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Doors Open Ontario:

232 In-person Doors Open sites

Buttermilk Bog Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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Buttermilk Bog

Located behind the Dunwich United Church, the Buttermilk Bog is a centennial project of the Dutton Dunwich Horticultural Society. The area, saturated with buttermilk from the old Strathcona Creamery, has been turned into an enchanting arboretum with approximately 50 different species of trees, including magnolias, American chestnut, sycamore, pawpaw, sassafras, flowering dogwood, sawtooth oak, butternut, gingko and black cherry.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available

Contact info

274 Currie Road
Dutton, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1999

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

Dutton Dunwich Conservation Area Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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Dutton Dunwich Conservation Area

The Dutton Dunwich Conservation Area was acquired in 1993 by the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority. Located on the floodplain of the Thames River, the area is a fishing hot spot during pickerel season. It provides an ideal spot to launch your canoe or kayak on the Thames River. Look for the Hackberry heritage tree, too, marked with a plaque.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available

Contact info

14494 Coyne Road
Dutton, Ontario
Email: info@ltvca.ca
https://www.lowerthames-conservation.on.ca/portfolio/dutton-dunwich-conservation-area

Architecture

Year built: 1993

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

Fingal Wildlife Management Area (formerly No. 4 Bombing and Gunnery School) Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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Fingal Wildlife Management Area (formerly No. 4 Bombing and Gunnery School)

The Fingal Wildlife Management Area was established on a former Second World War air force training base. Some of the habitat restoration activities include the development of a series of ponds, and the planting of trees, shrubs and hedgerows. Today, there are interpretive hiking trails, a viewing station and controlled hunting during the fall.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque

Contact info

34469 Fingal Line
Fingal, Ontario
Email: elgin1@bell.net
https://www.elginstewardshipcouncil.com/natural-areas/fingal-wildlife

Architecture

Year built: 1997

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

Harris House Backyard Garden Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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Harris House Backyard Garden

Come and explore this unique garden! In 1997, Guelph landscape architect, Brad Peterson, was hired to develop a landscaping plan to help naturalize this backyard. Over 16 years, he turned this site into a Carolinian forest area, a pond, vegetable garden, wetland and sauna. Areas were planted with native species, such as shagbark hickory, blue birches, elderberries, tulip and redbud.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

8947 Iona Road
Iona, Ontario
Email: laurence.grant@start.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1853

Architect: Brad Peterson

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

Highway 3 Rest Area Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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Highway 3 Rest Area

During your Doors Open journey, pause here and learn more about the history of Highway 3, which dates back to 1920. When the highway was first assumed, much of it was so poorly surfaced that many sections of the highway were impassable in wet weather. Today, this stretch of road has become part of the Trans Canada Trail system.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking

Contact info

27019 Talbot Line
Wallacetown, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1920s

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

Pearce-Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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Pearce-Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility

Visit the Pearce Williams Summer Camp & Retreat Facility, where campers gain life skills, develop self-esteem and explore nature. Situated in rural Elgin County, this facility offers summer overnight camps for children as well as adult retreats throughout the year. Explore the facilities and the grounds, and walk the trails in this beautiful, rustic setting.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

8009 Iona Road
Fingal, Ontario
Email: info@campisbetter.com
https://www.campisbetter.com

Architecture

Year built: 1960

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

Southwold Earthworks National Historic Site Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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Southwold Earthworks National Historic Site

Southwold Earthworks was designated a National Historic Site in 1923. It is designated because it is a rare and well-preserved example of an Aboriginal fortified village that is surrounded by earthworks, built by the Attiwandaron (Neutral Iroquois) between 1450 and 1550. This ancient site is the only example of a double-palisaded village in Southern Ontario. Download the brochure below (coming soon).

  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available

Contact info

7930 Iona Road
Fingal, Ontario
https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=370

Architecture

Year built: 1923

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

Spicer Trail at John E. Pearce Provincial Park Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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Spicer Trail at John E. Pearce Provincial Park

John E. Pearce Provincial Park has been a protected area since 1957. Located in the Carolinian forest zone of Southwestern Ontario, it covers 67.9 hectares (168 acres). The Spicer Trail is named for nature enthusiast and Second World War veteran, Lorne Spicer. Park at the Backus-Page House Museum to take either the red or blue trail. Download the brochure below.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

29424 Lakeview Line
Wallacetown, Ontario
https://www.ontarioparks.com/pdf/maps/johnepearce/spicer_trail_brochure.pdf

Architecture

Year built: 1994

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

Storey Wetlands Trail at John E. Pearce Provincial Park Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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Storey Wetlands Trail at John E. Pearce Provincial Park

John E. Pearce Provincial Park has been a protected area since 1957. Located in the Carolinian forest zone of Southwestern Ontario, it covers 67.9 hectares (168 acres). Named for Mary Patterson Storey, who received her land grant in 1809, this wetland supports many water-loving and water-tolerant plants and animals – including cattails, water lilies, turtles and herons. Download the brochure below (coming soon).

