Get ready for a heritage adventure in the heart of Huron County! As part of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program, Seaforth will host a special two-day event on Friday and Saturday, August 1–2, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon, in celebration of its 150th anniversary. This free, family-friendly event invites visitors to step inside 20 fascinating sites across the downtown heritage district—from historic churches and public buildings to local businesses and community hubs. Whether you're exploring with curious kids or history-loving teens, Doors Open Seaforth offers an exciting opportunity to uncover local stories, spark meaningful conversations, and enjoy hands-on learning through architecture, culture, and community pride.
Nestled in the scenic countryside of Southwestern Ontario, Seaforth is a designated heritage district known for its charming main street, historic facades, and vibrant small-town spirit. It’s also a perfect day trip destination located just over an hour from London, 75 minutes from Kitchener-Waterloo, and two hours from Toronto. Part of the larger province-wide Ontario Heritage Trust Doors Open Ontario program, this annual favourite continues to shine a light on Ontario’s rich history, and Seaforth’s edition promises a warm welcome and plenty to explore. The team of in-person and online tutors at Teachers on Call love spotlighting events that blend recreation and education. A visit to Seaforth during Doors Open is not only a great way to celebrate Ontario’s past, but also a chance for students to learn outside the classroom through real-world exploration and family fun. Get a behind-the-scenes look this weekend!
Participating Sites for Doors Open Seaforth
- Anglican Parish of the Holy Spirit (St. Thomas’ Church) - 21 Jarvis Street North, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Bethel Bible Church - 126 Main Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Cardno Hall - 47A Main Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Degree Fitness - 38 Railway Street, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Egmondville United Church - 26 Kippen Road, Egmondville, ON N0K 1G0
- First Presbyterian Church - 59 Goderich Street West, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Huron County Library – Seaforth Branch - 108 Main Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Municipality of Huron East Municipal Office (Seaforth Town Hall) - 72 Main Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Northside United Church - 54 Goderich Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Royal Canadian Legion Branch 156 - 123 Main Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Seaforth & District Food Bank (rear entrance) - 72 Main Street South (Back), Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Seaforth Jewellers - 47 Main Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club - 127 Main Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Seaforth Public School - 127 Main Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Seaforth Round House - 122 Duke Street, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Seaforth Water Treatment Plant - 40 Welsh Street, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- St. James Catholic Church - 22 Victoria Street, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- St. James Catholic School - 13 Chalk Street South, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
- Van Egmond House (Historic Site) - 80 Kippen Road, Egmondville, ON N0K 1G0
- Seaforth Curling Club - 116 East William Street, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0
An Interview with Taralyn Cronin, Economic Development Officer, Municipality of Huron East
This summer marks Seaforth’s 150th anniversary—how does Doors Open tie into the spirit of the Homecoming Celebration happening from July 31 to August 4?
Doors Open is the Seaforth Homecoming event that explores Seaforth history. From all 20 of our locations, visitors can expect to relive old memories, and experience tours of beloved community buildings and attractions. At the Town Hall, we are displaying museum artifacts, including collections from Huron County Museum (110 North St, Goderich, ON N7A 2T8) and the Sills Family, that connect visitors with Seaforth’s past. Along with viewing historical displays at many of our locations, you can experience a guided tour to gain a full understanding of the impact each location has had on Seaforth!
Doors Open Seaforth takes place over a Friday and Saturday morning, what kind of turnout are you expecting?
It is hard to know how many people will come out to Doors Open – Seaforth Homecoming is expecting thousands of visitors to descend on the town for the long weekend. We will be happy to welcome any visitors that stop by our locations.
For those planning a walking route, where’s the best place to begin the day? Also, are there specific parking areas or transit tips you recommend?
For a walking route, 17/20 locations are a walking distance near each other. We have municipal parking lots behind Seaforth Town Hall and off of John Street. We also have plenty of parking by the Round House and on the street. See our map below for the locations in and around downtown Seaforth.
For our other locations such as the Van Egmond House, Egmondville United Church, and the Water Treatment Plant, feel free to use dedicated parking areas or street parking.
With 20 participating sites over two mornings, are there any kid-friendly activities or hands-on demos planned to engage families?
At the Seaforth Lawn Bowling Club, during your visit, you can learn and try out lawn bowling! The Seaforth Library is always a great spot for families. Youth may also find the water treatment plant interesting. The Van Egmond House is hosting their famous breakfast on the Saturday morning of Doors Open.
Exploring 20 sites over two mornings is no small feat! Where would you recommend visitors stop for a quick snack, coffee, or light lunch while taking in all that Seaforth has to offer? Any local gems you'd suggest?
Seaforth is blessed to have their own locally owned Tim Horton’s that is perfect when you want a quick snack or coffee! For lunch, our restaurants, including The Boot (164 Main St S, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0), Maria’s Wok n Dine (23 Main St N, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0), Freeze King 42566 Huron Rd, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0, and New Orleans Pizza (65 Goderich St E, Seaforth, ON N0K 1W0) all have wonderful options if you want to sit down with your family! Freeze King has a playground for little ones.
The Seaforth Water Treatment Plant gives a behind-the-scenes look at how your tap water is processed. What should STEM fans of all ages expect? (And are closed-toe shoes the only safety requirement?)
Yes, closed-toe shoes are the only requirement. See the pipes that transport water from the on-site wells into the facility to be treated. Staff will explain to visitors the process of how water is monitored, treated and distributed to the community; including the important role of the Seaforth Water Tower!
Not everyone can make it to Seaforth in person, what can virtual visitors explore through the Digital Doors Open Seaforth experience this year?
On our Doors Open website, we have two walkthrough videos of Cardno Hall and the Third Floor of Town Hall. They both offer voiceovers, narrated by our Summer Student, Kylie, and explanations of the uses of the two buildings. Cardno Hall is a must-see destination; even if just virtual!
Are all the sites free to explore, or are there any locations where visitors should plan for tickets or reservations?
Every place is free to visit without reservation; however if you intend to have breakfast at the Van Egmond House, please note that there is a charge. Some of the churches are also offering refreshments for a donation.
If someone only has time to visit a few sites, what’s your personal shortlist of “can’t-miss” locations this year?
The most historical locations to see are Town Hall, Cardno Hall, and the Van Egmond House. If you are interested in a more community and social based visit (especially if you are a new resident), our churches are a perfect place to get involved!
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With 20 unique locations to discover—including hands-on demos, historical displays, and even a chance to try lawn bowling—Doors Open Seaforth offers something for everyone. Whether you’re sipping coffee from a local café, exploring the Town Hall museum exhibit, or enjoying a behind-the-scenes tour of the Water Treatment Plant, this event turns a summer morning into a rich learning experience for families, students, and curious minds alike. Come celebrate Seaforth’s 150th in a way that educates, entertains, and connects us to the community’s vibrant past. Stay tuned for more Doors Open events coming soon, like Cornwall & SDG on August 16 & 17.
