Rutherford House Edmonton
Explore Alberta's past at Rutherford House, the restored mansion of its first Premier, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Rutherford House Edmonton
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Alberta's past at Rutherford House, the restored mansion of its first Premier, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century life.
"An incredible place where you can feel like you're in the past and see how people in Edmonton once lived!"
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for a deep dive into history! Guides are fantastic .
📸 Photo Opportunities
The library and balcony are great for pictures .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Alexander Rutherford's Former Residence
Main House
Step back in time and explore the beautifully restored mansion of Alberta's first Premier.
The Library
Library Room
A picturesque spot within the house, often used for photos and intimate gatherings.
Historical Tours
Throughout the House
Knowledgeable guides bring Alberta's early history to life with engaging stories and insights.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Immerse Yourself in Alberta's Past
Event Venue Considerations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for a deep dive into history! Guides are fantastic.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The library and balcony are great for pictures.
🍽️ Lunch Hours
Lunch is served 11 AM-2 PM, but it can be a bit pricey.
👻 Haunted House Events
Check for seasonal events like the Halloween haunted house.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Guided Tours
Highly recommended for a deep dive into history! Guides are fantastic.
📸 Photo Opportunities
The library and balcony are great for pictures.
🍽️ Lunch Hours
Lunch is served 11 AM-2 PM, but it can be a bit pricey.
👻 Haunted House Events
Check for seasonal events like the Halloween haunted house.
📅 Event Venue
Popular for small weddings and elopements.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Rutherford House as an incredible place to step back in time and experience early Edmonton life. The beautifully preserved mansion and knowledgeable, friendly staff are consistently praised, making it a highly recommended historical gem. While some find the lunch service a bit pricey, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, especially for history enthusiasts and those seeking a unique venue.
"This is an incredible place where you can feel like you're in the past and see how people in Edmonton once lived!
It's very beautiful and cozy here! And the friendly employee of the house is always ready to tell you interesting information and show you around this wonderful building! I
highly recommend visiting this place!"
Oles Iusypchuk
"We had our wedding ceremony here and it was so beautiful . The staff were polite and even let us go on balcony for photos
It was a last minute venue change and it worked out wonderfully"
giulianna maria
"A must-visit destination for Alberta's history enthusiasts. Much of the Premier's house has been preserved in its original form, despite the vandalism incident in the 1970s. The tour guide, Colby, deserves high praise for his patient and insightful presentation. He effortlessly engages with diverse groups, including children, students, and adults, showcasing professionalism and adaptability throughout the tour."
Pavlo Startsev
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rutherford House is located at 11153 Saskatchewan Drive NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 2S1.
It's accessible by car and is situated in a lovely green area. Public transportation options can be explored via the Edmonton Transit Service website for routes serving the Garneau neighborhood.While specific parking details can vary, visitors often find street parking in the surrounding residential areas. It's advisable to check the official Rutherford House website or contact them directly for the most current parking information.
The house is nestled in a beautiful green ambiance, perfect for a stroll. Many visitors enjoy driving around the opulent fall scenery.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rutherford House hours can vary, and it's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Guided tours are a highlight.
Admission prices can vary, especially for special events like the Easter Eggstravaganza.
It's recommended to check the official Rutherford House website for current admission fees and any potential discounts.For general visits, booking in advance might not always be necessary, but it's a good idea, especially if you want to ensure a spot on a guided tour. For special events, advance booking is often required.
While guided tours are highly recommended for the full historical experience,
there might be opportunities for self-guided exploration depending on the day and any ongoing events. It's best to inquire directly with the venue.Yes, Rutherford House hosts various events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, holiday celebrations like the Easter Eggstravaganza,
and even seasonal attractions like a haunted house.🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the beautifully restored mansion, learn about Alberta's first Premier, Alexander Rutherford, and enjoy guided tours that bring history to life.
The house itself is a historical gem.Absolutely! Guided tours are a major highlight, with knowledgeable staff who can share fascinating details about the house and its history.
They are adept at engaging all age groups.Yes, Rutherford House can be engaging for children, especially during special events like the Easter Eggstravaganza.
The guides are also skilled at making history accessible and interesting for younger visitors.Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors find the interior, particularly the library, to be very photogenic.
However, always be mindful of any restrictions during private events or tours.It was the home of Alexander Cameron Rutherford, Alberta's first Premier, from 1911. Much of the house has been preserved, offering a direct connection to early Alberta history.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Rutherford House offers lunch service, typically from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Visitors have noted it can be a bit pricey.
The menu has included tasty, yummy, and healthy ingredients for starter, main, and dessert courses, served nicely.
Given its popularity as a venue for small weddings and elopements,
it's likely they can accommodate private dining for events. It's best to inquire directly about their event packages.📸 📸 Photography
The library is frequently mentioned as a very pretty location for pictures.
The balcony also offers great photo opportunities.Yes, Rutherford House is a popular venue for engagement shoots due to its beautiful interiors and historical ambiance.
While generally permitted, it's always wise to be respectful of other visitors and any ongoing tours or private events. Check with staff if you have specific photography needs.
Rutherford House itself doesn't typically offer photography services, but it is a popular venue for photographers to capture weddings, elopements,
and engagement sessions.The house provides a historical, elegant, and classic aesthetic, reminiscent of early 20th-century Alberta, making it ideal for vintage or period-themed photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💍 Couples Planning a Wedding
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Alberta's Premier's Life
The experience is significantly enhanced by the knowledgeable guides who lead tours. These guides are praised for their patience, insight, and ability to engage diverse audiences, from children to adults. They don't just recite facts; they weave compelling narratives that bring the Rutherford family and their times to life. This personal touch transforms a visit into an educational and memorable journey, making Rutherford House a must-visit for anyone interested in Alberta's rich heritage.
Rutherford House as a Unique Venue
For those planning a small wedding, the venue is perfectly sized, accommodating a handful of guests with grace. The ability to use spaces like the balcony for photos adds to its appeal. While it offers a unique and memorable setting, it's worth noting that the venue can be a bit pricey, and private events might occasionally impact public access to certain areas during your visit.
Seasonal Events and Experiences
These seasonal events add another layer of appeal to Rutherford House, drawing in different crowds and offering unique ways to engage with the historic property. Whether you're interested in history, a festive celebration, or a good scare, checking the Rutherford House schedule for upcoming events is highly recommended for a dynamic visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit