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Doors Open Ontario:

118 In-person Doors Open sites

Orillia Museum of Art & History (Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building) Doors Open Simcoe County

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  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Orillia Museum of Art & History (Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building)

This museum has been an art, culture and heritage hub in downtown Orillia for over 25 years. They strive to provide an inclusive space to engage community, inspire creativity and celebrate culture through art and history. During Doors Open, view remnants of the building’s past as a post office and customs house. There’s even a jail cell in the basement!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

30 Peter Street South
Orillia, Ontario
Email: visitors@orilliamuseum.org
https://www.orilliamuseum.org

Architecture

Year built: 1895
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Museum Post office
Architect: Thomas Fuller

Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum Doors Open Simcoe County

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Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum

This charming historical site is dedicated to the history of Coldwater and its surrounding areas. The museum's centerpiece is the Woodrow Homestead, a beautifully preserved log cabin built in the early 1840s on a former stagecoach route. Visitors can explore the homestead and other heritage buildings. Don’t miss the Coldwater Steampunk Festival occurring in the nearby village of Coldwater.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

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

Architecture

Year built: 1840
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 13, 10:00am - Sep 13, 04:00pm

Hillsdale Lockup Doors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Hillsdale Lockup

This lockup was built in 1906 as a facility for justice administration and temporary confinement for lawbreakers under the Medonte Township and Hillsdale jurisdictions. By the 1920s, it had transformed into a hub of community activity — a refuge for transients, a meeting place, an electoral polling station, and storage. Note: Due to construction, this site is not currently wheelchair accessible.

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

Contact info

4552 Penetanguishene Road (parking available at the Hillsdale Community Park, 4517 Penetanguishene Road, approximately a three-minute walk away)
Hillsdale, Ontario
https://www.springwater.ca/en/recreation-and-culture/resources/Documents/HistoryandHeritage/Hillsdale-Jail-History.pdf

Architecture

Year built: 1906
Building type: Courthouse Historical landmark
Architect: William John Davenport

Dates/hours open

Sep 13, 10:00am - Sep 13, 04:00pm

Leacock Museum National Historic Site Doors Open Simcoe County

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Leacock Museum National Historic Site

Nestled on the shores of Lake Couchiching, the Leacock Museum National Historic Site is housed in the summer cottage, boathouse and gardens of famous Canadian humorist and economist, Stephen Leacock (1869-1944). Leacock was known for his witty and satirical works (particularly Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town). His legacy is honoured annually through the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.

  • Food vendors
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

50 Museum Drive
Orillia, Ontario
https://www.orillia.ca/en/visiting/leacock-museum.aspx

Architecture

Year built: 1928
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Historical house Museum
Architect: Wright and Noxon Architects

Dates/hours open

Sep 13, 10:00am - Sep 13, 04:00pm

Museum on the Boyne Doors Open Simcoe County

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  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Museum on the Boyne

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

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

250 Fletcher Crescent
Alliston, Ontario
Email: boynemuseum@newtecumseth.ca
http://www.motb.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Historical house Museum

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 will offer visitors the opportunity to visit a typical Masonic Lodge (normally not open to the public) and learn about the history and ideals of Freemasonry — the world's oldest fraternity. The original charter for Seven Star Lodge was granted in 1872 and is on display along with other historical artifacts. Meetings have been held here since 1917.

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

Contact info

28 Victoria Street West
Alliston, Ontario
Email: sevenstarmasonic285@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Sevenstarmasonic285

Architecture

Year built: 1892
Building type: Masonic lodge

Dates/hours open

Sep 13, 10:00am - Sep 13, 04:00pm

Simcoe County Museum Doors Open Simcoe County

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  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Simcoe County Museum

This museum brings history to life for visitors of all ages. Step back in time and explore the evolution of life in Simcoe County through interactive galleries, heritage buildings and an extensive artifact collection. Nestled within 132 hectares (327 acres) of lush, forested grounds, it boasts a remarkable collection of over 30,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric eras to modern times.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • 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

Trinity United Church Doors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Trinity United Church

Constructed as a Methodist church, this church became a United church in 1925 when the United Church of Canada was formed. Major additions were made in the 1920s and again in the 1950s. Features include beautiful stained-glass windows, a sweeping curved balcony and one of the largest pipe organs in this part of Ontario, with three manuals and 44 stops.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

140 Maple Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Email: office@collingwoodunitedchurch.ca
http://www.collingwoodunitedchurch.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1860
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 13, 10:00am - Sep 13, 04:00pm

Emmanuel Heritage Centre Doors Open Rideau Lakes

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Emmanuel Heritage Centre

Overlooking the village of Portland and Big Rideau Lake is the Emmanuel Heritage Centre (1861), a former Anglican church. Its beauty lies in its simplicity — constructed in the Gothic revival style with sandstone quarried onsite, featuring unusual stone buttresses. Owned by the Portland on the Rideau Historical Society, the impressive interior hosts Portland historical memorabilia, musical events and seasonal markets.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

