Benares Historic House is one of Ontario’s most remarkable heritage properties — a 13-acre waterfront estate in the Clarkson neighbourhood of Mississauga that feels, upon entering, as though the family simply stepped out for the afternoon and left everything exactly as it was.
The Georgian-style manor was built in 1857 and was home to four generations of the Harris and Sayers families until 1968, when the great-grandchildren of the original Captain Harris donated the estate and nearly all of its contents to the Ontario Heritage Foundation. More than 95% of the artifacts in the house are original to the Harris family — an extraordinary rarity for a historic property of this age. The house was restored to its quiet elegance of the early 20th century and opened to the public in 1995.
Guided tours run on the hour between noon and 3 p.m. and take visitors through the interpretive gallery — where you meet the family across generations — and then through the manor itself, filled from top to bottom with original furniture, artwork, textiles, and personal possessions. The story of Benares is rich with local history, including connections to early settler life in what was then called Toronto Township, and rumoured ties to Canadian author Mazo de la Roche’s famous ‘Jalna’ series of novels.
The surrounding grounds include a gatehouse, barn, and landscaped gardens within a park-like setting that is pleasant in any season. Benares also hosts special events throughout the year, including Victorian teas, seasonal celebrations, and movie screenings of classic films including the 1935 adaptation of the very ‘Jalna’ novel the estate may have inspired.
Practical Visitor Info
Address:
1507 Clarkson Road North, Mississauga, ON L5J 3B9
Phone:
(905) 822-1569
Website:
https://www.mississauga.ca/arts-and-culture/museums/
Hours:
Guided tours on the hour, noon–3pm. Check mississauga.ca for current days of operation and special event schedule.
Admission:
Admission by donation. Recommended $5–$10 per individual or $20 per family.
Getting There:
By car: 1507 Clarkson Road North, Clarkson area of west Mississauga. Free parking on-site.
Nearby:
Bradley Museum (nearby), Lake Ontario waterfront, Port Credit village, Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
Currently also hosting Bradley House tours during that site’s restoration — worth combining both in one visit to Clarkson.
