Once again, on Saturday October 19, Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake is inviting locals and visitors to
celebrate the many heritage treasures that this historical town has to offer. Under the banner of Doors
Open Ontario and coordinated by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, the public are encouraged to
explore some of the most unique and appealing sites and businesses Niagara has to offer.
Doors Open Ontario is a province-wide heritage tourism initiative led by the Ontario Heritage Trust. Each
year, communities across Ontario open local sites of interest for free public tours, ensuring that
Ontario’s diverse heritage can be accessed by individuals and families of all socioeconomic
backgrounds.The program was launched in 2002 to create access, awareness and excitement about the
province’s heritage, showcasing buildings, natural spaces, infrastructure and cultural landscapes that
shape and define our communities.
Fifteen local Niagara sites are participating on Saturday October 19. Most sites will be open from 10am
to 4pm, with free admission, welcoming guides, and the chance to learn something new about our living
and built history. From art and architecture, to bikes, parks, breweries, and churches.
This year’s participants are:
Clare's Harley-Davidson of Niagara with its reclaimed and re-purposed architecture, and the
fully restored, much-loved Diana Sweets restaurant.
The Exchange Brewery, housed in Niagara’s original 1880 telephone exchange building, with its
flagship brews, tasting room and bottle shop.
Grace United Church, designed by William Thomas, and celebrating its 200 th anniversary this
year.
The Niagara Apothecary where you can step through the doors to see how pharmacists
practised their profession over 100 years ago.
Niagara’s 1847 District Courthouse, with its history of saints and sinners while serving as the
official county seat of Niagara District until 1862.
Niagara Lodge No.2, rarely open to the public, and the oldest Masonic lodge in Ontario.
Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, overlooking the Niagara River, and offering a variety of arts
programs, exhibitions and events, for all ages.
Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, steeped in history, where visitors can always enjoy their award-
winning wines and world-class farm-to-table cuisine.
Queenston’s RiverBrink Art Museum, overlooking the Niagara River, where visitors can also
view outstanding works on loan from contemporary artists, and Canadian and international
collections.
Shaw Festival Theatre, the Shaw's largest venue with 856 seats, built in the modernist style and
the fabulous showpiece of one of Canada’s finest theatre companies. Note: Tours offered 9 –
10 am only.
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, originally built in 1795, burned during the War of 1812,
destroyed by a cyclone in 1855, and now inviting visitors to take a pew and enjoy its beauty.
St. Mark’s Anglican Church, the oldest Anglican church in continuous use in Ontario, completed
in 1804, damaged in the War of 1812, and home to some of the finest stained glass in the
province.
Voices of Freedom Park, the award-winning interactive park created to honour and understand
the Town’s Black history, with an accompanying audio-visual walking tour. The Niagara-on-the-
Museum's "Tiny Museum" will also be onsite with a mobile exhibition.
Willowbank, grand and statuesque, built in 1834-36 in the Greek classical revival style, and since
2006 home to the School of Restoration Arts, unique in North America.
The NOTL Museum is also one of the participating sites. Visitors to the NOTL Museum can learn about
the history of Niagara-on-the-Lake through its vast collection, community programs, education
outreach, and exhibitions. The current exhibit ‘’The Prettiest Town – Beyond the Bricks and Mortar”
explores the detail and beauty of some of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s heritage homes. Also, to complement
the occasion on Saturday October 19, local chef Pam Mundy will share heritage cooking tips, recipes,
and baking samples at the museum, including a background on the history of baking powder and its
essential use for military baking. Visitors will be able to enjoy Queen Victoria sponge cakes, 1770s war
cakes, Pam’s classic shortbread, and cookies with rose water icing.
Visitors are encouraged to check opening and closing hours prior to visiting, as some sites have limited
viewing times. More details can be found at: www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/ and click on Niagara-on-
the-Lake.
Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake is a rain or shine event – whatever the weather the doors will be wide
open, the welcome mat is there, and you can even keep your shoes on.
For more information call the NOTL Museum at 905 468 3912.
The Museum is open 10 – 5pm every day.
Winter hours take effect from November to April, 1 – 5pm.