The Carleton County Jail was built in 1862 and was run as a prison for 110 years, with room for approximately 150 prisoners. In 1972, the jail was shut down due to inhumane conditions. But it was repurposed and opened a year later as this hostel. After a night in a real cell block, you can visit Ottawa’s main sites.

The Ottawa Little Theatre, founded in 1913, is Canada’s longest continuously running community theatre. During Doors Open Ottawa, visitors will receive a guided, behind-the-scenes tour from one of the theatre’s dedicated volunteers. The tour will reflect an actor’s experience from first rehearsal to opening night and feature the talented production team who support them on that journey.

The Ottawa Muslim Association and the Ottawa Mosque was incorporated in 1964 as a charitable organization, with its first phase completed in 1970. The Ottawa Mosque is the first and the oldest mosque in the city, and is one of the oldest in Canada. Its distinct architectural design includes a two-storey prayer hall, library, minaret, central dome and multi-purpose basement.

Opened in 2005, the 9,290-square-metre (100,000-square-foot) Ottawa Paramedic Service Headquarters is a state-of-the-art facility that houses all paramedic operations (except for medical dispatching), a vehicle depot and administrative area for the service. This was the first LEED-certified building in Ottawa. Each day, more than 75 emergency vehicles are deployed to serve the communities of the nation’s capital.

Located in the ByWard Market, this school is in a four-storey, three-bay stone building of solid appearance with a richly decorated principal façade. During Doors Open Ottawa, visitors can join school staff and students in the lobby as they celebrate the school’s 145th anniversary, or take a guided tour. Throughout the day, art and artifacts will be on display.

Located at the corner of Elgin and Queen Streets, the Ottawa Visitor Centre is the capital’s in-destination hub, welcoming visitors and inviting residents to rediscover their city. In 2026, Ottawa celebrates its 200th anniversary with festival and event programming throughout the year. Chat with tourism experts and learn more about Ottawa’s unique history and the ways to celebrate this wonderful city!

Otter Lodge #50 is a local chapter of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Dedicated to community service, charity and personal growth, the lodge follows the principles of friendship, love and truth. Members actively support those in need, assist the distressed, and promote educational initiatives that benefit individuals and families.

This library was founded in 1855 as a Mechanics’ Institute. The present neoclassical structure — completed in 1914 with a Carnegie Foundation grant — features exterior monumental brick pilasters with carved limestone trim and bases, and a barrel-vaulted ceiling with decorative plasterwork. An addition dates from 1972. The building was designated in 2009. Of architectural note is this library’s vaulted ceiling.

Constructed in 1905 as a retail store, this building was purchased in 1924 by a rival retailer who operated it as a dry goods store until 1989. Designated under the Ontario Heritage Act in 1990, it is now home to the Owen Sound Artists' Co-op — a gallery/retail space for area artists to showcase and sell their work.

This home studio showcases the works of Victor Molev, a contemporary painter working primarily in oil on canvas, known for his distinctive blend of surrealism and symbolic realism. His work draws on classical painting traditions while exploring dreamlike, psychological, and allegorical themes. Through carefully constructed compositions, muted palettes, and refined textures, Molev creates timeless images that evoke mystery and introspection.

The Parkdale Arts and Cultural Centre was the City's Police Station — 6 Division from 1931-63. The building now has nine active work studios for artists, as well as community offices and an art gallery, Gallery 1313 (once the site of 12 holding cells for prisoners). The art deco clock above the main entrance was repaired but is not currently functioning.

Explore the City’s greenhouse, one of the few remaining city-run glass greenhouses in Ontario. It is dedicated to housing tropical collections and producing annual bedding plants for city parks, gardens, City Hall, the Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden, and downtown planters/hanging baskets. After sowing over 5,000 seeds and planted 2,000 cuttings, they have 60,000 plants ready for planting by May.

