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.

Glengarry County has a wealth of Celtic heritage. The Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame, founded in 2003, honours individuals and groups who have contributed to the maintenance of the Celtic music culture in the county, including musicians and promotors. In addition to the recognition of the inductees, they also collect memorabilia relevant to the area’s music and culture.

This museum collects, preserves and displays historical artifacts related to Cornwall and the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry. Their exhibit spaces host a multitude of artifacts organized by theme — the founding of New Johnstown and the Royal Townships, a turn-of-the-century kitchen, industry, law, commerce, textile, community service, health care and more. Come and explore this fascinating museum!

This Catholic church was built in 1829. The spire is 54 metres high (176 feet) and is visible from downtown Cornwall. The grounds to the east of the church were the first burial grounds of the parish. Today, it is known as the old cemetery, marked by the Calvary scene sculpture composed of the headstones collected from the early cemetery.

Along the Raisin River lies one of the oldest homes in Ontario. This Georgian-style house was built for Sir John Johnson (a soldier, Loyalist and public servant) between 1784-92. This site was chosen because it is a natural location for water-powered mills. The house is now a National Historic Site, dedicated to preserving local history through archives and tours.

Constructed of buff-coloured brick with stone trim, the Cornwall Armoury features a crenellated frontispiece and corner towers. Towers also flank the twin troop doors leading to the large drill hall. This federal heritage building is associated with the expansion of Canada's militia between the First and Second World Wars. Today, it hosts the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders.

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.

Come and celebrate 100 years of community service with the Burlington Lions Club! Visit Lions Hall and learn about their history in the community, their partnership with ROCK (Reach Out Centre For Kids) and how generations of Lions have been helping generations of Burlington residents. Drop by during Doors Open for some children's activities and free hot dogs!

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.

St. Marys Central School was the largest stone structure in town at one time. It remains important as the last example of institutional limestone construction in St. Marys. Closed in 2010, the school has been sympathetically converted to luxury condominiums. During Doors Open, a number of private suites will be available to tour, as well as common areas.

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.

The historical Lowville Schoolhouse operated until the early 1950s. It was designated in 1992. Visit the schoolhouse to learn about the work of its current occupants — the Field and Stream Rescue Team — who work to clean and restore local creeks and green spaces. You can also walk along the shore of Bronte Creek and view the nearby stairs to Highville.

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.

St. John's Anglican is the second-oldest Anglican church in Burlington. Founded in 1835, the congregation gathered in an old schoolhouse until the current building was completed. Visit during Doors Open for guided tours of the church and cemetery. There will be markers throughout the cemetery for notable people in Burlington’s history, including members of the locally famous Ireland family.

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.

Built in 1880-81 of local limestone, St. Marys Presbyterian Church replaced a more modest frame structure that had been on this site since 1852. The interior of the church was renovated in the mid-1960s when two local Presbyterian congregations united and this building was selected as their combined place of worship. An extension and balcony were added in 1993.

In 1904, the Carnegie Foundation awarded St. Marys a grant of $10,000 to build a public library. Local architect J.A. Humphris used classical motifs and local limestone to design a building that complemented the neighbouring town hall — a design that’s distinct from most brick Carnegie libraries. Completed in 1988, the children’s wing to the east offers a welcoming, sunny space.

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.

The Flour Mill is a fine example of local limestone construction. In recent years, Tracey Pritchard, a former Toronto caterer, food writer, restaurateur and consultant has been revitalizing the space. It is now a destination for delicious food, gourmet shopping and cozy boutique accommodation. During Doors Open, explore the main floor retail space and an upper-floor private residence.