Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
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Doors Open Ontario:

Cornwall and SDG Counties

in-person event information

Saturday and Sunday, August 16 and 17, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cornwall and SDG Counties are partnering again this year to bring you a memorable Doors Open experience. This annual event offers an incredible opportunity to visit some of the region’s most fascinating historical, cultural and architectural sites. From heritage landmarks and museums to modern marvels, each location tells a unique story about the region’s rich history and vibrant community. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a family-friendly adventure, Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties is your gateway to discovery.

Note: Some sites' hours may differ. Please refer to each site's page for hours of operation for Doors Open 2025.

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Community info

In the farthest reaches of Eastern Ontario, you’ll find Cornwall and SDG Counties. From the mid-sized city of Cornwall to the most picturesque villages — such as Williamsburg in the west and Williamstown in the east — there is a timeless appeal here.

Cornwall Historic Walking Tour
This 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) self-guided walking tour is a voyage into Cornwall’s heritage, depicting events and points of interest from the city’s past. The tour follows nearly 30 plaques that have been erected along Cornwall’s waterfront, downtown and in parts of Le Village in the city’s east end — representing industrial links, the former Cornwall Canal and the founding of New Johnstown.

From heritage buildings peppering the landscape and wondrous waterways that beckon boats, fishing rods and swimsuits, to endless swaths of forests to explore on foot, bike, snowshoes and skis — these all serve as the beautiful, year-round backdrop for amenities, activities and adventures. Discover restaurants, wineries, breweries, beaches, boutiques, bass tournaments, bed-and-breakfasts and accommodations, music and theatre venues, cyclotourism routes, county fairs, lavender-picking farms, campgrounds . . . and more!

Bishop's House
A historical building in the Glengarry County village of St. Raphael’s. The 1808 stone house was built as the home of Rev. Alexander Macdonell, a major figure in early Ontario history, parish priest of St. Raphael’s from 1804 to 1815 and later the first bishop of Ontario. The Bishop’s House is across the road from the celebrated St. Raphael’s Ruins, a National Historic Site.

To learn more about all that there is to see and do here, explore these Doors Open sites or visit Cornwall Tourism and SDG Tourism.

Long Sault Parkway
The Long Sault Parkway, located in the St. Lawrence River between Long Sault and Ingleside, is a perfect detour to take en route to local historical sites and museums, such as the Lost Villages Museum, or the Battle of Crysler's Farm. You can even cycle the dedicated Waterfront Trail, that will take you all the way east through Cornwall, and west to Iroquois.

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Contact information

22 In-person Doors Open sites

Aultsville TheatreDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Aultsville Theatre

Built in 1976, the Aultsville Theatre is a 680-seat non-profit professional theatre that hosts a variety of events annually. Come and experience theatre life on the other side of the curtain. Take a backstage tour and see where the performers prepare themselves. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the theatrical lighting, rigging and operations that bring productions and performances to life.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

2 St. Lawrence Drive
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: brittney@aultsvilletheatre.com
https://aultsvilletheatre.com

Architecture

Year built: 1976
Building type: Attraction Theatre

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 17

Bishop's House of Glengarry, TheDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Bishop's House of Glengarry, The

This stone landmark across from St. Raphael’s Ruins was initially a presbytery for Father Alexander Macdonell, chaplain of the Glengarry Fencibles Light Infantry during the War of 1812, and later the first Bishop of Upper Canada. In 1924, symmetrical wings were added to each side of the presbytery in its transition to the renowned girls’ boarding school, the Iona Academy.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

20019 County Road 18
St. Raphael's, Ontario
Email: bbaxterb5@gmail.com
https://bishopshouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1808; wings added in 1924
Building type: Historical landmark
Architect: Raoul Gariepy (designed 1924 additions)

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Carman House MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Carman House Museum

The Carman House Museum — a Georgian-era limestone cottage — was built c. 1815. The family was part of the Loyalist migration after the American Revolutionary War, receiving a land grant for their service to the Crown. It is also one of only two original buildings in Iroquois that were not moved for the 1950s construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1815
Building type: Museum Private residence
Architect: Michael Carman III

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Christ Church SeawayDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Christ Church Seaway

This church was built in 1959 after the St. Lawrence Seaway Project was completed. The project displaced the residents of what are now known as the Lost Villages, a group of communities along the St. Lawrence. In the process, 17 churches were moved or destroyed. Christ Church was built in the new town of Long Sault to accommodate other congregations.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

2 Bethune Avenue
Long Sault, Ontario
Email: NHALLBERG7258@gmail.com
https://www.saintlawrenceparish.org/christchurch

Architecture

Year built: 1959
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 16

Cornwall ArmouryDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Cornwall Armoury

Constructed of buff-coloured brick with stone trim, the Cornwall Armoury features a crenellated frontispiece and corner towers. Towers also flank the twin troop doors leading to the large drill hall. This federal heritage building is associated with the expansion of Canada's militia between the First and Second World Wars. Today, it hosts the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.