The Paroisse de la Nativité-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie was the early nucleus of Cornwall's Francophone community and has been a dominant feature of Cornwall's skyline for over a century. The beautiful structure was designed and supervised by the second pastor of the parish, Father Paul-Antoine de Saunhac, a native of Toulouse, France. The first mass was celebrated here on Christmas Day 1891.

This paved and lit trail is 1.6 kilometres long (1 mile), travelling along the Moira River behind the historical downtown. Along this trail is a footbridge, opened in October 2022 to replace the early 1800s original. To the north, it connects to the Riverside Trail. To the south, it connects to the Zwicks Trail and the Kiwanis Bayshore Trail.

Named for the street that connected the 1832 settlement that become New Hamburg, and located in an area of rich historical relevance, this taproom and craft beverage producer blends heritage character with a contemporary social experience. Explore the nano-brewery and revel in the architecture and stories deeply connected to the early industrial and residential growth of downtown New Hamburg.

Step back in time at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives, featuring an original 1875 general store. Discover the logging industry's role in the town's early days and explore Penetanguishene's cultural history. Enjoy a fun kids scavenger hunt then join a guided walking tour visiting landmarks connected to lumber baron Charles Beck. 

Explore Penetanguishene’s rich heritage and discover the legacy of lumber baron Charles Beck, one of the town’s most influential industrialists. Start at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives, then stroll down Beck Boulevard to trace the locations of Beck’s mills. Then it’s Beck’s family home on Fox Street before ending at Burkevale, Ontario’s last remaining Protestant separate school.

The Pentland Cemetery — Amherst Island’s first non-denominational cemetery — was in service from 1831-2001. It runs between Front Road and Lake Ontario. The headstones record the predominantly Irish pioneer families that had settled on the Island. The first person buried in the cemetery was in 1831. Find more information at the Neilson Store Museum and Cultural Centre.

Explore the world’s largest independent research institute devoted to theoretical physics, a place where scientists investigate the fundamental workings of the universe, from the smallest particles to the entire cosmos. During your visit, you can explore the Institute’s award-winning design and get behind-the-scenes access through an informative building tour. Free tickets are required for entry.

Designed by prominent architect George F. Durand, this is one of the most magnificent courthouses in Ontario with many of its original features intact. This excellent example of High Victorian architecture combines bichromal masonry with a variety of other building materials, not to mention architectural styles. Check out the spectacular stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork, decorative tile floors and grand staircases.

Discover the Peter Dušek Gallery, housed in the historical Creemore Meat Market building, built in 1881. Showcasing award-winning minimalist and Zen-inspired photography, this premier contemporary art space features Peter Dušek’s serene landscapes of Ontario. Experience cultural elegance in a historical setting, perfect for art lovers and visitors seeking inspiration.

Opened in 2022, the Peterborough & County Military Museum invites visitors to discover the region’s remarkable military heritage. Located on the ground floor of the historic Peterborough Armoury and operated by knowledgeable volunteers, the museum features artifacts and stories spanning the War of 1812, the 1837 Rebellion, Fenian Raids, both World Wars, the Korean War and today’s peacekeeping missions.

Built in 1860, this farm — with over 30 hectares (78 acres) — was donated in 2021 to Pickering College by Charles Boyd, who left behind a legacy as an educator. Come and experience the many learning opportunities at the farm, including a self-guided tour of the gardens, greenhouses, forests and the outdoor kitchens.

The Pinnacle Playhouse, originally named the D.L. Storey Building, was built circa 1939 as a Salvation Army barracks. In 1969, the expanding Salvation Army sold their barracks to the City of Belleville, and since then, it has been home to the Belleville Theatre Guild. The Belleville Theatre Guild is now celebrating 75 years of live community theatre in Belleville! Guided tours only.

An 1876 murder ... the killer hanged ... rumours of a ghost. Historical facts or backdrop for great theatre? The Players’ Guild of Hamilton has been a leader in the local community theatre scene since 1875, making it North America’s oldest community theatre group. Enjoy guided tours and a cash bar (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages). Open rehearsals may also occur.