Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
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

3 In-person Doors Open sites

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 20 - 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

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