  • French services available
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1939
Building type: Historical landmark Military Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Cornwall Community Museum (The Wood House)Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Cornwall Community Museum (The Wood House)

This museum collects, preserves and displays historical artifacts related to Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Their exhibit spaces host a multitude of artifacts organized by theme — the founding of New Johnstown and the Royal Townships, a turn-of-the-century kitchen, industry, law, commerce, textile, community service, health care and more. Come and explore this fascinating museum!

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

160 Water Street West
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: brentwhitford@cornwallcommunitymuseum.ca
https://cornwallcommunitymuseum.wordpress.com

Architecture

Year built: 1840
Building type: Museum Private residence

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

DEV Hotel & Conference CentreDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

DEV Hotel & Conference Centre

Set along the St. Lawrence River, the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre offers ideal spaces for conferences, events and team training. With 6,500 square metres (70,000 square feet) of meeting space, an onsite restaurant and a fitness centre, it combines convenience with comfort. Enjoy scenic views, modern rooms with workspaces, and relaxing amenities — all to ensure an unforgettable stay.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

1950 Montreal Road
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: ibently@devcentre.ca
https://www.devhotelandconferencecentre.com

Architecture

Building type: Commercial Food and drink

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame, TheDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame, The

Glengarry County has a wealth of Celtic heritage. The Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame, founded in 2003, honours individuals and groups who have contributed to the maintenance of the Celtic music culture in the county, including musicians and promotors. In addition to the recognition of the inductees, they also collect memorabilia relevant to the area’s music and culture.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

19687 William Street
Williamstown, Ontario
Email: glengarryceltic@gmail.com
https://glengarrycelticmusic.com

Architecture

Year built: Founded in 2003
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Glengarry County ArchivesDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Glengarry County Archives

The Glengarry County Archives, housed in this 1822 building, is the largest repository of historical records in Eastern Ontario. It contains the foremost collection of history about Glengarry County found anywhere. During Doors Open, come and take a tour of this facility and learn more about local history. Explore their records and archival newspapers and speak with an archivist.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

28 Kenyon Street East
Alexandria, Ontario
http://www.glengarrycountyarchives.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1822
Building type: Historical landmark Archives

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Glengarry Nor'Westers and Loyalist MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Glengarry Nor'Westers and Loyalist Museum

This Georgian-style building dates back to 1862. In 1967, it became a museum dedicated to depicting the story of Sir John Johnson and other Loyalists who settled in the area during the American Revolution. Special exhibits celebrate the bicentennial of the Williamstown Fair (the oldest agrarian fair in Canada) and the War of 1812.

  • French services available
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

19651 County Road 17
Williamstown, Ontario
Email: gnlmuseum@gmail.com
https://www.glengarrynorwestersandloyalistmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1862
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Heritage Centre, TheDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Heritage Centre, The

The Heritage Centre, originally the Winchester Township Town Hall, served as a courthouse, drill hall, movie theatre, firehall and many other things. The Chesterville and District Historical Society took over the building in 1984 and has been collecting artifacts and researching local history since. The building is now maintained by the Township of North Dundas.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

14 Victoria Street
Chesterville, Ontario
Email: chestervillehistoricalsociety@gmail.com
https://chestervilleanddistricths.weebly.com

Architecture

Building type: Courthouse Military Museum Theatre Fire station

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 16

Historic SDG JailDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Historic SDG Jail

This jail has a rich history. It served as a maximum-security facility for nearly a century, housing some infamous criminals. It was notorious for its harsh conditions and alleged human rights violations. Today, the jail stands as a museum and popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the prison's past and the harsh realities of life behind bars.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

11 Water Street West
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: tourism@sdgcounties.ca
https://www.historicsdgjail.com

Architecture

Year built: 1833
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Judy Neville British Home Child MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Judy Neville British Home Child Museum

In collaboration with the Parks of the St. Lawrence, the Ontario East British Home Child Family operates a museum on weekends during the month of August through to Labour Day. Located inside the Aultsville Train Station are artifacts and information on British Home Children who came to this country between the 1860s and the 1930s as indentured servants.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

13740 County Road 2
Morrisburg, Ontario
Email: junethel17@gmail.com
http://www.onteastbritishhomechildfamily.com

Architecture

Building type: Historical landmark Museum Transportation
Architect: Grand Trunk Railway

