This 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) self-guided walking tour is a voyage into Cornwall’s heritage, depicting events and points of interest from the city’s past. The tour follows nearly 30 plaques that have been erected along Cornwall’s waterfront, downtown and in parts of Le Village in the city’s east end — representing industrial links, the former Cornwall Canal and the founding of New Johnstown.

This Georgian-style building dates back to 1862. In 1967, it became a museum dedicated to depicting the story of Sir John Johnson and other Loyalists who settled in the area during the American Revolution. Special exhibits celebrate the bicentennial of the Williamstown Fair (the oldest agrarian fair in Canada) and the War of 1812.

Opened in 1962, the Glengarry Pioneer Museum has grown to include eight heritage buildings, including the Star Inn, a stagecoach stop in the 1860s. Its barroom is thought to be one of the oldest in Eastern Ontario. Other pioneer buildings on this site are the blacksmith shop, town hall, Orange Lodge, log barns, drive shed and cheese factory.

The Heritage Centre, originally the Winchester Township Town Hall, served as a courthouse, drill hall, movie theatre, firehall and many other things. The Chesterville and District Historical Society took over the building in 1984 and has been collecting artifacts and researching local history since. The building is now maintained by the Township of North Dundas.

This jail has a rich history. It served as a maximum-security facility for nearly a century, housing some notorious 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.

This site comprises 10 heritage buildings that were moved here by members of The Lost Villages Historical Society when the St. Lawrence Seaway was developed in 1958. Casualties of progress, the villages and hamlets disappeared under water but are remembered by former residents. The interiors and exteriors have been restored, and the buildings have been assembled in a village-like setting.

The Nativity Co-Cathedral was the early nucleus of Cornwall's Francophone community and has been a dominant feature of Cornwall's skyline for over a century. The beautiful structure was designed and supervised by the second pastor of the parish, Father Paul-Antoine De Saunhac, a native of Toulouse, France. The first mass was celebrated here on Christmas Day 1891.

The Priest's Mill Arts Centre is located on the ground floor of the erstwhile stone-and-mortar grist mill built by Scottish immigrant, Father Alexander MacDonell, in 1819. Razed by fire and rebuilt several times, the present building dates to 1902. The ground floor of the centre block has recently been lovingly refurbished as an art gallery.

A church has been on this site since 1784, when Loyalists first settled here. The current church dates to 1876, dedicated to Bishop John Strachan. Built in the Gothic style, the building features marble floors, stained-glass windows, a Casavant organ, and plaques and memorials to early Cornwall citizens. Outside, the churchyard features graves dating back to the late 1700s.

Community is at the heart of what YourTV does. Community television in Cornwall recently celebrated 50 years. Since late 1971, the local channel has brought events, politics, sports and much more to Cornwall living rooms. See where many favourite shows are produced, get a glimpse behind the scenes of television production and learn about their volunteer program.

This library, a designated property, sits on a former orphanage site that was then acquired by the federal government to house the new post office in 1953. In 1997, after the post office had moved to another location, the library moved into the building following renovations, making it Cornwall's downtown jewel. Guided tours only. Registration required (1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.).

This centre offers an engaging experience for those interested in hydroelectric power and the St. Lawrence Seaway’s history. It features exhibits, informative displays and a captivating historical film that explains the engineering marvel of the dam and its impact on surrounding communities. Visitors can also learn about the dam’s role in providing renewable energy and the environmental consideration involved.

This museum collects, preserves and displays historical artifacts related to Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Their exhibit spaces host a multitude of artifacts organized by theme — the founding of New Johnstown and the Royal Townships, a turn-of-the-century kitchen, industry, law, commerce, textile, community service, health care and more. Come and explore this fascinating museum!

This storybook church is set in a village steeped in Celtic tradition, century homes, wrap-around porches and — most importantly — residents who are actively, and proudly, involved in the community. Since 1787, St. Andrew's United Church has played an integral part in the community of Williamstown. With roots running deep in Celtic heritage, this congregation has evolved with the times.

In 1970, a fire consumed the church of St. Raphael’s, one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in English-speaking Canada. Fortunately, the outer walls were spared and today its impressive scale and fine masonry work continue to attract tourists to the site. The ruins were declared a National Historic Site in 1999.

This is a recognized federal heritage building, associated with the expansion of Canada's militia between the First and Second World Wars. People choose to become a reserve soldier to learn new skills, gain valuable experience, meet new people and serve their country. The site still houses the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Militia, as well as the Cadet Corps.

This mill is a charming, rustic building in a picturesque setting on the Raisin River. Built with local fieldstone, it served the village and region as a flour milling operation. The mill operated by water power, which was eventually supplemented by a gas engine. Commercial use of the mill ended in 1947 and it is now a museum.

Along the Raisin River lies one of the oldest homes in Ontario. This Georgian-style house was built for Sir John Johnson (a soldier, Loyalist and public servant) between 1784-92. This site was chosen because it is a natural location for water-powered mills. The house is now a National Historic Site, dedicated to preserving local history through archives and tours.

Appleby United Church is celebrating 200 years in Burlington! Various buildings have served the congregation over the years, with this one being constructed in 1959. It includes a small chapel with artifacts from previous church sites — including a communion table, officers’ chairs and a stained-glass window. During Doors Open, explore the Wall of History and enjoy some refreshments!

Located in Hidden Valley Park, the Burlington Model Railway Club (BMRC) operates out of a building that was previously used as a swimming pool office and change house. During Doors Open, the BMRC's three model railway layouts will be running (weather permitting), featuring model railway equipment from the collections of its members. Fun for railway enthusiasts of all ages!

Located at Burlington Beach, the Pump House has served as a waterworks system, a private residence, and currently as the headquarters of the BurlingtonGreen environmental association, which provides the largest presence of environmental programming for the Burlington community. The site retains original features and includes newer sustainability features and educational elements. Enjoy an exterior tour and engaging all-ages eco-activities.

Masjid Halton is a beacon of light for Burlington’s Muslim community. Established by the Halton Islamic Association, it was built through the community’s hard work and dedication as a primary centre for prayer, learning and recreation. It offers a variety of religious and educational services and is actively working on establishing a new Islamic Centre in a northern Burlington suburb.

St. Luke’s Anglican Church was built on land donated by Joseph Brant’s daughter, Elizabeth Kerr, and Augustus Bates. The church building has a rich history and has undergone many changes over the years. An active congregation, St. Luke's is celebrating 190 years. Come by and visit for tours of the church and cemetery, and some arts crafts for the kids.

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.

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.