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Doors Open Ontario:

Cornwall and SDG Counties

in-person event information

Saturday, August 17 and Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discover the story behind every door during Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties! A variety of heritage sites and unique buildings in Cornwall and SDG Counties will be opening their doors for members of the public to explore and discover — all free of charge!

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Community info

In the furthest reaches of Eastern Ontario, you’ll find Cornwall and SDG Counties. From the mid-sized city of Cornwall to the most picturesque villages — such as Williamsburg in the west and Williamstown in the east — there is a timeless appeal here.

From heritage buildings peppering the landscape, and wondrous waterways that beckon boats, fishing rods and swimsuits, to endless swaths of forests to explore on foot, bike, snowshoes and skis — these all serve as the beautiful, year-round backdrop for amenities, activities and adventures. Discover restaurants, wineries, breweries, beaches, boutiques, bass tournaments, bed-and-breakfasts and accommodations, music and theatre venues, cyclotourism routes, county fairs, lavender-picking farms, campgrounds . . . and more!

To learn more about all that there is to see and do here, explore these Doors Open sites or visit Cornwall Tourism and SDG Tourism.

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Contact information

26 In-person Doors Open sites

Aultsville TheatreDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Aultsville Theatre

Built in 1976, the Aultsville Theatre is a 680-seat non-profit professional theatre that hosts a variety of events annually. Come and experience theatre life on the other side of the curtain. Take a backstage tour and see where the performers prepare themselves. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the theatrical lighting, rigging and operations that bring productions and performances to life.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

2 St. Lawrence Drive
Cornwall, Ontario
http://www.aultsvilletheatre.com

Architecture

Year built: 1976
Building type: Attraction Theatre

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 17

Bishop's House of Glengarry, TheDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Bishop's House of Glengarry, The

This stone landmark across from the St. Raphael’s Ruins was initially a presbytery for Father Alexander Macdonell, chaplain of the Glengarry Fencibles Light Infantry during the War of 1812, and later the first Bishop of Upper Canada. In 1924, symmetrical wings were added to each side of the presbytery in its transition to the renowned girls’ boarding school, Iona Academy.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque

Contact info

20019 County Road 18
St. Raphael's, Ontario
Email: bbaxterb5@gmail.com
https://bishopshouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1808; wings added in 1924
Building type: Historical landmark
Architect: Raoul Gariepy (designed 1924 additions)

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Carman House MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Carman House Museum

The Carman House Museum — a Georgian-era limestone cottage — was built c. 1815. The family was part of the Loyalist migration after the American Revolutionary War, receiving a land grant for their service to the Crown. It is also one of only two original buildings in Iroquois that were not moved for the 1950s construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1815
Building type: Museum Private residence
Architect: Michael Carman III

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Christ Church SeawayDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Christ Church Seaway

This church was built in 1959 after the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, which displaced the residents of what are now known as the Lost Villages, a group of communities located on the banks of the river. In the process, 17 churches were moved or destroyed. It is one of three Anglican churches comprising the "Area Parish of the Saint Lawrence."

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

2 Bethune Avenue
Long Sault, Ontario
Email: NHALLBERG7258@gmail.com
https://www.saintlawrenceparish.org/christ-church-seaway

Architecture

Year built: 1959
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 17

Cornwall Community MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Cornwall Community Museum

This museum collects, preserves and displays historical artifacts related to Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Their exhibit spaces host a multitude of artifacts organized by theme — the founding of New Johnstown and the Royal Townships, a turn-of-the-century kitchen, industry, law, commerce, textile, community service, health care and more. Come and explore this fascinating museum!

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

160 Water Street West
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: brentwhitford@cornwallcommunitymuseum.ca
https://cornwallcommunitymuseum.wordpress.com

Architecture

Year built: 1840
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Cornwall Historical Walking TourDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Cornwall Historical Walking Tour

This 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) self-guided walking tour is a voyage into Cornwall’s heritage, depicting events and points of interest from the city’s past. The tour follows nearly 30 plaques that have been erected along Cornwall’s waterfront, downtown and in parts of Le Village in the city’s east end — representing industrial links, the former Cornwall Canal and the founding of New Johnstown.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Pick up a map and start your tour at the Cornwall Tourism info centre (100 Water Street East), or download one from the description above
Cornwall, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: Various
Building type: Historical landmark
Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Cornwall Public LibraryDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Cornwall Public Library

This library, a designated property, sits on a former orphanage site that was then acquired by the federal government to house the new post office in 1953. In 1997, after the post office had moved to another location, the library moved into the building following renovations, making it Cornwall's downtown jewel. Guided tours only. Registration required (1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.).

