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.

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.

Local historian Gord Young will lead a walking tour of the Hunter Street Bridge and surrounding area. Features of this year’s heritage walk include the Grand Trunk Railway’s Riverside Yard, the Quaker Tennis Club, the Hunter Street bridge, the murals under the bridge’s arches, the Peterborough Mattress Factory and the 1916 Quaker Oats fire. Tour is first come, first served.

During Doors Open, stop by to see this performance. It is 1969 and three female workers at Westclox are on break. While one scans the company newsletter Tick Talk, another discovers a surprising item in the Peterborough Examiner: Westclox silver bell alarm clocks linked to FLQ terrorist bombings in Montreal! Written by D'Arcy Jenish and directed by Bea Quarrie.

The Anglican Church of St. John the Evangelist is a landmark in downtown Peterborough. The church is built of Jackson Creek limestone and is one of the earliest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Ontario. St. John's is a significant part of Peterborough’s heritage and a vibrant Anglican parish that serves both the spiritual and material needs of the community.

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.

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.

Unity Design Studio is an excellent example of adaptive reuse. In 2016, Unity Design Studio (formerly Lett Architects) purchased this historical building, constructed in 1875. During renovations, elements of the original building were reused and energy-efficient systems added. Unity Design Studio has a new annex location at 142 Simcoe Street — opening just in time for Doors Open Peterborough!

The Art Gallery of Peterborough is a free-admission, non-profit public art gallery in a prime lakefront location. The collection presently numbers over 1,300 pieces. In addition to its permanent collection and exhibitions, the gallery offers many educational programs for adults and children and a gallery shop featuring a variety of works by local and regional artists and makers.

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.

Constructed in 1892 for local industrialist and politician James Kendry, Sadlier House was sold to Trent University in 1963. A connection between the main house and coach house was designed by architect Ron Thom. The building is now owned by the P.R. Community and Student Organization and houses a library, offices and common areas, as well as hosting community programming.

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.