Peterborough
Event information
Saturday, May 4, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tour your town in 2019 with Doors Open Peterborough! This year, Peterborough has an exciting range of sites to explore – from churches to radio stations to the water treatment plant. Learn about the city’s history and some of its unique buildings – and the people who run them. The day will feature special displays, demonstrations, tours and free rides on a historical trolley.
Doors Open Peterborough, in partnership with Peterborough Transit, is pleased to offer free bus passes for Doors Open visitors. In addition, Doors Open Peterborough is partnering with the 2019 Shifting Gears Challenge to encourage people to cycle to participating sites. Bus passes and maps outlining a suggested cycling route will be available at all participating sites.
Check us out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Community information
Peterborough is located in the heart of the Kawarthas and boasts a wealth of activities for everyone. From museums and art galleries to the Trent Severn Waterway, as well as lakes and trails throughout the region, Peterborough is a great place to get out and try new things.
One of the city’s defining features is its incredible array of heritage buildings. Both those featured in Doors Open this year and those throughout the community offer an amazing glimpse into this historical city.
Peterborough is located just one hour away from the Greater Toronto Area and is an ideal spot for a daytrip to experience Doors Open or for a longer getaway to see some more of the things that the community has to offer.
For more information, visit our website.
Become a volunteer
Doors Open Peterborough is looking for people who might be interested in volunteering their time to make this great day possible. Join us as we partner with sites and organizations from across the city to bring Peterborough’s heritage to life.
In order for Doors Open to be a success, a large group of volunteers is needed to provide visitors with a friendly, informative and fun experience. Volunteer duties will include directing visitors to the sites, providing general information, ensuring that the integrity of the site is maintained and keeping a record of the number of visitors to each site. Volunteers do not need any previous experience to participate in Doors Open and will be provided with information and a formal training session prior to the day of the event.
For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact us at heritage@peterborough.ca. Thank you!
Contact info
16 sites found
All Saints' Anglican Church Doors Open Peterborough
New
All Saints’ Anglican Church was constructed in 1909 to replace an older 1891 church, which is now the parish hall. In 1983, a fire gutted the building; the restored church was opened in 1985. Come and visit this distinctive Peterborough church with its collection of traditional and contemporary stained glass, and hear its unique pipe organ. Street parking available nearby.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
Contact info
235 Rubidge StreetPeterborough, Ontario
Telephone: 705-876-1501
Email: saints@allsaintspeterborough.org
www.allsaintspeterborough.org
Architecture
Year built: 1909; 1985Architectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Be Well Centre Doors Open Peterborough
New
This building was constructed in 1898 as the Bethany Tabernacle, a Christian and missionary alliance church. It served in this capacity until 1950 when the congregation moved; the building then became home to the Church of the Open Bible until 2009. It is now the Be Well Centre, a community of independent healthcare providers.
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
Architecture
Year built: 1898Architectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Healthcare facility, Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Black's Distillery Doors Open Peterborough
New
Black’s Distillery opened in East City in 2018 – and is the city’s only distillery. Manufacturing spirits on site, the distillery uses locally produced grain, mostly from Douro – including historical red fife wheat – to create vodka, gin and rye in small batches. During Doors Open, tours of the distillery will show how spirits are made at this unique local facility.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Building type: Commercial, Food and drinkDates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cathedral of Saint Peter-in-Chains Doors Open Peterborough
New
The Cathedral of Saint Peter-in-Chains was constructed between 1837 and 1838 and became the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Peterborough in 1882. Built of stone quarried from Jackson’s Park, it retains its original Gothic revival style, despite numerous renovations and additions. Please note that the cathedral will close at 3:30 p.m.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
- Self-guided tours available
- Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
Architecture
Year built: 1837-38Architectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church Doors Open Peterborough
New
Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church was constructed in 1962 as the first dedicated space for Peterborough’s Lutheran community. This modernist church is the city’s only Lutheran church. Come and experience the church with its unique modern interior. The church will also be hosting its annual yard sale, which you are welcome to attend as part of your Doors Open experience.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
Architecture
Year built: 1962Architectural style: Modernism
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Downtown Walking Tour Doors Open Peterborough
New
Explore Peterborough’s historical downtown with local historian Don Willcock. The tour will include George, Water and Aylmer streets and everything in between. Come and explore the development of the city’s commercial centre from the 19th century. Two one-hour tours will be offered – at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. – and will begin at Confederation Square.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
Meet at Confederation Square (501 George Street North)Peterborough, Ontario
Architecture
