Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Simcoe County

in-person event information

Saturday and Sunday, August 26 and 27, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Doors Open Simcoe County is back this summer!

Come and experience Simcoe County and explore historical, cultural, architectural and agri-culinary attractions and sites in person. Bring your friends and loved ones to get a glimpse behind the scenes — for free.

We are excited to have the following sites participating:

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Community information

Less than an hour north of Toronto, Simcoe County stretches from the shores of Lake Simcoe in the east to Georgian Bay in the west. We’re happy to welcome you as our guests and share the region’s finest experiences with you!

Experience Simcoe County logo

In Simcoe County, you’ll find big-city amenities mixed with small-town charm. There are cute downtown cores, amazing historical attractions and some pretty cool festivals, too. We are also home to the longest freshwater beach in the world? Friendly people, farm-fresh food, beautiful forests and trails, and grassroots arts and culture. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

For more information, visit their website.

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Contact information

18 In-person Doors Open sites

All Saints' Anglican ChurchDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

All Saints' Anglican Church

This is the oldest surviving church in Collingwood. After a fire destroyed the original, a new and larger building was constructed in 1858 (the present church), with transepts, the sanctuary and bell tower added in 1876, and the parish hall and vestry in 1911. Over the years, the church has been enhanced by stained-glass windows and a distinctive altar.

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

Contact info

32 Elgin Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Email: allsaintschurch@bmts.com
https://www.allsaintscollingwood.com

Architecture

Year built: 1858
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 26

Anten Mills Community CentreDoors Open Simcoe County

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Anten Mills Community Centre

The Anten Mills Community Centre’s cultural heritage value lies in its historical and associative ties to the community and early education system, being the former Anten Mills School. The original school was built in 1875 and could only hold 90 students. The Anten Mills Community Centre continues to be used by the community and was officially designated in 2021.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms

Contact info

3985 Horseshoe Valley Road West
Springwater, Ontario
Email: clerks@springwater.ca
https://www.springwater.ca/en/recreation-and-culture/heritage-at-home.aspx#AntenMills

Architecture

Year built: 1875
Building type: Schoolhouse

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Banting Homestead Heritage ParkDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Banting Homestead Heritage Park

The 43-hectare (107-acre) Banting Family Homestead was the birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. Banting was also Canada's first Nobel Prize winner. During Doors Open, come and explore exhibits, walk the legacy trail, enjoy lunch in the picnic area, see the historical farmhouse and drive shed, and learn more about Banting’s journey in the fight to combat diabetes.

  • 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

5116 Sir Frederick Banting Road
Alliston, Ontario
Email: kait@bantinglegacy.ca
https://bantinglegacy.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1925
Building type: Educational facility Historical landmark Historical house

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Discovery HarbourDoors Open Simcoe County

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Discovery Harbour

Discovery Harbour dates back to 1793 when John Graves Simcoe scouted Penetanguishene Bay as a strategic site for a naval base. The War of 1812 sparked the construction of an active naval dockyard here. Discovery Harbour, a living history attraction nestled along the shores of Penetanguishene Bay, awaits you and your family. Come and discover this site for yourself!

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

Contact info

93 Jury Drive
Penetanguishene, Ontario
Email: hhp@ontario.ca
https://discoveryharbour.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1832-36
Building type: Attraction Educational facility Historical landmark Military Museum
Architect: Royal Engineers with British Military

Dates/hours open

Aug 27 - Aug 27

Duntroon Cyder HouseDoors Open Simcoe County

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Duntroon Cyder House

This fully organic farm, orchard and cidery offers tastings, tours, outdoor activities and live event experiences that connect customers with the beauty of the land and the community. Products are produced authentically, using local, heritage, hand-picked apples with no added sugar and no sulfites (and they are gluten-free and vegan friendly). This farm is a great adventure for all ages!

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

3079 County Road 124
Duntroon, Ontario
Email: info@duntrooncyderhouse.com
https://duntrooncyderhouse.com

Architecture

Building type: Attraction Farm

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Gibson Centre, TheDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Gibson Centre, The

The Gibson Centre is a significant landmark that has been transformed from a farm implement factory. Dedicated to hosting cultural activities and showcasing the arts, they are home to many local artists’ groups, as well as the Rotary Club of Alliston. It also offers a great performance hall, a beautiful gallery space, artisan gift shop and café for light lunches.

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

Contact info

63 Tupper Street West
Alliston, Ontario
Email: info@gibsoncentre.com
https://gibsoncentre.com

Architecture

Year built: 1889
Building type: Attraction Educational facility Historical landmark Theatre
Architect: Mercer Manufacturing Company

Dates/hours open

Aug 27 - Aug 27

La Clé d’la BaieDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

La Clé d’la Baie

La Clé d’la Baie, an organization serving Simcoe County’s Francophones, houses an exhibit paying tribute to a key event in the struggle for French-language education in Ontario. In 1979, this then-illegal secondary school became best known as l’École de la resistance. Relive history by visiting this historical building that also houses the only completely French radio station in Canada.

  • French services available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

63 Main Street
Penetaguishene, Ontario
Email: info@lacle.ca
https://lacle.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1928
Building type: Attraction Commercial Educational facility Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 26

Museum on the BoyneDoors Open Simcoe County

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Museum on the Boyne

The Museum on the Boyne houses a large collection of household, agricultural, industrial and archival artifacts with exhibits that trace the growth of South Simcoe from its early settlement to present day. It features a 1914 agricultural fair building, an 1865 log house and an 1858 barn. Come for a tour, explore the site and check out the gift shop!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Nancy Island Historic SiteDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Nancy Island Historic Site

This island — a National Historic Site since 1928 — houses the charred remains of, and artifacts from, the HMS Nancy (c. 1789), a ship that battled three American schooners during the War of 1812. This event marked a pivotal moment in Canadian history. Join a park interpreter who will bring the story of the HMS Nancy and her crew to life.

