Heritage & Lakeside Adventures: Doors Open Gravenhurst | September 20, 2025

This September, Gravenhurst invites visitors to step into the stories that shaped the “Gateway to Muskoka” through the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program. Doors Open Gravenhurst takes place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. After a pause since before COVID-19, the town is excited to return to the program with a mix of hidden gems and beloved landmarks. The one-day event offers free admission to 10 culturally, historically, and architecturally significant sites, from lakeside parks and heritage walking tours to fire halls and museums. Families and lifelong learners alike can enjoy guided tours, immersive exhibits, and hands-on activities designed to bring Gravenhurst’s stories to life. Keep reading for our full interview with Angela Ghikadis, Senior Planner, Town of Gravenhurst, for the inside scoop on this year’s event.

Located on the shores of Lake Muskoka, Gravenhurst is just a two-hour drive north of Toronto, 90 minutes from Barrie, and under three hours from Peterborough, making it an accessible and rewarding day trip. Known as the “Gateway to Muskoka,” the town blends small-town charm with rich heritage and natural beauty, from the historic Gravenhurst Opera House to the scenic Muskoka Wharf. Organized by the Ontario Heritage Trust, Doors Open Ontario events like Gravenhurst showcase the stories that shape communities across the province. The Teachers on Call in-person and online tutoring team recommends experiences like these, which help families and students connect classroom learning in history, geography, science, and the arts to real-world exploration.

Participating Sites for Doors Open Gravenhurst

• Arts at the Albion - 100 Muskoka Road North, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1S4
• Camp Calydor Property – 615 Lorne Street, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1N1
• Fire Station #1 – 190 Harvie Street, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1S9
• Gravenhurst Opera House – 295 Muskoka Road South, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1J1
• Gravenhurst Town Office – 3-5 Pineridge Gate, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z3
• Gravenhurst Train Station – 150 Second Street South, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1H4
• Gull Lake Rotary Park – 405 Brock Street, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1H4
• The Manor at Gravenhurst - 300 Muskoka Road North, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1N8
• Severn Bridge Fairgrounds - 1153 Southwood Road, Severn Bridge, ON P0E 1N0
• The Tree Museum -  1634 Doe Lake Road, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1R3

Read our Full Interview with Angela Ghikadis, Senior Planner, Town of Gravenhurst

Gravenhurst returns to Doors Open Ontario this year after a break, what makes this 2025 program special for the town and its heritage story?

We are excited to have the opportunity to highlight our town’s history through Doors Open. The Town of Gravenhurst has not participated in Doors Open since prior to COVID and this year marks the return of this special event which showcases our commitment to promoting Heritage as part of our tourism offerings. We have included interesting sites that people may not be aware of, together with some “tried and true” favourites that result in a robust program which welcomes locals, visitors and heritage enthusiasts. 

This year’s Doors Open Gravenhurst highlights sites such as Gull Lake Rotary Park, Muskoka Wharf. How do these locations together tell the story of Gravenhurst’s heritage and community spirit?

Gravenhurst is a community that has seen several challenges since its incorporation, from large scale community fires to loss of major industries. The unifying thread through good and bad times is the community’s ability to pull together and celebrate the things that bring us pride, motivate us to rebuild stronger and better, and drive us to reinvent ourselves.  

Downtown shows the battle scars of recessions and pandemics, but continues to foster the growth of new ideas, drawing people to the iconic Opera House built in 1901, and offering opportunities for new entrepreneurs to live their dream.  

Gull Lake Rotary Park includes stone stairs and a retaining wall that were built by German POW’s during WWII.   

Muskoka Wharf has transitioned from an industrial hub for the lumber industry, shingle manufacturing and steamship building, into a celebration of our heritage. With a nod to those important industries, the site is now a showcase for the Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre. It is the home port of the RMS Segwun, the oldest operating coal fired ship in North America. 

You can also visit the Muskoka Discovery Centre (275 Steamship Bay Rd, Gravenhurst, ON P1P 1Z9) (fee required) which includes the newest Indigenous Culture Exhibit in Muskoka. Misko:Aki is an award-winning exhibition that tells the story of a 10,000 year journey to today. 

