Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Simcoe County

in-person event information

Saturday and Sunday, September 14 and 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Experience Simcoe County's rich culture and heritage, and its most secretive buildings!

Visitors are invited to explore many sites throughout Simcoe County for free! Take a behind-the-scenes look at these sites and uncover the living history, architecture, innovation and even secret societies in Simcoe County.

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Community information

Less than an hour north of Toronto, Simcoe County stretches from the shores of Lake Simcoe in the east to Georgian Bay in the west. We’re happy to welcome you as our guests and share the region’s finest experiences with you!

Experience Simcoe County logo

In Simcoe County, you’ll find big-city amenities mixed with small-town charm. There are cute downtown cores, amazing historical attractions and some pretty cool festivals, too. We are also home to the longest freshwater beach in the world? Friendly people, farm-fresh food, beautiful forests and trails, and grassroots arts and culture. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

For more information, visit their website.

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Contact information

14 In-person Doors Open sites

All Saints' Anglican ChurchDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

All Saints' Anglican Church

This is the oldest surviving church in Collingwood. After a fire destroyed the original, a new and larger building was constructed in 1858 (the present church), with transepts, the sanctuary and bell tower added in 1876, and the parish hall and vestry in 1911. Over the years, the church has been enhanced by stained-glass windows and a distinctive altar.

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

Contact info

32 Elgin Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Email: allsaintschurch@bmts.com
https://www.allsaintscollingwood.com

Architecture

Year built: 1858
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Banting Homestead Heritage ParkDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Banting Homestead Heritage Park

The 43-hectare (107-acre) Banting Family Homestead was the birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. Banting was also Canada's first Nobel Prize winner. During Doors Open, come and explore exhibits, walk the legacy trail, enjoy lunch in the picnic area, see the historical farmhouse and drive shed, and learn more about Banting’s journey in the fight to combat diabetes.

  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

5116 Sir Frederick Banting Road
Alliston, Ontario
Email: kait@bantinglegacy.ca
https://bantinglegacy.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1925
Building type: Educational facility Historical landmark Historical house

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Coldwater Canadiana Heritage MuseumDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum

Explore this area’s story of rural and village life from the 1830s. Be captivated by the original Woodrow Homestead and wander the museum grounds along the Coldwater River. The pioneer village setting boasts a large collection of artifacts. Bring a picnic lunch, linger in the heritage gardens and explore the river trail as part of your Doors Open experience.

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

Contact info

1474 Woodrow Road
Coldwater, Ontario
Email: rpturnour@gmail.com
http://www.coldwatermuseum.com

Architecture

Year built: 1836
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum Post office Schoolhouse

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Discovery HarbourDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Discovery Harbour

Discover Harbour dates back to 1793. Come and explore the historical tall ships H.M.S Tecumseth and Bee. Gord Laco, retired commissioned officer in the Royal Canadian Navy and former Head Technical Director for Master and Commander starring Russell Crowe, will share his expertise and insights into the history and meticulous conservation efforts around preserving these magnificent vessels.

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

Contact info

93 Jury Drive
Penetanguishene, Ontario
Email: hhp@ontario.ca
https://discoveryharbour.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1832-36
Building type: Attraction Educational facility Historical landmark Historical house Military Museum Theatre
Architect: Royal Engineers with British Military

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Duntroon Cyder HouseDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Duntroon Cyder House

The Duntroon Cyder House combines a picturesque location surrounded by orchards and serene views with cider tasting and an outdoor kitchen for a truly delightful experience. Products are produced authentically — using local, heritage, hand-picked apples — with no added sugar and no sulfites. They are also gluten-free and vegan friendly. This farm is a great adventure for all ages!

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

3079 County Road 124
Duntroon, Ontario
Email: info@duntrooncyderhouse.com
https://duntrooncyderhouse.com

Architecture

Year built: 2004
Building type: Attraction Farm

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

George Langman SanctuaryDoors Open Simcoe County

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

George Langman Sanctuary

Owned and operated by the Orillia Fish and Game Conservation Club, this 24-hectare (60-acre) wildlife sanctuary is primarily wetlands with 5 km (3 miles) of popular nature trails. The property features an aviary, swan enclosure, pollination gardens and an education building. The sanctuary is ideal for learning about the value of wetlands and conservation.

