This heritage hall opened in 1932, coinciding with the centennial celebrations of the opening of the Rideau Canal. The Chaffey’s Lock Women’s Institute built the hall on money raised through dances, raffles, bake sales and through the generosity of local and summer residents. During Doors Open, view a special photo display on loan from the Elgin and Area Heritage Society.

Overlooking the village of Portland and Big Rideau Lake is the Emmanuel Heritage Centre (1861), a former Anglican church. Its beauty lies in its simplicity — constructed in the Gothic revival style with sandstone quarried onsite, featuring unusual stone buttresses. Owned by the Portland on the Rideau Historical Society, the impressive interior hosts Portland historical memorabilia, musical events and seasonal markets.

Overlooking the Upper Rideau Lake, the Foley Mountain Conservation Area is an exciting natural space — home to the famous Spy Rock Lookout and 10 km (6 miles) of trails through rugged wilderness, mixed forest, ponds and fields. The site, operated by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, provides something for the whole family — including swimming, educational facilities and picnic spots.

Constructed along the historical Rideau Canal, this house was originally a one-storey limestone building. Renovations in 1894 included a second storey and kitchen. The house was occupied by the lockmasters’ families continuously until 1967. It was always bustling with the only local telephone and post office. The museum opened in 1982 after community organizations rallied together to save the house.

William McKinney, a prosperous local farmer and blacksmith, purchased this land (originally granted to American General Benedict Arnold) and built this elegant home in 1856. Once a stagecoach stop, the home and gardens are now undergoing careful restoration guided by heritage conservation principles. Enjoy this rare chance to see a historical home mid-rehabilitation and learn about the process. Exterior only!

Discover one of only four blockhouses built on the Rideau Canal. This building features thick walls designed to withstand small cannon fire and a tin sheathed roof to defy torching. Situated on a knoll to observe the lock and channel, the blockhouse can hold a 20-man garrison and house the lockmaster. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity to peek inside! (Photo: Rosanne Lake)

This heritage stone library branch, located in the former courthouse, is in one of the oldest buildings in Rideau Lakes. Dating back to before 1850, it has a storied history — having served as a school, a jail, municipal building and community hall. See the original wooden jail door inside and take a heritage picture with the library’s green screen.

Step inside Newboro Manor, a one-of-a-kind 1860s Italianate stone mansion rich in history and charm. Original features include a grand staircase, plasterwork, flooring, windows and exposed stonework. Glittering chandeliers illuminate inspiring artwork and furnishings, both antique and contemporary. Visit the summer kitchen and unwind in the stunning conservatory before heading to Stone Manor Studios in the renovated stone carriage house.

The Old Stone Mill is Ontario’s only surviving pre-1812, fully automated stone gristmill. Built of local stone and timber after inventor OIiver Evans’ design, it has been revitalized by the Delta Mill Society with authentic equipment and enhanced interpretation. Watch the 200-year-old millstones in action. During Doors Open, there will be blacksmithing demonstrations on Saturday and a special quilt display.

Delta’s Old Town Hall has served the community since 1880 as a courthouse, Masonic lodge, theatre, municipal office, museum and even a jail. The bricks used for construction came from a brickyard in the village. The wooden floors, stage, tin ceiling, mid-room columns and fascinating architecture of this building have witnessed gatherings here for almost 150 years.

One of the area’s oldest surviving church buildings, this 1865 stone church is now a private residence that has been beautifully restored. Don’t miss the beautiful Gothic windows, the wooden front doors with a pointed transom above, the original full-body baptismal font, decorative keystone voussoirs atop the windows, and the incredible interior woodwork. Enjoy this rare chance to step inside!

The Queen’s University Biological Station is celebrating 80 years! Established in 1945, it is now among the top scientific field stations in Canada. They encompass 3,240 hectares (8,000 acres) of flora, fauna and habitat for leading-edge research and field courses. For Doors Open, take a special field walk from 10 a.m. to noon on August 16 only. Pre-registration required. (Photo: Allen Tian)

Step back in time at Elgin’s Red Brick School. Visit an authentic 1900 heritage classroom at this restored schoolhouse. Explore educational stories and artifacts while appreciating the yellow brick detailing, grand windows and bell tower. Marvel at exhibits showcasing the remastered historical photography of Clifford Pennock and the new “Historic Rideau Canal” display featuring photos from the first 100 years.

Reflecting the agricultural prosperity of the 1850s, this restored farmhouse replaces an earlier log home, retaining its heritage charm with traditional-style six-over-six windows, returned eaves and a sweeping veranda. Exceptional gardens are featured alongside an original bank barn and outbuildings that display the agricultural roots of the property: once containing a cheese factory, tenant house and blacksmith shop.

Celebrating its 175th year, this beautiful stone church was constructed in 1850 through the efforts of a dedicated congregation and Benjamin Tett, who purchased the land and paid the workers’ wages. Come and see the stunning stained-glass windows — one of which is in Tiffany style — an elegant altar, evidence of boxed pews, golden eagle lectern, rostrum pulpit and incredible woodwork.

Come and explore this landmark! Built in 1893 by John R. Dargavel as a general store and family home, this three-storey brick building boasts large display windows, original woodwork, high ceilings and charming attic dormers. Once home to hardware, fine china and a telegraph office — later to antiques — The Tipped Ship now anchors Elgin’s main corner as a one-of-a-kind emporium.

This cemetery in Rideau Lakes features a beautiful stone mausoleum, with intricate cast-iron gates, dating to 1895. It was the private entombment site of Alexander Wood, co-founder of the Frost and Wood Farm Machinery Company. Learn the fascinating story of the Wood family, along with the history of this intriguing vault and tomb, which Rideau Lakes has recently started restoring.