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Who Was Pierre Berton?

Pierre Berton was one of Canada’s most influential and recognizable public figures — a bestselling author, historian, journalist, broadcaster, and champion of Canadian identity.

Born in Whitehorse, Yukon in 1920, Berton went on to write over 50 books that shaped how generations of Canadians understood their history, including The National Dream, The Last Spike, and The Klondike Gold Rush.

Known for his engaging storytelling and deep passion for the Canadian experience, Berton also spent decades on television, most notably as a panelist on CBC’s Front Page Challenge.

His work earned him more than 30 literary awards, numerous honorary degrees, and the prestigious title of Companion of the Order of Canada.

Beyond his professional achievements, he was also a dedicated family man and active community member in Kleinburg, Ontario, where he lived for nearly four decades.

About Pierre Bertons' House

Tucked away in Kleinburg, Ontario stands the abandoned estate of Pierre Berton — one of Canada’s most celebrated historians, authors, and broadcasters. From 1967 until his death in 2004, Berton lived here with his wife Janet and their eight children, contributing immensely to Canadian culture and the Kleinburg community.

Pierre Berton is best known for his bestselling books like The Last Spike and The Klondike Gold Rush, as well as his appearances on Canadian television and his work as a journalist and filmmaker. Over his lifetime, he received more than 30 literary awards, a dozen honorary degrees, and was named a Companion of the Order of Canada.

This now-crumbling house was not just his home—it was where he wrote, created, and raised a family. Together, the Bertons helped establish the town’s annual Binder Twine Festival and were active community members. After Pierre’s death, his ashes were scattered on this very property.

The home meets 7 of the 9 criteria under Ontario’s Heritage Act and holds design, historical, and contextual value. Yet despite its cultural significance, the estate has been abandoned and neglected. If deterioration continues, the property could lose its heritage status and face demolition.

Today, the house stands as a haunting monument to a man who shaped Canada’s historical narrative. Through urban exploration photography and video, this page documents the interior and exterior of the estate before it disappears forever — preserving a piece of history that shaped the nation.

Pierre Bertons' Abandoned House

Pierre Bertons' Abandoned Train Caboose

In an interview, Pierre had this to say about his caboose:

“We’ve got a CPR wooden caboose, but I didn’t buy it. The kids got it from the CPR for me, but it was the most expensive present I’ve ever had.

We had to hire a double crane and tracklayers to build some track for it.

My wife, Janet, said, “Let’s have bigger windows so we can enjoy the view.”

We found out the cars have a steel superstructure under the wood and it was a hell of a job enlarging the windows.

But we use it a lot. It’s still got a pot-bellied stove, and we don’t have to pay tax on it because it’s on rails and that means it’s mobile, not a permanent building.”

Some time between 1948 and 1950, Pierre and his wife Janet visited the town of Kleinburg, Ontario, and they decided to settle there.

  • They purchased a plot of land, and between 1950 and 1954, they had this home built just for them and their growing family.
  • Between 1954 and November 2004, Burton lived here with Janet where they raised their family of 8 children and where he wrote most of his books.
  • Pierre passed away from heart failure in November, 2004 at 84 years old.
  • In 2012, the Berton family severed the property and sold one-half, then sold the other half in 2013.
  • In 2013, the home was assessed for cultural heritage.
  • In 2015, the new owners applied for a demolition permit.
  • In 2023, after several years of back and forth between the owners and the city, it was suggested that designation under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act would be the most appropriate tool for ensuring proper conservation of the property
  • December 12, 2023, city council states its intention to designate the property.
  • Early in 2024, a Notice of Intent to Designate the home under Ontario Heritage Act was issued.
  • On March 28, 2024, the owners of the property served a Notice of Objection to the Notice of Intent to Designate.
  • May 7th, 2024 – The objection is denied, and Staff recommend the City proceed to designate the home and approve the Designation By-law under Part IV of the Ontario Heritage Act.

As of today, it does not seem that the home has yet been officially been granted heritage designation.