  • French services available
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

45 Second Street East
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: pdufour@library.cornwall.on.ca
https://www.library.cornwall.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1953
Building type: Library

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 17

Glengarry County ArchivesDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Glengarry County Archives

The Glengarry County Archives, housed in this 1822 building, is the largest repository of historical records in Eastern Ontario. It contains the foremost collection of history about Glengarry County found anywhere. During Doors Open, come and take a tour of this facility and learn more about local history. Explore their records and archival newspapers and speak with an archivist.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

28 Kenyon Street East
Alexandria, Ontario
http://www.glengarrycountyarchives.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1822
Building type: Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Glengarry Nor'Westers and Loyalist MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Glengarry Nor'Westers and Loyalist Museum

This Georgian-style building dates back to 1862. In 1967, it became a museum dedicated to depicting the story of Sir John Johnson and other Loyalists who settled in the area during the American Revolution. Special exhibits celebrate the bicentennial of the Williamstown Fair (the oldest agrarian fair in Canada) and the War of 1812.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

19651 County Road 17
Williamstown, Ontario
Email: gnlmuseum@gmail.com
https://www.glengarrynorwestersandloyalistmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1862
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Glengarry Pioneer MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Glengarry Pioneer Museum

Opened in 1962, the Glengarry Pioneer Museum has grown to include eight heritage buildings, including the Star Inn, a stagecoach stop in the 1860s. Its barroom is thought to be one of the oldest in Eastern Ontario. Other pioneer buildings on this site are the blacksmith shop, town hall, Orange Lodge, log barns, drive shed and cheese factory.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1645 County Road 30
Dunvegan, Ontario
Email: info@glengarrypioneermuseum.ca
https://glengarrypioneermuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1800-1910
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Heritage Centre, TheDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Heritage Centre, The

The Heritage Centre, originally the Winchester Township Town Hall, served as a courthouse, drill hall, movie theatre, firehall and many other things. The Chesterville and District Historical Society took over the building in 1984 and has been collecting artifacts and researching local history since. The building is now maintained by the Township of North Dundas.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

14 Victoria Street
Chesterville, Ontario
Email: chestervillehistoricalsociety@gmail.com
https://chestervilleanddistricths.weebly.com

Architecture

Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 17

Historic SDG JailDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Historic SDG Jail

This jail has a rich history. It served as a maximum-security facility for nearly a century, housing some notorious criminals. It was notorious for its harsh conditions and alleged human rights violations. Today, the jail stands as a museum and popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the prison's past and the harsh realities of life behind bars.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

11 Water Street West
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: tourism@sdgcounties.ca
https://www.historicsdgjail.com

Architecture

Year built: 1833
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Judy Neville British Home Child MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Judy Neville British Home Child Museum

In collaboration with the Parks of the St. Lawrence, the Ontario East British Home Child Family operates a museum on weekends during the month of August through to Labour Day. Located inside the Aultsville Train Station are artifacts and information on British Home Children who came to this country between the 1860s and the 1930s as indentured servants.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

13740 County Road 2
Morrisburg, Ontario
Email: junethel17@gmail.com
http://www.onteastbritishhomechildfamily.com

Architecture

Building type: Historical landmark Museum Transportation
Architect: Grand Trunk Railway

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Lost Villages MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Lost Villages Museum

This site comprises 10 heritage buildings that were moved here by members of The Lost Villages Historical Society when the St. Lawrence Seaway was developed in 1958. Casualties of progress, the villages and hamlets disappeared under water but are remembered by former residents. The interiors and exteriors have been restored, and the buildings have been assembled in a village-like setting.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

16361 Fran Laflamme Drive (Ault Park)
Long Sault, Ontario
https://lostvillages.ca

Architecture

Year built: Various
Building type: Museum
Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Martintown Grist MillDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Martintown Grist Mill

This mill is a charming, rustic building in a picturesque setting on the Raisin River. Built with local fieldstone, it served the village and region as a flour milling operation. The mill operated by water power, which was eventually supplemented by a gas engine. Commercial use of the mill ended in 1947 and it is now a museum.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

18544 County Road 18
Martintown, Ontario
Email: martintownmill@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/MartintownMill

Architecture

Year built: 1846
Building type: Commercial Food and drink Museum
Architect: Alexander McMartin

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Nativity Co-CathedralDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Nativity Co-Cathedral

The Nativity Co-Cathedral was the early nucleus of Cornwall's Francophone community and has been a dominant feature of Cornwall's skyline for over a century. The beautiful structure was designed and supervised by the second pastor of the parish, Father Paul-Antoine De Saunhac, a native of Toulouse, France. The first mass was celebrated here on Christmas Day 1891.