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

Contact info

2457 Bass Lake Sideroad East
Orillia, Ontario
Email: 1taymag2@gmail.com
http://www.theorilliafishandgameconservationclub.com

Architecture

Building type: Commercial Educational facility

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Museum on the BoyneDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Museum on the Boyne

This community museum represents the history of South Simcoe County. Exhibits highlight famous local Canadians, notable industries and unique artifacts. The site features an agricultural fair building, log house and a barn. Children can complete a scavenger hunt or enjoy other hands-on activities. Come for a tour, explore the site and check out the gift shop!

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

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

National Ski AcademyDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

National Ski Academy

Originally called Tornaveen, this house was built for Frank Telfer of the Telfer Biscuit Company. In 1924, the house became a home for missionary children. In 1992, the house was purchased by the National Ski Academy. Today, it accommodates 26 students and offers classroom training and local ski-hill instruction. To date, it is the largest and tallest home in Collingwood.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

200 Oak Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Email: info@nsa.on.ca
https://www.nsa.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1892
Building type: Educational facility Historical house
Architect: Fred Hodgson

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Noel's Nest Country Bed and BreakfastDoors Open Simcoe County

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Noel's Nest Country Bed and Breakfast

Noel's Nest Country Bed and Breakfast and Noel's Nest Special Event Space are located in the heart of Port McNicoll. They offer divine indoor/outdoor space surrounded by nature — boasting three indoor bedrooms and four outdoor glamping rooms. Music, visual arts, dinner and live entertainment events are held from spring to fall. The spaces are perfect for weddings, retreats and yoga.

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

Contact info

2770 Triple Bay Road
Port McNicoll, Ontario
Email: noelsnestcbnb@gmail.com
https://noelsnestcbnb.com

Architecture

Year built: 2015
Building type: Commercial Private residence

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Orillia Opera HouseDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Orillia Opera House

Since opening in 1895, this iconic opera house has been a focal point for Orillia’s cultural life. The largest professional performing arts venue north of Toronto, the Opera House seats just under 800 people within two theatres — including the Gordon Lightfoot Auditorium. In the past, this historical facility has also been the City Hall, farmers' market, movie theatre and jail.

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

Contact info

1 West Street North
Orillia, Ontario
Email: nmcmurdy@orillia.ca
http://www.orilliaoperahouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1895
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Theatre
Architect: Gordon & Helliwell

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Rogers TV BarrieDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Rogers TV Barrie

Rogers TV Barrie is one of many community channels across Ontario. Programming includes local sports produced with their mobile production truck. Talk shows, fitness shows and cooking shows are all produced in their state-of-the-art studio and control room. At Rogers TV, volunteers work side by side with professional staff, developing programming and learning how the broadcast industry functions.

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

Contact info

1 Sperling Drive
Barrie, Ontario
Email: kevin.kelly@rci.rogers.com
https://www.rogerstv.com/home?lid=14&rid=23

Architecture

Year built: 1985
Building type: Commercial

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Seven Star Masonic Lodge No. 285 G.R.C.Doors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Seven Star Masonic Lodge No. 285 G.R.C.

Doors Open gives visitors the opportunity to visit a typical lodge room and learn about the history and ideals of Freemasonry — the world's oldest fraternity. The charter for Seven Star Lodge was granted in 1872 and the 150th anniversary was celebrated in 2022. Meetings have been held at the current location in the heart of downtown Alliston since 1917.

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

Contact info

28 Victoria Street West
Alliston, Ontario
Email: sevenstarmasonic285@gmail.com
https://sevenstarlodge285.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1892
Building type: Commercial Masonic lodge

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Simcoe County MuseumDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Simcoe County Museum

The Simcoe County Museum offers a variety of events, exhibits and programs for all ages throughout the year. Situated on 132 hectares (327 acres) of forested grounds, the museum is home to over 30,000 artifacts from prehistoric to modern times. The galleries and outdoor heritage and display buildings depict the people, events and artifacts from Simcoe County's diverse past.

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

Contact info

1151 Highway 26
Minesing, Ontario
Email: museum@simcoe.ca
https://museum.simcoe.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1962
Building type: Attraction Educational facility Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

South Simcoe Theatre, TheDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

South Simcoe Theatre, The

This not-for-profit community theatre is dedicated to creating exceptional and diverse community theatre experiences. Built in 1867 by the Lodge of Good Templars, its original use was as a Temperance Hall. In 1905, it became the Town Hall. In 1923, it was rebuilt as a community hall and became home to the South Simcoe Theatre in 1983.

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

Contact info

1 Hamilton Street
Cookstown, Ontario
Email: info@thesouthsimcoethreatre.com
https://www.thesouthsimcoetheatre.com

Architecture

Year built: 1867; 1923
Building type: Government building Theatre

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15