This building operated as a jail (or “gaol”) for 144 years, and then closed in 2011. Now a museum, the site lets you retrace the footsteps of famous inmates, such as John Haag – rumoured to have survived his hanging. Figure out how escape artist Mickey McArthur got out. And capture your best “cell-fie” in one of the original jail cells.

Tell us your story about this site

Enjoy a rare opportunity to visit this house. In 1879, Henry Cargill started a logging/lumber business in the Walkerton area and built this so-called "White House" for his son. Cargill himself lived in the "Red House" across the street, which burned down in 1919. Over the years, several renovations have been completed to restore the home to its original appearance.

Tell us your story about this site

Downtown Walkerton has been a thriving business community since the mid-1800s. Stroll along its streets today and you’ll find numerous clothing, home décor and specialty shops and restaurants, while also discovering the unique historical architecture that remains recognizable. Information about the history of the downtown will also be displayed in various shop windows. Wear appropriate walking shoes.

Tell us your story about this site

This house was originally part of the Bobier subdivision. James Blair (owner of the Walkerton Ironworks) and his wife Frances lived here in the late 1800s. It is perhaps best known as the home of Dr. Gerald Mullen, a well-known local veterinarian. In his practice, he cared for animals in Walkerton and the surrounding area for nearly 40 years.

Tell us your story about this site

This three-level stone dwelling was built by John Flach in 1863. In 1996, Flach’s great-granddaughter took ownership of this mixed-farming property. For three years now, several local artisans and building designers have researched and restored the home back to its historical uniqueness. The restoration of this quaint homestead includes a working windmill, lavish outhouse and groomed landscape.

Tell us your story about this site

Hammond's originally started in Guelph in 1917 as a foundry tool manufacturer. During the Second World War, they started to build specialized transformers and reactors for military communication and radar equipment. The company grew from 50 to over 300 employees to satisfy the demand. In 1976, a plant was built in Walkerton, which currently produces over 65,000 transformers per year!

Tell us your story about this site

A family business, this dairy farm was started in 1951. Four hundred Holstein cows are milked three times daily, producing 15,000 litres (4,000 gallons) of milk, which is delivered to Gay Lea Dairy in nearby Teeswater. Come and check out the massive 31,000-litre (8,200-gallon) tank that holds all this milk as well as the robotic feed pushers.

Tell us your story about this site

The family business of Johnson Woodworks was established in 1946. The current owner, Darryl Johnson, took over the business in 1999 to continue the traditions of quality craftsmanship passed down through the generations. Johnson Woodworks provides the community with custom cabinetry for the kitchen, home office, bathroom vanities and other interior spaces.

Tell us your story about this site

This church is a fine example of the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. Cantilever trusses support the coffered ceiling of the main sanctuary. The organ, built by D.W. Karn and Company of Woodstock, was moved here along with the congregation in 1897 and rebuilt/enlarged in 1927 to incorporate 2,000 pipes. During Doors Open, musical interludes will be featured.

Tell us your story about this site

This property was sold by a land agent in 1869 to blacksmith Charles B. Stevens, who built the house in 1880. The three-bay structure, the front entry with windowed transom and flanking side lights all serve to highlight this wonderful example of Walkerton’s unique architectural character.

Tell us your story about this site

The first recorded meeting of Saugeen Lodge #197 was held in 1868 under dispensation from the Grand Master. The original charter was signed by the Most Worshipful Brother Alexander Allan Stevenson. The 150th anniversary of Saugeen Lodge was celebrated in 2018. During Doors Open, visitors can get a rare look inside the culture and practices of this masonic lodge.

Tell us your story about this site

Greenock Swamp – owned and operated by Saugeen Valley Conservation – is southern Ontario’s largest forested wetland. Known throughout Canada for its unique flora (including orchids and mosses), it can be accessed through a unique floating boardwalk or by a short trek along the Schmidt Lake Lookout Trail. Come and immerse yourself in nature and enjoy some truly spectacular views.

Tell us your story about this site

This church congregation was formed in Elmwood on June 3, 1886. They paid the Anglicans $12 for use of their building in 1887. After that, a reformed congregation sold them a brick building just south of the current church. The building that we see today was built in 1905 and has undergone many improvements over the years.

Tell us your story about this site

This cemetery was established in 1886 and is the final resting place for some of Brant Township’s and Elmwood’s earliest settlers. After the church was established on September 5, 1886, local Chris Engel donated a small portion of his farm for use as a cemetery. The cairn was installed on the 100th anniversary of the cemetery – October 12, 1986.

Tell us your story about this site

St. Paul's United, which has Methodist roots, is built from Credit Valley brownstone. The two towers at the front are impressive, and the interior roof is self-supporting, forming a vaulted dome. A chandelier hangs from a large plaster base at the centre of the ceiling. Beautiful stained-glass windows grace the main floor and balcony. This is Brampton’s second-oldest church.

Tell us your story about this site

The first denomination to hold church services in Walkerton – members of the Church of England – originally held them at Joseph Walker’s tavern in the 1850s. Then, this church was built in 1910. It remains an excellent example of the baronial Gothic revival style, with its distinctive Norman tower, charming dormers and a rose window on the west wall.

Tell us your story about this site

Come and explore the Walkerton Clean Water Centre (WCWC) – an operational service agency of the Government of Ontario, established in 2004 to ensure clean and safe drinking water for the entire province. The WCWC coordinates and provides education, training and information to drinking water system owners, operators and operating authorities, and the public in order to safeguard Ontario’s drinking water.

Tell us your story about this site

The current Walkerton Fire Hall officially opened on June 26, 2004 and serves the Municipality of Brockton. This facility consists of volunteer firefighters who dedicate their time to provide vital fire services. They use a variety of specialized equipment, which will be on display for public view. Be sure to check out the historical fire services display inside the building.

Tell us your story about this site

The Walkerton Heritage Water Garden is sure to take your breath away with beautiful blooms, rest areas and pathways that are marked with plaques depicting Walkerton’s proud history. The memorial fountain commemorates those who suffered during the tainted water tragedy from 20 years ago, and represents water as a positive healing symbol.

Tell us your story about this site