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Doors Open Ontario:

23 Digital Doors Open sites

Alderlea Doors Open Brampton

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Alderlea

Alderlea, meaning meadow of alder trees, is a well-preserved heritage building, built at the height of the Victorian era. It is one of the finest examples of Italianate villa architecture in Ontario. Following careful restoration, this 19th-century mansion has plenty to offer. Come and see how the house has been adapted for use as a popular heritage venue.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

40 Elizabeth Street South
Brampton, Ontario
Email: Alderlea@brampton.ca
https://thealderlea.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1867
Building type: Commercial Historical landmark Historical house
Architect: Taylor Hazel (2009-13 renovations)

Auchmar Manor House Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Auchmar Manor House

The Auchmar Estate is considered to be the last surviving country estate on Hamilton Mountain. It was built for the Honourable Isaac Buchanan, a local Scotsman, entrepreneur, politician and civic leader in 19th-century Canada. Visit this Gothic revival manor house and learn about its storied past before strolling the walled and landscaped grounds that surround it. No parking on site.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

88 Fennell Avenue West (at West 5th Street)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.friendsofauchmar.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1852-54
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house

Balfour House (Chedoke Estate) Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Balfour House (Chedoke Estate)

Balfour House is Hamilton’s last great escarpment estate. Several prominent Hamiltonians have called it home since 1836, most recently the family of St. Clair Balfour. Owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and managed by the City of Hamilton, the building and garden are spectacular. Come and explore how this architectural gem grew from a simple homestead into a grand estate.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

1 Balfour Drive
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: abuhrmann@cardus.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1836-38
Building type: Historical house

Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site

Battlefield House Museum, part of which dates to 1796, was once home to the prominent Gage family. Learn about the stories of the people who built the house and the ongoing efforts to preserve and restore it. Explore the Dunington Grubb landscape (which includes the impressive Battlefield Monument) and hike around a 13.8-hectare (34-acre) patchwork of meadow and forest.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

77 King Street West
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/battlefield

Architecture

Year built: 1796
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Historical house Museum

Belleville Community Gardens Tour Doors Open Belleville

New

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Belleville Community Gardens Tour

The Community Garden Program was initiated by the City of Belleville Green Task Force in 2012. It gives residents a place to grow vegetables and flowers in designated parks. Anyone living in the Belleville area can apply. No special skills are required. The gardens include the Bayview Heights Community Gardens, the Ponton Park Community Gardens and the West Hill Park Community Gardens. Garden beds are awarded in March each year by lottery. Each name drawn will be assigned a garden bed and given exclusive use for the season (May to October). The program is free. Each garden bed provides 3.7 square metres (40 square feet) of growing space. Learn more about the gardens and the rules of the program and COVID-19 guidelines here. And, for Digital Doors Open, take a virtual tour of these community gardens here.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Virtual tours

Contact info

Start your tour at 75 Bay Drive
Belleville, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 2012

Architect: City of Belleville Green Task Force

Butler's Barracks and The Commons Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Butler's Barracks and The Commons

Named after Colonel John Butler, a hero of the American Revolutionary War, this complex was an integral component of the military facilities built in the Niagara region to replace those destroyed during the War of 1812. Situated inland, out of range of the American artillery across the river, Butler's Barracks comprised more than 20 buildings by 1854. The only structures that survive from this period are the Commissariat Stores, Junior Commissariat Officers' Quarters, Men's Barracks and Gun Shed. The site was used by the British until 1870, after which it became a training camp for the Canadian militia. The barracks near John Street have been fully reconstructed and act as the headquarters for Parks Canada’s Southwestern Ontario Field Unit. The Commons was used extensively over the past two centuries for military training. It was also the site of the Native Council House at the perimeter of Paradise Grove from 1812 until the mid 1820s. For Digital Doors Open, explore The Commons through the video below.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

440 King Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/dfhd/page_nhs_eng.aspx?id=430

Architecture

Year built: 1814-54
Building type: Government building Historical landmark Military

Corby Park Rose Garden Doors Open Belleville

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Corby Park Rose Garden

The Corby Park Rose Garden is in the old east village of Belleville, a great area for exploring heritage homes, just a few blocks from the Bay of Quinte. The garden has a stunning water fountain and, at the centre of it all, you get a beautiful view of the entire garden — perfect for a family outing or wedding.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos

Contact info

210 Ann Street
Belleville, Ontario
Email: tdeming@belleville.ca

Architecture


Dundurn National Historic Site — Dundurn Castle Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Dundurn National Historic Site — Dundurn Castle

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.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

