Starting on May 16, Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site offers an array of engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site, in Gravenhurst, is the place to be inspired by Dr. Norman Bethune, a battlefront surgeon, medical pioneer and advocate for Canada’s universal health care. Embark on guided heritage tours to uncover the fascinating stories behind this historic site. Make your way through our heritage stations, where you can partake in Victorian-era dress-up activities and venture into the trenches of World War I in our interactive activity area.
To enhance your visit, we encourage visitors to download the Parks Canada App before arrival. Dive deeper into the rich history of Bethune Memorial House with our new mobile guided tour, providing invaluable insights and context as you explore the site and its surroundings.
Historic sites like Bethune Memorial House serve as gateways to Canada’s diverse heritage. Through self-guided exploration or participation in the Parks Canada Xplorers program, visitors can engage with history in meaningful and interactive ways. For those seeking a more personalized experience, private guided tours are available for a small additional fee, led by knowledgeable Parks Canada interpreters.
Hours of operation
Open Thursday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
May 16 to June 30, 2024
Open daily, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
July 1 to August 31, 2024
Open Thursday through Monday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
September 1 to October 31, 2024
Historic Places Days are an opportunity to learn more about Canada’s many diverse historic destinations and the role these places have in their communities. This year, Historic Places Days begins on July 10. Travel back in time and find out about the stories of the past. Hundreds of fascinating historic places, including Bethune Memorial House, are waiting to be discovered!
To make the most of their Parks Canada experience, visitors are asked to plan their trip in advance, by visiting the Parks Canada website and signing up for the e-newsletter, to be among the first to find out about new and noteworthy events and activities, special offers, trip planning ideas and much more – all delivered directly to their inboxes! Visitors can also download the Parks Canada app, listen to Parks Canada’s podcast ReCollections, and follow Parks Canada on social media for destination inspiration and to help plan their perfect visit.
The Parks Canada team at Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site is excited to welcome new and returning guests back to experience everything the site has to offer.
Parks Canada Special Offers
- Enhance your next visit with a mobile guided tour. Discover untold stories with these interactive self-guided experiences featuring automatically triggered stops, audio, video, quizzes, and more. Download in advance and go offline with these tours available exclusively on the Parks Canada App.
- With its podcast ReCollections, Parks Canada is pleased to provide new opportunities for Canadians and people around the world to discover national historic sites, people, and events and learn more about the diverse natural and cultural heritage in Canada.
- Admission is free for youth 17 and under to all Parks Canada administered places. Heritage places are a great way for youth to experience the outdoors and learn more about nature and history.
- Feel good, look good. Revenues generated from Parks Canada official merchandise are reinvested to support Parks Canada administered places.
- Visitors can purchase their Parks Canada Discovery Passes online or at Parks Canada administered places and partner retailer locations across the country. Please visit passes, permits and fees for more information.