1855 Whitby, which served as the Ontario County Land Registry office from 1873-1987, was part of a block that included a courthouse and jail. Today, it is the home for business innovation and support. Come and see how this heritage building has been refreshed and adapted to assist the rapid growth of Durham Region's innovation ecosystem — Whitby's first accelerator hub!

This gallery is a creative hub in Whitby, exhibiting both emerging and established artists. Founded in 1967, the gallery found its home in the historical 1903 Whitby Junction Station. Its turrets and bays allowed telegraph operators to view incoming and outgoing trains. The gallery is inside the station’s old waiting room, where you can find the original ticket window.

Discover the haunted history of downtown Sault Ste. Marie on this heritage ghost walking tour. Explore eerie tales, hidden alleys and historical buildings as local legends come to life. Perfect for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike, this spine-tingling stroll will reveal the Soo’s spirited secrets after dark. Dare to walk where the past still lingers!

The North Branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library opened in 2019 — including a new storage space for the library’s archives (with some records that date back to 1822). During Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie, the Archive Technician will facilitate a tour of the spaces as well as show items from the archives. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity!

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.

The Art Gallery of Algoma opened in 1980 not just as an art gallery but also a “people centre.” It currently houses work from the Group of Seven along with prominent Inuit, Indigenous and Canadian artists. Their extensive collection includes paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, installation works and decorative arts. Don’t miss their shop, with Group of Seven- and Indigenous-inspired products.

Baird Machines is a historical Woodstock industry that has served the community since 1890. Founded by Scottish-born William Baird, the operation has moved several times over the years. In 1915, a garage was added to help service automobiles. At the time, it was the largest garage in Woodstock. Today, it provides custom welding, metal fabrication and a CNC machine shop.

The Bishop Fauquier Memorial Chapel is the only remaining building from the original Shingwauk Indian Residential School, built in 1883 by staff and students. Today, it hosts educational tours that delve into the complex history between the Anglican Church and Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Visitors are invited to experience the chapel's distinctive architecture and updated stained-glass windows.

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.

The growing St. Paul’s congregation moved into this “new” St. Paul’s in 1879. Ten bells were installed in the tower in 1910; they chime at 11 a.m. every Saturday. Of note is the First World War rose window memorial, which was installed in 1932. The church officially changed its name to the Church of the Epiphany in 2005.

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.

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.

Farmtown Park is an agricultural/rural museum with buildings that house collections and exhibits devoted to such themes as the dairy and apple industries, steam power and antique tractors. The Discovery Centre holds a fascinating toy collection. There’s even a replica 1930s-era heritage village that is typical of small-town Ontario — complete with 18 storefronts, a chapel, fire hall and one-room schoolhouse.

Step aboard one of these rental houseboats and discover how Jen Cook and John Lott transformed a fleet of classic houseboats into boutique floating escapes for character-filled getaways on the historical Trent–Severn Waterway between Trenton and Peterborough. Hear their story of renovation and reinvention, explore the boats, and learn how they turned slow cruising into a safe, relaxing adventure.

This house was built in 1917 by Dr. Farncomb, who ran his practice from his home. In the 1950s, the house was turned into five apartments. The Degroot family purchased the home in 1968. Pierre and Candace Lauzer then purchased the home in 2007 and have since lovingly restored it and converted it into a bed and breakfast establishment.

Step inside The Memorial Tower — an iconic structure and symbol of the sacrifices made by local men and women in the service of their country and the world. Artwork depicts action from five military conflicts dating back to the War of 1812. Representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 will be onsite.

Museum Square is located outside of the Woodstock Museum. At the centre of the square is the Pattullo Fountain, which was purchased with a bequest left by Andrew Pattullo, a local businessman and newspaper owner. Formally turned on at a ceremony on May 29, 1917, it has operated here since. During Doors Open Woodstock, enjoy Fall Fest in Museum Square.

The National Air Force Museum of Canada is a world-class destination that offers a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of military aviation in Canada. With over 35 aircraft on display — from Canada’s first military aircraft to today’s workhorses — the museum displays our aviation history for the whole family. During Doors Open, select aircraft will be open for interior tours.

The North West Company Lock is located at the foot of Huron Street. It is actually two structures built almost 100 years apart. The stone replica lock seen today was built in 1896 and lies over the floor and framework of the original lock built in 1797. The lock was built to help laden canoes and boats navigate the rapids.

This designated church, constructed in 1834 shortly after the founding of the community, was funded by British naval officers Admiral Vansittart and his agent Captain Andrew Drew (who were partners on a farming estate here). During the Rebellion of 1837, the church also used as a jail. The chancel and transepts were added in 1843 and 1851 respectively.

Designated in 2024, this schoolhouse was built in 1915 in the Prairie style — a rare example of this architectural style in Ontario. It was designed by architect Francis Conroy Sullivan (1882-1929), the only Canadian student of Frank Lloyd Wright. The schoolhouse is currently being restored to be returned to community service by the non-profit Wooler & Area Community Organization.

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.

Conveniently situated in the Quinte West Public Library (Trenton Branch) for almost 20 years, the Quinte Branch of the Ontario Genealogical Society houses a large number of physical copies of local family genealogies and local historical material. Come by and find out how they can help you get started on your family tree.

Doors Open Quinte West welcomes you to the home and art gallery of the Kinmonds, located on the Trent River by Lock Six. Hosts Owen and Paulette will introduce you to Paulette's acrylic contemporary impressionism original art and prints, and the stories behind them. Light refreshments will also be available. Wander along the canal afterwards and take in the views.

This site opened in 1960 with Franck Lodge No. 127 (constituted in 1858) as the main tenant. Your guided tour includes the meeting room, with regalia and original items on display. There are four different charters from the Grand Lodge of Canada dating back to 1858. Guides will give an explanation on the history of Freemasonry worldwide, dating to 1717.