Doyle House has a fascinating history. Michael John Doyle is listed in the 1878 Atlas of Northumberland and Durham as an agent and assessor. Conservative Party members often gathered here, and their vigorous political discussions influenced the Doyles’ daughter, Iva. She came to believe strongly in the idea that every Canadian citizen should endeavour to render some form of public service. Her work led to her appointment to the Senate in 1935, under Prime Minister R.B. Bennett, as Canada’s first female Conservative senator. As part of Digital Doors Open, learn more about this house in the video below.

Dundurn Castle is one of the finest examples of high regency-style architecture in the country. Constructed in the 1830s for Sir Allan Napier MacNab (railway magnate, lawyer and politician), the buildings deteriorated under subsequent owners, but were restored in the 1960s to their original splendour. Today, Dundurn Castle tells the story of the MacNabs and the people who served them.

For all but 10 days of his life, Jim Eby has lived on this dairy farm in Woolwich, now known as Eby Manor. You'll be moo-ved by his story of the family operation that seized a golden (Guernsey) opportunity to create something truly special in the new niche milk market. Denoted by its unique, creamy texture and iconic glass bottles, Eby Manor and its small herd boast an avid following. As part of Digital Doors Open, find out more about Eby Manor and this dairy operation through the video below.

Visit the world’s last operating double-decker theatre and learn about its history from the vaudeville era to today. Go inside the theatres, see samples from the world’s largest collection of vaudeville scenery, and check out the restored Loew’s sign on the south side of the building. No tours, but volunteers and staff will be available. Photography allowed but no tripods.

The Elora Gorge, operated by the Grand River Conservation Authority, is one of the most beautiful and spectacular natural areas in the Grand River valley. Riverside trails look down 22 metres (72 feet) over scenic views of the water below where kayakers and canoeists make their way through the rapids. While the area has gradually reopened amidst COVID-19, visitors are encouraged to check their website to see what’s open and what’s not (camping, hiking, cycling, fishing and canoeing are allowed, for instance, but not tubing, picnic pavilions or the splashpad). For a digital experience, download their brochure and map, explore their Flickr photo album, or enjoy the aerial tour of the region below.

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, Toronto’s oldest standing and first free school, opened to the children of Corktown in 1849. It served as an important catalyst for accessible public education in the province. Today, the site is a museum and events venue where visitors can step back in time to an urban Victorian classroom. Come and tour the site for Doors Open.

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. For Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to discover why the Old Stone House was built, explore the Clergue Blockhouse (the private residence of Francis H. Clergue) and hear the tale of the transformation from a North West Company powder magazine.

Constructed in 1880, this building was Niagara's first telephone exchange. In 2015, it was transformed into a brewery, but retains some of its original features. Original hemlock floor joists became the second-floor bar and tabletops. Some nods to the building's use as a telephone exchange include brewing numbers (instead of names) and a tasting board shaped like a rotary dial.

Part 1 of a two-part series on how Cambridge became Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale. The architecture, heritage buildings and stunning natural features of Cambridge are showcased in the award-winning web television series The Handmaid's Tale. The city's unique assets, central location and welcoming vibe for the production team made it winner. After three celebrated seasons and 37 major award victories, it's easy now to applaud the city's work to accommodate large production crews with tight schedules and narrow lead times. But what was it like for Devon Hogue, the Business Information Officer for the City of Cambridge during those first days in August 2016 when The Handmaid's Tale was just a concept being pitched for the first time? Just how do you explain to residents why there are gallows erected in the park, army tanks and men with machine guns on the bridge, and three bodies hanging from the wall by the river? Find out in the following episode of Digital Doors Open Waterloo Region. And check the city's map of filming locations.

Part 2 of a two-part series on how Cambridge became Gilead in The Handmaid’s Tale. Under her eye: The award-winning web television series The Handmaid's Tale showcases much of the architecture, heritage buildings and stunning natural features of Cambridge in its fictional rendering of a dystopian Gilead. The city's unique assets, central location, and welcoming vibe for the production team made it winner. After three celebrated seasons and 37 major award victories, many of these key locations have put Cambridge on the map worldwide – with viewers and film production companies alike. Devon Hogue, the Business Information Officer for the City of Cambridge, takes us on a tour of key locations and the many challenges and rewards along the way. Join the tour in the below episode of Digital Doors Open Waterloo Region. And don’t forget to check out the filming locations on the city’s map.

