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Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

Niagara Falls

event information

Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One wonder after another!

Doors Open Niagara Falls is organized by the Municipal Heritage Committee of the City of Niagara Falls. This one-day event will allow you to explore unique buildings and sites in our community — all free of charge! 

Make a weekend of exploration and also enjoy visiting the Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake sites on Saturday, October 17. 

Click here for a Google Map of all the Niagara Falls participating sites.


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About our communities: Chippawa

HISTORIC CHIPPAWA

Geographically, Chippawa is located at the confluence of the Welland River and the Niagara River.

Chippawa has a rich history involving the War of 1812, canals, hydro electricity, empire loyalists, heritage value and early tourism.

This is the traditional native territories of the Attiwandaronk (Neutrals) settling for thousands of years with the Mississauga and the Chippewa (Ojibwe) arriving in the 17 hundreds.

The main historic site is the Battle of Chippawa Park situated on the Niagara Parkway commemorating the major battle that was fought on July 5, 1814 and offering a self guided tour.

Fort Chippawa
was built in 1791 and served as a storage and supply depot for the British at the end of the Portage Road. A settlement spawned one year after the fort. Afterwards, a lively settlement was catalyses by the Welland Canal built in 1824 and the Village of Chippawa was formalised in 1849.

After visiting the falls, weary travelers would stay at the numerous hotels in Chippawa during the 19 hundreds until steam ship and stagecoach travel ended and the onset of rail commenced.

Chippawa became part of Niagara Falls in 1970.

Laura Secord’s home and her place of worship, Holy Trinity Anglican Church, are Chippawa heritage landmarks.

Built in 1842, Chippawa Town Hall is located in historic Cummington Square, named after United Empire Loyalist Thomas Cummings, and now serves as the village’s feature heritage building celebrating pre-confederation status, Greek Revival commercial storefront expressionism and a distinct visible clock tower.


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About our communities: Drummondville

HISTORIC DRUMMONDVILLE

Drummondville was named after Major General Gordon Drummond, who commanded in the 1814 Battle of Lundy’s Lane. Drummondville grew around the battlefield and in 1831 was the first village in Stamford Township to incorporate.

The village boundary lies between North Street, Stanley Ave, Dixon Street and Drummond Road with Main Street and Ferry Street serving as the main district. There were several taverns, a hotel, tannery, a large brewery and 5 churches. Robust tourism to the battlefield was second only to the falls. A number of observation towers were built overlooking the battle field.

In 1841, the Forsyth House on Main Street was the home of Lord Elgin, Governor General of Canada, and he worked and ran cabinet meetings in the Prospect House. He played a foundational role in Canadian democracy.

Located in Drummondville, Stamford Town Hall was built in 1874 using hammer-dressed limestone with Italianate architecture. The architect, John Latshaw, known for introducing Greek Revival to Ontario, lived in Drummondville. He is also well known for the Willowbank residence in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Clifton Town Hall and the Welland House Hotel.

Stamford Town Hall served as the township municipal government for 89 years until it became part of Niagara Falls in 1963. This historic building on Ferry Street now houses the Niagara Falls History Museum.




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About our communities: Stamford

HISTORIC STAMFORD

First named Mount Dorchester, or Township no. 2, Stamford was first settled in 1784 by United Empire Loyalists and other members of Butler’s Rangers. It was renamed Stamford by first Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada, John Graves Simcoe, in 1782.

Stamford Village, now known as Historic Stamford, and Drumondville were the primary settlements in Stamford.

From Queenston to Chippawa and passing through Stamford, the Portage Road was an important trade route in the province from 1782 to 1829 before the opening of the first Welland Canal.

Stamford Village was the largest village in the township, established around 1783. Soon a government meeting house was erected in 1787, which became the Stamford Presbyterian Church, the first Presbyterian Church in Upper Canada, and the first to be built by public subscription.

Alluvial soils in Stamford permitted initial crops such as barley, oats, and wheat and then were transitioned to more lucrative tender fruits like peaches, pears and grapes. Viticulture in Stamford laid the foundation for Niagara Region wines.

Also found in Stamford Village, wedged between Portage Road and St. Paul Ave, is an English-style village green space known as Stamford Green, which is the only village green in Canada.

