Brantford has a rich sport history. Come and explore this hall of fame (located within the Wayne Gretzky Sports Centre), which proudly recognizes hometown heroes. Explore features such as inductee artifact and memorabilia displays, a wall of recognition, an interactive inductee touch-screen zone, a trivia game and broadcast booth as well as a mini-theatre and Wayne Gretzky tribute area. (Photo: Sherry Smith)

Since 1929, the Brantford Flying Club has been providing quality flight training. One of the oldest flight training schools in Canada, they have successfully helped thousands of students get their pilot licences over the years. Visit the Centre where club members will provide a guided tour of the airport and its history, and explain what is happening there today.

Brantford’s Parks & Recreation Department has a storied history of horticultural excellence, which has long been a source of community pride. For 75 years, these greenhouses have played an integral part of the city's horticulture operations, program and reputation — providing approximately 500,000 plants annually that are used in horticultural displays, annual and perennial beds, and community gardens throughout the city.

In 1992, the main branch of the Brantford Public Library moved into this former department store. Today, the busy, three-storey location offers approximately 5,600 square metres for visitors (60,000 square feet) — featuring a local history room, a makerspace, children and youth areas, and multiple murals. Staff will offer tours and activities that showcase the library’s history and its many resources.

This historical guild hall was moved here in 1978. Showcasing one-of-a-kind handcrafted items by guild members and local artisans, this site is a hub for artistic endeavours — workshops, meetings, sales and exhibitions. Enjoy fibre and textile arts and pottery demonstrations (accessed by staircase). Operated by the Burr House Spinners and Weavers Guild and the Hill Potters’ Guild.

Chiefswood was given by Mohawk Chief George Johnson as a wedding present for his English bride Emily Howells. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of famous Mohawk poetess E. Pauline Johnson, who travelled throughout Canada celebrating her Mohawk heritage. Chiefswood offers a glimpse at the lives of the Johnson family, and life on Six Nations in the mid-1800s.

Circling Hawk Honey & Mead is the only commercial meadery in Richmond Hill. Built and operated as an equestrian farm until 2010, the site was converted to mostly agriculture as a secondary use. Learn about sustainable farming practices on a tour of the bee yard, fruit orchards, horse stable and extraction facilities while enjoying tastings and live entertainment.

Creek View Acres is home to a growing nursery and orchard. The farmhouse was built in 1902 and is of simplified Italianate architecture featuring original large glass windows. The main barn foundation dates back to 1880. The property features a mixed orchard and a professionally landscaped botanical garden. A historical walking tour uses landmarks to tell the stories.

The Curtain Club Theatre is a non-profit community theatre entertaining the Richmond Hill community for over 70 years. In 1972, theatre members opened the current 158-seat venue, originally home to the Royal Canadian Air Force. Join a guided tour and explore behind-the-scenes magic — from the stage to backstage areas — and learn about stories that have brought unforgettable performances to life.

During the Second World War, the Cockshutt Aircraft Division supplied critical military aircraft parts. This building was constructed to produce airplane fuselages. During Doors Open, join hosts Vince Capotorto (the current owner), the Canadian Industrial Heritage Centre and Brant Theatre Workshops and experience interpretive displays, music, historical artifacts and a reading of a play about the time period.

His Majesty’s Royal Chapel of the Mohawks is the last surviving building of the Mohawk Village and the oldest surviving Protestant church in Canada. The chapel features eight stained-glass windows that tell the history of the Six Nations people. They continue to hold special services here — like Easter, Thanksgiving, Indigenous People's Day and Christmas. They can also host weddings.

The original wood-frame buildings were replaced by Jonathan Howell in 1891 with stone buildings. For Doors Open, check out the plaques recognizing local war veterans, tour the St. George Community Memorial Hall, visit the St. George and Area Museum and Archives or enjoy a walking tour of the building and street. Also home to the South Dumfries Historical Society.

