The Canadian Canoe Museum houses the world's largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft in the world. The museum has moved to the shores of Little Lake to a purpose-built 6,038-square-metre (65,000-square-foot) facility, complete with a two-hectare (five-acre) waterfront campus. For Doors Open Peterborough, the 1,858-square-metre (20,000-square-foot) Exhibition Hall will be available for all to explore.

Constructed in 1890 of local limestone, this building contained the roundhouse and engine repair shops for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) until 1939. In 1940, the building was purchased by the Canadian Co-operative Wool Growers. Wool arrives here from across the country and is graded before being shipped out in compact bales. See CPR memorabilia on display throughout the building.

Erected as the first Carleton Place Town Hall, this imposing limestone building now houses the local museum, with exhibits chronicling the town’s history. Originally containing council chambers, a lock-up and public auditorium, it was converted into a four-room school in 1879 and served the community until 1969. Bring a picnic and enjoy the Community Labyrinth and Victoria School Gardens!

Completed at a cost of about $26,000, Carleton Place Town Hall is a local landmark. Constructed of limestone, the town hall once housed a fire hall, police station, jail cells and library. Its elaborate exterior is complemented by an equally fine interior. Come and view the foyer's grand staircase, the council chambers, clerk’s office and the second-floor opera hall.

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.

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.

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!

Emmanuel United Church is a Gothic revival-style building constructed from 1873 to 1875. Today, this landmark building continues to operate as a functioning church, visible from across the city. The result of a 2016 amalgamation between the former George Street United Church and St. Andrew's United Church, it is an affirming ministry focused on community service and embracing change.

This former Grand Trunk Railway station is today the Southshore Community Centre. During Doors Open Barrie, visit the restored building and tour the adjacent Heritage Military Park (including Vimy Oaks, the Victoria Cross cenotaph and the new Royal Canadian Air Force Memorial). Members from Heritage Barrie will also be on hand to answer questions and provide information.

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.

The 1898 Keyes Block was constructed to replace an earlier building destroyed by fire. Now home to Granary Natural Foods, the storefront windows retain their original copper mullions. The upper apartments feature Tudor-style arched windows, original woodwork and a unique glassed ventilation shaft. Owner Mark will be available to discuss the building’s history. Note: Apartments are only accessible by stairs.

This unusually shaped building — erected as a military drill hall and armoury — was the headquarters of the 35th Battalion Simcoe Foresters until 1914 when it became auxiliary to the new Queen’s Park armoury. In 1948, it became a farmers’ market. In recent years, the building was revitalized and designated for its architectural/historical significance, and is now a regimental museum.

Hutchison House is one of the oldest limestone houses in Peterborough. It was built by the community in 1837 for Dr. John Hutchison, the city’s first resident physician. This was also the first home in Upper Canada for inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming. The house was restored and opened as Hutchison House Museum in 1978.

Explore the extraordinary churches, businesses and historical homes that surround Peterborough’s iconic Hutchison House. Learn about the former residents who once called this neighborhood home, as well as the architectural styles of the many historical landmarks featured on this tour. This easy walk is ideal for all ages, but bring sturdy footwear and dress appropriately.

This designated building has been many things since its rebuild in 1876 (after it burned in 1873). For the last eight years, it has been a cheese and chocolate shop. J'adore carries over 150 varieties of cheese from around the world. And they make chocolate onsite. Come to this heritage building, learn about its history and treat yourself!

This log building originally sat at the north end of Moore Street. Built by James Pearson Moore in c. 1873, a grocery store and confectionary shop operated here by the Moore family until 1973 when the building was donated to the town. It was moved to this location in 2007. It now is home to the town’s Tourism Information offices.

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!

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.

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.

This building, designed by Thomas Fuller (architect of Ottawa’s Peace Tower and many post offices throughout Canada), was constructed of red sandstone atop a limestone foundation. It served as the post office/customs house until 1970 and has been converted into offices and apartments. During Doors Open, the main floor offices will be open. Ask about the clock, added in 1913.

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.

The Peterborough & County Military Museum, located on the ground floor of the Peterborough Armoury and operated by knowledgeable volunteers, displays items from the area’s long military history. Peterborough residents have served from the War of 1812, through the 1837 Rebellion and 1866 Fenian Raids, in both World Wars and the Korean War, to present day as peacemakers and peacekeepers.

Located at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the Hall of Fame is a non-profit corporation that collects, preserves and exhibits objects that are significant to the history of the community. With approximately 372 square metres (4,000 square feet) of display space, the museum houses a vast collection of over 10,000 items of sport memorabilia and artifacts dating back to the mid-1800s.

The Quaker Park Tennis Club is a picturesque spot beside the Otonabee River. Built by the Quaker Fellowship in 1922, it was originally used by Quaker Oats employees and their families as a social club. The original log clubhouse is still in use today and retains many of its original finishes. In 2022, they celebrated their 100th anniversary.

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.