Adjacent to Stamford Green is Old St. John’s Anglican Church built in 1826 with stucco on brick, Regency Gothic windows and a Norman-style tower. It served as a significant landmark along the Portage Road and is the oldest church in the Niagara Region.

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Contact information

Battle of Chippawa Park - National Historic Site of CanadaDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Battle of Chippawa Park - National Historic Site of Canada

The Battle of Chippawa, fought on July 5, 1814, was the opening engagement of the Niagara campaign of 1814 — the longest and bloodiest military operation of the War of 1812. Retrace the events of the Battle of Chippawa in a self-guided walking tour with storyboards of this preserved battlefield covering 121-hectates (300-acres). Niagara River Parkway at Edgworth Road.

Hours Open: Self-guided from dawn to dusk

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed
  • Veterans/Military heritage

Contact info

Niagara River Parkway
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Email: npinfo@niagaraparks.com
https://www.niagaraparks.com/visit/heritage/battle-of-chippawa/

Architecture

Building type: Historical landmark Military

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Chippawa Town HallDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Chippawa Town Hall

Built in 1842, the historic Chippawa Town Hall is a landmark building currently undergoing thoughtful restoration.  Once a hub for civic and community gatherings, the space is being revitalized to include professional offices and a cafe while, preserving its original character, stonework and the iconic clock tower. Visitors can experience guided tours and learn about the future vision for the space. 

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Food vendors
  • French services available
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

8196 Cummington Square West
Niagara Falls, Ontario
https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=9750

Architecture

Year built: 1842
Building type: Commercial Food and drink Government building Historical landmark Private residence

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Cummington Square & BandshellDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Cummington Square & Bandshell

Cummington Square is an urban public park dating back to approximately 1800. It is centrally located in the former village of Chippawa. A large octagonal bandstand replicating the original 1920’s one and two war memorials occupy the square. Meet with Doors Open Ontario volunteers to learn about Chippawa and get information on the other Doors Open Niagara Falls sites.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Veterans/Military heritage

Contact info

8191 Cummington Square West
Niagara Falls, Ontario
https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=9754

Architecture

Year built: Circa 1800

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Exchange Niagara FallsDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Exchange Niagara Falls

The Exchange is a 3048-square-metre (10,000-square-foot) indoor/outdoor multipurpose event space created to host the city's food, music, art and culture scenes. The Exchange is the home to artist & woodworking studios, an art gallery, cafe and the Arts & Culture Wall of Fame. Alongside of the Niagara Falls History Museum, the Hub is a cultural campus in the heart of Niagara Falls.  

  • Food vendors
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

5943 Sylvia Place
Niagara Falls, Ontario
https://nfexchange.ca/

Architecture

Building type: Commercial Food and drink Government building Gallery Studio

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Holy Trinity Anglican ChurchDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Holy Trinity Anglican Church

Holy Trinity Chippawa, one of Niagara historic churches, was founded in 1820 by Reverand William Leeming. It served as parish for early settlers including War of 1812 heroine Laura Secord. The present building is brick, built on the original foundation of a wood frame church, which burned to the ground during the Rebellion of 1837 that was led by William Lyon MacKenzie.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

7820 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Email: holytrinitychippawa@gmail.com
https://holytrinitychippawa.com/

Architecture

Year built: 1820
Building type: Cemetery Historical landmark Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Niagara Falls (Chippawa) Water Treatment PlantDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls (Chippawa) Water Treatment Plant

The Niagara Falls Water Treatment Plant has provided safe, reliable drinking water to residents and businesses in Niagara Falls for nearly 100 years. Operators will take participants through the plant to show the water treatment process from collection to delivery. Visitors will enjoy a 1-hour guided tour.  Closed-toe shoes and long pants are required. No drop-ins; registration is required: email wwwtours@niagararegion.ca.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

3599 Macklem Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario
http://niagararegion.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1930
Building type: Government building Factory

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Niagara Falls ArmouryDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls Armoury

Constructed in 1911, Niagara Falls Armoury was one of 11 built during the 1896-1911 Canadian Militia Reform and Expansion. Originally home to the Lincoln militia, and later the amalgamated Lincoln and Welland Regiment, it ceased its military operations in 1999. See exhibits: Afghanistan War, Arsenal/Artillery, Black Military History, Niagara Scouting, War of 1812 and from the Army, Navy and Air Force.


