The Brown Homestead was settled by United Empire Loyalists in the 1780s and ran as a family farm for almost 200 years. Explore our historic site, be inspired by heritage craft demonstrations, learn through hands-on activities and view two new community exhibits. Grab lunch or a snack from Char in the Kitchen and spend time enjoying our pastoral setting.

Knox Presbyterian Church celebrated its 185th anniversary of community service in May. We welcome visitors to enjoy tours highlighting the history of Knox and its 15 Memorial Stained-Glass Windows. The windows are dedicated to many local leaders including lake captains, ship owners, builders, an architect, a Mayor of St. Catharines, a postmaster, and other business leaders.

The Lake Street Armoury is a prominent landmark reflecting Canada’s early 20th-century militia movement. Long central to local military life, its fortress-like design symbolizes strength and permanence. It continues to operate as the home of the 10th St. Catharines Field Battery Artillery and the Lincoln & Welland Regiment, maintaining its historic role as a place of training and service.

Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts celebrates 10 years in the award-winning, repurposed Canada Hair Cloth Company building (1888). The facility is a vibrant hub for arts education and research, featuring theatres, studios, galleries, and specialized spaces. Guided tours run at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon; no pre-registration required.

The Niagara Masonic Memorial Temple Association welcomes you to their first Doors Open Event. Originally built in 1891 as St. George’s Ward Primary School, this St. Catharines landmark educated generations of local students before closing in 1952. The building was later transformed for community use and now houses the Niagara Conservatory of Music and four masonic lodges.

Decew Falls Water Treatment Plant has been processing drinking water for residents since 1876. As Niagara Region’s largest water treatment facility, it is designed to treat 227 million litres of water per day. The site is unique compared to other water treatment plants in Ontario due to its gravity fed distribution system. Pre-registration for all tours is required.

Join a local resident for a guided walking tour of the Power Glen Valley, starting outside Decew Generating Station #1 and ending at the 1855 home of Benjamin Reynolds – the oldest home in the Power Glen Heritage District. The hike is approximately 45 minutes, followed by a 45-minute discussion of the house exterior and heritage printery. Pre-registration is required.

We are pleased to welcome visitors to Rhythm Automotive Canada to explore the history of its facilities. Tours begin in Plant #2 (1954), featuring machining of in-house forged components, then continue through an underground tunnel beneath Louth Street to Plant #1, ‘The Forge’ (1929), where steering linkages and ball joints are produced for international clients.

Visitors are invited to explore the Lower School, sensory gardens, Mandeville Theatre, and the newly renovated Evans Athletic Centre and Iggulden Building. These spaces showcase a blend of historic architecture and modern learning environments, reflecting the school’s heritage and forward-looking approach. Please note: due to a private event, the historic chapel and dining hall are not open for tours.

Royal House Redeemed Christian Church of God welcomes visitors to its first Doors Open event. Housed in a rare brick Romanesque building with a striking 12-petal stained glass rose window, the site has been a place of worship since 1834. Since 2006, Royal House has revitalized the space as a vibrant, multicultural congregation representing 30 nations, with dynamic services, choir and outreach.

Salem Chapel was an important centre of abolitionist and civil rights activity and was the cornerstone of a growing African American community in Niagara. Harriet Tubman, who attended the church, led many freedom seekers to St. Catharines. The chapel has an auditory-hall design typical of churches associated with the Underground Railroad movement. It also has many original artifacts on display.

The St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre showcases the city’s history through artifacts and exhibits overlooking Lock 3 of the Welland Ship Canal and the nearby Welland Canals Fallen Workers Memorial. Its galleries explore earlier canals, the Underground Railroad, and the contributions of immigrant and Freedom Seeker communities in the 1850s, alongside exhibits on women’s history and local industry.

Take a guided stroll along the quiet streets of the Yates Street Heritage District, only steps from bustling downtown St. Catharines. This architectural heritage tour is led by Brian Narhi, chair of the City’s Heritage Advisory Committee. Hike begins at the St. Catharines Cenotaph at 6 St Paul Street West and ends at St. Thomas Anglican Church; Pre-registration Required.

St. George’s, the first established church in St. Catharines, celebrates its 235th anniversary next year. The grey stone church features carved stone, stained glass, war memorials, and a magnificent pipe organ, creating an inspiring setting for worship. It also supports a daily breakfast program and serves as a hub for shelter, community gathering, and music programs for all ages.

St. Ignatius of Antioch Orthodox Church is an English-speaking parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, located in the former Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church. Since its 2013 purchase, the sanctuary has been transformed with Byzantine-style iconography, including works by Alexander Schelechow and Hanan Houli, reflecting a growing, vibrant community rooted in tradition and faith.

St. Thomas’ Anglican Church has been a St. Catharines landmark since 1879. Designed by noted Buffalo architect, Milton Earle Beebe, this Richardson Romanesque church is notable for its magnificent turrets and elaborate stained-glass windows. The church is also known for its long-standing daycare centre and Annual Civic Carol Concert, which showcases the wonderful acoustics under its expansive domed roof.

Visitors are invited to explore this architectural and spiritual treasure, built in the 1940s by a devoted Ukrainian community. Designed by priest-architect Philip Ruh, the church blends Ukrainian Greek Catholic tradition with rich ornamental design. Inside, icons by Igor Suhacev add colour and meaning. Designated a heritage site in 1997, it stands as a testament to faith and cultural identity.