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Lost Villages MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Lost Villages Museum

This site comprises 10 heritage buildings that were moved here by members of The Lost Villages Historical Society when the St. Lawrence Seaway was developed in 1958. Casualties of progress, the villages and hamlets disappeared under water but are remembered by former residents. The interiors and exteriors have been restored, and the buildings have been assembled in a village-like setting.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • French services available
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

16361 Fran Laflamme Drive (Ault Park)
Long Sault, Ontario
Email: jim.k.brownell@gmail.com
https://lostvillages.ca

Architecture

Year built: Various
Building type: Museum
Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Martintown Grist MillDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Martintown Grist Mill

The Martintown Mill, built in 1846 by Alexander McMartin, is located in the centre of the village of Martintown in a picturesque setting on the Raisin River. Built with local fieldstone, it served the region as a flour milling operation. Commercial use of the mill ended in 1947. It is now a popular museum and tourist destination.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

18544 County Road 18
Martintown, Ontario
Email: martintownmill@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/MartintownMill

Architecture

Year built: 1846
Building type: Commercial Museum
Architect: Alexander McMartin

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Paroisse de la Nativité-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-MarieDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Paroisse de la Nativité-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie

The Paroisse de la Nativité-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie was the early nucleus of Cornwall's Francophone community and has been a dominant feature of Cornwall's skyline for over a century. The beautiful structure was designed and supervised by the second pastor of the parish, Father Paul-Antoine de Saunhac, a native of Toulouse, France. The first mass was celebrated here on Christmas Day 1891.

  • French services available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

300 Montreal Road
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: paroissenativite@gmail.com

Architecture

Year built: 1887
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Father Paul-Antoine de Saunhac

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Priest's Mill Arts CentreDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Priest's Mill Arts Centre

The Priest's Mill Arts Centre is located on the ground floor of the stone-and-mortar grist mill that was constructed in 1819. Razed by fire and rebuilt several times, the present building dates to 1884. The ground floor of the centre block — rebuilt in 1902 — has recently been lovingly refurbished as an art gallery and studio.

  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

16 Mill Square
Alexandria, Ontario
Email: Lourens@priestsmill.ca
https://pmac.art

Architecture

Year built: 1902-18 (current building)
Building type: Attraction Gallery
Architect: Father Alexander MacDonell

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

Sir John Johnson Manor HouseDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Sir John Johnson Manor House

Along the Raisin River lies one of the oldest homes in Ontario. This Georgian-style house was built for Sir John Johnson (a soldier, Loyalist and public servant) between 1784-92. This site was chosen because it is a natural location for water-powered mills. The house is now a National Historic Site, dedicated to preserving local history through archives and tours.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

19692 William Street
Williamstown, Ontario
Email: sirjohnjohnsonmanorhouse@bellnet.ca
http://sirjohnjohnsonmanorhouse.weebly.com

Architecture

Year built: Begun in 1784
Building type: Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

St. Columban's Catholic ChurchDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Columban's Catholic Church

This Catholic church was built in 1829. The spire is 54 metres high (176 feet) and is visible from downtown Cornwall. The grounds to the east of the church were the first burial grounds of the parish. Today, it is known as the old cemetery, marked by the Calvary scene sculpture composed of the headstones collected from the early cemetery.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

36 Fourth Street West
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: stcolumban@cogeco.ca
https://stcolumbanparishcornwall.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1896
Building type: Cemetery Historical landmark Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 16

St. Finnan's BasilicaDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Finnan's Basilica

Founded in 1833, St. Finnan's Basilica is one of the birthplaces of Catholicism in Canada. The Eucharist has been celebrated here since it opened. Parishioners have congregated to celebrate baptisms, marriages, confirmations and ordinations for generations. In 2021, it was designated a minor basilica by the Pope. It is renowned for its distinctive architectural styles and beautiful stained-glass windows.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

72 St. Paul Street
Alexandria, Ontario
Email: Director@stfinnan.ca
https://stfinnan.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1833
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 16 - Aug 17

St. John the Evangelist Anglican ChurchDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church

This church — complete with belfry and three bells — is an architectural gem. It was built on the McLennan Estate in 1898. Surrounded by parkland, it is commonly known as "The Church in the Wildwood." It is part of the Area Parish of the St. Lawrence, along with Christ Church Seaway in Long Sault and Trinity Church in Cornwall.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

20788 South Service Road
Lancaster, Ontario
Email: tessanikolakakis@yahoo.ca
https://www.saintlawrenceparish.org/st-john-the-evangelist

Architecture

Year built: 1898
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: John William Hurrell Watts

Dates/hours open

Aug 17 - Aug 17