  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Rental opportunities
  • Veterans/Military heritage

Contact info

5049 Victoria Avenue
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Email: niamilmuseum@gmail.com
http://niagaramilitarymuseum.com

Architecture

Year built: 1911
Building type: Government building Military Museum
Architect: T.W. Fuller

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Niagara Falls History Museum & ExchangeDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls History Museum & Exchange

Visitors to the museum in the heart of Niagara Falls will experience history first-hand. Try on a replica uniform from the War of 1812, feel the heft of a musket, build a bridge to span the Niagara Gorge or walk the tightrope like the daredevils from days gone by. Guided tours at 11am and 2pm. Free parking behind the museum.

Hours Open: Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided curator tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

5810 Ferry Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Email: nfhmuseum@niagarafalls.ca
https://nfexchange.ca/museum

Architecture

Year built: 1874
Building type: Museum
Architect: John Latshaw

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation HubDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub

The Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub is an example of adaptive reuse in the former Federal Customs Border Services offices. Today, it is Niagara's leading business support hub offering premium amenities, cutting-edge technology and business support in a collaborative, affordable workspace including a podcast and multimedia studios. Enjoy a guided tour, giveaways and see members demonstrate their products.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

4551 Zimmerman Avenue
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Email: info@nfinnovationhub.ca
http://www.nfinnovationhub.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1956
Building type: Commercial Studio

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Old St. John's Church and Stamford Green Heritage ColumbariumDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Old St. John's Church and Stamford Green Heritage Columbarium

Built in 1825, Old St. John's Church is one of the earliest remaining examples of the vernacular Gothic revival style in Ontario. It served for over a century before it was deconsecrated in 1962. The Old St. John’s Stamford Heritage Association restored the building and secured its heritage designation. In 1990, the Association repurposed the church by opening a columbarium.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

3394 Portage Road
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Email: cemeteries@niagarafalls.ca
https://www.historicplaces.ca/en/rep-reg/place-lieu.aspx?id=10543

Architecture

Year built: 1825
Building type: Cemetery Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic ChurchDoors Open Niagara Falls

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St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church

St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church was built using traditional methods without nails. Crafted with interlocking timber, it reflects centuries-old Ukrainian architectural heritage. Admire its design, iconography and atmosphere, while discovering the cultural and spiritual traditions of the community. Visit Parish Hall to experience dancing, music, food and activities. All welcome to attend a Divine Liturgy 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

  • Food vendors
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

6248 Main Street
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Email: stmaryschurch@cogeco.net
https://stmarysukrainian.com/

Architecture

Year built: 1988
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Stecura - Modern Ukrainian Carpathian (Hutsul) style

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Stamford Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Stamford Presbyterian Church

A congregation has worshipped on this site since 1791, with the current 1870 building erected on existing foundation. During the War of 1812, the church was used a military barracks and hospital. The cemetery is recognized as a United Empire Loyalist burial site. Members will be on site to answer questions. A historical display, pamphlet and light refreshments will be offered. 


  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Veterans/Military heritage

Contact info

3121 St. Paul Avenue
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Email: stamfordpresbyterian@cogeco.net
https://pccweb.ca/stamfordpresbyterian/

Architecture

Year built: 1870
Building type: Cemetery Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18

Ten Thousand Buddhas Sarira StupaDoors Open Niagara Falls

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Ten Thousand Buddhas Sarira Stupa

Founded in 1995, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Sarira Stupa stands as a spiritual landmark in the heart of Niagara Falls’ tourist district. Designed in traditional Chinese architectural style, the stupa serves as a sacred site of devotion, meditation and reverence. Inside the stupa, visitors pay homage to 10,000 Buddhas — each a symbol of infinite compassion and wisdom.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking

Contact info

4303 River Road
Niagara Falls, Ontario
https://www.niagarafallstourism.com/play/historic-sites/ten-thousand-buddhas/

Architecture

Building type: Museum Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Oct 18 - Oct 18