The former home of Canadian landscape painter Doris McCarthy (1910-2020), Fool’s Paradise is a charming cottage on the spectacular Scarborough Bluffs. McCarthy donated the property to the Ontario Heritage Trust so it could remain an inspirational space for future generations of artists. Today, the Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence program has welcomed over 40 artists to live and create by the Lake.

In the 1960s, the burgeoning neighbourhood of Forest Hill in Kitchener was touted by developers as “gracious living,” and its model custom home of distinction was known as the Home of Enchantment. Six decades later, this mid-century modern beauty is celebrating a revival thanks to the ambitious vision of its second owners who have meticulously restored its original character and maximum potential while dressing it in unique, decadent and quirky interiors that make it truly one-of-a-kind. As part of Digital Doors Open, watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes experience of this unique home.

This magnificent Edwardian mansion evokes the opulent lifestyle of Canada’s industrial and political elite in the early 1900s. Senator George Taylor Fulford made millions of dollars from "Pink Pills for Pale People" – a patent medicine he manufactured in Brockville and sold around the world. Today, his mansion – owned and operated by the Ontario Heritage Trust – is a highlight along the St. Lawrence River. Check out this video from Visit the 1000 Islands to learn more about the man and the house. Enjoy the aerial drone tour below of the resplendent Fulford gardens, laid out by the renowned Olmsted brothers (who were famous for designing New York City’s Central Park). And take a virtual tour of the site here.

The Galt Arena Gardens is the oldest continuously operating arena in the world. Built in 1921 and refurbished in 1997, it is an imposing structure, representative of the epic achievements within its storied walls. It has been home ice to some of the hockey greats. A celebration of its 100th anniversary in June 2022 brought generations together to revel in its heritage as a landmark at the heart of a community. As part of Digital Doors Open, learn more about this historical local landmark through the video below.

Garden Square opened in the heart of downtown Brampton in 2006 as one of Brampton’s premier public spaces. It remains a gathering space that brings Bramptonians together, ignites civic pride, and acts as a catalyst for creativity for arts and culture programs, events and community-focused activities. As part of Digital Doors Open, watch the video below and enjoy highlights from Garden Square’s first-ever summer of virtual events. Many thanks to the artists and partners who embraced unique performance conditions, sponsors TD, Alectra and Algoma University for their support, and every audience member who joined in the festivities. #InGardenSquare

George Brown House is a Second Empire-style house built for George Brown between 1874 and 1876. Its elegance reflects his prominence as a leading politician, founder of The Globe newspaper (now the Globe and Mail) and a key figure in Canada’s Confederation. The house is one of Ontario’s best-preserved and documented urban examples of the Second Empire residential style.

Since 1993, Hospice Waterloo Region has provided vital care for those living with advanced illness and support for their loved ones. In 2021, the organization realized a new chapter with the opening of the Gies Family Centre, which includes the 10-bed Cook Family Residence that provides 24-hour care to patients and their families. Located on 2 hectares (5 acres) of land in north Waterloo, this facility embraces visitors through its thoughtful design, warm materials and inviting landscape. While the structure is inspired by the lands and history of the region, the work within its walls is anchored in a holistic approach to care and honouring the life journeys of the community it serves. As part of Digital Doors Open, watch the video below for a behind-the-scenes experience of this state-of-the-art facility.

