Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
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Doors Open Ontario:

Cornwall and SDG Counties

in-person event information

Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Cornwall and SDG Counties are made up of seven unique municipalities steeped in history and brimming with local charm. Join us for Doors Open and discover some of our most historical sites.

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Community info

In the furthest 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.

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!

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.

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Contact information

19 In-person Doors Open sites

Aultsville Train StationDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Aultsville Train Station

The original train, station and rails that you will find at this site are a general representation of the Grand Trunk Railway when it ran through this area and along the St. Lawrence River, showcasing the steam locomotive era that ran into the middle of the 20th century. Together, they make up a valuable display of regional and Canadian history.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

13740 County Road 2
Morrisburg, Ontario
Email: info@friendsof1008.ca
https://friendsof1008.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1866-89
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Museum Transportation
Architect: Grand Trunk Railway

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

Carman House MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

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.

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

Architecture

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

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

Cornwall Community MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Cornwall Community Museum

The Cornwall Community Museum is a community museum and archives located in a heritage building known as The Wood House (built c. 1840). Their collections include artifacts and documents pertaining to the history of Cornwall and the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry counties from 1784 to present. Enjoy several themed display halls and an optional guided tour during your visit.

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

Contact info

160 Water Street West
Cornwall, Ontario
https://cornwallcommunitymuseum.wordpress.com

Architecture

Year built: 1840
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

Cornwall Historical Walking TourDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Cornwall Historical 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.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Pick up a map and start your tour at the Cornwall Tourism info centre (100 Water Street East), or check the website
Cornwall, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: Various
Building type: Historical landmark
Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

Cornwall Public LibraryDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Cornwall Public Library

This library, a designated heritage property, sits on a former orphanage site that was then acquired by the federal government to house the new post office in 1953. In 1997, after the post office had moved to another location, the library moved into the building following renovations, making it Cornwall's downtown jewel. Guided tours only. Registration required (morning, afternoon).

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

Contact info

45 Second Street East
Cornwall, Ontario
Email: pdufour@library.cornwall.on.ca
https://www.library.cornwall.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1953
Building type: Library

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 19

Glengarry County ArchivesDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

New

  • 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
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

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

Architecture

Year built: 1822
Building type: Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

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

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

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.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • 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 19 - Aug 20

Glengarry Pioneer MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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Glengarry Pioneer Museum

Opened in 1962, the Glengarry Pioneer Museum has grown to include eight heritage buildings, including the Star Inn, a stagecoach stop in the 1860s. Its barroom is thought to be one of the oldest in Eastern Ontario. Other pioneer buildings on this site are the blacksmith shop, town hall, Orange Lodge, log barns, drive shed and cheese factory.

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

Contact info

1645 County Road 30
Dunvegan, Ontario
Email: info@glengarrypioneermuseum.ca
https://glengarrypioneermuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1800-1910
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

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 notorious 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

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 19 - Aug 20

Lost Villages MuseumDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

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.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

16361 Fran Laflamme Drive (Ault Park)
Long Sault, Ontario
https://lostvillages.ca

Architecture

Year built: Various
Building type: Museum
Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

Martintown Grist MillDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Martintown Grist Mill

The Martintown Grist Mill is a three-storey structure where one can see the water-powered turbine that used to turn the grinding wheel. The outer walls were made from stone supplied from a nearby quarry. Built in 1846 and closed in 1950, the mill began to collapse until a group of determined villagers saved it by raising funds for its restoration.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • 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: Museum
Architect: Alexander McMartin

Dates/hours open

Aug 20 - Aug 20

Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor CentreDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre

Located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River, Ontario Power Generation's Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre showcases the history of the St. Lawrence Seaway and Power Project as well as the communities and people affected. Come explore the exciting and informative interactive displays that make this visitor centre a key tourist destination in the Cornwall area.

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

Architecture

Year built: 2010
Building type: Commercial Green building
Architect: Thompson Rosemount Group

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

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
  • 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 20 - Aug 20

St. Columban's ChurchDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Columban's 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 19 - Aug 19

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

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church

A small, cruciform, arts and crafts-style building complete with belfry and three bells, this church is an architectural gem. It was built on the McLennan Estate in 1898. Located on the South Service Road and surrounded by Glengarry Provincial Park and Lancaster Park, it is commonly known as "The Church in the Wildwood."

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

Contact info

20788 South Service Road
Lancaster, Ontario
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 20 - Aug 20

St. Raphael's RuinsDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

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St. Raphael's Ruins

In 1970, a fire consumed the church of St. Raphael’s, one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in English-speaking Canada. Fortunately, the outer walls were spared and today its impressive scale and fine masonry work continue to attract tourists to the site. The ruins were declared a National Historic Site in 1999.

  • Guided tours available
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

19998 County Road 18
South Glengarry, Ontario
https://saintraphaelsruins.com

Architecture

Year built: 1821
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

Upper Canada Migratory Bird SanctuaryDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Home to over 200 various bird species, this bird sanctuary is perfect for the experienced birder, environmental enthusiast or anyone who enjoys a relaxing and leisurely walk in the great outdoors. With over 8 kilometres (5 miles) of self-guided trails that take you through mature forested areas, wetlands and boardwalks, this is truly the best way to spend an afternoon.

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

Contact info

5591 Morrisons Road
Ingleside, Ontario
Email: ucmbs@parks.on.ca
https://www.stlawrenceparks.com/to-do/camping/bird-sanctuary-campground

Architecture

Building type: Attraction

Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 20

YourTV CornwallDoors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

YourTV Cornwall

Community is at the heart of what YourTV does. Community television in Cornwall recently celebrated 50 years. Since late 1971, the local channel has brought events, politics, sports and much more to Cornwall living rooms. See where many favourite shows are produced, get a glimpse behind the scenes of television production and learn about their volunteer program.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

517 Pitt Street
Cornwall, Ontario
https://www.yourtv.tv/cornwall

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Aug 19 - Aug 19