Lake St. George Field Centre is a beautiful experiential learning facility surrounded by woodlands, open meadow and a kettle lake on the ecologically significant Oak Ridges Moraine. Enjoy this rare opportunity to visit — complete with special tours of the 1906 Davis Hall and aboard a solar-powered pontoon vessel. This site is stewarded by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. Pre-registration required.

The Mary-Lou Griffin Local History Room is located on the fourth floor of the Central Branch of the Richmond Hill Public Library. It contains an extensive collection of historically significant and unique resources about Richmond Hill, York Region and beyond. Join in guided tours, special exhibits and demonstrations with a research specialist.

The Mill Pond Gallery is a participating site in the Richmond Hill Studio Tour. Formed in 1978, the Richmond Hill Group of Artists is a volunteer-run group for visual artists. In 1994, they opened the Mill Pond Gallery to exhibit their work and provide educational opportunities. View two-dimensional artwork in a wide range of mediums, styles and themes.

Built in 1874, this Italianate-style building was designed by John Turner, a well-known architect who created several buildings throughout Southwestern Ontario. The hall has served as a focal point and hive of activity in the Onondaga community, including as a school for two years and a council chamber until 1976. In 2016, it was designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Featured in the Richmond Hill Studio Tour, Victor Molev — a Canadian artist of Russian descent — specializes in decorative realism, fantasy, symbolism and surrealism. Born in Gorky, Russia, Molev has been passionate about art from an early age. He has also participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Europe and North America.

In 1805, the original property was sold to Captain Fulton (Loyalist and first justice of the peace in the area). Richard Vanderburgh later purchased the property and built the Georgian-style house while married to Fulton’s daughter, Elizabeth. The building is now home to the Richmond Hill Board of Trade and is a hub for fostering business growth and local collaboration.

The Richland Academy is a participating site in the Richmond Hill Studio Tour. It features award-winning artist and art teacher Josephine Sherman. Guests are invited to explore nature in its many forms and seasons through her watercolour paintings. Sherman will be set up with painting materials for viewers to witness her creative process firsthand.

The Richmond Hill David Dunlap Observatory is a national historic site, designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. Opened in 1935, it was at the forefront of Canadian astronomical research, housing the then-largest telescope in Canada. Today, it is a facility for public education and outreach through city-run programs and partnerships. Please pre-register to tour the observatory and administration buildings.

The Richmond Hill Heritage Centre is housed in a restored 1840s Regency-style cottage — originally home to Amos Wright, the first Reeve of Markham Township. The Centre serves as a unique venue to showcase the rich heritage and history of Richmond Hill. Explore galleries and exhibits. Or enjoy their popular afternoon teas (reserve online — limited seating available).

The Richmond Hill Lawn Bowling Club is in the heart of Richmond Hill, welcoming social and competitive bowlers of all ages. It was built in the early 1920s by founding member, William Graham on property he sold to the Club. Recent renovations strengthened the foundation of the building with steel piles. Come out, try the sport and meet friendly people.

The Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, with its unique patterned bricks, was erected in 1880. The interior features Gothic-designed woodwork, original pews and beautiful stained-glass windows. Tour the building, engage in a demonstration of the 1915 Cassavant pipe organ and experience a diverse array of creative expressions by artists Narenhua, Roger Potts, and Ziba Salehi-Rahni.

The Richmond Hill Sports Hall of Fame is located on the second floor of the Elgin Barrow Arena. It features exhibits and photos of local sports history. Here, they recognize athletes, teams, officials and sports builders who have helped shape Richmond Hill's sports community. Check out the inductees, awards recipients, Moments in Sport winners and more.

A Methodist mission was established here in 1822, attracting both white settlers and Indigenous residents. In 1830, a wooden structure was built. Over time, the congregation grew and a brick building replaced the wooden one in 1860. The current structure dates from 1902. Of interest is the simple wooden furniture and the adjacent cemetery (containing many early settlers).