Family-Friendly Heritage and Outdoor Adventures at Doors Open Aylmer & Malahide | September 20, 2025

From historic churches to hands-on agricultural experiences, Aylmer and Malahide are opening their doors for a day of learning and exploration. As part of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program, Doors Open Aylmer & Malahide takes place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This one-day event offers free admission to 11 sites of historical, architectural, cultural, and environmental significance, ranging from heritage churches and community hubs to a dairy museum, creamery, and conservation area. Families and lifelong learners alike can enjoy guided and self-guided tours, live demonstrations, and interactive exhibits designed to bring local heritage to life. Highlights include a War of 1812 re-enactment at the Aylmer Fairgrounds, the hands-on Gay Lea Dairy Museum, and outdoor exploration at the Springwater Conservation Area. Keep reading for our full interview with Jamie Chapman, President of the Aylmer and Area Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Aylmer & Area Heritage Festival and Aylmer Malahide Doors Open.

Located in Elgin County in southwestern Ontario, Aylmer and Malahide sit at the crossroads of rural heritage and community spirit. Just a 40-minute drive southeast of London, and roughly 90 minutes from Hamilton or Kitchener-Waterloo, the area is easily accessible for a day trip. Known for its agricultural traditions, Mennonite and Amish communities, and Carolinian forest landscapes, the region offers a unique blend of cultural and natural heritage. Alongside its scenic trails and conservation areas, visitors will find historic churches, local museums, and community landmarks that bring the area’s past to life. Organized by the Ontario Heritage Trust, Doors Open Ontario events like this one highlight the stories that shape our province. The Teachers on Call in-person and online tutoring team recommends events like Doors Open Aylmer & Malahide for the way they bring lessons off the page, offering students and families a chance to see history, geography, science, and civics come alive through real-world experiences.

Participating Sites for Doors Open Aylmer & Malahide

• Aylmer Baptist Church - 153 John Street South, Aylmer, ON N5H 2C6
• Aylmer Legion Branch 81 (Knox Presbyterian Church / Legion Branch 81)- 11 John Street North, Aylmer, ON N5H 2B2
• Aylmer Old Town Hall - 38 John Street South, Aylmer, ON N5H 1M4
• Aylmer Police Services - 20 Beech Street East, Aylmer, ON N5H 0A2
• Gay Lea Dairy Museum - 48075 Jamestown Line, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R2
• Gramma’s Wartime Kitchen at the Aylmer Fairgrounds - 139 Pine Street East, Aylmer, ON N5H 1N5
• Malahide South Fire Station - 7355 Imperial Road, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R2
• Mistyglen Creamery - 47008 Yorke Line, Belmont, ON N0L 1B0
• Springwater Conservation Area -  8059 Springwater Road, Aylmer, ON N5P 3S6
• St. Paul’s United Church - 5 Queen Street North, Aylmer, ON N5H 2W4
• War of 1812 Re-enactment, Aylmer Fairgrounds - 139 Pine Street East, Aylmer, ON N5H 1N5

Read Our Full Interview With Jamie Chapman, President of the Aylmer and Area Chamber of Commerce and Chair of the Aylmer & Area Heritage Festival and Aylmer Malahide Doors Open

Aylmer & Malahide are welcoming visitors to 11 sites this year, from historic churches to the Gay Lea Dairy Museum and scenic trails. What moments or stories stand out as especially meaningful or tied to Aylmer & Malahide’s local identity?

Tradition and faith both are foundational for many in our community. We have two places of worship with unique architecture and history. These date back to form the depth of our history in the community.

Agriculture is part of our rich heritage as we are a small rural community. Showcasing two locations that share our history such as the Gay Lea Dairy Museum while also highlighting the modernization of the agricultural industry at Mistyglen Creamery.

For those new to the area, where do you recommend starting the day, especially for those visiting downtown? Are there site clusters that work well together, and any parking or transit tips you’d share?

Coming from the north side of Aylmer, it would be worth visiting the Mistyglen Creamery as it is farthest to the north and would be a fun and engaging way to start the day. As you travel throughout some of our Doors Open locations, be sure to set aside the middle of the day downtown to take in the vendors market, art show, quilt show, live music and of course many delicious restaurants. Traveling south, enjoy some outdoor time at Springwater Conservation Area then off to Malahide south fire hall and Gay Lea Dairy Museum. It’s truly a traveling experience throughout our area.

Doors Open events are always a favourite for families - are there any sites, experiences, activities, or outdoor elements that would really interest kids and teens?

A few highlights for families would definitely be Mistyglen Creamery to see the animals up close and personal and learn more about the dairy industry as well as at Gay Lea Dairy Museum. Kids will enjoy getting their energy out at Springwater Conservation Area. All ages will enjoy the Aylmer Police Services and the Malahide South Fire Hall to see the equipment up close!

If you could only visit a handful of locations, what are your “can’t-miss” picks?

The War of 1812 and Grandma’s Wartime Kitchen will be an engaging experience that will educate and excite. This is taking place at the Aylmer Fairgrounds with many viewpoints.

Palmer Park/Aylmer Bandshell (27 Centre St #25, Aylmer, ON N5H 2Z4) downtown will be the hub of the experiences when you want a break from the Doors Open tours where you can stretch out, eat a delicious meal, listen to some music and enjoy the festivities.

Exploring builds an appetite! Are there any great spots to grab a coffee, snack, or lunch?

Grab a cup of caramel macchiato to start the day at the Old Imperial Market - Abby Mae’s Café (516 John St N, Aylmer, ON N5H 0A6) or downtown Aylmer at Huckleberry Cakes & Coffee (49 Talbot St E, Aylmer, ON N5H 1H3). Lunch and experience our culture at Mennomex (49919 Talbot St E, Aylmer, ON N5H 2R1), Gordita’s (99 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON N5H 1J6), Pyza Deli (57 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON N5H 1J6) or Greta’s Taco Wagon (550 Talbot St W, Aylmer, ON N5H 2T8) are all local favourite restaurants.

What do you hope local residents and visitors take away from exploring Aylmer and Malahide through this year’s sites?

Our goal through this event is to celebrate the rich culture our small rural community has alongside our kindness and welcoming spirit. Our goal is that visitors will feel right at home and will look forward to returning again and again!

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Whether you’re drawn to the charm of historic churches, curious about agricultural heritage, or looking for hands-on family fun at places like Mistyglen Creamery or the Gay Lea Dairy Museum, Doors Open Aylmer & Malahide has something to capture every interest. Families can map out a day that balances downtown activities, scenic trails, and engaging community stops, all while enjoying the welcoming spirit this region is known for. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the stories, traditions, and landscapes that shape Elgin County’s rural heart. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 20, 2025, and set out on a day of discovery, connection, and lifelong learning at Doors Open Aylmer & Malahide. Looking for more opportunities for exploring? Check out Doors Open events taking place in Gravenhurst and London on September 20, 2025.