Cornwall and SDG Counties

In collaboration with the Parks of the St. Lawrence, the Ontario East British Home Child Family operates a museum on weekends during the month of August through to Labour Day. Located inside the Aultsville Train Station are artifacts and information on British Home Children who came to this country between the 1860s and the 1930s as indentured servants.

This storybook church is set in a village steeped in Celtic tradition, century homes, wrap-around porches and — most importantly — residents who are actively, and proudly, involved in the community. Since 1787, St. Andrew's United Church has played an integral part in the community of Williamstown. With roots running deep in Celtic heritage, this congregation has evolved with the times.

This is a recognized federal heritage building, associated with the expansion of Canada's militia between the First and Second World Wars. People choose to become a reserve soldier to learn new skills, gain valuable experience, meet new people and serve their country. The site still houses the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders Militia, as well as the Cadet Corps.

This church was built in 1959 after the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, which displaced the residents of what are now known as the Lost Villages, a group of communities located on the banks of the river. In the process, 17 churches were moved or destroyed. It is one of three Anglican churches comprising the "Area Parish of the Saint Lawrence."

The Heritage Centre, originally the Winchester Township Town Hall, served as a courthouse, drill hall, movie theatre, firehall and many other things. The Chesterville and District Historical Society took over the building in 1984 and has been collecting artifacts and researching local history since. The building is now maintained by the Township of North Dundas.

This stone landmark across from the St. Raphael’s Ruins was initially a presbytery for Father Alexander Macdonell, chaplain of the Glengarry Fencibles Light Infantry during the War of 1812, and later the first Bishop of Upper Canada. In 1924, symmetrical wings were added to each side of the presbytery in its transition to the renowned girls’ boarding school, Iona Academy.

The Glengarry County Archives, housed in this 1822 building, is the largest repository of historical records in Eastern Ontario. It contains the foremost collection of history about Glengarry County found anywhere. During Doors Open, come and take a tour of this facility and learn more about local history. Explore their records and archival newspapers and speak with an archivist.

Community is at the heart of what YourTV does. Community television in Cornwall recently celebrated 50 years. Since late 1971, the local channel has brought events, politics, sports and much more to Cornwall living rooms. See where many favourite shows are produced, get a glimpse behind the scenes of television production and learn about their volunteer program.

The Nativity Co-Cathedral was the early nucleus of Cornwall's Francophone community and has been a dominant feature of Cornwall's skyline for over a century. The beautiful structure was designed and supervised by the second pastor of the parish, Father Paul-Antoine De Saunhac, a native of Toulouse, France. The first mass was celebrated here on Christmas Day 1891.

In 1970, a fire consumed the church of St. Raphael’s, one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in English-speaking Canada. Fortunately, the outer walls were spared and today its impressive scale and fine masonry work continue to attract tourists to the site. The ruins were declared a National Historic Site in 1999.

The Carman House Museum — a Georgian-era limestone cottage — was built c. 1815. The family was part of the Loyalist migration after the American Revolutionary War, receiving a land grant for their service to the Crown. It is also one of only two original buildings in Iroquois that were not moved for the 1950s construction of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

A church has been on this site since 1784, when Loyalists first settled here. The current church dates to 1876, dedicated to Bishop John Strachan. Built in the Gothic style, the building features marble floors, stained-glass windows, a Casavant organ, and plaques and memorials to early Cornwall citizens. Outside, the churchyard features graves dating back to the late 1700s.

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.

This centre offers an engaging experience for those interested in hydroelectric power and the St. Lawrence Seaway’s history. It features exhibits, informative displays and a captivating historical film that explains the engineering marvel of the dam and its impact on surrounding communities. Visitors can also learn about the dam’s role in providing renewable energy and the environmental consideration involved.

This church — complete with belfry and three bells — is an architectural gem. It was built on the McLennan Estate in 1898. Surrounded by parkland, it is commonly known as "The Church in the Wildwood." It is part of the Area Parish of the St. Lawrence, along with Christ Church Seaway in Long Sault and Trinity Church in Cornwall.

The Priest's Mill Arts Centre is located on the ground floor of the erstwhile stone-and-mortar grist mill built by Scottish immigrant, Father Alexander MacDonell, in 1819. Razed by fire and rebuilt several times, the present building dates to 1902. The ground floor of the centre block has recently been lovingly refurbished as an art gallery.

This Georgian-style building dates back to 1862. In 1967, it became a museum dedicated to depicting the story of Sir John Johnson and other Loyalists who settled in the area during the American Revolution. Special exhibits celebrate the bicentennial of the Williamstown Fair (the oldest agrarian fair in Canada) and the War of 1812.

This jail has a rich history. It served as a maximum-security facility for nearly a century, housing some notorious 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.

Opened in 1962, the Glengarry Pioneer Museum has grown to include eight heritage buildings, including the Star Inn, a stagecoach stop in the 1860s. Its barroom is thought to be one of the oldest in Eastern Ontario. Other pioneer buildings on this site are the blacksmith shop, town hall, Orange Lodge, log barns, drive shed and cheese factory.

This library, a designated property, sits on a former orphanage site that was then acquired by the federal government to house the new post office in 1953. In 1997, after the post office had moved to another location, the library moved into the building following renovations, making it Cornwall's downtown jewel. Guided tours only. Registration required (1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.).

This 6-kilometre (3.7-mile) self-guided walking tour is a voyage into Cornwall’s heritage, depicting events and points of interest from the city’s past. The tour follows nearly 30 plaques that have been erected along Cornwall’s waterfront, downtown and in parts of Le Village in the city’s east end — representing industrial links, the former Cornwall Canal and the founding of New Johnstown.

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!

The Cline House was built in 1854; it remained in the Cline family until 1955 when the Library Board took possession. This fine Regency-style building is characterized by a low hip roof and central entrance. One of Cornwall's finest homes, Cline House was once the location of the Simon Fraser Centennial Library. Today, it is a thriving art gallery.

Built in 1976, the Aultsville Theatre is a 680-seat non-profit professional theatre that hosts a variety of events annually. Come and experience theatre life on the other side of the curtain. Take a backstage tour and see where the performers prepare themselves. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the theatrical lighting, rigging and operations that bring productions and performances to life.

This mill is a charming, rustic building in a picturesque setting on the Raisin River. Built with local fieldstone, it served the village and region as a flour milling operation. The mill operated by water power, which was eventually supplemented by a gas engine. Commercial use of the mill ended in 1947 and it is now a museum.