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

29424 Lakeview Line
Wallacetown, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 2017

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

West Elgin Nature Reserve Doors Open Dutton Dunwich

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West Elgin Nature Reserve

In 1983, the Aldborough Township council appointed the West Elgin Nature Club to manage this closed landfill site. Many trees have since been planted as memorials or by those interested in the site’s natural habitat.  Several short trail walks are offered and are ideal for birding. Look for the silver maple, big tooth aspen and spicebush undergrowth.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available

Contact info

24514 Downie Line
Rodney, Ontario
https://www.elginstewardshipcouncil.com/natural-areas/west-elgin-nature-reserve

Architecture

Year built: 1983

Dates/hours open

Oct 22, 10:00am - Oct 22, 04:00pm

Grace United Church Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Grace United Church

Come and explore Grace United as it celebrates its 200th anniversary this year! This building was designed by William Thomas — the same architect who designed Toronto’s St. Michael’s Cathedral, Hamilton’s St. Paul’s Presbyterian and Brock’s Monument in Queenston. The magnificent stained-glass windows memorialize early church members and wartime casualties, and the interior reflects the classic Methodist form of practical design.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Videos

Contact info

222 Victoria Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: mail@graceunitedchurch.com
http://www.graceunitedchurch.com

Architecture

Year built: 1852
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: William Thomas

Niagara District Court House Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Niagara District Court House

Constructed c. 1847, this courthouse served as the official county seat of Niagara District until the judicial courts were moved to St. Catharines in 1862. Its large courtroom interior was home to the Shaw Festival’s Court House Theatre until 1973. Today, Parks Canada and the Chamber of Commerce have offices here. It was designated a National Historic Site in 1981.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Videos

Contact info

26 Queen Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: kevin.turcotte@notl.com
https://www.notl.com/recreation-events/facilities/court-house

Architecture

Year built: 1847
Building type: Courthouse Historical landmark Theatre
Architect: William Thomas

Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre

Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building that formerly supplied water to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre connects the community through visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. The Niagara Pumphouse Art Centre Association was formed in 1990, and the building was restored and converted to this visual arts centre in 1994.

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

Contact info

247 Ricardo Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: office@niagarapumphouse.ca
https://niagarapumphouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1891
Building type: Historical landmark Gallery
Architect: John Gait and J.H. Armstrong

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

The Niagara Historical Society, founded in 1895, opened the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum in 1907. The museum collects, preserves, researches, educates and promotes the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake and its communities — inspiring an appreciation of local history through engaging programs and exhibitions. In October, the exhibition will be "Bound and Determined." During Doors Open, they’ll be offering special tours throughout the day.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Videos
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

43 Castlereagh Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: contact@nhsm.ca
https://www.notlmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: High school building (built 1806), Memorial Hall (built 1906) and Link Building (built 1971)
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Museum
Architect: W.B. Allan

RiverBrink Art Museum Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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RiverBrink Art Museum

The RiverBrink Art Museum is a fine-art museum featuring changing exhibitions from the renowned art collection of Samuel E. Weir, as well as outstanding works on loan from contemporary artists and Canadian and international collections. Current exhibitions will feature Indigenous beadwork by Samuel Thomas and oil portraits by Mark Crofton Bell. There is also a library and gift shop onsite.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

116 Queenston Street
Queenston, Ontario
Email: manager@riverbrink.org
https://www.riverbrink.org

Architecture

Year built: 1970
Building type: Museum Gallery
Architect: Arthur E. Nutter

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

The original 1794 church was burned by the American army during the War of 1812. A new church was later erected, but was also destroyed by a cyclone. In 1855, the current building was constructed. While major restorations have occurred over the years, the interior and exterior of this architectural gem appear much the same as the 1831 building.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Videos

Contact info

323 Simcoe Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: standrewsnotl@gmail.com
https://standrewsniagara.com

Architecture

Year built: 1855
Building type: Cemetery Historical landmark Place of worship
Architect: Kivas Tully

Brickhouse Brewpub Doors Open Woodstock

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Brickhouse Brewpub

The first of its kind in Oxford County, the Brickhouse Brewpub offers onsite brewing, a retail shop and 25 taps of independent Ontario craft beer. This brewpub is housed inside the old Powerhouse, built in 1931 — the only remaining part of the Oxford Regional Centre. The Centre opened in 1905 and served as a hospital for the mentally ill.

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Food vendors
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

190 Fairway Road
Woodstock, Ontario
Email: admin@upperthamesbrewing.ca
https://upperthamesbrewing.ca/brickhouse-brewpub

Architecture

Year built: 1931
Building type: Commercial Food and drink Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Sep 23, 11:00am - Sep 23, 04:00pm

Broken Rail Brewing (formerly St. Marys Junction Station) Doors Open St. Marys

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Broken Rail Brewing (formerly St. Marys Junction Station)

This train station, built by the Grand Trunk Railway, served the community for almost a century. A teenaged Thomas Edison may have worked here as a night telegraph operator from 1863-64. Now home to Broken Rail Brewing, the station underwent renovations in 2020. Stop in for a pint while the new owners proudly share the history of this space.

