Simcoe County

Digital event information

Digital Doors Open Simcoe County

Explore some traditional Doors Open Simcoe County sites without having to leave home. The following sites offer tours, videos and activities that will engage people of all ages.

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18 Sites

George Langman SanctuaryDoors Open Simcoe County

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George Langman Sanctuary

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.

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

Contact info

2457 Bass Lake Sideroad East
Orillia, Ontario
Email: 1taymag2@gmail.com
http://www.theorilliafishandgameconservationclub.com

Architecture

Building type: Commercial Educational facility

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Noel's Nest Country Bed and BreakfastDoors Open Simcoe County

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Noel's Nest Country Bed and Breakfast

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.

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

Contact info

2770 Triple Bay Road
Port McNicoll, Ontario
Email: noelsnestcbnb@gmail.com
https://noelsnestcbnb.com

Architecture

Year built: 2015
Building type: Commercial Private residence

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Orillia Opera HouseDoors Open Simcoe County

Orillia Opera House

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.

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

Contact info

1 West Street North
Orillia, Ontario
Email: nmcmurdy@orillia.ca
http://www.orilliaoperahouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1895
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Theatre
Architect: Gordon & Helliwell

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Duntroon Cyder HouseDoors Open Simcoe County

Duntroon Cyder House

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!

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

3079 County Road 124
Duntroon, Ontario
Email: info@duntrooncyderhouse.com
https://duntrooncyderhouse.com

Architecture

Year built: 2004
Building type: Attraction Farm

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Discovery HarbourDoors Open Simcoe County

Discovery Harbour

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.

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

Contact info

93 Jury Drive
Penetanguishene, Ontario
Email: hhp@ontario.ca
https://discoveryharbour.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1832-36
Building type: Attraction Educational facility Historical landmark Historical house Military Museum Theatre
Architect: Royal Engineers with British Military

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

South Simcoe Theatre, TheDoors Open Simcoe County

South Simcoe Theatre, The

This not-for-profit community theatre is dedicated to creating exceptional and diverse community theatre experiences. Built in 1867 by the Lodge of Good Templars, its original use was as a Temperance Hall. In 1905, it became the Town Hall. In 1923, it was rebuilt as a community hall and became home to the South Simcoe Theatre in 1983.

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

Contact info

1 Hamilton Street
Cookstown, Ontario
Email: info@thesouthsimcoethreatre.com
https://www.thesouthsimcoetheatre.com

Architecture

Year built: 1867; 1923
Building type: Government building Theatre

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Simcoe County MuseumDoors Open Simcoe County

Simcoe County Museum

The Simcoe County Museum offers a variety of events, exhibits and programs for all ages throughout the year. Situated on 132 hectares (327 acres) of forested grounds, the museum is home to over 30,000 artifacts from prehistoric to modern times. The galleries and outdoor heritage and display buildings depict the people, events and artifacts from Simcoe County's diverse past.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • 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

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Wye Marsh Wildlife CentreDoors Open Simcoe County

Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

The Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre in Tay, Ontario offers 1,214 hectares (3,000 acres) of national wildlife area and provincially significant wetlands. Its mission is to be a centre of excellence for wetlands research, interpretation and education based on the principle of stewardship and the importance of environmental awareness. Open 362 days a year, visitors of all ages and abilities are encouraged to discover raptors and reptiles, explore hiking, cross country ski and snowshoe on its trails, experience canoeing and kayaking through the marsh channels, and visit the observation tower, floating boardwalks, waterfowl monitoring platform, wildflower gardens, the bee house and so much more! But Wye Marsh is more than a tourist attraction. More than 6,000 students take part in educational programs every year, and the stewardship program initiatives include monitoring of wildlife populations and habitat conservation. As part of Digital Doors Open, check out their “at home activities” – including nature journaling, how to build a bee hotel, making sweet bannock, playing games, making masks, and much more. The Wye Marsh is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. but you are encouraged to check their website before visiting as some programming is not available during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Activities and games
  • Kid-friendly
  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse

Contact info

16160 Highway 12 East
Midland, Ontario
Email: info@wyemarsh.com
https://www.wyemarsh.com

Architecture

Year built: 1969

Dates/hours open

Dec 26 - Dec 26

Tremont House, TheDoors Open Simcoe County

Tremont House, The

The Tremont was built as a 24-room hotel. It is one of the last remaining 19th-century hotel buildings in the Collingwood Heritage District. The proximity of the hotel to the railway station and port made it a popular destination for travellers. Now a home to the arts, the Tremont remains an important link to Collingwood's railway and shipbuilding era.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours

Contact info

80 Simcoe Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Email: info@thetremont.ca
https://thetremont.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1889
Building type: Commercial Historical landmark
Architect: John Chamberlain

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Seven Star Masonic Lodge No. 285 G.R.C.Doors Open Simcoe County

Seven Star Masonic Lodge No. 285 G.R.C.

