Smiths Falls
Event information
Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
After an absence of three years, Doors Open Smiths Falls is set to return this year! Come and explore our historical treasures and innovative businesses for free. From old favorites 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 medical – and soon to be recreational – marijuana at the largest marijuana 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 Ingrid Bron at 613-283-4124, ext. 1127, or by email at ibron@smithsfalls.ca.
Contact info
16 sites found
Canopy Growth Corporation (Tweed Inc.) Doors Open Smiths Falls
New
Canopy Growth is a world-leading diversified cannabis company, headquartered in Smiths Falls’ former Hershey Chocolate Factory. From its 2013 inception, Canopy Growth has focused on establishing brands, leading the Canadian cannabis sector with integrity, moving the dialogue on cannabis forward and creating something uniquely Canadian. Come and see the brand new Visitor's Centre, now open!
Contact info
1 Hershey DriveSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-706-2185
Email: hi@tweed.com
www.canopygrowth.com
Architecture
Year built: 1963Building type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Davidson's Courtyard Doors Open Smiths Falls
This site was once the location of Davidson’s Bread, the largest commercial bakery in eastern Ontario. Established in the early 1890s, it was operated by the Davidson family for three generations. The industrial structure has since been transformed into a retail courtyard with four shops and a café – with some original features still present (such as the unique flour elevator).
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Self-guided tours available
Contact info
7 Russell Street WestSmiths Falls, Ontario
Email: davidsonshops@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/davidsoncourtyard
Architecture
Year built: 1890Building type: Commercial, Food and drink
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gallipeau Centre Doors Open Smiths Falls
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Self-guided tours available
Contact info
361 Queen StreetSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-284-9916
Email: shannon@gallipeaucentre.com
www.gallipeaucentre.com
Architecture
Year built: 1952Architectural style: Art deco
Building type: Attraction, Commercial, Private residence, Theatre
Landscape: Landscape
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 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 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lannin Funeral Home and Reception Centre Doors Open Smiths Falls
New
This stone building occupied by Lannin Funeral Home Chapel and Reception Centre was built in the 1840s. One of the oldest stone structures in Smiths Falls, apart from the Rideau Canal locks, it operated as a hotel in the 1850s. In 1914, new owners started the funeral home. This beautiful building has been in the community for over 145 years.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- French services available
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
- Women's history
Contact info
32 Main Street EastSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-7225
Email: lanninfuneralhome@bellnet.ca
www.lannin.ca
Architecture
Year built: 1840sBuilding type: Commercial
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lockmaster's House - Home of Le Boat Doors Open Smiths Falls
This two-storey building, with ground-floor walls of rough-faced stone and a clapboarded second storey, dates back to the construction of the Rideau Canal – the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Ontario. Today, it serves as the home of Le Boat – the luxury European canal boat company that opened its North American headquarters in Smiths Falls in 2018.
- Parking
- National Historic Site (Canada)
- Kid-friendly
Contact info
Old Sly's RoadSmiths Falls Ont, Ontario
Telephone: 1-800-734-5491
Email: info@leboat.com
www.leboat.ca
Architecture
Year built: 1841Architect: Bell, Richardson & Co.
Building type: Historical landmark
Landscape: Conservation area, Trail
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 15, 2018Saturday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. only
Montague Food and Agriculture Museum Doors Open Smiths Falls
Built with cedar from an 1850 barn, this building is a replica of a mid-19th-century stack-wall machine shed once found throughout Lanark County. It houses approximately 1,000 artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries that relate to food and agriculture. Photographs of 19th-century farm life will also be on display. The site is open by appointment outside of Doors Open.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
1112 Matheson DriveSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-5270
Architecture
Year built: 2001Architect: Bill Dobson
Building type: Food and drink, Museum
Landscape: Landscape
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Parks Canada Rideau Canal Gate Shop Doors Open Smiths Falls
Join us behind the scenes and see how lock gates are built by the talented Parks Canada 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 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 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, cabooses, freight car 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 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; tours available hourly, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
REAL Deal Store and Environment Centre Doors Open Smiths Falls
The Rideau Environmental Action League (REAL) uses a former Smiths Falls Public Works building to operate the REAL Deal Reuse Store. In addition to ensuring that usable materials do not become waste, REAL uses the adjacent naturalized lot to offer additional environmental services – including an electronics waste depot, rain barrel sales, a community garden and a compost demonstration site.
- Parking
- Partial wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
85 William Street WestSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-7999
Email: info@realaction.ca
www.REALaction.ca
Architecture
Year built: 1962Building type: Commercial, Green building
Landscape: Garden
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 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 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 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 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 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 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Station Theatre, The Doors Open Smiths Falls
Housed in the former Canadian Pacific Railway station, The Station Theatre opened in April 2010 after more than 11 years of planning, fundraising and construction. The 140-seat facility has become a focus for the performing arts in Smiths Falls, giving locals the experience of live theatre, concerts and films. It is also a sought-after venue for meetings and receptions.
- Parking
- Full wheelchair access
- Washrooms
- Kid-friendly
- Guided tours available
Contact info
53 Victoria AvenueSmiths Falls, Ontario
Telephone: 613-283-0300
Email: thestationtheatre@gmail.com
www.smithsfallstheatre.com
Architecture
Year built: 1887; conversion in 2010Architect: Canadian Pacific Railway
Building type: Theatre, Transportation
Dates/hours open
Saturday September 15, 2018Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 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
- Women's history
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 15, 2018Sunday: Noon to 4 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 15, 2018Saturday: Noon to 4 p.m.