Architectural style: Edwardian, VictorianBuilding type: Commercial, Courthouse, Military, Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
East City Walking Tour Doors Open Peterborough
New
Join local historian Gord Young for a short walking tour of Mark Street. This tour will examine the north and south sides of Mark Street where it meets Hunter Street East – the hub of downtown East City 100 years ago. Tours run on demand and will last approximately 15 minutes. Meet at Mark Street United Church. Street parking located nearby.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
Meet at Mark Street United Church (90 Hunter Street East)Peterborough, Ontario
Architecture
Building type: Private residenceDates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kerr House Doors Open Peterborough
Kerr House was constructed in 1853 and gradually expanded throughout the late 19th century. Now clad in brick, the original house was a stacked plank construction – a rare method used in mid-19th century Peterborough. The house was acquired by Trent University in 1971 and is the home of the School for the Study of Canada.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Self-guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1853Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Peterborough County Jail Park Doors Open Peterborough
New
Experience the former county jail through a self-guided tour of the grounds. The first county jail opened in 1842 and operated until 2001. While the building is no longer standing, the Peterborough County Jail Park holds remainders of the structure, yard and cells for you to explore. Self-guided tour brochures will be available at the site.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Kid-friendly
- Self-guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1842; 1864Architect: Joseph Scobell; T.F. Nicholl
Building type: Historical landmark
Landscape: Park
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Riverview Park and Zoo Doors Open Peterborough
New
Riverview Park and Zoo began with a 1933 donation of two alligators to Ross Dobbin, manager of the Peterborough Utilities Commission. Over 85 years later, the zoo remains a family-friendly facility that promotes wildlife and environmental conservation. Join staff to meet some of the animals and learn about the important conservation work that happens in Peterborough.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
1300 Water StreetPeterborough, Ontario
Telephone: 705-748-9301, ext. 2304
Email: riverviewparkandzoo@peterboroughutilities.ca
www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo.htm
Architecture
Landscape: ParkDates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (tours and activities begin at the Rotary Education Centre)
Sadleir House Doors Open Peterborough
New
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.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
Contact info
751 George Street NorthPeterborough, Ontario
Telephone: 705-742-3686
Email: info@prcsa.ca
www.sadleirhouse.ca
Architecture
Year built: 1892Architect: J.C. Rutherford; Ron Thom
Architectural style: Queen Anne
Building type: Historical house
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Scott House Doors Open Peterborough
New
Scott House was constructed in 1882 for Thomas and Jane Robinson; it was designed by well-known local architect John Belcher. Built in the Italianate style, the house was acquired by Trent University in 1963 for its downtown campus. Several modern additions were designed by architect Ron Thom, who also designed Trent’s main campus.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Self-guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1882Architect: John Belcher; Ron Thom
Architectural style: Italianate
Building type: Educational facility, Historical house
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Town Trolley Doors Open Peterborough
Take a ride on a historical trolley through Peterborough’s downtown! Streetcars manufactured at Canadian General Electric were once an important part of Peterborough’s city centre. Experience Peterborough’s public transit system from the turn of the 20th century. The trolley will depart throughout the day from Confederation Square, with parking available at the City Hall lot.
- Parking
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Trent Radio Doors Open Peterborough
New
Established and operated by Trent University students, Trent Radio is a not-for-profit, independent community radio station founded in 1968 and located in a 19th-century Gothic revival cottage. Visitors can tour the recording studios, see the station’s record collection and meet the people who make it all happen. Listen in on 92.7 FM! Parking at the rear off Parkhill Road West.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
715 George Street NorthPeterborough, Ontario
Telephone: 705-748 4761
Email: info@TrentRadio.ca
www.trentu.ca/org/trentradio
Architecture
Year built: Late 1800sArchitectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Historical house
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Water Treatment Plant Doors Open Peterborough
Peterborough’s Water Treatment Plant was constructed between 1920 and 1922 and has been providing the city with clean drinking water for almost a century. Explore this interesting example of early 20th-century industrial architecture and learn about how the city’s water supply is treated. Tours will operate on an as-needed basis.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1920-22Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wonders of Water Doors Open Peterborough
New
Wonders of Water (WOW) is a water education program delivered by GreenUP, dedicated to sharing the fun and importance of water with local classrooms and homes. The program launched at the 2016 Peterborough Children’s Water Festival and offers curriculum-linked, interactive workshops to classes throughout the Peterborough area. Come and take part in family-friendly activities and find out more about WOW.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Kid-friendly
Contact info
Meet at the Water Treatment Plant (1230 Water Street)Peterborough, Ontario
www.greenup.on.ca
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday May 4, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.