Since its construction by the local farming community, Union Hall has been a symbol of rural community spirit. Retaining its rustic charm and excellent acoustics, the facility boasts modern kitchen facilities and a stage equipped with a digital piano. Still used as a place for family celebrations, memorial services, dances, children’s parties and cultural activities, it remains a popular venue.

The Almonte Fair has a long history, dating back to 1853. The fair, facilities and grounds are managed and maintained by the North Lanark Agricultural Society. Built in 1869, the Agricultural Hall is now used for parties, weddings, horticultural judging, exhibitions, fundraising events, exhibits and more. While you're here, visit Canada's oldest wooden covered grandstand as well, built in 1868.

This church was constructed in the classical style, typical of southern Europe, which was introduced to Canada by the French in the 17th century. It is one of the most architecturally interesting and impressive churches in rural Canada. Come and explore this fine building, including its superb original interior décor, which survives intact from over a century ago.

This is one of a few places in Canada where you can see chocolate made from scratch, from cacao bean to bar. Established in 2012, Hummingbird has won over 125 international awards, including the Golden Bean for best chocolate. Enjoy decadent chocolate drinks, house-made gelato, single-origin chocolate bars and confections while watching chocolate being made. Free samples (while supplies last)!

Cedar Hill School House (formerly S.S. No. 1 Pakenham) was the third school building on this site. From 1874 to 1968, children in Mississippi Mills attended this school. Over 126 years, there were 56 teachers here. Designated in 1999, the site is preserved today by The Friends of Cedar Hill School. It is now an active community hall.

Auld Kirk's historical and architectural value is enhanced by its pastoral setting. Built in 1836, the church is accessed through a stone and iron fence. It is surrounded on two sides by a large cemetery, which contains many old gravestones of the area's earliest settlers and their descendants. The trees that surround the site create a natural border.

Following Sunday service, visitors can explore both the church and the church hall. Like many churches, Hillside Reformed Presbyterian reflects a blend of historical and local influences. In addition to the architectural features, learn more about the programs offered by this congregation — including their popular sports camp — and see why it remains such a vibrant place of worship.

The five-bay garage at this site houses a fleet of emergency response vehicles, including front-line and training pumpers, a tanker, an aerial and multi-purpose truck, the Lanark County Rescue unit, and the 1934 2.5-ton fire truck. Behind the fire station is the training centre that is used by the Lanark County Recruit Program, the department’s 50 volunteer firefighters and more.

The Mississippi Valley Textile Museum collects, preserves and tells the stories of the mill workers and local labour history while offering an open, inclusive space for the resident community as well as visitors from across the globe. Through contemporary textiles, textile-themed art and historical interpretation and programs, this museum conserves and interprets the industrial textile heritage of the Mississippi Valley.

The North Lanark Regional Museum tells the stories of the North Lanark Region through the collection, preservation and presentation of artifacts, culture and local history. During Doors Open, come and experience the region’s unique heritage through inspiring museum programs, special events and a readily accessible local history and genealogical collection. There is also a fascinating pioneer cabin to explore.

Situated on 154 hectares (381 acres) amid field, forest and the Indian River, the Mill of Kintail also offers trails to explore. This heritage property boasts picnic areas, a large, covered shelter, an education centre and a half basketball court. Visit the adjoining R. Tait McKenzie and Dr. James Naismith museums to learn about the area's two national historic figures.

Mississippi River Power Corp. owns and operates the 4.6-megawatt Brian J. Gallagher hydroelectric generating station located on the lower falls of the Mississippi River in Almonte. The corporation is wholly owned by the Corporation of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills. During Doors Open, come and take a guided tour of this facility and learn how power is generated here.

Mississippi Mills owns a wastewater treatment facility located just outside of Almonte. The facility treats all sanitary sewage generated in the Almonte ward and is operated by the Ontario Clean Water Agency on behalf of the municipality. This facility treats wastewater using advanced processes and outputs treated water to the Mississippi River. Come for this rare opportunity to see inside.

This former home of sawmill owner Robert Teskey is now a popular venue for celebrations and getaway weekends, complete with a pool and hot tub. Teskey emigrated from County Cork in Ireland in 1823 at the age of 24 with his parents and siblings as part of the Peter Robinson settlers project to help populate British North America.

This beautiful historical landmark is in the heart of Almonte, attracting attention from all over town (as was the intention when the building was constructed). It has housed a variety of different operations over the years — including a fire station, police station and jail, and municipal library. Today, it's used for theatre productions, events, weddings, classes and municipal office space.

The Appleton Swamp is an extensive riverine swamp and marsh complex associated with the floodplain of the Mississippi River. The Gardiner, Grace and Neilson properties are all managed for the Ontario Heritage Trust by the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority with the purpose of maintaining the natural features and biodiversity of the properties. There is no public access to these properties for that reason. The properties are situated in the Appleton swamp, which is recognized as a provincially significant Class 2 Wetland and Life Science Area of Natural and Scientific Interest (ANSI) due to the unique representation of riverine marsh, swamp and upland forest on clay plain. As part of Digital Doors Open, take a virtual boat ride through the Appleton swamp by watching the video below.