Waba Cottage Museum & Gardens

Call Directions Website Contact the museum

Waba Cottage Museum & Gardens Welcome to one of the best treasures in the Ottawa Valley!

Nestled on 8 acres along the quiet shores of White Lake, Ontario, Waba Cottage Museum and Gardens is home to many themed gardens, historical log buildings and a rich and intriguing history.

When visiting Waba Cottage it is likely that you might come across some of our crow friends! 🐦‍⬛--------
09/05/2026

When visiting Waba Cottage it is likely that you might come across some of our crow friends! 🐦‍⬛
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

The Last Laird of McNab: Archibald McNab (1781-1860). The founder of McNab Township was quite the colourful and controve...
08/29/2026

The Last Laird of McNab: Archibald McNab (1781-1860).

The founder of McNab Township was quite the colourful and controversial character who once resided at our very own Waba Cottage.

Archibald inherited the title of Laird, estate, and debts of his uncle, Francis McNab in 1816. In an attempt to make enough money to pay back his creditors, Archibald left behind his life in Scotland along with his first wife, Margaret Robertson and their six children.

Archibald first came to Canada in 1822 and became the administrator for his Scottish Highland settlers between 1823 and 1845. He succeeded in an attempt to rule the Township with an iron fist, subjecting his settlers to a system closely resembling Scottish feudalism for two decades. The settlers eventually banded together to put an end to their unnecessary suffering at the hands of the Chief, and thus began years of petitions, court, and trials in attempts to free themselves from the Laird. In 1843 he was declared a “public nuisance” in court for nailing his dam closed to prevent the settlers’ grain mill from working. Archibald lived at Waba Cottage in 1835 with his housekeeper/common-law partner Catherine Fisher and their children until his departure from the township. Archibald moved to Hamilton, Ontario for some years where he suffered from physical illness and injury, as well as substantial financial difficulties.

Little is known about the end of the Laird’s life. It is documented that he returned to Europe, married 18 year old Elizabeth Marshall and had a child, and died in France in 1860.

Leaving behind three families in three countries, a township, settlers who were forced to survive him instead of being able to rely on him, and a legacy of cruelty, Archibald McNab has certainly left his mark on McNab Township.

Hessel, Peter. McNab the Township. Kichessippi Books, 1988.

To learn more about the Laird and his infamous history, come visit Waba Cottage Museum & Gardens!

‼️New Hours‼️From September until Thanksgiving the museum will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays 9:30-4:00. We will ...
08/28/2026

‼️New Hours‼️

From September until Thanksgiving the museum will only be open on Saturdays and Sundays 9:30-4:00.

We will be closed on August 30th, September 5th, and September 6th.

Our gardens are still open to the public anytime!

If you would like to arrange a tour, send an email to [email protected].

Looking for weekend plans? Come to Waba Cottage for a relaxing walk through our gardens, a beautiful kayak paddle on Whi...
08/22/2026

Looking for weekend plans? Come to Waba Cottage for a relaxing walk through our gardens, a beautiful kayak paddle on White Lake, a quick history lesson, or set up a picnic in the shade! 🌸🐝
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Did you know we have a little library? Please come take a book, leave a book, or both!📚Located right by the parking area...
08/21/2026

Did you know we have a little library? Please come take a book, leave a book, or both!📚

Located right by the parking area and fountain.
-
-
-
-
-
-

On September 23, 2012 at 8:58 PM, retired curator Jim Austin snapped this shot of the church cross projecting onto the s...
08/14/2026

On September 23, 2012 at 8:58 PM, retired curator Jim Austin snapped this shot of the church cross projecting onto the side of Waba Cottage. This phenomenon happens periodically depending on the moon’s position and cycle. Have you ever seen the cross projection at WCMG?
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
📷 - Jim Austin

Can you tell what our favourite flower in bloom is?🌻🐝-------
08/09/2026

Can you tell what our favourite flower in bloom is?🌻🐝
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Come visit us tomorrow at the Valley Agricultural Festival!! ☀️🌾🐄Saturday August 8, 202610am-4pm2473 Russet Dr, McNab/Br...
08/07/2026

Come visit us tomorrow at the Valley Agricultural Festival!! ☀️🌾🐄

Saturday August 8, 2026
10am-4pm
2473 Russet Dr, McNab/Braeside
Township Office Complex, Murray Yantha Community Centre.

The view from Waba Cottage’s upstairs window through the years. The first photo was taken August 2, 1935, and the second...
08/02/2026

The view from Waba Cottage’s upstairs window through the years. The first photo was taken August 2, 1935, and the second was taken today, August 2, 2026. Though the first photo comes from the original building, the window view is remarkably similar in the reconstructed building 91 years later to the date!
-
-
-
-
-

Thanks to everyone who came out to HerbFest on Sunday! It was a gorgeous day full of fun! See you next year🌿☀️😊
07/30/2026

Thanks to everyone who came out to HerbFest on Sunday! It was a gorgeous day full of fun! See you next year🌿☀️😊

Address

24 Museum Road
White Lake, ON
K0A3L0

Opening Hours

Thursday 9:30am - 4:15pm
Friday 9:30am - 4pm
Saturday 9:30am - 4pm
Sunday 9:30am - 4pm

Telephone

+16136238853

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Waba Cottage Museum & Gardens posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Waba Cottage Museum & Gardens:

Shortcuts

Share

Category