Doors Open gives visitors the opportunity to visit a typical lodge room and learn about the history and ideals of Freemasonry — the world's oldest fraternity. The charter for Seven Star Lodge was granted in 1872 and the 150th anniversary was celebrated in 2022. Meetings have been held at the current location in the heart of downtown Alliston since 1917.

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

Contact info

28 Victoria Street West
Alliston, Ontario
Email: sevenstarmasonic285@gmail.com
https://sevenstarlodge285.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1892
Building type: Commercial Masonic lodge

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Rogers TV BarrieDoors Open Simcoe County

Rogers TV Barrie

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.

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

Contact info

1 Sperling Drive
Barrie, Ontario
Email: kevin.kelly@rci.rogers.com
https://www.rogerstv.com/home?lid=14&rid=23

Architecture

Year built: 1985
Building type: Commercial

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Penetanguishene Centennial Museum and ArchivesDoors Open Simcoe County

Penetanguishene Centennial Museum and Archives

The building that now holds the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum and Archives was constructed in 1875 by Carl Beck. Its original function was a general company store for the workers in Beck’s nearby sawmills, and it carried everything from hardware to groceries. The Beck Company employees were paid partly in cash and partly in Beck tokens, which were only redeemable at this store and another similar one on Main Street, a method of payment that increased the company profits. At this museum, you will find Simcoe County's oldest car, a turn-of-the-century general store and other exhibits. This rectangular two-storey building still stands on its original site. Come and learn about the history of one of Ontario's oldest communities. While the museum is currently open, visitation is limited and visitors are encouraged to pre-book their visit through email or phone. For Digital Doors Open, however, explore the site through the video below.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

13 Burke Street
Penetanguishene, Ontario
Email: museum@penetanguishene.ca
https://www.penetanguishene.ca/en/Museum.asp

Architecture

Year built: 1875
Building type: Commercial Museum

Dates/hours open

Dec 26 - Dec 26

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

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

The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) is the steward for the Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building in downtown Orillia. The museum brings people together, providing a safe space for collaboration to inspire creativity and celebrate history. The museum is responsible for the ongoing development and preservation of the cultural vitality in Orillia and surrounding areas.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

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

Architecture

Year built: 1892-94
Building type: Attraction Museum
Architect: Thomas Fuller

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 26

National Ski AcademyDoors Open Simcoe County

National Ski Academy

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.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

200 Oak Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Email: info@nsa.on.ca
https://www.nsa.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1892
Building type: Educational facility Historical house
Architect: Fred Hodgson

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Museum on the BoyneDoors Open Simcoe County

Museum on the Boyne

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!

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

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Coldwater Canadiana Heritage MuseumDoors Open Simcoe County

Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum

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.

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

Contact info

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

Architecture

Year built: 1836
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum Post office Schoolhouse

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

Banting Homestead Heritage ParkDoors Open Simcoe County

Banting Homestead Heritage Park

The 43-hectare (107-acre) Banting Family Homestead was the birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. Banting was also Canada's first Nobel Prize winner. During Doors Open, come and explore exhibits, walk the legacy trail, enjoy lunch in the picnic area, see the historical farmhouse and drive shed, and learn more about Banting’s journey in the fight to combat diabetes.

  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

5116 Sir Frederick Banting Road
Alliston, Ontario
Email: kait@bantinglegacy.ca
https://bantinglegacy.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1925
Building type: Educational facility Historical landmark Historical house

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15

All Saints' Anglican ChurchDoors Open Simcoe County

All Saints' Anglican Church

This is the oldest surviving church in Collingwood. After a fire destroyed the original, a new and larger building was constructed in 1858 (the present church), with transepts, the sanctuary and bell tower added in 1876, and the parish hall and vestry in 1911. Over the years, the church has been enhanced by stained-glass windows and a distinctive altar.

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

Contact info

32 Elgin Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Email: allsaintschurch@bmts.com
https://www.allsaintscollingwood.com

Architecture

Year built: 1858
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 14 - Sep 15