Named after Colonel John Butler, a hero of the American Revolutionary War, this complex was an integral component of the military facilities built in the Niagara region to replace those destroyed during the War of 1812. Situated inland, out of range of the American artillery across the river, Butler's Barracks comprised more than 20 buildings by 1854. The only structures that survive from this period are the Commissariat Stores, Junior Commissariat Officers' Quarters, Men's Barracks and Gun Shed. The site was used by the British until 1870, after which it became a training camp for the Canadian militia. The barracks near John Street have been fully reconstructed and act as the headquarters for Parks Canada’s Southwestern Ontario Field Unit. The Commons was used extensively over the past two centuries for military training. It was also the site of the Native Council House at the perimeter of Paradise Grove from 1812 until the mid 1820s. For Digital Doors Open, explore The Commons through the video below.

Land for this church was donated by William Servos; Edward Hiscott and James Servos mortgaged their farms for the loans. The first service was held here on Christmas Eve 1853 and was led by Reverend A.F. Atkinson. In the adjacent cemetery, there is a burial ground for Black slaves who escaped from the United States and lived near Eight Mile Creek. While this church remains closed, you can learn more about this fascinating site through the video below as part of Digital Doors Open.

Throughout this store are architectural touches with reclaimed and re-purposed materials — including reclaimed brick, doors and woodwork, as well as a vintage window in the sales office and a countertop in the ladies’ washroom. Also, the art deco interior and fittings from Diana Sweets — a restaurant that operated for 75 years in St. Catharines — has now been fully restored inside!

Constructed in 1880, this building was Niagara's first telephone exchange. In 2015, it was transformed into a brewery, but retains some of its original features. Original hemlock floor joists became the second-floor bar and tabletops. Some nods to the building's use as a telephone exchange include brewing numbers (instead of names) and a tasting board shaped like a rotary dial.

Grace United Church was designed by William Thomas — the same architect who designed Toronto’s St. Michael’s Cathedral, Hamilton’s St. Paul’s Presbyterian and Brock’s Monument in Queenston. The magnificent stained-glass windows memorialize early church members and wartime casualties, and the interior reflects the classic Methodist form of practical design. In 2023, the Grace United congregation celebrated its 200th anniversary.

In 1765, British naval craftsmen from Fort Niagara erected a barracks on the opposite side of the Niagara River. Over the years, several buildings – known collectively as Navy Hall – evolved into a key military supply facility for British forts on the upper Great Lakes. During the American Revolution, the Provincial Marine wintered at Navy Hall and, in 1792, Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe converted one of the buildings into his residence. The Lieutenant Governor's home in the first capital of the Province of Upper Canada later served as a dining hall for the officers at Fort George. Navy Hall was destroyed by American forces during the War of 1812. After the war, the British rebuilt some of the buildings, of which one still survives today. As part of Digital Doors Open, you can learn more about this site’s remarkable history through the video below.

Step through these doors and see how pharmacists practised their profession over 100 years ago. The apothecary opened in the late 1860s at this location and closed in 1964. The Ontario Heritage Trust acquired the property, led its restoration and opened it as a museum in 1971. Operated by volunteers from the Ontario College of Pharmacists.

Constructed c. 1847, this courthouse served as the official county seat of Niagara District until the judicial courts were moved to St. Catharines in 1862. Its large courtroom interior was once home to the Shaw Festival’s Court House Theatre. Today, Parks Canada and the Chamber of Commerce have offices here. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1981.

Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building that formerly supplied water to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre connects the community through visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. The Niagara Pumphouse Art Centre Association was formed in 1990, and the building was restored and converted to this visual arts centre in 1994.

The Niagara Historical Society opened this museum in 1907. It collects, preserves, researches, educates and promotes the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake and area — inspiring a local history appreciation through engaging programs and exhibitions. During Doors Open, there will be curator-led tours of the exhibits and heritage baking samples. And explore the latest exhibition, "The Prettiest Town: Beyond the Bricks & Mortar."

The RiverBrink Art Museum is a fine-art museum, open since 1983, featuring changing exhibitions from the renowned art collection of lawyer Samuel E. Weir (the museum is his former home), as well as outstanding works on loan from contemporary artists and Canadian and international collections. Exhibitions change throughout the year. There is also a library and gift shop onsite.

At 856 seats, the Festival Theatre is the Shaw's largest venue. Built in the modernist style, it was designed to provide a spacious yet intimate audience experience. While touring backstage, you will hear stories from docents about the history of the theatre, the ensemble, and secrets of the 2024 season. Come and learn about the importance of real human connection!

The original 1794 church was burned by the American army during the War of 1812. A new church was later erected, but was also destroyed by a cyclone. In 1855, the current building was constructed. While major restorations have occurred over the years, the interior and exterior of this architectural gem appear much the same as the 1831 building.

St. Mark's is the oldest Anglican church in continuous use in Ontario. Completed in 1804, it was damaged in the War of 1912. The original balconies necessitated the unusual high pulpits. The 1840 East Window is the oldest stained glass in the province and, with the other windows, form the finest collection of stained glass in Ontario.

This park, created by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, helps us understand, celebrate and honour the town’s Black history. It is an experiential art installation designed to engage, educate and challenge visitors. The park has an accompanying audio/visual walking tour that you’re welcome to explore. During Doors Open, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum's "Tiny Museum" will also be onsite with a mobile exhibition.

Come and visit this beautiful national historic site, Willowbank, which was built in 1834-36 in the Greek classical revival style. Since 2006, Willowbank has been home to the School of Restoration Arts. The school’s Heritage Conservation diploma program has trained students in the theory and practice of this unique field, helping shape a new generation of heritage conservation leaders.