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

Contact info

119 Mosley Street
Wasaga Beach, Ontario
https://www.wasagabeachpark.com/nancy-island-historic-site

Architecture

Year built: 1968; 2012
Building type: Attraction Educational facility Historical landmark Military Museum Theatre

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Orillia Museum of Art & History (Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building)Doors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
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Orillia Museum of Art & History (Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building)

The Orillia Museum of Art & History (OMAH) is the steward for the Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building in downtown Orillia. The museum brings people together, providing a safe space for collaboration to inspire creativity and celebrate history. The museum is responsible for the ongoing development and preservation of the cultural vitality in Orillia and surrounding areas.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

30 Peter Street South
Orillia, Ontario
Email: visitors@orilliamuseum.org
https://www.orilliamuseum.org

Architecture

Year built: 1892-94
Building type: Attraction Museum
Architect: Thomas Fuller

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 26

Robert L. Bowles Nature CentreDoors Open Simcoe County

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Robert L. Bowles Nature Centre

This centre offers educational workshops relating to all aspects of the natural world. From snowshoeing and mammal tracking throughout the wetlands in the winter to learning about butterflies, frogs, ephemeral flowers and building pollinating gardens in the warmer months. You can also learn about mushrooms and the great role that fungi play. Master Naturalist, Bob Bowles, is the instructor.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

1296 Concession Road 10
Ramara, Ontario
Email: robertlbowlesnaturecentre@gmail.com
https://robertlbowlesnaturecentre.com

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Simcoe County MuseumDoors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Simcoe County Museum

The Simcoe County Museum offers a variety of events, exhibits and programs for all ages throughout the year. Visitors can discover Simcoe County's history through hands-on exploration and interactive displays. From prehistoric to modern times, the museum depicts the people, events and artifacts from Simcoe County's diverse past — everything from mastodons to hair wreaths and wedding gowns to farm machinery.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Activities and games
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

1151 Highway 26
Minesing, Ontario
https://museum.simcoe.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1962
Building type: Attraction Museum

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

South Simcoe Theatre, TheDoors Open Simcoe County

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

South Simcoe Theatre, The

Located in Cookstown’s historical Old Town Hall, this theatre has occupied this building since 1983. Over the years, the building has been a temperance hall and a Presbyterian church as well. It was rebuilt in 1923 to become a community hall. This year, the theatre marks its 40th anniversary. Come and get a first-hand look behind the scenes.

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

Contact info

1 Hamilton Street
Cookstown, Ontario
Email: info@thesouthsimcoethreatre.com
http://www.thesouthsimcoetheatre.com

Architecture

Year built: 1867; 1923
Building type: Theatre

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

St. Paul's Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Simcoe County

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Paul's Presbyterian Church

This church was built by lumber baron John Waldie in 1905 and given to the Presbyterians in 1906. It is a one-storey building with a bell tower and an adjoining kitchen and hall. The interior is select pine, without any knots, while the pews are made of oak. It enjoys a commanding view out over Georgian Bay.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

95 Jephson Street
Victoria Harbour, Ontario
Email: gillespewilson@gmail.com
https://pccweb.ca/stpauls-victoriaharbour

Architecture

Year built: 1905
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: John Waldie

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 26

Tremont House, TheDoors Open Simcoe County

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Tremont House, The

The Tremont was built as a 24-room hotel. It is one of the last remaining 19th-century hotel buildings in the Collingwood Heritage District. The proximity of the hotel to the railway station and port made it a popular destination for travellers. Now a home to the arts, the Tremont remains an important link to Collingwood's railway and shipbuilding era.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours

Contact info

80 Simcoe Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Email: info@thetremont.ca
https://thetremont.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1889
Building type: Commercial Historical landmark
Architect: John Chamberlain

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Trinity United ChurchDoors Open Simcoe County

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Trinity United Church

This church, constructed in 1863 as a Methodist church, became a United church in 1925 when the United Church of Canada was formed. Major additions were made in the 1920s and again in the 1950s. The church has a beautiful sanctuary with stained-glass windows, a graceful curving balcony and a large pipe organ with three manuals and 44 stops.

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

Contact info

140 Maple Street
Collingwood, Ontario
https://www.collingwoodunitedchurch.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1863
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 26

Utopia HallDoors Open Simcoe County

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Utopia Hall

The Utopia Hall is a lively community hub in Utopia in Essa Township. From dinners and concerts to bake sales and fundraisers, volunteers bring together proven family recipes of generations past in the hall's commercial community kitchen, creating tempting delights that help raise funds for local heritage, our natural environment and cultural spaces.

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • French services available
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

8396 6th Line
Utopia, Ontario
https://www.utopiahall.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1956
Building type: Food and drink

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27

Windlee Farms Maple SyrupDoors Open Simcoe County

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Windlee Farms Maple Syrup

This family-owned and -operated craft maple syrup producer has been in business for over 30 years. The farm comprises over 61 hectares (150 acres), with 8 hectares (20 acres) dedicated to sugar maple bush alone. Come and see how maple syrup is handcrafted on a wood-fired evaporator, collected from over 600 taps. Premium-quality pure maple syrup is available year-round here.

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

Contact info

10 Baseline Road North
Tiny Township, Ontario
Email: lorriman@xplornet.com
https://windleefarms.ca

Architecture

Building type: Attraction Commercial Educational facility Food and drink Farm

Dates/hours open

Aug 26 - Aug 27