Family Fun Meets Local History at Doors Open 2025 – Cornwall & SDG | August 16–17

Get ready to explore history like never before! The Doors Open 2025 season continues with a special two-day event in Cornwall and SDG Counties (Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry), happening Friday and Saturday, August 16–17, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event invites you to go behind the scenes at 30 fascinating sites across Eastern Ontario, some of which are rarely open to the public. The Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open program shines a spotlight on the province’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and this year’s Cornwall and SDG edition is set to be one of the most memorable yet. Whether you’re a local history buff or road-tripping for the weekend, this is a unique opportunity to uncover the stories, landmarks, and people that shape this vibrant region.

Located along the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario, Cornwall is the largest city in the SDG (Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry) region—an area known for its scenic rural charm, strong French-speaking and Scottish cultural roots, and welcoming small-town atmosphere. The area offers a unique blend of small-town warmth and cultural richness, with historic sites ranging from grist mills and military armories to former jails and heritage churches. It’s also highly accessible: just over an hour from Ottawa, about 90 minutes from Montreal, and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Toronto. Whether you’re exploring heritage buildings in Cornwall’s downtown core or venturing through the surrounding countryside, this Doors Open weekend is your chance to connect with the past while enjoying a summer adventure. Part of the larger province-wide Ontario Heritage Trust program, this annual favourite continues to shine a light on Ontario’s rich history, and Teachers on Call’s tutoring team is proud to spotlight events that offer hands-on learning opportunities for families, students, and educators.

Participating Site for Doors Open Cornwall and SDG Counties

• Aultsville Theatre - 2 St. Lawrence Drive, Cornwall, ON K6J 0B7
• Bishop’s House of Glengarry - 20019 County Road 18, St. Raphael’s, ON K0C 2P0
• Carman House Museum - 5895 County Road 1, Iroquois, ON K0E 1K0
• Christ Church Seaway - 2 Bethune Avenue, Long Sault, ON K0C 1P0
• Cline House Gallery & Studio -  204 Second Street East, Cornwall, ON K6H 1Z9
• Cornwall Armoury (SD&G Highlanders) - 505 Fourth Street East, Cornwall, ON K6H 1W9
• Cornwall Community Museum - 160 Water Street West, Cornwall, ON K6J 2R2
• Cornwall Historical Walking Tour - Starts at 100 Water Street East, Cornwall, ON K6J 1H1
• Cornwall Public Library - 45 Second Street East, Cornwall, ON K6H 1Y1
• DEV Hotel & Conference Centre - 1950 Montreal Road, Cornwall, ON K6H 5R6
• Glengarry Celtic Music Hall of Fame - 19687 William Street, Williamstown, ON K0C 2W0
• Glengarry County Archives - 28 Kenyon Street East, Alexandria, ON K0C 1A0
• Glengarry Nor’Westers & Loyalist Museum - 19651 County Road 17, Williamstown, ON K0C 2W0
• Glengarry Pioneer Museum - 1645 County Road 30, Dunvegan, ON K0C 1J0
• Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame - 35 Fair Street, Maxville, ON K0C 1T0
• Heritage Centre (Chesterville) - 14 Victoria Street, Chesterville, ON K0C 1H0
• Historic SDG Jail -  11 Water Street West, Cornwall, ON K6J 1Y6
• Judy Neville British Home Child Museum - 13740 County Road 2, Morrisburg, ON K0C 1X0
• Lost Villages Museum - 16361 Fran Laflamme Drive (Ault Park), Long Sault, ON K0C 1P0
• Maison Shalom House - 170 McCormick Road, Alexandria, ON K0C 1A0
• Martintown Grist Mill - 18544 County Road 18, Martintown, ON K0C 1S0
• Nativity Co-Cathedral - 300 Montreal Road, Cornwall, ON K6H 4Z5
• Priest’s Mill Arts Centre - 16 Mill Square, Alexandria, ON K0C 1A0
• Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre - 2500B Second Street West, Cornwall, ON K6J 1B8
• Sir John Johnson Manor House - 19692 William Street, Williamstown, ON K0C 2W0
• St. Andrew’s United Church - 5793 Church Avenue, Williamstown, ON K0C 2W0
• St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church - 20788 South Service Road, Lancaster, ON K0C 1N0
• St. Raphael’s Ruins - 19998 County Road 18, South Glengarry, ON K0C 2P0
• Trinity Church -  105 Second Street West, Cornwall, ON K6H 1W7
• YourTV Cornwall - 517 Pitt Street, Cornwall, ON K6J 3R4