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Guided tours available
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms

Contact info

480 Glass Street
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: info@brokenrailbrewing.ca
https://www.brokenrailbrewing.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1858
Building type: Food and drink Transportation
Architect: Grand Trunk Railway

Dates/hours open

Sep 23, 10:00am - Sep 23, 04:00pm

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Doors Open St. Marys

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Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Located in an 1860s limestone house with an impressive 2019 addition, this museum is on 13 picturesque hectares (32 acres) overlooking the local quarry swimming hole. The site includes a major league-style baseball diamond, two children’s fields and picturesque walking trails. The museum showcases artifacts and memorabilia, and pays tribute to baseball’s impressive Canadian roots and the accomplishments of inductees.

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

Contact info

386 Church Street South
St. Marys, Ontario
Email: scott@baseballhalloffame.ca
https://baseballhalloffame.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1860s; 2019 addition
Building type: Attraction Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 23, 10:00am - Sep 23, 04:00pm

First Baptist Church Doors Open St. Marys

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First Baptist Church

Visitors to this lovely building, on the corner of “church” street, will be impressed by the vaulted ceilings, beautiful hewn beams and stained-glass windows — unusual in a Baptist church. The cornerstone of the current building was laid on June 26, 1902; the first service was held on December 21 that year.

  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms

Contact info

34 Church Street South
St. Marys, Ontario
https://www.facebook.com/FirstBaptistStMarys

Architecture

Year built: 1902
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 23, 10:00am - Sep 23, 04:00pm

Habitual Chocolate Doors Open Woodstock

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Habitual Chocolate

Over the years, many businesses have occupied this building. Today, Habitual Chocolate makes chocolate right from the cacao bean. They roast, winnow, grind, temper and mold, using the best-quality ingredients they can get. And the store always smells delicious! During Doors Open, stop by and watch chocolate bars being made, or fruit being dipped. Samples will be available!

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Food vendors
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

389 Dundas Street
Woodstock, Ontario
Email: info@habitualchocolate.com
https://www.habitualchocolate.com

Architecture

Building type: Commercial Food and drink

Dates/hours open

Sep 23, 10:00am - Sep 23, 04:00pm

Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church Doors Open St. Marys

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Holy Name of Mary Roman Catholic Church

A small stone church was built on this site in 1859 and a rectory to the east was constructed about the same time. The rectory still survives. The old stone church served the congregation until this magnificent building was opened in 1893. The tower in the centre rises 21 metres (69 feet), topped by a soaring 18-metre (61-foot) spire.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking

Contact info

149 King Street North
St. Marys, Ontario
https://avonthamescatholic.dol.ca/holy-name-of-mary

Architecture

Year built: 1893
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 23, 10:00am - Sep 23, 04:00pm

Knox Presbyterian Church Doors Open Woodstock

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Knox Presbyterian Church

This Richardsonian Romanesque-style church was constructed in 1896-97. Cantilever trusses support the coffered ceiling of the main sanctuary. The organ inside was built by D.W. Karn and Company of Woodstock. During Doors Open, come and see the stained-glass restoration project, spearheaded by former members of the decommissioned Chalmers United Church on Vansittart Avenue, displayed in our polygonal rotunda.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking

Contact info

59 Riddell Street
Woodstock, Ontario
Email: office.knox.woodstock@gmail.com
https://knoxwoodstock.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1897
Building type: Historical landmark Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 23, 10:00am - Sep 23, 04:00pm

Oxford EarlyON Child and Family Centre Doors Open Woodstock

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Oxford EarlyON Child and Family Centre

The Oxford EarlyON Child and Family Centre offers free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to six years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice from professionals. During Doors Open, come and visit one of Oxford County’s registry buildings, just down the street from the one built in 1875.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

75 Graham Street
Woodstock, Ontario
Email: earlyon@oxfordcounty.ca
http://www.oxfordearlyon.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1953
Building type: Government building Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Sep 23, 10:00am - Sep 23, 04:00pm

RedBarn Berries & Veggies Doors Open Woodstock

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RedBarn Berries & Veggies

About 150 years ago, this timber-frame barn was built using locally sourced stone walls (using mortar with horsehair) and some hand-hewn timbers. There is a hidden room under the barn hill for holding turnips. Around 1900, the barn was expanded. During your Doors Open visit, find out where the expansion occurred. Tours will be run by Ontario Barn Preservation.

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Food vendors
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking

Contact info

744716 County Road 17
Woodstock, Ontario
Email: info@redbarnberries.com
http://www.redbarnberries.com

Architecture

Year built: 1870
Building type: Food and drink Farm

Dates/hours open

Sep 23, 10:00am - Sep 23, 04:00pm