THE COUNTIES, Ontario - Discover Cornwall and SDG Counties’ hidden treasures Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17 during Doors Open.
During the two-day event, local sites in Cornwall and SDG Counties will open their doors free of charge, giving members of the public a unique chance to see familiar landmarks in a whole new way.
“Doors Open is a great opportunity to celebrate our rich heritage and culture,” said Cory Hagen, Acting Tourism Coordinator with SDG Counties.
Most participating locations are open both days however some sites will only be open for one day, or for specific hours.
Aultsville Theatre
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. Sunday only: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Bishop’s House of Glengarry
This stone landmark across from 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, the Iona Academy. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Carman House Museum
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. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Christ Church Seaway
This church was built in 1959 after the St. Lawrence Seaway Project was completed. The project displaced the residents of what are now known as the Lost Villages, a group of communities along the St. Lawrence. In the process, 17 churches were moved or destroyed. Christ Church was built in the new town of Long Sault to accommodate other congregations. Saturday only: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cline House Gallery & Studio
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. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cornwall Armoury
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. Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cornwall Community Museum (The Wood House)
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! Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cornwall Public Library
This designated library sits on a former orphanage site that was then acquired by the federal government to house a post office in 1953. In 1997, after the post office had moved to another location and following extensive renovations, the library moved into this building, making it Cornwall's downtown jewel. Guided tours only. Registration required (9:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Saturday only: tours at 9:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.; (guided tours only; must be booked online)
Dev Hotel & Conference Centre
Set along the St. Lawrence River, the DEV Hotel & Conference Centre offers ideal spaces for conferences, events and team training. With 6,500 square metres (70,000 square feet) of meeting space, an onsite restaurant and a fitness centre, it combines convenience with comfort. Enjoy scenic views, modern rooms with workspaces, and relaxing amenities — all to ensure an unforgettable stay. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Glengarry Celtic Museum Hall of Fame
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. Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Glengarry County Archives
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. Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.
Glengarry Nor’Westers and Loyalist Museum
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. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m
Glengarry Pioneer Museum
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. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame
The Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame commemorates and celebrates the achievements of Glengarry County's residents, honouring individuals and teams across various sports — including soccer, hockey, curling and more. During Doors Open, tour the facility and explore the exhibits that feature portraits and memorabilia of its inductees — some of whom have played professional sport or became Olympic athletes. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Heritage Centre
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. Saturday only: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Historic SDG Jail
This jail has a rich history. It served as a maximum-security facility for nearly a century, housing some infamous 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. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Judy Neville British Home Child Museum
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. Saturday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lost Villages Museum
This site comprises 10 heritage buildings that were moved here by members of The Lost Villages Historical Society when the St. Lawrence Seaway was developed in 1958. Casualties of progress, the villages and hamlets disappeared under water but are remembered by former residents. The interiors and exteriors have been restored, and the buildings have been assembled in a village-like setting. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Maison Shalom House
Shalom House is a bilingual archdiocesan retreat and welcome centre that offers opportunities for prayer and reflection, meetings and retreats. Located today in beautiful Alexandria in the heart of North Glengarry (they moved here in 2008), Shalom House has been active for nearly 50 years. Although the mission has expanded, they continue to offer a beautiful and tranquil setting. Saturday only: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Martintown Grist Mill
The Martintown Mill, built in 1846 by Alexander McMartin, is located in the centre of the village of Martintown in a picturesque setting on the Raisin River. Built with local fieldstone, it served the region as a flour milling operation. Commercial use of the mill ended in 1947. It is now a popular museum and tourist destination. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Paroisse de la Nativité-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie
The Paroisse de la Nativité-de-la-Bienheureuse-Vierge-Marie 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. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m.
Priest’s Mill Arts Centre
The Priest's Mill Arts Centre is located on the ground floor of the stone-and-mortar grist mill that was constructed in 1819. Razed by fire and rebuilt several times, the present building dates to 1884. The ground floor of the centre block — rebuilt in 1902 — has recently been lovingly refurbished as an art gallery and studio. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre
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. Saturday and Sunday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sir John Johnson Manor House
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. Saturday and Sunday: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Springfield Farm (Gunpowder Golf & Country Club)
This privately owned family farm boasts architecture that encompasses two periods — from the original stone structure to the extended two-storey home. The recently restored home highlights original walls, a traditional wood cook stove and large Victorian-style veranda. Be sure to book your tee time ahead of visiting the Gunpowder Golf & Country Club (not included in Doors Open). Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: 10 a.m. to Noon
St. Columban’s Catholic Church
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. Saturday only: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
St. Finnan’s Basilica
Founded in 1833, St. Finnan's Basilica is one of the birthplaces of Catholicism in Canada. The Eucharist has been celebrated here since it opened. Parishioners have congregated to celebrate baptisms, marriages, confirmations and ordinations for generations. In 2021, it was designated a minor basilica by the Pope. It is renowned for its distinctive architectural styles and beautiful stained-glass windows. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: Noon to 5 p.m.
St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church
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. Saturday and Sunday: 1 to 4 p.m.
St. John’s Presbyterian Church
Dating back to 1889, St. John's Presbyterian Church is the third home for this congregation. The origins of the congregation trace back to the earliest settlement in Eastern Ontario, and the faithful example of the Rev. John Bethune. The building is an excellent example of Romanesque revival architecture that continues to be the home of a vibrant worshipping community. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday: Noon to 4 p.m. (Sunday service at 10 a.m.; all are welcome
St. Raphael’s Ruins
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. Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.