2767 Highway 15
Portland, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1861
Building type: Historical landmark Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 16, 10:00am - Aug 17, 04:00pm

Historic SDG Jail Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Historic SDG Jail

This jail has a rich history. It served as a maximum-security facility for nearly a century, housing some infamous 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 16, 10:00am - Aug 17, 04:00pm

McKinney House Doors Open Rideau Lakes

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McKinney House

William McKinney, a prosperous local farmer and blacksmith, purchased this land (originally granted to American General Benedict Arnold) and built this elegant home in 1856. Once a stagecoach stop, the home and gardens are now undergoing careful restoration guided by heritage conservation principles. Enjoy this rare chance to see a historical home mid-rehabilitation and learn about the process. Exterior only!

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

798 Highway 15
Lombardy, Ontario
Email: doorsopen@rideaulakes.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1856
Building type: Historical house Private residence
Architect: Stone mason William Tweedy was paid $1 a day to build this house

Dates/hours open

Aug 16, 10:00am - Aug 17, 04:00pm

Old Stone Mill Doors Open Rideau Lakes

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Old Stone Mill

The Old Stone Mill is Ontario’s only surviving pre-1812, fully automated stone gristmill. Built of local stone and timber after inventor OIiver Evans’ design, it has been revitalized by the Delta Mill Society with authentic equipment and enhanced interpretation. Watch the 200-year-old millstones in action. During Doors Open, there will be blacksmithing demonstrations on Saturday and a special quilt display.

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

Contact info

44 King Street
Delta, Ontario
https://deltamill.org

Architecture

Year built: 1810
Building type: Historical landmark Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 16, 10:00am - Aug 17, 04:00pm

Red Brick School Doors Open Rideau Lakes

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Red Brick School

Step back in time at Elgin’s Red Brick School. Visit an authentic 1900 heritage classroom at this restored schoolhouse. Explore educational stories and artifacts while appreciating the yellow brick detailing, grand windows and bell tower. Marvel at exhibits showcasing the remastered historical photography of Clifford Pennock and the new “Historic Rideau Canal” display featuring photos from the first 100 years.

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

Contact info

3 Halladay Street
Elgin, Ontario
https://eahs.ca/

Architecture

Year built: 1887
Building type: Educational facility
Architect: Fred Tabor (builder)

Dates/hours open

Aug 16, 10:00am - Aug 17, 04:00pm

Rideau Lakes Public Library (Newboro Branch) Doors Open Rideau Lakes

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Rideau Lakes Public Library (Newboro Branch)

This heritage stone library branch, located in the former courthouse, is in one of the oldest buildings in Rideau Lakes. Dating back to before 1850, it has a storied history — having served as a school, a jail, municipal building and community hall. See the original wooden jail door inside and take your picture with the library’s heritage green screen.

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

Contact info

10 Brock Street
Newboro, Ontario
Email: doorsopen@rideaulakes.ca
https://rideaulakeslibrary.ca

Architecture

Year built: Late 1840s
Building type: Courthouse Historical landmark Library Schoolhouse

Dates/hours open

Aug 16, 10:00am - Aug 17, 04:00pm

Broken Rail Brewing (formerly St. Marys Junction Station) Doors Open St. Marys

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Broken Rail Brewing (formerly St. Marys Junction Station)

This train station, built by the Grand Trunk Railway, served the community for almost a century. A teenaged Thomas Edison may have worked here as a night telegraph operator from 1863-64. Now home to Broken Rail Brewing, the station underwent renovations in 2020. Stop in for a pint while the new owners proudly share the history of this space.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Food vendors
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

480 Glass Street
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: info@brokenrailbrewing.ca
https://brokenrail.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1858
Building type: Food and drink Transportation
Architect: Grand Trunk Railway

Dates/hours open

Aug 09, 12:00pm - Aug 09, 04:00pm

14 Church Street North Doors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

14 Church Street North

In February 2022, the Town of St. Marys purchased this site. The brick and limestone structure has been vacant since 2006. The Town’s plan is to preserve its heritage value as a potential site for cultural activities, programming and administrative space. The first phase of construction will be complete in time for Doors Open visitors to tour this blank canvas.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

14 Church Street North
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: museum@town.stmarys.on.ca
https://www.townofstmarys.com/en/town-services/downtown-service-location-review.aspx

Architecture

Year built: 1876
Building type: Commercial

Dates/hours open

Aug 09, 10:00am - Aug 09, 04:00pm

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Doors Open St. Marys

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Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Located in an 1860s limestone house with an impressive 2019 addition, this museum is on 13 picturesque hectares (32 acres) overlooking the local quarry swimming hole. The site includes a major league-style baseball diamond, two children’s fields and picturesque walking trails. The museum showcases artifacts and memorabilia, and pays tribute to baseball’s impressive Canadian roots and the accomplishments of inductees.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

