Simcoe County

Digital event information

Digital Doors Open Simcoe County

Explore some traditional Doors Open Simcoe County sites without having to leave home. The following sites offer tours, videos and activities that will engage people of all ages.

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11 Sites

Hillsdale LockupDoors Open Simcoe County

Hillsdale Lockup

This lockup was built in 1906 as a facility for justice administration and temporary confinement for lawbreakers under the Medonte Township and Hillsdale jurisdictions. By the 1920s, it had transformed into a hub of community activity — a refuge for transients, a meeting place, an electoral polling station, and storage. Note: Due to construction, this site is not currently wheelchair accessible.

  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

4552 Penetanguishene Road (parking available at the Hillsdale Community Park, 4517 Penetanguishene Road, approximately a three-minute walk away)
Hillsdale, Ontario
https://www.springwater.ca/en/recreation-and-culture/resources/Documents/HistoryandHeritage/Hillsdale-Jail-History.pdf

Architecture

Year built: 1906
Building type: Courthouse Historical landmark
Architect: William John Davenport

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

Leacock Museum National Historic SiteDoors Open Simcoe County

Leacock Museum National Historic Site

Nestled on the shores of Lake Couchiching, the Leacock Museum National Historic Site is housed in the summer cottage, boathouse and gardens of famous Canadian humorist and economist, Stephen Leacock (1869-1944). Leacock was known for his witty and satirical works (particularly Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town). His legacy is honoured annually through the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.

  • Food vendors
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

50 Museum Drive
Orillia, Ontario
https://www.orillia.ca/en/visiting/leacock-museum.aspx

Architecture

Year built: 1928
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Historical house Museum
Architect: Wright and Noxon Architects

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

Trinity United ChurchDoors Open Simcoe County

Trinity United Church

Constructed as a Methodist church, this church became a United church in 1925 when the United Church of Canada was formed. Major additions were made in the 1920s and again in the 1950s. Features include beautiful stained-glass windows, a sweeping curved balcony and one of the largest pipe organs in this part of Ontario, with three manuals and 44 stops.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

140 Maple Street
Collingwood, Ontario
Email: office@collingwoodunitedchurch.ca
https://www.collingwoodunitedchurch.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1860
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

St. Paul's Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Simcoe County

St. Paul's Presbyterian Church

This church was built by lumber baron John Waldie in 1905 and given to the Presbyterians in 1906. It is a one-storey building with a bell tower and adjoining kitchen and hall. The interior is select pine, without any knots, while the pews are made of oak. It enjoys a commanding view over Georgian Bay from Ellen Street.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

95 Jephson Street
Victoria Harbour, Ontario
https://pccweb.ca/stpauls-victoriaharbour

Architecture

Year built: 1905
Building type: Historical landmark Place of worship
Architect: John Waldie

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

South Simcoe Theatre, TheDoors Open Simcoe County

South Simcoe Theatre, The

Built in 1867 by the Lodge of Good Templars, this site’s original use was as a Temperance Hall. Then, in 1905, it became the Town Hall. In 1923, it was rebuilt as a community hall and became home to The South Simcoe Theatre in 1983. It is a not-for-profit community theatre, dedicated to creating exceptional and diverse community theatre experiences.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1 Hamilton Street
Cookstown, Ontario
Email: info@thesouthsimcoethreatre.com
https://www.thesouthsimcoetheatre.com

Architecture

Year built: 1867
Building type: Historical landmark Theatre Masonic lodge

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

Simcoe County MuseumDoors Open Simcoe County

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

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

Seven Star Masonic Lodge No. 285 G.R.C.Doors Open Simcoe County

Seven Star Masonic Lodge No. 285 G.R.C.

Doors Open will offer visitors the opportunity to visit a typical Masonic Lodge (normally not open to the public) and learn about the history and ideals of Freemasonry — the world's oldest fraternity. The original charter for Seven Star Lodge was granted in 1872 and is on display along with other historical artifacts. Meetings have been held here since 1917.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

28 Victoria Street West
Alliston, Ontario
Email: sevenstarmasonic285@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/Sevenstarmasonic285

Architecture

Year built: 1892
Building type: Masonic lodge

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & ArchivesDoors Open Simcoe County

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

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

Orillia Museum of Art & History (Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building)Doors Open Simcoe County

Orillia Museum of Art & History (Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building)

This museum has been an art, culture and heritage hub in downtown Orillia for over 25 years. They strive to provide an inclusive space to engage community, inspire creativity and celebrate culture through art and history. During Doors Open, view remnants of the building’s past as a post office and customs house. There’s even a jail cell in the basement!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

30 Peter Street South
Orillia, Ontario
Email: visitors@orilliamuseum.org
https://www.orilliamuseum.org

Architecture

Year built: 1895
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Museum Post office
Architect: Thomas Fuller

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

Museum on the BoyneDoors Open Simcoe County

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

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13

Coldwater Canadiana Heritage MuseumDoors Open Simcoe County

Coldwater Canadiana Heritage Museum

This charming historical site is dedicated to the history of Coldwater and its surrounding areas. The museum's centerpiece is the Woodrow Homestead, a beautifully preserved log cabin built in the early 1840s on a former stagecoach route. Visitors can explore the homestead and other heritage buildings. Don’t miss the Coldwater Steampunk Festival occurring in the nearby village of Coldwater.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1474 Woodrow Road
Coldwater, Ontario
Email: rpturnour@gmail.com
http://www.coldwatermuseum.com

Architecture

Year built: 1840
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 13 - Sep 13