Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
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Doors Open Ontario:

Kingston and Area: July

in-person event information

Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discover, explore and encounter the spaces, places and stories that shape the communities of Kingston and Area! With three dates in 2023 to choose from — July 22, August 26 and September 23 — you have many opportunities to explore!

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Community information

At the gateway of the 1000 Islands and the UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal, Kingston is a city of many names, many peoples, many stories and many directions — from its First Peoples to the settlers who eventually came to call it home.

Nestled within a region known for its vibrant cultural heritage, Kingston is often called "the limestone city" because of its charming limestone buildings, many of which help tell the story of Canada.

With plenty of museums, art galleries and historical sites to keep you busy — from small, specialized museums and arts venues brimming with local and international talent to national historical treasures — Kingston is also a wonderful starting point to expand your horizons and explore the wider area.

#visitlocal #expandyourhorizons

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Contact information

15 In-person Doors Open sites

Agnes Etherington Art CentreDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Agnes Etherington Art Centre

Situated within the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat territories, the Agnes Etherington Art Centre is a curatorially-driven and research-intensive professional art centre that is both public art gallery and learning resource at Queen’s University. The Agnes creates opportunities for participation and exchange across communities, cultures, histories and geographies. Take a self-guided tour of Emergence: A Recent Gift of Indigenous Art.

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

Contact info

36 University Avenue
Kingston, Ontario
Email: aeac@queensu.ca
https://agnes.queensu.ca

Architecture

Year built: Established in 1957
Building type: Museum
Architect: Diamond & Schmidt; latest renovation in 2000

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Barriefield Village Heritage Conservation District and Rock Garden Walking TourDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Barriefield Village Heritage Conservation District and Rock Garden Walking Tour

Barriefield, established in 1814, is a village overlooking the Cataraqui River. In its heyday, it boasted taverns, boat-building yards, a sawmill, blacksmiths, carpenters, shops, a village school and a church. Barriefield Village was designated as the first Heritage Conservation District in Ontario and still retains its 19th-century character. Come and tour this village and explore its many sites and vistas.

  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Start at the Frontenac County Schools Museum (414 Regent Street)
Barriefield (Kingston), Ontario
https://barriefieldvillage.com

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Bellevue House National Historic Site: Visitor Centre and GardensDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Bellevue House National Historic Site: Visitor Centre and Gardens

Bellevue House National Historic Site is a place to explore the complex legacy of Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, and to reflect and share thoughts on Canada’s history from different viewpoints. While the historical house remains closed for the renewal of exhibits and visitor experience offerings, the Visitor Centre and the gardens are open.

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

Contact info

35 Centre Street
Kingston, Ontario
Email: bellevue.house@pc.gc.ca
https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/bellevue

Architecture

Year built: 1840
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark
Architect: George Browne

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Frontenac County Schools MuseumDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Frontenac County Schools Museum

Set in historical Barriefield Village, this museum collects, preserves and displays artifacts and archival materials from the one-room schools of Frontenac County — from the earliest establishment to the school district consolidation in 1970. Featuring a replica one-room school and a display gallery, the museum offers plenty of fun activities for all ages — including heritage crafts and a three sisters garden.

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

Contact info

414 Regent Street
Barriefield, Ontario
Email: fcschoolsmuseum@gmail.com
https://www.fcsmuseum.com

Architecture

Year built: 1886
Building type: Government building Museum Place of worship
Architect: William Newlands

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

HMCS CataraquiDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

HMCS Cataraqui

HMCS Cataraqui is home to the Royal Canadian Navy in Kingston, located on the water across from the Royal Military College of Canada. Come and celebrate the 100th anniversary of the naval reserves and explore multiple historical showcases. Free rigid-hull inflatable boat rides are available (visitors will need to sign a waiver to participate).

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

Contact info

24 Navy Way
Kingston, Ontario
https://www.facebook.com/HMCSNCSMCataraqui

Architecture

Year built: established in 1941; 1992
Building type: Military

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Loving Spoonful: Community Training FarmDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Loving Spoonful: Community Training Farm

Loving Spoonful envisions a resilient community and local food system that nourishes all people and supports dignified access to good food. This non-profit organization focuses on developing urban food gardens. During Doors Open, visit their Community Training Farm for a rare opportunity to see the site in operation as well as participate in programming.

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Food vendors
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

100 Days Road (behind Centre 70)
Kingston, Ontario
Email: info@lovingspoonful.org
https://www.lovingspoonful.org

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Macpherson House and ParkDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Macpherson House and Park

Nestled along the Napanee River, this 1826 historical house and garden interprets the Macphersons — an affluent Upper Canada family. Step back in time and imagine what was cooking on the hearth or playing in the ballroom. Bring a blanket and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy by the river. Enjoy garden games and a wander through the heritage garden.

