Culture

Natural Wonders & Cultural Treasures

The History of Laurier House

Laurier House is located in Sandy Hill, a fashionable residential area within easy commuting distance of Ottawa's commercial and political centre. In addition to Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Mackenzie King, a number of prominent political figures found Sandy Hill a desirable place to live. Learn more...

Rt. Hon. Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Prime Minister of Canada from 1896-1911.
William James Topley / Library and Archives Canada / C-001971

The Lauriers at Laurier House

Before the purchase of the fine Sandy Hill house that had belonged to John Leslie , the Lauriers, when they were in Ottawa for extended periods, had lived in a furnished apartment at the Russell House Hotel, one of the most fashionable in Ottawa. In 1897, they moved into their new home, described as being "handsomely decorated and furnished", altogether a residence suitable to Canada's prime minister. Learn more...

The Political Life of Sir Wilfrid Laurier

Sir Wilfrid Laurier served as a member of Parliament for over forty years. He was the leader of the Liberal party from 1887 to 1919, and prime minister of Canada from 1896 to 1911. His accomplishments were on such a scale that he is remembered today as one of Canada's greatest political leaders. Learn more...

William Lyon Mackenzie King at Laurier House

Although Mackenzie King had frequently visited Laurier House, he was upset by its appearance when he became its new owner: "I confess it is a bare bleak place ... not at all to my liking in any particular [and] will require to be completely gone over. I have little or no sentiment about it." Learn more...

The Political Life of William Lyon Mackenzie King

Zoé Laurier at Laurier House circa 1920
©National Archives of Canada /PA-211425

Related Documents

Lady Laurier's Will
The Will of William Lyon Mackenzie King
The Laurier House Act 1951
The Diary of William Lyon Mackenzie King