  • French services available
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

300 Montreal Road
Cornwall, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1887-92
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Father Paul-Antoine De Saunhac

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 17

Priest's Mill Arts CentreDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Priest's Mill Arts Centre

The Priest's Mill Arts Centre is located on the ground floor of the erstwhile stone-and-mortar grist mill built by Scottish immigrant, Father Alexander MacDonell, in 1819. Razed by fire and rebuilt several times, the present building dates to 1902. The ground floor of the centre block has recently been lovingly refurbished as an art gallery.

  • French services available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

16 Mill Square
Alexandria, Ontario
Email: Lourens@priestsmill.ca
https://www.priestsmill.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1902-18 (current building)
Building type: Attraction Gallery
Architect: Father Alexander MacDonell

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor CentreDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre

This centre offers an engaging experience for those interested in hydroelectric power and the St. Lawrence Seaway’s history. It features exhibits, informative displays and a captivating historical film that explains the engineering marvel of the dam and its impact on surrounding communities. Visitors can also learn about the dam’s role in providing renewable energy and the environmental consideration involved.

  • French services available
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

2500B Second Street West
Cornwall, Ontario
https://www.opg.com/saunders

Architecture

Year built: 2010
Building type: Commercial Green building
Architect: Thompson Rosemount Group

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Sir John Johnson Manor HouseDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Sir John Johnson Manor House

Along the Raisin River lies one of the oldest homes in Ontario. This Georgian-style house was built for Sir John Johnson (a soldier, Loyalist and public servant) between 1784-92. This site was chosen because it is a natural location for water-powered mills. The house is now a National Historic Site, dedicated to preserving local history through archives and tours.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

19692 William Street
Williamstown, Ontario
Email: sirjohnjohnsonmanorhouse@bellnet.ca
http://sirjohnjohnsonmanorhouse.weebly.com

Architecture

Year built: Begun in 1784
Building type: Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

St. Andrew's United ChurchDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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St. Andrew's United Church

This storybook church is set in a village steeped in Celtic tradition, century homes, wrap-around porches and — most importantly — residents who are actively, and proudly, involved in the community. Since 1787, St. Andrew's United Church has played an integral part in the community of Williamstown. With roots running deep in Celtic heritage, this congregation has evolved with the times.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

5793 Church Avenue
Williamstown, Ontario
Email: eric@standrewsunited.org
https://www.standrewsunited.org

Architecture

Year built: 1812
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Francois Rocheleau

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

St. John the Evangelist Anglican ChurchDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church

This church — complete with belfry and three bells — is an architectural gem. It was built on the McLennan Estate in 1898. Surrounded by parkland, it is commonly known as "The Church in the Wildwood." It is part of the Area Parish of the St. Lawrence, along with Christ Church Seaway in Long Sault and Trinity Church in Cornwall.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

20788 South Service Road
Lancaster, Ontario
https://www.saintlawrenceparish.org/st-john-the-evangelist

Architecture

Year built: 1898
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: John William Hurrell Watts

Dates/hours open

Aug 18 - Aug 18

St. Raphael's RuinsDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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St. Raphael's Ruins

In 1970, a fire consumed the church of St. Raphael’s, one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in English-speaking Canada. Fortunately, the outer walls were spared and today its impressive scale and fine masonry work continue to attract tourists to the site. The ruins were declared a National Historic Site in 1999.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

19998 County Road 18
South Glengarry, Ontario
https://saintraphaelsruins.com

Architecture

Year built: 1821
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders — Cornwall ArmouriesDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders — Cornwall Armouries

This is a recognized federal heritage building, associated with the expansion of Canada's militia between the First and Second World Wars. People choose to become a reserve soldier to learn new skills, gain valuable experience, meet new people and serve their country. The site still houses the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Militia, as well as the Cadet Corps.

  • French services available
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

505 Fourth Street East
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: WILLIAM.LOOS@forces.gc.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1939
Building type: Historical landmark Military Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 18

Trinity ChurchDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Trinity Church

A church has been on this site since 1784, when Loyalists first settled here. The current church dates to 1876, dedicated to Bishop John Strachan. Built in the Gothic style, the building features marble floors, stained-glass windows, a Casavant organ, and plaques and memorials to early Cornwall citizens. Outside, the churchyard features graves dating back to the late 1700s.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

105 Second Street West
Cornwall, Ontario
https://www.saintlawrenceparish.org/trinity-church

Architecture

Year built: 1876
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 17