This jail has a rich history. It served as a maximum-security facility for nearly a century, housing some infamous criminals. It was notorious for its harsh conditions and alleged human rights violations. Today, the jail stands as a museum and popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the prison's past and the harsh realities of life behind bars.

William McKinney, a prosperous local farmer and blacksmith, purchased this land (originally granted to American General Benedict Arnold) and built this elegant home in 1856. Once a stagecoach stop, the home and gardens are now undergoing careful restoration guided by heritage conservation principles. Enjoy this rare chance to see a historical home mid-rehabilitation and learn about the process. Exterior only!

This heritage stone library branch, located in the former courthouse, is in one of the oldest buildings in Rideau Lakes. Dating back to before 1850, it has a storied history — having served as a school, a jail, municipal building and community hall. See the original wooden jail door inside and take a heritage picture with the library’s green screen.

Step inside Newboro Manor, a one-of-a-kind 1860s Italianate stone mansion rich in history and charm. Original features include a grand staircase, plasterwork, flooring, windows and exposed stonework. Glittering chandeliers illuminate inspiring artwork and furnishings, both antique and contemporary. Visit the summer kitchen and unwind in the stunning conservatory before heading to Stone Manor Studios in the renovated stone carriage house.

The Old Stone Mill is Ontario’s only surviving pre-1812, fully automated stone gristmill. Built of local stone and timber after inventor OIiver Evans’ design, it has been revitalized by the Delta Mill Society with authentic equipment and enhanced interpretation. Watch the 200-year-old millstones in action. During Doors Open, there will be blacksmithing demonstrations on Saturday and a special quilt display.

One of the area’s oldest surviving church buildings, this 1865 stone church is now a private residence that has been beautifully restored. Don’t miss the beautiful Gothic windows, the wooden front doors with a pointed transom above, the original full-body baptismal font, decorative keystone voussoirs atop the windows, and the incredible interior woodwork. Enjoy this rare chance to step inside!

Step back in time at Elgin’s Red Brick School. Visit an authentic 1900 heritage classroom at this restored schoolhouse. Explore educational stories and artifacts while appreciating the yellow brick detailing, grand windows and bell tower. Marvel at exhibits showcasing the remastered historical photography of Clifford Pennock and the new “Historic Rideau Canal” display featuring photos from the first 100 years.

Reflecting the agricultural prosperity of the 1850s, this restored farmhouse replaces an earlier log home, retaining its heritage charm with traditional-style six-over-six windows, returned eaves and a sweeping veranda. Exceptional gardens are featured alongside an original bank barn and outbuildings that display the agricultural roots of the property: once containing a cheese factory, tenant house and blacksmith shop.

Celebrating its 175th year, this beautiful stone church was constructed in 1850 through the efforts of a dedicated congregation and Benjamin Tett, who purchased the land and paid the workers’ wages. Come and see the stunning stained-glass windows — one of which is in Tiffany style — an elegant altar, evidence of boxed pews, golden eagle lectern, rostrum pulpit and incredible woodwork.

Come and explore this landmark! Built in 1893 by John R. Dargavel as a general store and family home, this three-storey brick building boasts large display windows, original woodwork, high ceilings and charming attic dormers. Once home to hardware, fine china and a telegraph office — later to antiques — The Tipped Ship now anchors Elgin’s main corner as a one-of-a-kind emporium.

This cemetery in Rideau Lakes features a beautiful stone mausoleum, with intricate cast-iron gates, dating to 1895. It was the private entombment site of Alexander Wood, co-founder of the Frost and Wood Farm Machinery Company. Learn the fascinating story of the Wood family, along with the history of this intriguing vault and tomb, which Rideau Lakes has recently started restoring.

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.

In February 2022, the Town of St. Marys purchased this site. The brick and limestone structure has been vacant since 2006. The Town’s plan is to preserve its heritage value as a potential site for cultural activities, programming and administrative space. The first phase of construction will be complete in time for Doors Open visitors to tour this blank canvas.

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.

The original house built here was an excellent example of an L-shaped Ontario house from the mid-Victorian period. Leon Clench, St. Marys’ first practising lawyer, adapted the basic design for his family. It was the childhood home of world-famous violinist, Nora Clench, and is now home to a thriving bed and breakfast whose owners had it designated in 2017.

In 1857, a plain church of local limestone was erected here. It still forms the heart of St. James, making this the town’s oldest place of worship in continuous use. In the mid-1880s, the church was renovated. The roof was raised and entrance porches were added. Additionally, the southwest corner was given a Gothic tower and the sanctuary was extended.

The combination of limestone buildings constructed from locally quarried stone, a scenic location in the river valley, a physically intact downtown, and the large number of well-preserved historical buildings all combine to give St. Marys a distinct feel and charm. Come and explore the architecture, vibrant shops and restaurants, and scenic vistas located in the St. Marys Heritage Conservation District.

When George Tracy — one of St. Marys' earliest settlers — built this house for his family in 1854, it was the largest residence in the area. The neighbourhood park surrounding the building today is what remains of the extensive grounds of this “Castle in the Bush.” A fine example of domestic limestone construction, it has been a museum since 1959.

Featured in an episode of the CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries, this train station is certainly worth a visit! Constructed for the Grand Trunk Railway, it functions today as a VIA Rail and GO station. It is also home to the St. Marys Station Gallery, which gives exposure to local artists who reflect the cultural diversity, history and character of the community.

This Town Hall is a replacement for an earlier municipal building that was destroyed by fire in 1890. The building was designed by Toronto architect G.W. Gouinlock and was built in 1892 using St. Marys limestone, with contrasting sandstone accents. Still the administrative centre of the town, the building contains the newly renovated council chambers, municipal offices and an auditorium.

St. Marys United Church, built with white Ontario brick, replaced a smaller limestone Methodist church. Its tower once supported a steeple that was damaged by lightning in the 1940s and removed. The interior of this place of worship is spacious and inspiring. The Casavant organ, added in 1907, is one of the finest in the area.

Built of native stone and dedicated to the Congregational church in 1871, this property has enjoyed many uses over the years. Today, this designated building is a thriving yoga, music and dance studio. The teachers and staff all work to create healing, harmony and wellness in the community through classes and workshops. Come and explore this beautifully renovated building.

Join the Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation this year as they celebrate the Year of Radio. Enjoy guided tours by on-air staff, photo displays, an opportunity to record your memories of local station 560 CFOS, and a charity barbecue by the Rotary Club of Owen Sound. This year, as CFOS celebrates its 85th year, they will be moving from AM to FM.

The Billy Bishop Museum remains an Owen Sound landmark. Boyhood home of the eponymous First World War flying ace, this museum invites you to explore the Bishop family and to honour the contributions of service men and women, past and present. Dedicated as a museum in 1987, this site became a National Historic Site in 2002.

This church was built in 1889 for the West Side Methodists. They soon outgrew this little chapel and, in 1911, they sold it and it became the British Methodist Episcopal Church (originally known as “the coloured people's church”). Today, this diverse congregation continues to carry on the legacy of the original Black families who settled in Grey County.