What tips do you have for families arriving in Gravenhurst? Are there particular clusters of sites within walking distance, or any advice on parking or getting around?

Gravenhurst is an incredibly walkable community that offers excellent sidewalks, nearby attractions, outstanding dining opportunities and fabulous sights and sounds. In addition to our Doors Open offerings, we have a Heritage Walking Tour that is family friendly and takes you past some of our oldest buildings, as well as our newest shops and eateries. You can easily park anywhere in the downtown and within a 10 minute walk be at either Lake Muskoka or Gull Lake while seeing key sights. Travel to the Wharf to see the Muskoka Discovery Centre (fee required), walk the boardwalk, grab a sweet treat and venture along the Peninsula Trail for iconic lake views. The kids can run, the dog can play and the beautiful fall colours can be enjoyed by all. 

Are there sites that offer especially engaging, interactive, or kid-friendly elements like hands-on activities, demonstrations, or immersive storytelling?

Camp Calydor/Ungerman Park and Gull Lake Rotary Park have excellent public beaches. Bring a picnic or enjoy some food from Burger Boys at Gull Lake Rotary Park. You can also see the famous Barge music stage located over Gull Lake. The Barge was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 1959, and every Sunday in the summer months, thousands of people gather to take in the performances at this unique venue. 

Fire Station #1: Check out the home of the Gravenhurst Fire Department - see the trucks and equipment used by our first responders and watch these brave men and women in action as they train. Learn more about the community and how fires have shaped Gravenhurst today. From the early days as Sawdust City to today's modern times, see the evolution of firefighting and the people who rush in when all others are rushing out. 

Take your family for a hike at The Tree Museum and immerse yourself in the outdoor art gallery which offers a unique perspective on art and nature through art installations in the woods. The Tree Museum showcases permanent and temporary art in a preserved Muskoka landscape which offers great photo opportunities. Hiking this magical trail will foster ecological and cultural reflections, while enjoying fresh air and fall colours. 

If families only have time to visit a few locations, which would you highlight as your personal 'can’t-miss' picks, and why?

Camp Calydor Walking Tour: Located on the shore of Muskoka Bay, this site originally contained a small hotel before the Calydor Sanatorium was built to treat tuberculosis sufferers. From 1940 to 1946, it became a German prisoner-of-war camp. Today, the site holds a privately developed subdivision and a public walking trail with interpretive panels showing the property’s history. Follow the trail to the Lorne Street Beach and enjoy a swim!

Opera House: Enjoy a “behind-the-curtain” tour of this iconic theatre building and hear about its ghost!

Train Station: Steeped in history, this building was opened in 1919 by Edward, Prince of Wales. A knowledgeable guide will be on site to provide fun and informative stories.    

Exploring builds an appetite! Are there any local cafés, bakeries, or other treats near the participating sites that are perfect for families to recharge?

From quick grab and go sandwiches to fine dining, or tika masala, crab rangoon, hand rolled maki to a classic pub burger, mouthwatering pulled pork or a massive falafel wrap, Gravenhurst has something for everyone. Check out www.gravenhurst.ca/tastesofgravenhurst for our dining guide highlighting options galore.  

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Whether you’re fascinated by stories of German POWs at Gull Lake Rotary Park, eager to climb aboard the Wanda III (from 10 – 11 am and 2:15 – 4 pm) at Muskoka Wharf, or looking to immerse yourself in art and nature at The Tree Museum, Doors Open Gravenhurst offers something for every curiosity. Families can enjoy kid-friendly stops like Fire Station #1, interactive heritage walking tours, and lakeside parks perfect for a picnic. Most importantly, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for how Gravenhurst’s resilience, creativity, and community spirit continue to shape Muskoka’s heritage today. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 20, 2025, and set out on a day of exploration and lifelong learning at Doors Open Gravenhurst. Want more Doors Open adventures? Check out our features on Doors Open London and Doors Open Aylmer & Malahide, happening the same weekend.