  • 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

180 Elizabeth Street
Napanee, Ontario
https://countymuseum.ca/exhibit/macpherson-house-park

Architecture

Year built: 1826
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Manidoo Ogitigan (Spirit Garden)Doors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Manidoo Ogitigan (Spirit Garden)

This art installation by Terence Radford — in production by the City and Alderville First Nation since 2013 — speaks to the treaty rights and historical occupation of Alderville First Nation territory in Katarokwi/Kingston. It incorporates the history of wampum belts, the symbolism of the medicine wheel, and over 430 native plant species chosen with guidance from the Alderville Black Oak Savanna.

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

Contact info

Inside Lake Ontario Park (follow the signs)
Kingston, Ontario
https://www.cityofkingston.ca/city-hall/projects-construction/alderville-first-nation-commemoration

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at KingstonDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Marine Museum of the Great Lakes at Kingston

The Marine Museum of the Great Lakes is located at the Kingston Dry Dock property (formerly the location of the Kingston Shipyards Co.). Opened in 1891, the Kingston Dry Dock was used as a repair station and shipbuilding site until 1968, producing everything from merchant ships to corvettes and minesweepers during the World Wars.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

55 Ontario Street
Kingston, Ontario
Email: marmus@marmuseum.ca
https://www.marmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1890
Building type: Commercial Historical landmark Museum Transportation
Architect: Henry Perley

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Military Communications and Electronics MuseumDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Military Communications and Electronics Museum

The Military Communications and Electronics Museum celebrates the contributions of the members of the Communications and Electronics Branch to Canadian history. The collection emphasizes the themes of the troops, the times and technology from Confederation to the present. Come and visit the vehicle area and the Royal Canadian Electric and Mechanical Engineers Museum exhibit.

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

Contact info

95 Craftsman Blvd.
Kingston, Ontario
Email: annette.gillis@forces.gc.ca
https://www.candemuseum.org

Architecture

Year built: 1995
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Murney Tower Museum National Historic SiteDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Murney Tower Museum National Historic Site

The Murney Tower Museum is a community museum operated by the Kingston Historical Society in partnership with Parks Canada. Located in one of Kingston’s iconic Martello towers, it is part of the Rideau Canal and Kingston Fortifications (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Kingston’s oldest operating museum, it features a collection of 1,000 military and domestic artifacts, portraying 19th-century Kingston.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

2 King Street West at Barrie Street
Kingston, Ontario
https://www.murneytower.com

Architecture

Year built: 1846
Building type: Military Museum

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Museum of Health Care at KingstonDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Museum of Health Care at Kingston

The imposing Ann Baillie Building was originally a student nurses’ residence from 1904-69. Designated a National Historic Site in 1998, it is now the home of the Museum of Health Care with an extensive collection of artifacts. Gallery visits, archive tours and interactive activities will bring Canada’s health-care story to life! Register for one of the behind-the-scenes collections tours.

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

Contact info

32 George Street
Kingston, Ontario
Email: museum@kingstonhsc.ca
https://www.museumofhealthcare.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1904
Building type: Health-care facility Historical landmark Museum
Architect: William Newlands

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Museum of Lennox & AddingtonDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Museum of Lennox & Addington

Discover this interactive museum housed in an 1860 former jail. Explore the county’s history through adult and family-friendly programs, exhibitions and collections-based learning. Or check out their archives to help fill in your family tree. History, traditions and cultures come to life as you explore the many ways to make the most out of your experience at this museum.

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

Contact info

97 Thomas Street
Napanee, Ontario
https://countymuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1860s
Building type: Attraction Courthouse Museum

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Royal Military College of CanadaDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Royal Military College of Canada

The Royal Military College of Canada tells the story of Canada's oldest military college and the War of 1812 naval dockyard. During Doors Open, come and experience a rare opportunity for self-guided exploration of the incredible Currie Hall — which honours the Canadian Expeditionary Force in the First World War — and the memorial staircase inside the adjacent Mackenzie Building.

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

Contact info

15 Valour Drive
Kingston, Ontario
https://www.rmc-cmr.ca/en

Architecture

Year built: 1918
Building type: Military
Architect: Percy Nobbs

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22

Smiths Falls Heritage House MuseumDoors Open Kingston - Part 1

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Smiths Falls Heritage House Museum

This community museum and historical house showcases artifacts, demonstrations and stories of Smiths Falls with period rooms, local exhibits and art shows. A visit offers unique mirror-image façades, an indoor brick bake oven, a famous two-storey privy, exhibition galleries, spacious gardens and a picnic area. The grounds are on a picturesque portion of the Rideau Canal.

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

Architecture

Year built: 1862-63
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum
Architect: Joshua Bates

Dates/hours open

Jul 22 - Jul 22