Alpacas from Eighth and Mud is a labour of love by husband and wife John and Sharon. During your visit, tour the historical barn, visit the gift shop and, of course, interact with the alpacas. See how alpaca fibre is used by spinners, weavers and knitters, and learn how this farm has evolved over 200 years from grapes to alpacas.

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Enjoy a look inside the Ancaster Old Township Hall. Built in 1871 by William H. Thuresson, it is one of the finest pieces of stone architecture in Ancaster – complete with original apron stage, hardwood floors, arched windows and historically accurate colours. It has undergone several renovations over the years, but the original character remains.

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Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest and largest art museum in southern Ontario; it has a permanent collection that is recognized as one of the finest in Canada. Embracing Canadian historical, international and contemporary art, the collection consists of more than 10,000 works of art – with something sure to inspire, intrigue, challenge and engage you.

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Enjoy a guided tour of this 1796 Gage family homestead, learn about recent restoration work, and explore the 1926 Dunington-Grubb landscape. During the War of 1812, the family retreated to their cellar as the Battle of Stoney Creek raged outside. The Battlefield Monument’s architecture is steeped in British tradition and is an exceptional example of Tudor Gothic revival.

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Budget Demolition is located in the original Kennametal Company building. Several owners later, with the building in a state of disrepair, Budget Demolition purchased it and fully restored it for use as offices, a demolition shop and architectural salvage warehouse. The original office entrance on Sherman Avenue North was designed in the art deco style.

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Cable 14 is a community channel for Cogeco and Rogers television subscribers, serving the greater Hamilton area. Celebrating their 50th programming season in 2019, you are invited to attend a behind-the-scenes tour to see how television is made. Visit the control room, studio, edit suites and partake in interactive activities.

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Cardus is a non-partisan, faith-based think tank and registered charity located in the heart of Corktown. Originally built as The Old Cooperage, it’s a building rich in local history. During Doors Open, self-guided and informal tours will be available for the public. Photos of the building’s history will also be on display, as well as large visuals and interactive stations.

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This former 1900 cotton mill is a prime example of adaptive reuse. Starting as The Imperial Cotton Co., the building has been transformed into a creative industries complex, with space for workshops, studios for artists, and office space for creative professionals. During your visit, see interactive activities for children and adults along with vendors selling, arts, crafts, food and drinks.

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The Lady Hamilton Club will be conducting downtown walking tours from the Tourism Hamilton Visitor Centre, located in the historical Lister Block. This building dates back to the 1850s when it was erected for Joseph Lister. Tours include King William Street, Hughson Street, Rebecca Street and James Street North. Tours will occur rain or shine. Dress appropriately.

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Opened in 1956, the Dundas Museum & Archives is a private, non-profit museum that collects, interprets and celebrates the unique identity of the Valley Town. The museum welcomes you to tour the permanent galleries, the historical Doctor's Office, and the collections storage vault (pre-registration required). In addition, visit the feature exhibition "A Century Ago: Dundas in the 1920s."

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Experience a self-guided visit of this Italianate-style villa built in 1834 for Sir Allan MacNab, one of Canada's first premiers. Experience what life upstairs and downstairs was like at this grand country estate. Enjoy hands-on activities led by costumed staff, explore the rarely opened Cockpit building and drop by the two-acre kitchen garden for some spring gardening tips.

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The Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Educational Archive and Heritage Centre opened in 1988 as a way of preserving, presenting and celebrating the history of education in the community – an effort that continues to this day. During Doors Open, visitors are welcome to tour the space, browse through yearbooks and see a unique collection of artifacts.

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The Erland Lee Museum is a beautiful Gothic revival home perched atop the Niagara Escarpment. The home was constructed in phases between 1808 and 1873 and was home to six generations of the Lee family. Erland Lee and his wife Janet are historically significant as co-founders of the first Women’s Institute in the world in 1897.

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Furlan Conservation is a heritage conservation business located in an early-20th-century commercial streetscape. This style of housing was typical of small businesses created for newcomers attracted to the east-end steel mills. Take a guided tour of the studio and workshop to learn about the conservation of heritage windows, architectural paint analysis and the reproduction of heritage elements.

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The newly constructed 1,300-square-metre (14,000-square-foot) fully accessible greenhouse features a collection of subtropical plants, unique species and palm trees. The greenhouse is designed as a community gathering place, providing opportunities to use it as an educational centre and a rentable space for special events. Visitors are welcome to bring their own refreshments and enjoy available seating.

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EcoHouse has a rich variety of demonstrations to showcase to the public both inside the converted 1850s house and in the surrounding gardens. A series of posters and displays provide an illuminating look at topics of environmental interest, or alternatively those of heritage interest for the Glen Manor Estate. Visitors can also purchase seedlings during Doors Open.

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Explore this early-19th-century farm cabin that displays the simple architecture once so common in Upper Canada. Enerals Griffin, an African-American born in Virginia in 1790, journeyed to Southern Ontario and established his family farm in the Dundas Valley. Exhibit panels celebrate both the Griffin family and local Black heritage. Paid parking available at the nearby Hermitage. Limited accessible-only parking onsite.

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The Hamilton Aviary was founded in 1927 and was originally located at Dundurn Castle until its 1996 relocation to the fieldhouse of the Royal Botanical Garden’s former teaching gardens. The Friends of the Aviary are the volunteer caretakers of the flock and will introduce you to Hamilton’s feathered citizens – each with their own personality, story and place in the city.