610 York Blvd.
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/dundurn

Architecture

Year built: 1835
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum
Architect: Robert Wetherell

Griffin House National Historic Site Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Griffin House National Historic Site

Griffin House is a modest one-and-a-half-storey wood-frame residence that was built in the Georgian style with clapboard siding and six-over-six sash windows. Constructed by Englishmen in 1827, it was purchased by Enerals Griffin and his wife Priscilla in 1834 – both born as slaves in Virginia, but who escaped to Canada. On this site, with their 20 hectares (50 acres) of land, the Griffin family lived as part of the Ancaster community for 150 years. Today, Griffin House stands as a testament to the determination of African-American men and women who escaped slavery and found peace in Ontario. For Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to learn more about this fascinating property.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Architecture

Year built: 1827
Building type: Museum

Historic Bovaird House Doors Open Brampton

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Historic Bovaird House

Historic Bovaird House is an exceptional example of a mid-19th-century Ontario farmhouse. Volunteers have restored the house to its original appearance. Authentic artifacts and period craftsmanship demonstrate the history of this house — which contains five fireplaces, original plank flooring, hand-blown imported windowpanes and beautiful heritage-inspired gardens. Check out the photo display of the farm kitchen and parlour.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

563 Bovaird Drive East
Brampton, Ontario
Email: bovairdhouse@yahoo.ca
https://www.bovairdhouse.com

Architecture

Year built: 1852
Building type: Attraction Educational facility Historical landmark Historical house Museum

Museum on the Boyne Doors Open Simcoe County

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  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Museum on the Boyne

This community museum represents the history of South Simcoe County. Exhibits highlight famous local Canadians, notable industries and unique area artifacts. The site features an agricultural fair building, a log house and a barn. During Doors Open, children can enjoy a scavenger hunt and other hands-on activities. Come for a tour, explore the site and check out the gift shop.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

250 Fletcher Crescent
Alliston, Ontario
Email: boynemuseum@newtecumseth.ca
http://www.motb.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Historical house Museum

Navy Hall Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

New

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Navy Hall

In 1765, British naval craftsmen from Fort Niagara erected a barracks on the opposite side of the Niagara River. Over the years, several buildings – known collectively as Navy Hall – evolved into a key military supply facility for British forts on the upper Great Lakes. During the American Revolution, the Provincial Marine wintered at Navy Hall and, in 1792, Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe converted one of the buildings into his residence. The Lieutenant Governor's home in the first capital of the Province of Upper Canada later served as a dining hall for the officers at Fort George. Navy Hall was destroyed by American forces during the War of 1812. After the war, the British rebuilt some of the buildings, of which one still survives today. As part of Digital Doors Open, you can learn more about this site’s remarkable history through the video below.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

305 Ricardo Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/on/fortgeorge/culture/navyhall

Architecture

Year built: c. 1815
Building type: Historical landmark Military

Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre

Located on the banks of the Niagara River in a heritage building that formerly supplied water to Niagara-on-the-Lake, the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre connects the community through visual arts programs, exhibitions and events. The Niagara Pumphouse Art Centre Association was formed in 1990, and the building was restored and converted to this visual arts centre in 1994.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

247 Ricardo Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: office@niagarapumphouse.ca
https://niagarapumphouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1891
Building type: Historical landmark Gallery
Architect: John Gait and J.H. Armstrong

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

The Niagara Historical Society opened this museum in 1907. It collects, preserves, researches, educates and promotes the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake and area — inspiring a local history appreciation through engaging programs and exhibitions. During Doors Open, there will be curator-led tours of the exhibits and heritage baking samples. And explore the latest exhibition, "The Prettiest Town: Beyond the Bricks & Mortar."

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

43 Castlereagh Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: contact@nhsm.ca
https://www.notlmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: High school building (built 1806), Memorial Hall (built 1906) and Link Building (built 1971)
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Museum Schoolhouse
Architect: W.B. Allan

Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives Doors Open Simcoe County

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives

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. During Doors Open, the Genealogy & History Research Centre and Archives is open, offering a great chance to delve into their extensive collection to discover your family history!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Adaptive reuse
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

13 Burke Street
Penetanguishene, Ontario
Email: museum@penetanguishene.ca
https://www.penetanguishene.ca/museum

Architecture

Year built: 1875
Building type: Commercial Museum

RiverBrink Art Museum Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

RiverBrink Art Museum

The RiverBrink Art Museum is a fine-art museum, open since 1983, featuring changing exhibitions from the renowned art collection of lawyer Samuel E. Weir (the museum is his former home), as well as outstanding works on loan from contemporary artists and Canadian and international collections. Exhibitions change throughout the year. There is also a library and gift shop onsite.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