In the late 1800s, lumber companies were plowing through the old growth forests of Ontario, making and breaking towns and villages. Trenton was no different. In 1852, Gilmour and Company constructed a sawmill at the Trent Port along the Bay of Quinte. David Gilmour arrived in Trenton in 1879 to take over the mill operation, both expanding and mechanizing the business to take advantage of the plentiful supply of trees that made its way down the Trent River. To accompany their growing workforce, the company also built new homes in Trenton. Despite a devastating fire, Gilmour continued to grow his business. The Gilmour Mill had a huge impact on the expansion of Trenton, becoming the largest sawmill in the world. Its effects are felt still today. Watch the documentary below, by Sean Scally – entitled Lumberbaron: The Gilmour Years – and discover the story about the effect of the Gilmour Lumber Company on the region from Trenton to the Muskokas.

Glanmore is an excellent example of Second Empire architecture in Canada. Now a regional museum, it was built for banker J.P.C. Phillips. This year, with Glanmore celebrating its 50th anniversary as a museum and its 140th since the house was constructed, it will be hosting a special exhibit in the basement. Visitors can also take part in a scavenger hunt.

Built in 1872 as Goulbourn Township’s Town Hall, this site is now the Goulbourn Museum, home to interactive and hands-on exhibits. The museum shares the story of the former township by collecting, preserving, displaying and interpreting nearly 10,000 local artifacts as well as a 40,000-piece archaeological collection. The adjacent History Centre, built in 1961, was the former clerk building. Today, it is used for collections storage, office space and meeting space. The Goulbourn Museum features such exhibits as All the Woods & Waters (which explores the colonization of the township), The Village General Store (where visitors can dress up, shop or barter for supplies) and SCORCHED: The Great Fire of 1870 (which commemorates the 150th anniversary of the fire that had devastating consequences for Goulbourn Township). During Digital Doors Open, take virtual tours of their children’s toy, archaeological and military collections.

If you attended high school in Waterloo Region, you might be mortified to learn that your high school yearbook (and that hairdo) may be preserved as a historical resource in the Grace Schmidt Room at the Kitchener Public Library. Local yearbooks are one of 10 favourite items that are explored as part of Digital Doors Open by Karen Ball-Pyatt, Manager of the Grace Schmidt Room’s vast collection, which has been documenting the area's history and families since it opened in 1984.

The beginning of this congregation goes back to 1822. The historical church, built as a Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1867 and extensively renovated in 1887, is the oldest church in Brampton. The exterior brickwork and bell tower of this Gothic revival building have been restored. The sanctuary has wonderful woodwork, a gallery with an intricate wrought-iron railing, and over 40 stained-glass windows. The beautiful Casavant pipe organ was installed in 1924, a gift from the Duggan family in memory of those who served in the First World War. In 1982, people from Grace United formed a non-profit group to build Grace Court, a seniors’ apartment building in downtown Brampton in recognition of the need for affordable seniors’ housing in the area. More recently, in 2009, the parts of the building outside of the sanctuary became a community hub known as Grace Place, where over 40 community groups deliver their programs and services to the people of Brampton. Grace Church today has become known as the church with a heart in the heart of the city. As part of Digital Doors Open, visit the Doors Open Brampton YouTube channel and learn about this extraordinary place, take a virtual sanctuary tour, hear all about the congregation’s 198-year history, and take a look at how the Casavant pipe organ works and what it sounds like.

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.

Great Manitou Island – owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust – is the largest island in the Manitou Islands Provincial Nature Reserve. Great Manitou Island is 84 hectares (210 acres) in total. It includes a small beach area and is suitable for day use only (no camping is allowed) and water-based recreation like swimming, boating or walking along the beach. Ontario Parks manages the Manitou Islands, including Great Manitou Island, on behalf of the Trust. As part of Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to learn more about this site.

Brampton is home to many forested trails and destinations. As part of your Doors Open experience, go for a hike or a drive by following this self-guided tour to see the extraordinary beauty of Canada’s autumnal landscapes. Witness the leaves change up close by visiting one of Brampton’s recreational trails and destinations — including the Etobicoke Creek Recreational Trail, Chinguacousy Recreational Trail, White Spruce Park, Eldorado Park and Heart Lake Conservation Area. These pedestrian and cycling trails are a tranquil and scenic feature of this city. While outside, bring along the Nature Rubbings Activity and discover all the treasures that nature has to offer.