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Discover three interactive galleries – a ship for sailing, a dock for fishing, and a galley kitchen to feed your crew – and participate in an outdoor scavenger hunt for the whole family. Housed in an 1875 farmhouse in beautiful Gage Park, this museum was once home to the Gage family (early Hamilton settlers). Crafts will be available in the activity centre.

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This GO Centre is a rare example of an art moderne public building with curved forms, polished metals and machined detailing throughout. Retired staff operate the railway museum on the Centre’s mezzanine level and share first-hand experiences of Hamilton’s railway history. Interpretative panels highlight the architecture and reconstruction of this landmark downtown building.

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This museum offers self-guided tours of exhibits that tell the diverse and personal stories of the people who lived on and around Burlington Heights during the War of 1812. The Hamilton & Scourge Gallery examines two unique shipwrecks that are the only complete 1812 warships in the world. An interactive gallery features an encampment for children and a dress-up station.

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Tour this mosque and community centre – one of the largest in Southwestern Ontario. See the Islamic poster exhibition, the Qur'an in World Languages display, Islamic art and Arabic calligraphy, and Islamic daily prayers. Children's activities and tours will also be available.

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Witness the social and mechanical life of Canada’s early industrial revolution. Housed in a 160-year-old waterworks, this National Historic Site preserves two 70-ton steam-powered water pumping engines, perhaps the oldest surviving Canadian-built engines. Guided tours of the pumphouse will be provided, and the new introductory exhibit will open on the Doors Open Hamilton weekend. The giftshop will also be open.

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Tisdale House is the oldest home in Ancaster. In the 1820s, the building was occupied by “Charcoal Burner” John O’Neil, and housed two charcoal kilns. Later, the house became an undertaker’s parlour run by George Moore. The house has been fully retrofitted and is now home to the Ancaster Community Policing Centre and the Hamilton Police Museum.

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Canada’s most powerful research reactor is a global supplier of medical isotopes, providing cancer treatments for 70,000 patients annually. Note: Visitors must be over 11 years old and present government-issued photo ID, cannot wear shorts or open-toed shoes, and cannot take photographs inside the facility. McMaster reserves the right to turn visitors away who do not meet these criteria.

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Come and celebrate Melrose United Church’s 90th anniversary. The sanctuary is a large, welcoming and restful space with stained-glass windows that depict Old and New Testament stories. Melrose derives its name and appearance from Melrose Abbey in Scotland. The congregation was founded on November 13, 1925 with the amalgamation of the Charlton Avenue Methodist Church and the Westmount Presbyterian Church.

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The Mohawk Trail School is a historical one-room schoolhouse built in 1882. It is a fine example of architecture that served early education in Ontario. It became a museum in 1967 as part of the centennial celebrations. Come and tour the schoolhouse – the oldest surviving example in the community that is still presented in its original form.

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Valley City 117 was instituted in 1873 as a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. The meeting room features historical furniture and regalia, and the basement has a bar and stage where musical events have been performed for decades. Formerly the Merchants Exchange Hotel, this building has served many purposes – including a storage facility for William Lyon Mackenzie.

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Operated by the Salvation Army Lawson Ministries, the Paparella Innovative Arts Centre is a beautiful open space that is home to the agency's innovative arts program, designed for adults with developmental disabilities. During Doors Open Hamilton, the Centre will provide light refreshments with baked goods as well as a unique, one-of-a-kind art sale.

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An 1876 murder ... the killer hanged ... rumours of a ghost. Historical facts or backdrop for great theatre? The Players’ Guild of Hamilton has been a leader in the local community theatre scene since 1875, making it North America’s oldest community theatre group. Enjoy guided tours and a cash bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages). Open rehearsals may also occur.

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This Romanesque-style church has lovely stained glass and painted murals. The beautiful main altar and pulpit are carved and sculpted in renowned Italian Carrera marble. Experience the remarkable acoustics and the 110-year-old Casavant pipe organ. Learn about the history of this historical North End Parish that was the third Catholic Church in Hamilton.

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Enjoy this rare opportunity to learn about the City of Hamilton’s historical and current drinking water system – and its filtration process – through a guided tour of the Learning Centre, Filter Gallery and Control Room. See how the extensive structural rehabilitation and architectural facelift in 2010 returned this plant to its original art deco grandeur.

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Wellwood is a bright, beautiful and safe place that celebrates living well with cancer. During Doors Open, visitors can enjoy the architecture, see how sunlight plays throughout the building, and view an extensive original art collection (featuring numerous local artists).

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Westfield Heritage Village is a stunning collection of over 35 historical buildings that have made it one of the most interesting historical destinations in Ontario. Carefully restored and staffed with costumed interpreters, the buildings capture the true charm and spirit of early Canadian culture. Visit the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo Locomotive 103, the 1810 Westbrook House, log buildings and more.

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A testament to Hamilton’s industrial past, Westinghouse HQ is an iconic seven-storey building located in the Gibson neighbourhood. Constructed in 1917 and heritage designated in 1988, the building is now restored to Class A offices with modern systems and finishes, while remaining true to the original accents and distinctive feel. Tour the building and explore historical photos on display.

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Enjoy a leisurely visit that emphasizes recent restoration work at this landmark site. Built in 1848, Whitehern is one of the finest examples of an intact historical home, containing elements from many time periods – Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian. Explore the heritage of Victorian ideas and possessions that influenced life at Whitehern on the eve of Second World War.

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The Workers Arts and Heritage Centre, located in the Hamilton Custom House, is one of the oldest remaining federal public buildings in Canada. The Centre aims to preserve, honour and promote the culture and history of all working people. In the Main Gallery, enjoy an immersive audio installation about women firefighters, some of whom will be available to answer questions.

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