Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Sault Ste. Marie

in-person event information

Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The doors are open again at Sault Ste. Marie's beloved heritage sites!

Discover something new from our nationally, provincially and locally recognized sites, or revisit your favourite places as you celebrate our heritage. Choose from military history, the fur trade, heritage buildings or Indigenous history and culture to build your own adventure. You will be spoiled for choice.

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Contact information

10 In-person Doors Open sites

Algoma University (former Shingwauk Indian Residential School)Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie

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Algoma University (former Shingwauk Indian Residential School)

This site is crucial to understanding the history of residential schools and reconciliation in Canada. The Shingwauk Residential School, which operated here from 1874-1970, is now home to Algoma University, which offers cross-cultural education, healing and learning. Visitors can also explore the award-winning Reclaiming Shingwauk Hall exhibition that tells the site's history within the larger history of colonialism and reconciliation.

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

Contact info

1520 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Email: shingwaukdg@algomau.ca
https://algomau.ca/research/shingwauk-residential-schools-centre

Architecture

Year built: 1935
Building type: Educational facility Historical landmark Museum Archives

Dates/hours open

Oct 04 - Oct 04

BishophurstDoors Open Sault Ste. Marie

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Bishophurst

Nestled among mature trees in a quiet, park-like setting, Bishophurst is one of Sault Ste. Marie’s architectural treasures. Built in 1876 from red sandstone, this gracious neo-Georgian residence has served as the home of the Anglican Bishop of Algoma for nearly 150 years. Highlights include the elegant front entrance framed by a classic columned portico and the beautiful Lady Chapel.

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

Contact info

134 Simpson Street
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1876
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house

Dates/hours open

Oct 04 - Oct 04

Clergue BlockhouseDoors Open Sault Ste. Marie

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Clergue Blockhouse

The Clergue Blockhouse stands today as a reminder of two important periods in Sault Ste. Marie's history. The base of the blockhouse contains exhibits on the city and the fur trade while the top floor showcases exhibits on the early industrialization of Sault Ste. Marie and the man who made it happen — Francis H. Clergue.

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

Contact info

800 Bay Street
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Email: old.stone.house@cityssm.on.ca
http://www.ecnhs.com

Architecture

Year built: 1819
Building type: Historical landmark Museum

Dates/hours open

Oct 04 - Oct 04

Ermatinger Old Stone HouseDoors Open Sault Ste. Marie

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Ermatinger Old Stone House

Built in 1812-14 by Charles Oakes Ermatinger, the Ermatinger Old Stone House is one of the oldest stone buildings west of Toronto. It has served many purposes over the years — as a hotel, a sheriff's residence and, prior to being abandoned, apartments. Restored in 1967, the building is now a historical site and museum.

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

Contact info

800 Bay Street
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Email: old.stone.house@cityssm.on.ca
http://www.ecnhs.com

Architecture

Year built: 1812-14
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum
Architect: Charles Oakes Ermatinger

Dates/hours open

Oct 04 - Oct 04

Ontario Forest Research InstituteDoors Open Sault Ste. Marie

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Ontario Forest Research Institute

Come and tour the Ontario Forest Research Institute — one of the most beautifully designed buildings in Sault Ste. Marie. They focus on helping forests adapt to climate change, maintaining the genetic diversity of Ontario’s forests, studying forest diseases and invasive insects, and more. Constructed of local maple and glass, the building offers a work environment with plenty of natural light.

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

Contact info

1235 Queen Street East
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
https://www.ontario.ca/page/forest-research

Architecture

Year built: 1987
Building type: Government building
Architect: David Ellis

Dates/hours open

Oct 04 - Oct 04

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie

New

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Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25

Come and explore the new home of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 — complete with a museum where you can learn about the Sault’s miliary service over the years. Part of their new home is also an award-winning residential facility. In addition to museum artifacts, more military artifacts and exhibits will be available in the adjacent meeting rooms.

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

Contact info

96 Great Northern Road
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Email: rclbranch25@shawbiz.ca
https://www.facebook.com/branch25

Architecture

Year built: 2023
Building type: Museum Private residence Archives

Dates/hours open

Oct 04 - Oct 04

Sault Ste. Marie ArmouryDoors Open Sault Ste. Marie

New

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Sault Ste. Marie Armoury

Explore the Sault Ste. Marie Armoury, home to the 49th (Sault Ste. Marie) Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery and the 33 Service Battalion. Today, army reserve and cadet units use the facility for military drills and training. Visit the Lest We Forget Remembrance and History Library and Last Post Museum. Learn about anti-aircraft guns and the Howitzer artillery gun outside.

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

Contact info

375 Pine Street (1 Garrison Way)
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
https://rca-arc.org/49th-field-artillery-regiment-rca

Architecture

Year built: 1950
Building type: Military Museum

Dates/hours open

Oct 04 - Oct 04

Sault Ste. Marie Métis Heritage Centre, TheDoors Open Sault Ste. Marie

New

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Sault Ste. Marie Métis Heritage Centre, The

Located in a former church, the Métis Heritage Centre opened in 2025 as a cultural and spiritual centre for the Sault Ste. Marie Métis community. Come and tour exhibits and learn more about the history of the community, its connection to the city’s origins and their unique culture. Engage in free family activities or browse the gift shop.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms

Contact info

138 John Street
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Email: info@ssmmetisheritage.ca
https://ssmmetisheritage.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1914-57
Building type: Cemetery Historical landmark Museum Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Oct 04 - Oct 04

Wawanosh Monument and Memorial ProjectDoors Open Sault Ste. Marie

New

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Wawanosh Monument and Memorial Project

The location of the former Wawanosh Indian Residential School is now a place of quiet reflection. The school began in 1887 and closed in 1901 when the girls were moved to the Shingwauk Residential School. The intent of this sacred space is to create visibility and curiosity for passersby to help create awareness of the history of Residential Schools.

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

Contact info

96 Great Northern Road
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
https://childrenofshingwauk.org/wawnosh-memorial-project

Architecture

Year built: 2022
Building type: Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Oct 04 - Oct 04