More than a Museum
Cottonwood Mansion is a beautifully preserved 1860s home showcasing Italianate and Georgian architecture. With 15 rooms and over 6,000 square feet, it now operates as a vibrant house museum offering tours, programs, events, weddings, and rentals. Discover Cottonwood, where the warm and inviting charm of yesteryears still lingers—and unforgettable events bring history to life.
Explore the wonders of Cottonwood Mansion
Explore the mansion and dive into the history of the Holmes family on a guided tour. Reserve your tour time here, by emailing us at cottonwoodmansion@gmail.com or by calling us at 905-776-2538 to book in advance. Walk-up tours cannot be guaranteed.
Upcoming events at Cottonwood
October 25th & November 1st, 2025
6:00pm, 7:15pm & 8:30pm
$35 per guest
Something spooky stirs at Cottonwood this October…
Step inside the mansion after dark for a 45-minute experience that blends history and the paranormal. Guests will hear chilling stories about the Holmes family and explore the rooms they once called home—this time with ghost-hunting equipment in place and expert guidance from the Spirit Hunters Ontario team. Dare to walk the halls where the past still lingers? Join us—if you’re brave enough.
November 8th, 2025
6:00pm & 8:30pm
$65 per guest
Are you looking to connect with the spirits of Cottonwood Mansion and explore the grounds of the 19th century home? These events, run in partnership with Spirit Hunters Ontario, allow guests to form a deeper connection with the site and its spirits through opening up additional spaces tradtionally closed to the public, offering the opportunity to use professional equipment, enabling guests to spend longer onsite, guided and independent EVP sessions, optional independent investigations, longer access to a team of highly experienced spirit hunters.
This is the last public paranormal Investigation for 2025, and spaces are limited. Adults ages 15+ only.
November 21st, 28th, December 12th, & 19th
6:00-7:00pm
$15 per guest or by donation of a new, unopened toy for a child in need
Step into the warmth and wonder of Cottonwood Mansion by candlelight. These intimate evening tours offer a magical glimpse into Victorian life after dark, with stories, seasonal traditions, and the soft glow of flickering lights bringing the historic home to life. Your costumed host will guide through the beautifully decorated home.
Each tour concludes with a festive treat—guests are invited to enjoy hot apple cider, freshly baked Christmas cookies, and a chance to browse our charming holiday gift shop for any of your holiday shopping needs.
On two special evenings, admission is by donation of a new and unopened child's toy for a local charity. Toys must be a minimum of $15 in value. Join us for a heartwarming night of history, community, and Christmas spirit.
November 29th, December 13th & 20th
11:00am & 2:00pm
$75 per guest
Celebrate the holiday season with our beloved Christmas Afternoon Teas, returning for 2025! Enjoy an elegant spread of classic finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and preserves, and a selection of decadent seasonal desserts, accompanied by a live harpist and paired with your choice of premium teas including our very own Cottonwood Heritage and Blueberry blends, only available here.
After the tea, take a guided tour of the mansion beautifully decorated for the holidays, immersing yourself in festive charm throughout the historic rooms. Finish your visit with time in our Gift Shop, featuring unique treasures perfect for holiday gifting and stocking-stuffing.
$135 per guest
Embark on a journey through time and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of a country mansion from over 150 years ago. Throughout the day, you will have the chance to engage in a variety of authentic Victorian pastimes. Unleash your creativity while crafting Victorian arts and crafts, experience the charm of baking in the original kitchen, revel in the delightful entertainment of the era, and savour a scrumptious afternoon tea.
2025 Experiences Dates:
Saturday November 15th, and Friday, December 19th*, with more dates to come for 2026!
*November & December Experiences will have new activities and programming for the holidays!
Get Involved
Interested in Volunteering at Cottonwood?
Cottonwood Mansion Museum is a 19th century mansion rich in heritage and culture. As a charitable organization, Cottonwood relies heavily on the support of volunteers and its local communities to keep its doors open. Volunteer support is needed now more than ever in order for us to maintain stability and to remain a Haldimand treasure for years to come.
If you would like to volunteer at Cottonwood Mansion, please reach out to us at cottonwoodmansion@gmail.com! We are always looking for enthusiastic help, and have a wide range of needs and skills that would be greatly appreciated.
Donations to Cottonwood Mansion Museum
If you are interested in supporting Cottonwood Mansion for future generations or would like to support a specific project, please click the Donation page link.
A special thank you to the following volunteers, supporters and donors of 2025:
Donations of $10,000
Laird and Mary Jane McKeen
contributors/Partners
Spirit Hunters Ontario
Haldimand Horticultural Society
Heritage Haldimand
The Twisted Lemon Restaurant & Boutique Inn
Snyder’s Sweet Corn
Shelley’s Family Dining & Catering
Dover’s Best of Britain
The team at Cottonwood Mansion extends heartfelt thanks to all those in the community who, over the past 36 years, have helped sustain the vitality of the mansion — and whose continued support ensures its legacy for generations to come.
