Peterborough
Event information
Digital Doors Open Peterborough
Explore some traditional Doors Open Peterborough sites without having to leave home. The following sites offer tours, videos and activities that will engage people of all ages.
Canadian Canoe Museum Doors Open Peterborough
Established in 1997, the Canadian Canoe Museum is home to the largest collection of canoes and kayaks in the world. As part of Digital Doors Open, the museum has developed a series of videos to give virtual visitors a glimpse of the many stories the artifacts have to tell. In addition to the Commanda birchbark canoes story shown below, you can check out more of The Stories They Hold series with Gordon Lightfoot’s canary yellow canoe and May Minto and Robert Bateman’s canoe. Also, explore some featured pieces from their collection here.
- Digital Doors Open
- Video
- Collections and resources
Architecture
Building type: MuseumDates/hours open
Friday May 1 – Wednesday March 31, 2021Part of Digital Doors Open Peterborough
Commerce Building, The Doors Open Peterborough
New
The Commerce Building was designed in 1894-95 by John E. Belcher, one of Peterborough's leading architects. It was constructed of Credit Valley stone and pressed brick from Toronto's Don Valley. The building's main tenant was the Commerce Bank, later the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Architectural and decorative remnants of the old bank hall at the main floor level remain intact and can be seen inside what is now a restaurant. The building has undergone many changes over the years and now houses a vibrant arts community (featuring @Bluefrogslegs, Madder House Textile Studio, Aterlier Ludmila, Heather Doughty Photography, Mary McLoughlin and more). Learn more about this building and its place in downtown Peterborough’s past. And join them, along with other downtown locations, for a virtual First Friday art crawl.
- Digital Doors Open
- Video
Architecture
Year built: 1894-95Architect: John E. Belcher
Architectural style: Victorian
Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Friday May 1 – Wednesday March 31, 2021Part of Digital Doors Open Peterborough
Downtown Walking Tour Doors Open Peterborough
New
Explore Peterborough’s historical downtown digitally 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, including many buildings being adaptively re-used. Join the tour by clicking the video link below! Or learn more about one of the tour's stops: St. John's Anglican Church through this video.
- Digital Doors Open
- Virtual tour
Contact info
Start at Confederation Square (501 George Street North)Peterborough, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: VariousArchitect: Various
Architectural style: Edwardian, Victorian
Building type: Commercial, Courthouse, Military, Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Friday May 1 – Wednesday March 31, 2021Part of Digital Doors Open Peterborough
Lett Architects Studio Doors Open Peterborough
New
In 2016, Lett Architects purchased this historical building, which has seen many uses since 1875. Much of the existing interiors, and previous renovations, were demolished and taken down to the original structure, bringing life to a building that had been abandoned for three years. Elements of the original building were re-used, and energy efficient systems were added in the renovation. Learn more about this fascinating structure - and its history - through the video below.
- Digital Doors Open
- Virtual tour
- Video
- Kid-friendly
Contact info
138 Simcoe StreetPeterborough, Ontario
Architecture
Year built: 1975Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Friday May 1 – Wednesday March 31, 2021Part of Digital Doors Open Peterborough
Warsaw Caves Conservation Area Doors Open Peterborough
New
The stunning Warsaw Caves, located near Peterborough and operated by Otonabee Conservation, were created by glacial activity over 10,000 years ago. Today, they offer some of the province’s best spelunking opportunities. Due to COVID-19, however, the caves and the cave trail remain closed. But all other trails – as well as camping and canoeing – are available. The Warsaw Caves Conservation Area has a number of downloadable resources – including maps for hiking and camping, plus detailed brochures for canoeing and spelunking. During Digital Doors Open, explore the caves and the cave trail through the video below.
- Digital Doors Open
- Video
- Collections and resources
- Kid-friendly
- Parking
- Self-guided tours available
Contact info
289 Caves RoadWarsaw, Ontario
www.otonabeeconservation.com/camping-outdoor-recreation/warsaw-caves
Architecture
Landscape: Conservation area, Landscape, Natural heritage, TrailDates/hours open
Friday May 1 – Wednesday March 31, 2021Part of Digital Doors Open Peterborough