jean-Baptiste Soullard, a gunsmith and silversmith for the French garrison at Port Royal. It was crafted between 1708 and 1710.

The second building, which forms the rear two-thirds of the building, was built in 1711 for Dr William Skene, who was the surgeon at the local British garrison.

He was also a member of the Governing Council of Nova Scotia. Some of the wall cavities of the Skene house are filled with wattle and daub, a common medieval infill technique that combines sand and salt marsh hay.

Sinclair Inn Museum, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia: built 1708

Sinclair combined the two structures and added a new roof that extended over to the street to re-cover the Soullard house. To convey a unified building, Sinclair replaced the existing centre window with a door and added a dormer on top of the door, giving the building a Georgian appearance.

It operated as an inn through much of the 19th and early 20th centuries and the first Canadian Masonic Lodge meeting was held here in 1738.

Sinclair Inn Museum, Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia: built 1708

Today, the Annapolis Heritage Society owns the Sinclair Inn and operates it as a museum, bringing to life the social history of the site during guided tours. From its plum-coloured clapboard exterior to its twelve-over-eight double-hung windows, wooden panelled doors and stencilled floorboards, the building is bursting with amazing historic details.

Plus, the property is said to have its very own ghosts, including a one-armed soldier, a lady in a rocking chair and a pirate guarding his treasure! If that doesn't put you off, the Sinclair Inn Museum is open seasonally, so check the website for details.

Liked this? Click the Like button above. And click the Follow button above for more great stories from loveEXPLORING