An Interview with one of the Organizers Behind Doors Open Cornwall & SDG Counties

Check out our interview with Hannah McDonell, Administrative Assistant – Planning & Economic Development, SDG Counties, for more details on what you can expect on  August 16-17.

We hear there are some new participants this year! What fresh discoveries can visitors look forward to among the newest Doors Open sites?

We’re excited to welcome five new sites to Doors Open this year! This is great news for returning visitors, as it offers a fresh selection of locations to explore. Here’s a look at the new additions:

1. Dev Hotel and Conference Centre (Cornwall) – With many recent upgrades, this site is a fantastic new addition that blends modern comfort with hospitality.
2. Glengarry Sports Hall of Fame (Maxville) – This facility celebrates the achievements of Glengarry residents across a variety of sports, preserving and sharing their inspiring stories.
3. Maison Shalom House (Alexandria) – A peaceful retreat and welcome centre, offering opportunities for prayer, reflection, retreats, and gatherings.
4. St. Finnan’s Basilica (Alexandria) – Recognized as one of the birthplaces of Catholicism in Canada, this historic church was designated a minor basilica by the Pope in 2021.
5. St. John’s Presbyterian Church (Cornwall) – Dating back to 1889, this stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture continues to serve a vibrant worshiping community.

There’s something unique and meaningful at each of these sites, making this year’s Doors Open more exciting than ever!

Doors Open Cornwall & SDG Counties spans two full days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., what kind of turnout are you expecting?

We’re expecting a great turnout for this year’s Doors Open event, with 30 sites participating across the region, offering a wide variety of options no matter where you're located. The excitement is definitely building!

Last year, the Historic SDG Jail alone welcomed over 500 visitors between Saturday and Sunday and we’re hoping to surpass that number this year. With the addition of five new sites, returning visitors will have some fresh experiences to enjoy, while first-time attendees will have even more to discover across SDG Counties and Cornwall.

With sites spread across several communities, what’s your advice for visitors trying to plan a route or focus their time, any “regional clusters” that are especially walkable or driveable?

With sites spread across several communities, my best advice for visitors is to plan ahead, decide which sites you’re most interested in and map out a route that works best for you. Take advantage of the regional clusters, where multiple sites are located close together, to make the most of your time. It's also important to check the opening hours for each location, as they may vary, and ensure your route aligns with when sites are accessible.

For example, in Alexandria, you can easily visit St. Finnan’s Basilica, the Glengarry County Archives, the Priest’s Mill Arts Centre, and Maison Shalom House, all within a five-minute walk of each other. It’s a great way to explore the town on foot while taking in a rich mix of history, culture, and community.

Cornwall also offers a very walkable experience. Sites like the Historic SDG Jail, the Cornwall Community Museum, St. John’s Presbyterian Church, and the Cornwall Public Library are all within close proximity, making it easy to park once and spend a few hours discovering local history.

If you prefer a scenic drive, a fun route would be to follow Highway 2 along the waterfront through South Dundas and South Stormont. Along the way, you can visit the Lost Villages Museum, the Carman House Museum, the Judy Neville British Home and many more.

No matter what route you take, planning ahead and grouping sites by area is the best way to get the most out of the weekend!

With so many locations participating, are there a few especially well-suited for families?

There are many participating sites that are perfect for families. The Saunders Hydro Dam Visitor Centre is a great example, featuring interactive displays and kid-friendly spaces that make it both educational and fun for all ages.

