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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Comstock and Kaye Life Celebration Centre was formed in 2016 as a merger between two well-established Peterborough businesses: Comstock Funeral Home, founded over 150 years ago, and Kaye Funeral Home and Memorial Chapel, founded in 1946. Tour this business, located in an 1882 building, and learn about their history and work today.

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Join local historians Don Willcock and Elwood Jones on a downtown walking tour that will explore the industrial heritage of Jackson Creek. Although few of the buildings remain, there are still lots of interesting stories to hear. There will be only two tours during the day, starting at Confederation Square.

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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.

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Join local historian Gord Young from Lakefield Heritage Research on a walking tour of some of East City’s former industrial sites. Learn about how industry shaped the East City landscape and see what's there today. Tours will operate throughout the day, ending at 2:30 p.m., starting at the Cambium Consulting and Engineering parking lot. Easy walk; no special footwear required.

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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.

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The Innovation Cluster supports determined, innovative entrepreneurs as they create and grow technology-driven companies. Focusing on four key sectors – clean-tech, ag-tech, healthcare and digital – The Innovation Cluster’s dynamic programming ensures that startups find their best path to market. The Innovation Cluster operates The Cube – Peterborough’s two full-service business incubators, located at Trent University and in downtown Peterborough.

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The Jackson Creek Retirement Residence is located on the site of the William Hamilton Foundry. The Hamilton Foundry produced castings used throughout Ontario and was, at one time, one of Peterborough’s most prosperous businesses. Visit this site to view a photo exhibit about the foundry and see the transformation of the site from industrial centre to a peaceful retirement residence.

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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.

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The present London Street Generating Station consists of two plants – a 1902 plant designed by Charles H. Keefer to supply power to what is now Quaker Oats, and a second plant added in 2016. It was acquired by Peterborough Utilities in 1975. Come and see one of the facilities that provides electricity to the city. Note: Closed-toe shoes are required.

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In 1927, the Peterborough Mattress Company moved their factory into this building. The company manufactured mattresses that were used across Peterborough and Ontario. Now, this designated building has a new life as the workshop of Rivison Renovations, a local carpentry business that specializes in renovating old homes.

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This centre houses a stunning collection of Canadian wildlife displays and an impressive antique lure and decoy exhibit. See Ontario’s warm water fish collection in our giant Shimano Aquarium. Through educational field trips, birthday parties and teaching youth how to fish at the pond, the centre celebrates the conservation success stories of Ontario’s anglers and hunters.

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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.

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Come and see Peterborough's iconic lift lock up close! Guided tours are available throughout the day. Space is limited and the last tour occurs at 2:30 p.m. Tours include numerous stairs and relatively confined spaces. Closed-toe shoes are required. This facility is not accessible. Children over 10 years old are welcome on tours if accompanied by an adult. 

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The Publican House Brewery is a family-owned craft brewery in downtown Peterborough. Their beer is small-batch brewed with natural ingredients. The adjoining Brew Pub is located in a 170-year-old building with a long history as a Peterborough pub and restaurant. Tours of their facility will be available throughout the day.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Smithavens Brewing Company is a family-owned and -operated craft brewery. They brew in small batches to ensure maximum freshness and the best taste. Tour the facility and learn more about the company’s specialization in traditional European beers – using premium malts, hops and yeasts. Guided tours occur on the hour, beginning at 11 a.m.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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