Smiths Falls
Event information
Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join us for another exciting Doors Open Smiths Falls event and explore our historical treasures and innovative businesses for free. From old favourites to new adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Smiths Falls.
Community information
Nestled in the heart of the historical Rideau Canal, Smiths Falls has long been the crossroads of eastern Ontario. But the history of our region dates back centuries with the presence of Haudenosaunee to the south and Algonquin to the north.
European settlement in Smiths Falls began with a land grant to United Empire Loyalist Thomas Smyth, and was established with the vision of early Americans Abel Russell Ward and James Simpson, engineer for the canal in Smiths Falls. From the canal-building years of the 1820s and the waves of immigrants who arrived by boat, to the advent of the railways in the 19th and 20th centuries, Smiths Falls has been shaped architecturally and culturally by these important routes for trade, immigration and transportation.
Over the decades, Smiths Falls has evolved in step with iconic industries from the early mills to Frost and Woods and Hershey’s Chocolate Factory. Today, we see the continued evolution of the community as new opportunities arise with the production of cannibis at the largest cannibis producer in the world, Canopy Growth Corp. (Tweed). And the canal continues to play a central role in the community’s development – now as a recreational destination – as we host the North American headquarters of Le Boat, Europe’s number one boating vacation company.
Become a volunteer
For those looking to get involved with this exciting event, contact Becky Allen at 613-283-4124 or by email at ballen@smithsfalls.ca.
Contact info
10 sites found
Collegiate Court Doors Open Smiths Falls
New
Built in 2013 on the site of the old Smiths Falls District Collegiate Institute (SFDCI), Collegiate Court is a series of apartments and office spaces for businesses. The old archway of the school remains standing on the site. During Doors Open, tour some of the luxurious apartments – an attractive alternative to home ownership.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
Contact info
2 Gould StreetSmiths Falls, Ontario
Architecture
Building type: Commercial, Historical landmark, SchoolhouseDates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Heritage House Museum Doors Open Smiths Falls
Heritage House Museum is housed in this Victorian home. Period rooms depict the lifestyle of a mill owner's family living in Smiths Falls in the 1860s. Situated on a picturesque portion of the Rideau Canal, the museum features a unique mirror-image façade, a two-storey privy, exhibition galleries, spacious gardens and a picnic area. Demonstrations and special guests throughout the day.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
- Self-guided tours available
Contact info
11 Old Sly's RoadSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-6311
Email: heritagehouse@smithsfalls.ca
www.facebook.com/heritagehousemuseum
Architecture
Year built: 1861Architect: Joshua Bates
Architectural style: Georgian, Victorian
Building type: Historical house, Museum
Landscape: Garden
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Parks Canada Rideau Canal Gate Shop Doors Open Smiths Falls
Join Parks Canada behind the scenes and see how lock gates are built by their talented craftsmen. Learn how these examples of 19th-century engineering are created to withstand the test of time. Find out how their designs are still relevant today, and learn how Parks Canada plays a leadership role in the protection of Canada's treasured places.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- French services available
- National Historic Site (Canada)
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
49 Centre StreetSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-5170, ext. 205
Email: RideauCanal.Info@pc.gc.ca
www.pc.gc.ca/Rideau
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario Doors Open Smiths Falls
The Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario is a National Historic Site that is located in a former Canadian Northern Railway station, which remained in service until 1979. During Doors Open, explore the train engines and freight cars, and visit the only remaining dental car in North America. Handcar rides will be available as well as costumed guides for tours.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- National Historic Site (Canada)
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
- Self-guided tours available
Architecture
Year built: 1912Architect: Canadian Northern Railway
Building type: Museum
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; tours available hourly, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Smiths Falls Public Library Doors Open Smiths Falls
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Self-guided tours available
Contact info
81 Beckwith Street NorthSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-2911
www.smithsfallslibrary.ca
Architecture
Year built: 1903Architect: Andrew Carnegie
Architectural style: Beaux arts
Building type: Library
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Smiths Falls Town Hall Doors Open Smiths Falls
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
Contact info
77 Beckwith Street NorthSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-4124
www.smithsfalls.ca
Architecture
Year built: 1859; 1871Architect: Ezekiel Shipman (town hall); Richard Locke (school)
Architectural style: Neoclassical
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
St. Francis Masonic Lodge 24 Doors Open Smiths Falls
In October 1839, some Masonic brethren from the village of St. Francis (later incorporated as the Town of Smiths Falls) opened a new lodge, initially using various locations in the village. In 1954, the lodge moved to its present site, formerly the Johnston Public School. Tours will showcase the symbolism of the Masonic order and its history in Smiths Falls.
- Parking
- Washrooms
- Guided tours available
- Self-guided tours available
Contact info
46 Russell Street WestSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-4230
Architecture
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Trinity United Church Doors Open Smiths Falls
Built in 1885, this beautiful church seats up to 350 people and still features much of its original Gothic design – including ornate marble pillars and magnificent archways. Thanks to renovations in recent years, the 16 outstanding stained-glass windows have been lovingly restored. And, with the installation of an elevator, the church is now fully accessible.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- French services available
- Guided tours available
- Self-guided tours available
- Communication
Contact info
41 Market Street North (at the corner of Russell and Market streets)Smiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-4444
Email: minister@trinityunitedsf.ca
www.trinityunitedsf.ca
Architecture
Year built: 1885Architectural style: Gothic revival
Building type: Place of worship
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Sunday: Noon to 3 p.m.
Tweed Visitor Centre Doors Open Smiths Falls
Located in an abandoned Hershey’s factory, the Tweed Visitor Centre allows you to explore the history, science and culture of cannabis. An educational theatre experience challenges pre-conceptions and highlights society’s changing relationship with cannabis. Finish your tour with a coffee or visit the gift shop. This behind-the-scenes tour should broaden your understanding of cannabis and inspire new perspectives.
Contact info
1 Hershey DriveSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-706-3088
Email: visit@tweed.com
www.tweed.com/vc
Architecture
Year built: 1963Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wood Mausoleum Doors Open Smiths Falls
Originally the private burial site of prominent citizen Alexander Wood of the once-famous Frost and Wood Company, this intimate cemetery on the outskirts of Smiths Falls is the site of a beautiful mausoleum. Discover the interesting story of the Wood family, as well as the history of this impressive 19th-century stone vault.
- Parking
- Guided tours available
Contact info
301 Highway 29Smiths Falls, Ontario
Architecture
Building type: CemeteryDates/hours open
Saturday September 14, 2019Saturday: Noon to 3 p.m.