The Lost Villages Museum and the Glengarry Pioneer Museum are also fantastic family-friendly options. Both have several one-storey buildings and plenty of outdoor space, offering children the freedom to explore in a safe and engaging environment.

Lastly, the Cornwall Public Library is another excellent stop for families. It offers a variety of programs and dedicated children's spaces, making it a welcoming and enriching destination for visitors with young ones.

Do any of the 30 sites have a fee to enter or require reservations in advance?

All sites are free to enter; no admission fees are required. The only exception in terms of planning is the Cornwall Public Library, which asks visitors to book a tour in advance. Tours are available at 9:45 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and reservations can be made through their website.

If a visitor only has time to explore a few places, what would be your personal “top three” can’t-miss sites this year, and why?

I would have to say my personal top three sites are the St. Raphael’s Ruins, the Bishop’s House of Glengarry, and the Historic SDG Jail.

The St. Raphael’s Ruins are an important part of the area’s history. They stand as a reminder of the past and continue to draw interest from both locals and visitors. Their presence adds meaning to the landscape and reflects the community’s connection to its heritage. The Bishop’s House of Glengarry is another favourite of mine. This historic building has seen extensive preservation and renovation over the years, and it's amazing to see how much care has gone into maintaining its legacy. Like the Ruins, it’s full of local history and offers a glimpse into the past.

Lastly, the Historic SDG Jail stands out as both an intriguing and visually striking site. The stories within its walls are captivating, learning about the lives of past inmates and how the jail once operated is truly eye-opening. It’s a place that invites curiosity and reflection on how far we’ve come as a society.

How do events like Doors Open help strengthen the shared identity of Cornwall and the surrounding counties? What do you hope local residents and visitors take away from the weekend?

Doors Open isn’t just an event, it’s a community celebration that brings Cornwall and SDG Counties together around our shared story. By offering free access to historic and cultural sites, many of which aren’t typically open to the public, the event deepens our collective identity and pride in place. People can experience the architecture of historic jails, churches, heritage homes, and interpretive exhibits that tell the real stories of our region, even from behind locked doors.

I hope both local residents and visitors leave with a stronger sense of connection to our region, a fresh appreciation for these beautiful sites, and motivation to explore even more of what SDG Counties and Cornwall has to offer. Whether through conversation sparked by a guided tour or a renewed willingness to volunteer or support heritage initiatives, Doors Open encourages people to stay engaged with and invested in our community.

Let’s talk fuel for exploring, where’s your go-to spot for a great coffee, sandwich, or sweet treat during a Doors Open adventure?

This is a tough one… there are so many amazing spots across SDG Counties and Cornwall! But if I had to choose, I’d highlight a few personal favourites.

For a great coffee, I’d recommend Ferme Butte & Bine Farm (5875 Glen Brook Rd, Williamstown, ON K0C 2J0), located just outside of Williamstown. It’s a new farm café that offers not only fantastic coffee but also a peaceful, scenic setting… definitely a hidden gem.

For lunch, Jack’s Pub in Williamstown (19700 John St, Williamstown, ON K0C 2J0) is always my go-to, known for its great food and welcoming atmosphere. Nautica Grill & Wine in Long Sault (15968 Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry County Road 2, Long Sault, ON K0C 1P0) offers a relaxed setting right by the water, with a menu that’s full of flavour and variety. And for something sweet, Ingleside Bakery & Gourmet Foods (15 Dickinson Dr, Ingleside, ON K0C 1M0) has a great mix of fresh baked goods and treats, perfect for a quick stop or an afternoon indulgence.

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Whether you’re exploring with curious kids or history-loving teens, Doors Open Cornwall & SDG Counties is the perfect way to turn a summer weekend into a meaningful learning experience. With 30 unique sites offering hands-on exhibits, guided tours, and behind-the-scenes access, families can explore local heritage in an engaging and interactive way. From historic jails to hydro dams, each stop invites questions, conversations, and a deeper appreciation for Ontario’s past. Best of all? It’s completely free—making it an easy and enriching adventure for all ages. Don’t miss our feature on the 2024 Doors Open event in Cornwall!