Barriefield, established in 1814, is a village overlooking the Cataraqui River. In its heyday, it boasted taverns, boat-building yards, a sawmill, blacksmiths, carpenters, shops, a village school and a church. Barriefield Village was designated as the first Heritage Conservation District in Ontario and still retains its 19th-century character. During Doors Open, join this rare opportunity for a guided village tour.

Come and experience this art consultation event where free expertise and valuations from specialists are offered. Observe the appraisals or bring your own artifact for a valuation. While here, don’t miss the community pop-up museum or the family-friendly Creation Station. Pre-registration is required to book a session with an appraiser or to participate in the pop-up museum. Spaces are limited.

This museum was once the residence of the warden of the Kingston Penitentiary. Built by inmate workers, the home was first occupied in 1873. In 1933, most of the building was converted to administrative offices with a small apartment retained for penitentiary use. In 1985, the museum officially opened in only two rooms, but eventually became the sole occupant.

Set in historical Barriefield Village, this museum collects, preserves and displays artifacts and archival materials from the one-room schools of Frontenac County — from the earliest establishment to the school district consolidation in 1970. Featuring a replica one-room school and a display gallery, the museum offers plenty of fun activities for all ages — including heritage crafts and a three sisters garden.

Kingston’s largest commercial gallery represents 18 contemporary local artists and displays over 400 works of art. The main gallery was originally a carriage way — a passage for horses to access their stables. Behind the gallery, The Mews is now used as the framing workshop. In 2007, part of The Mews was turned into an overflow for Gallery Raymond’s regular collection.

Nestled along the Napanee River — a short walk from the shops and restaurants of downtown Napanee or the falls of Springside Park — this 1826 historical house and garden interprets the early history of colonial settlement in Lennox and Addington County. Come and immerse yourself in the splendour of this beautifully restored family home — complete with period furnishings and gardens.

The Murney Tower Museum is a community museum operated by the Kingston Historical Society in partnership with Parks Canada. Located in one of Kingston’s iconic Martello towers, it is part of the Rideau Canal and Kingston Fortifications (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Kingston’s oldest operating museum, it features a collection of 1,000 military and domestic artifacts, portraying 19th-century Kingston.

The imposing Ann Baillie Building was originally a student nurses’ residence from 1904-69. Designated a National Historic Site in 1998, it is now the home of the Museum of Health Care with an extensive collection of artifacts. Gallery visits, interactive activities and a behind-the-scenes tour of the collections (15 minutes per tour) will bring Canada’s health-care story to life!

Discover this interactive museum housed in an 1860s former jail. Explore the county’s history through adult and family-friendly programs, exhibitions and collections-based learning. Or check out their archives to help fill in your family tree. History, traditions and cultures come to life as you explore the many ways to make the most out of your experience at this museum.

The PumpHouse is located in one of Canada's oldest original waterworks — where steam-powered pumps provided the first running water to Kingston residents. In addition to visiting the museum (admission charges apply), enjoy a free curator-led outdoor walking tour that will explore Ontario Street — a street that helped define Kingston. But arrive early because tour capacity is limited (no pre-registration required).

Queen's University Archives is located in Kathleen Ryan Hall, which was constructed as the university’s medical building. During the Second World War, the building housed biological and chemical warfare testing labs. In 1981, the building was renovated for the Archives. It now consists of a reading room, conservation lab and several climate-controlled vaults that hold university, city and private records.

This museum was repurposed by the Township of South Frontenac and the South Frontenac Museum Society in 2012. It was designated as a heritage site (with a particular focus on the bell tower and the windows, which were replaced per their original design). Most of the collection pieces have a local connection, having been made or used in nearby communities.

St. George's Cathedral opened in 1827 and was enlarged in 1892. It was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1899. Constructed of limestone and designed in the neoclassical style, it has hardly been altered since the 1899 rebuild (which basically recreated the 1892 expansion), either inside or outside. Its dome is a prominent feature of the Kingston skyline.

St. Mary's Cathedral was consecrated in 1848. For the past 175 years, it has been a place of worship in Kingston. The stained glass has been called some of Canada’s finest; it was featured on a postage stamp in 2012. During Doors Open, tour guides will provide historical, architectural and spiritual information on the cathedral and its crypts.