Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Peterborough

in-person event information

Saturday, September 16, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Discover a new perspective of Peterborough by joining us at Doors Open 2023!

We're constantly adding new locations, so keep checking back to see what exciting places and familiar spaces will be showcased. Take part in our guided walking and biking tours, all of which are free of charge. Explore the cultural and historical landmarks of Peterborough and immerse yourself in the rich histories and heritage of this beautiful city.

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Contact information

11 In-person Doors Open sites

Activity Haven Senior Centre (formerly Queen Alexandra School)Doors Open Peterborough

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Activity Haven Senior Centre (formerly Queen Alexandra School)

This building was constructed as the North Ward School, which opened in 1890. Prospective teachers studying at the nearby Normal School used it as a model school for training. During this period, it was renamed the Queen Alexandra School in honour of the wife of King Edward VII. Today, it is home to the Activity Haven Senior Centre.

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

Contact info

180 Barnardo Avenue
Peterborough, Ontario
https://activityhaven.org

Architecture

Year built: 1889
Building type: Schoolhouse

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Bolton's Classic Tractor CollectionDoors Open Peterborough

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Bolton's Classic Tractor Collection

Since retiring from the bus business 20 years ago, Allan Bolton has been restoring 1940s and 1950s International Harvester tractors. For the first time ever, Bolton will open the garage doors of his former bus barn and invite the public inside to view his prized collection of vintage tractors, two antique Fargo pickups and even a vintage Seeburg jukebox.

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

Contact info

3993 County Road 32
Douro, Ontario

Architecture

Building type: Transportation

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Historical Downtown Peterborough Walking TourDoors Open Peterborough

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Historical Downtown Peterborough Walking Tour

Join local historian Don Willcock on a walking tour of Peterborough's historical downtown. On this tour, you'll learn about downtown buildings past and present, famous figures, and the downtown's connections to industry, entertainment, transportation and more. Tours depart from Confederation Square, located across from City Hall. Free parking is available behind City Hall. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Meet at 499 George Street North
Peterborough, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Hutchison HouseDoors Open Peterborough

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Hutchison House

Hutchison House was built in 1837 by the citizens of Peterborough to convince John Hutchison, the town's only doctor, to stay. Another notable resident of Hutchison House was Dr. Hutchison's cousin, Sir Sandford Fleming. Fleming was an inventor and engineer who lived in the house from 1845 to 1847. During Doors Open, enjoy guided tours and hearth cooking demonstrations.

  • Guided tours available
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

270 Brock Street
Peterborough, Ontario
https://phs-hutchisonhouse.ca/hutchison-house

Architecture

Year built: 1837
Building type: Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Masjid Al-SalaamDoors Open Peterborough

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Masjid Al-Salaam

In 2002, the Kawartha Muslim Religious Association purchased the property at this location for the Masjid Al-Salaam. This masjid represents a significant Islamic presence within Peterborough and the surrounding area. It is a welcoming space where visitors can learn about the Islamic faith and Canadian Muslims. Plans to expand the masjid to better accommodate religious services are currently underway. Photography not allowed.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

784 Parkhill Road West
Peterborough, Ontario
https://www.kmrapeterborough.org

Architecture

Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Nature in Nogojiwanong Self-Guided Walking TourDoors Open Peterborough

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Nature in Nogojiwanong Self-Guided Walking Tour

Jackson Park has a rich history. Before settlers arrived, the Anishinaabe cared for the land. It was a place for hunting and travelling the Chemong Portage. The Anishinaabe sustained the nature that grew here. This self-guided tour will introduce you to some of the plants and trees growing in Jackson Park and their importance to Anishinaabe culture.

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

Contact info

Meet at 610 Parkhill Road West
Peterborough, Ontario
https://www.peterborough.ca/en/explore-and-play/parks.aspx#Jackson

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Peterborough Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) StationDoors Open Peterborough

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Peterborough Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) Station

Don't miss your chance to see the only remaining railway station in Peterborough at this year's Doors Open! Now the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce, this carefully restored building retains many original interior and exterior architectural features. Solar panels on the roof promote a greener Peterborough and highlight how old and new fixtures can coexist within heritage structures.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

175 George Street North
Peterborough, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: c. 1883-84; 1919 addition
Building type: Transportation
Architect: Thomas Charles Sorby; J.R. Fairbairn Engineer (1919 addition)

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic SiteDoors Open Peterborough

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Peterborough Lift Lock National Historic Site

When completed in 1904, the Peterborough Lift Lock was — and still is — the highest hydraulic lift lock ever built. During Doors Open, take a guided tour and explore this fascinating engineering feat. Please note that there are areas with stairs and tight spaces. Closed-toe shoes are required. Children must be over 10 years old and accompanied by an adult.

  • Guided tours available
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

220 Hunter Street East
Peterborough, Ontario
https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=486

Architecture

Year built: 1904
Building type: Transportation
Architect: Richard Birdsall Rogers

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Peterborough Theatre GuildDoors Open Peterborough

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Peterborough Theatre Guild

Since 1965, the Peterborough Theatre Guild has been home to award-winning local theatre productions. This location was originally constructed as St. Luke's Anglican Church, but was gutted by fire in 1959. Spearheaded by author Robertson Davies, the building was purchased by a group of locals, renovated and transformed into a theatre. During Doors Open, go backstage for a behind-the-scenes tour!

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

Contact info

364 Rogers Street
Peterborough, Ontario
https://peterboroughtheatreguild.com

Architecture

Year built: 1877, 1965 (renovations)
Building type: Theatre
Architect: John E. Belcher

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Peterborough's Original North Ward Walking TourDoors Open Peterborough

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Peterborough's Original North Ward Walking Tour

Join local historian Gord Young on a walking tour in Peterborough’s former North Ward. On this tour, you'll learn about the former Queen Alexandra School's first pupils, the Hazelbrae Barnardo Home (see the memorial above), the Peterborough Normal School and the site where Canadian General Electric once tested electric locomotives. Sturdy walking shoes recommended.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Start at 180 Barnardo Avenue (the Activity Haven Senior Centre)
Peterborough, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16

Sadleir HouseDoors Open Peterborough

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Sadleir House

Constructed in 1892 for local industrialist and politician James Kendry, Sadlier House was sold to Trent University in 1963. A connection between the main house and coach house was designed by architect Ron Thom. The building is now owned by the P.R. Community and Student Organization and houses a library, offices and common areas, as well as hosting community programming.

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

Contact info

751 George Street North
Peterborough, Ontario
https://www.sadleirhouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1892
Building type: Historical house
Architect: J.C. Rutherford; Ron Thom

Dates/hours open

Sep 16 - Sep 16