116 Queenston Street
Queenston, Ontario
Email: manager@riverbrink.org
https://www.riverbrink.org

Architecture

Year built: 1970
Building type: Museum Gallery
Architect: Arthur E. Nutter

Shaw Festival Theatre Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Shaw Festival Theatre

At 856 seats, the Festival Theatre is the Shaw's largest venue. Built in the modernist style, it was designed to provide a spacious yet intimate audience experience. While touring backstage, you will hear stories from docents about the history of the theatre, the ensemble, and secrets of the 2024 season. Come and learn about the importance of real human connection!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Collections and resources

Contact info

10 Queen's Parade
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: info@shawfest.com
https://www.shawfest.com

Architecture

Year built: 1973
Building type: Theatre
Architect: Ronald Thom

Simcoe County Museum Doors Open Simcoe County

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Simcoe County Museum

Simcoe County Museum

This museum brings history to life for visitors of all ages. Step back in time and explore the evolution of life in Simcoe County through interactive galleries, heritage buildings and an extensive artifact collection. Nestled within 132 hectares (327 acres) of lush, forested grounds, it boasts a remarkable collection of over 30,000 artifacts spanning from prehistoric eras to modern times.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Activities and games
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

1151 Highway 26
Minesing, Ontario
Email: museum@simcoe.ca
https://museum.simcoe.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1962
Building type: Attraction Educational facility Museum

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

The original 1794 church was burned by the American army during the War of 1812. A new church was later erected, but was also destroyed by a cyclone. In 1855, the current building was constructed. While major restorations have occurred over the years, the interior and exterior of this architectural gem appear much the same as the 1831 building.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

323 Simcoe Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: standrewsnotl@gmail.com
https://standrewsniagara.com

Architecture

Year built: 1855
Building type: Cemetery Historical landmark Place of worship
Architect: Kivas Tully

St. Mark's Anglican Church Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario
St. Mark's Anglican Church

St. Mark's is the oldest Anglican church in continuous use in Ontario. Completed in 1804, it was damaged in the War of 1912. The original balconies necessitated the unusual high pulpits. The 1840 East Window is the oldest stained glass in the province and, with the other windows, form the finest collection of stained glass in Ontario.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

41 Byron Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: stmarks@cogeco.net
https://stmarksnotl.org

Architecture

Year built: 1792
Building type: Cemetery Historical landmark Place of worship Private residence

Voices of Freedom Park Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Voices of Freedom Park

This park, created by the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, helps us understand, celebrate and honour the town’s Black history. It is an experiential art installation designed to engage, educate and challenge visitors. The park has an accompanying audio/visual walking tour that you’re welcome to explore. During Doors Open, the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum's "Tiny Museum" will also be onsite with a mobile exhibition.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Virtual tours
  • Collections and resources

Contact info

244 Regent Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
https://www.vofpark.org

Architecture

Year built: 2018

Architect: Tom Ridout

Westfield Heritage Village Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Westfield Heritage Village

Westfield Heritage Village, a living history museum, consists of over 35 restored historical buildings dating from the early 1800s. Various building types are positioned as a small village within a natural conservation area of over 202 hectares (500 acres). The village was started by two high school teachers – D. Glenn Kilmer and Golden L. MacDonell – who purchased the original 12-hectare (30-acre) site to create an outdoor museum preserving 19th-century rural life. They purchased their first building, the Jerseyville Train Station, outbidding a local farmer who wanted it for his farm as an outbuilding. Six more buildings were added before it was officially opened in 1964. Some 30 buildings later, the village is a thriving cultural centre that features educational programs and events year-round. Take a virtual tour of this spectacular site in the video below.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

1049 Kirkwall Road (Regional Road 552)
Rockton, Ontario
Email: westfield@conservationhamilton.ca
https://westfieldheritage.ca

Architecture

Year built: Various
Building type: Attraction Museum
Architect: Various

Willowbank Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Willowbank

Come and visit this beautiful national historic site, Willowbank, which was built in 1834-36 in the Greek classical revival style. Since 2006, Willowbank has been home to the School of Restoration Arts. The school’s Heritage Conservation diploma program has trained students in the theory and practice of this unique field, helping shape a new generation of heritage conservation leaders.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours

Contact info

14487 Niagara Parkway
Queenston, Ontario
Email: willowbank@willowbank.ca
https://willowbank.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1834-36
Building type: Educational facility Historical landmark Historical house
Architect: John Latshaw