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The hamlet of Kirkfield sits at the
top of the Trent-Severn Waterway and is the site of
the original home of Sir William Mackenzie, co-founder
of the Canadian Northern Railway. This grand house has
been designated a historical site by Parks Canada. At
the turn of the century Mackenzie was among Canada's
wealthiest men (second only, some say, to Timothy Eaton).
The property boasts of a colorful history, including
nearly fifty years as a convent and boarding school
after Sir William's death in 1923. Students still visit
and share their memories of riding ponies or taking
an archery lesson at the school. A number of ghosts
and spirits are rumoured to be in the residence, connected
to the convent and Mackenzie years. In Sir William's
time, he brought to the sleepy hamlet such notable figures
as Count Ferdinand de Lesseps, builder of the Suez Canal,
whose former aviator son married Mackenzie's daughter.
A charming room nestled in the back of the eaves, complete
with clawfoot tub, is named in honour of the author
of Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery, a relative
of Mackenzie's.
 At
the entrance to the Inn is The Gatehouse. This beautiful
ivy-covered building was once home to Mackenzie's chauffeur.
During the convent years, it was used as classrooms.
It is now an upscale restaurant. Billed as casual elegant,
the menu includes pan fried salmon, butter chicken and
eminee de veau Zurichoise. However, their hallmark remains
a classic caesar salad.
 Come
and spend some time enjoying the ambiance of this historic
home, relax on the sweeping veranda, enjoy billiards
in the games room or go day-tripping to a myriad of
interesting nearby attractions. We look forward to hosting
you.
Local attractions include: live theatre, golf, cycling,
antiques, flea market, boat tours, birding on the Carden
Plain, Trent-Severn Waterway, Kirkfield Lift Lock and
Casino Rama.
We are located at 1017 Portage Road (Hwy. 48 east of
Hwy. 12) 90 minutes northeast of Toronto, 30 minutes
south of Orillia.
For more information: www.themackenzieinn.com
or call 1-800-266-6025 or 705-438-1278
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