386 Church Street South
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: scott@baseballhalloffame.ca
https://baseballhalloffame.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1860s; 2019 addition
Building type: Attraction Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 09, 10:00am - Aug 09, 04:00pm

Riverside Bed and Breakfast Doors Open St. Marys

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Riverside Bed and Breakfast

The original house built here was an excellent example of an L-shaped Ontario house from the mid-Victorian period. Leon Clench, St. Marys’ first practising lawyer, adapted the basic design for his family. It was the childhood home of world-famous violinist, Nora Clench, and is now home to a thriving bed and breakfast whose owners had it designated in 2017.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

96 Robinson Street
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: museum@town.stmarys.on.ca
http://www.riversidestmarys.biz

Architecture

Year built: 1875
Building type: Commercial Historical house
Architect: Leon Clench

Dates/hours open

Aug 09, 10:00am - Aug 09, 04:00pm

St. James Anglican Church Doors Open St. Marys

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St. James Anglican Church

In 1857, a plain church of local limestone was erected here. It still forms the heart of St. James, making this the town’s oldest place of worship in continuous use. In the mid-1880s, the church was renovated. The roof was raised and entrance porches were added. Additionally, the southwest corner was given a Gothic tower and the sanctuary was extended.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

65 Church Street South
St. Marys, Ontario
https://www.stjamesinstmarys.org

Architecture

Year built: 1857; mid-1880s
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 09, 10:00am - Aug 09, 04:00pm

St. Marys Heritage Conservation District Doors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Marys Heritage Conservation District

The combination of limestone buildings constructed from locally quarried stone, a scenic location in the river valley, a physically intact downtown, and the large number of well-preserved historical buildings all combine to give St. Marys a distinct feel and charm. Come and explore the architecture, vibrant shops and restaurants, and scenic vistas located in the St. Marys Heritage Conservation District.

  • Food vendors
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

Meet at 175 Queen Street East (St. Marys Town Hall)
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: museum@town.stmarys.on.ca
https://www.townofstmarys.com/en/recreation-and-culture/Heritage-and-Historic-Landmarks.aspx

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Aug 09, 10:00am - Aug 09, 04:00pm

St. Marys Museum Doors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Marys Museum

When George Tracy — one of St. Marys' earliest settlers — built this house for his family in 1854, it was the largest residence in the area. The neighbourhood park surrounding the building today is what remains of the extensive grounds of this “Castle in the Bush.” A fine example of domestic limestone construction, it has been a museum since 1959.

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

Contact info

177 Church Street South
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: museum@town.stmarys.on.ca
http://www.stmarysmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1854
Building type: Historical house Museum
Architect: Robert Barbour

Dates/hours open

Aug 09, 10:00am - Aug 09, 04:00pm

St. Marys Town Hall Doors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Marys Town Hall

This Town Hall is a replacement for an earlier municipal building that was destroyed by fire in 1890. The building was designed by Toronto architect G.W. Gouinlock and was built in 1892 using St. Marys limestone, with contrasting sandstone accents. Still the administrative centre of the town, the building contains the newly renovated council chambers, municipal offices and an auditorium.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

175 Queen Street East
St. Marys, Ontario
https://www.townofstmarys.com/en/recreation-and-culture/Heritage-and-Historic-Landmarks.aspx

Architecture

Year built: 1892
Building type: Government building Historical landmark
Architect: G.W. Gouinlock

Dates/hours open

Aug 09, 10:00am - Aug 09, 04:00pm

St. Marys United Church Doors Open St. Marys

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Marys United Church

St. Marys United Church, built with white Ontario brick, replaced a smaller limestone Methodist church. Its tower once supported a steeple that was damaged by lightning in the 1940s and removed. The interior of this place of worship is spacious and inspiring. The Casavant organ, added in 1907, is one of the finest in the area.

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

Contact info

85 Church Street South
St. Marys, Ontario
https://stmarysunitedchurch.weebly.com

Architecture

Year built: 1879
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 09, 10:00am - Aug 09, 04:00pm

Tone Yoga Studio Doors Open Owen Sound

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Tone Yoga Studio

Built of native stone and dedicated to the Congregational church in 1871, this property has enjoyed many uses over the years. Today, this designated building is a thriving yoga, music and dance studio. The teachers and staff all work to create healing, harmony and wellness in the community through classes and workshops. Come and explore this beautifully renovated building.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

900 1st Avenue West
Owen Sound, Ontario
http://toneyogastudio.com

Architecture

Year built: 1869
Building type: Commercial Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Jun 21, 12:30pm - Jun 21, 04:00pm