Blending Innovation & Heritage at Doors Open Waterloo Region | September 20, 2025

This September, Waterloo Region invites families, students, and lifelong learners to explore its evolving identity through the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program. Doors Open Waterloo Region takes place Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With 23 engaging sites across Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo and four townships, this one-day event offers free access to a wide variety of heritage, architecture, science, and cultural landmarks. Visitors can experience everything from behind-the-scenes science at the Perimeter Institute, architecture studios and restored historic homes, to rural fire stations and train restoration facilities. Keep reading for our full interview with Kelly Spencer, Owner of  True Nature Communications and Coordinator for Doors Open Waterloo Region.

Waterloo Region (including Waterloo, Kitchener, and Cambridge) sits at the heart of southwestern Ontario, just over an hour’s drive from Toronto, under two hours from London, and only 30 minutes from Guelph or Stratford—making it an easy and rewarding day trip. Known as both a global tech hub often called “Canada’s Silicon Valley” and a community with deep agricultural and Mennonite roots, the region blends cutting-edge innovation with rich heritage. Through the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program, visitors can experience this unique mix firsthand, from historic landmarks and cultural institutions to state-of-the-art research centres. The in-person and online tutoring team at Teachers on Call loves to share opportunities to spark curiosity for students and families who love technology, science, math, and innovation, showing how classroom learning connects to real-world discoveries.

Participating Sites at Doors Open Waterloo Region

• Atlas Yoga Studio & School at Park Hill Studios (Galt) — Park Hill Road East, 2nd floor, Cambridge, ON. 
• Cambridge Historic City Hall and Archives — 46 Dickson Street, Cambridge, ON N1R 1T7
• Child Witness Centre — 111 Duke Street East, Kitchener, ON N2H 1A4
• Child Youth Advocacy Centre — 400 Queen Street South, Kitchener, ON N2G 1W7
• Den 1880 — 14 Erb Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 1T2
• Detweiler Meetinghouse & Roseville Cemetery — 3445 Roseville Road, North Dumfries, ON N0B 1E0
• Homer Watson House & Gallery — 1754 Old Mill Road, Kitchener, ON N2P 1H8
• Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum (feat. Doon Heritage Village pilot programs) — 10 Huron Road, Kitchener, ON N2P 2C5
• Martin Simmons Sweers Architects — 200-113 Breithaupt Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 5G9
• McDougall Cottage Historic Site — 89 Grand Avenue South, Cambridge, ON N1S 2L7
• Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) Hub — 165 Heritage Drive, New Hamburg, ON N3A 4J2
• Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics — 31 Caroline Street North, Waterloo, ON N2L 6B9
• Pressworks Building – ABA Architects —101 Randall Drive, Unit B, Waterloo, ON N2V 1K5
• Redeemer Lutheran Church — 78 John Street West, Waterloo, ON N2L 1B8
• Rogers tv — 85 Grand Crest Place, Kitchener, ON N2C 1J2
• Roseville Church — 2729 Fischer-Hallman Road, Ayr, ON N0B 1E0
• Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) — 250 Laurelwood Drive, Waterloo, ON N2J 0E2
• Schneider Haus National Historic Site — 466 Queen Street South, Kitchener, ON N2G 1W7
• St. Clements Fire Station — 2671 Herrgott Road, St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0
• Waterloo Central Railway Restoration & Maintenance Facility — 50 Isabella Street, St. Jacobs, ON N0B 2N0
• Waterloo County Gaol and Governor’s House — 73 - 77 Queen Street North, Kitchener, ON N2H 2H2
• Waterloo Pioneers Memorial Tower — 300 Lookout Lane, Kitchener, ON N2P 2X8
• Zion United Church (New Hamburg) — 215 Peel Street, New Hamburg, ON N3A 1E7

Check out our Full Interview with Kelly Spencer, Owner of True Nature Communications and Coordinator for Doors Open Waterloo Region

Waterloo Region’s Doors Open returns with 23 engaging sites across Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and four townships. What makes this year’s program unique, and how does it reflect the Region’s changing identity, blending heritage and innovation?

Each edition of Doors Open is an opportunity for new discoveries and a chance to rediscover favourites. Fourteen of the 23 sites are first-time participants and the other eight are back by popular demand. It’s a nice balance and gives visitors a wide array of sites to choose from.

Waterloo Region’s Doors Open program is truly a taste of what makes this area so unique: you may start the day exploring one of the world’s premier centres for theoretical physics (Perimeter Institute) in the heart of Uptown Waterloo and 15 minutes later (by car) you’re in the heart of Mennonite country (St. Jacob’s) boarding a 1923 steam train at the Waterloo Central Railway Restoration & Maintenance Facility.

With participants ranging from families to architecture lovers and science fans, what kind of turnout are you expecting?

Last year’s attendance was one of the best in more than a decade with 15,000 visitors across 26 sites. The beauty of this program is the variety; not all sites are destined (or designed) for high traffic. The true value of each site’s offering is usually rooted in the people who greet visitors and showcase the site for them. Site operators, staff and volunteers are critical to cultivating a great experience for visitors; they’re the ones who bring the site’s stories to life.

How can someone new to the Region plan their route? Any transit or parking tips for getting around efficiently?

This is an excellent event for newcomers and longtime residents alike. Think of how many times you’ve driven past Waterloo Pioneers Memorial Tower, or Perimeter Institute – likely several! But have you ever been inside?!

There are 23 sites to see within six hours. You simply won’t be able to see them all. Plan accordingly. Use our Event Guide and Map to plot your day in advance. The bulk of the sites are accessible by public transit and the rural sites are easily accessible by car.

Are there any especially kid-friendly sites with interactive elements?

Kid favourites will include the Waterloo Central Railway Restoration & Maintenance Facility, St. Clements Fire Station, Schneider Haus National Historic Site, Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum and Rogers tv (check out Teachers on Call's previous Doors Open Community Spotlight with Rogers tv, Cable 20).

There are special events for kids at the two architect studios in this year’s program: ABA Architects (in the Pressworks Building) and Martin Simmons Sweers Architects. The programming is presented by 1Up Youth City Builders and Urban Minds, and activities include a scavenger hunt with prizes.

If you had time to visit just a few places, which three would be your personal “can’t-miss” picks—and why?

Ugh, this is always a tough one to answer -- there are too many to pick favourites! I love the work being done at Schlegel-UW Research Institute For Aging and the team there is extremely passionate about sharing their stories. The folks who operate the Child Witness Centre and the Child & Youth Advocacy Centre (technically two sites, but who’s counting?!) are doing some of the toughest and most important work in the Region and I think we all benefit by being more aware of what they do and how they do it. Rogers tv is always a big hit because it’s a truly behind-the-scenes experience. And I just love Waterloo Pioneers Memorial Tower. No matter how many times I climb those wonky stairs and see that view from the platform, it’s always impressive.

Part of discovering a community is tasting it, too—what food spots or coffee shops would you point people to while they explore Waterloo Region?

Definitely take advantage of the Region’s wide array of extraordinary eateries and cafes to fuel your Doors Open Day.

A few of my favourites that you can explore between sites:

Uptown Waterloo: Hit up Perimeter Institute and Den 1880 then refresh with brunch at Pur & Simple or Sole, or ice cream at Four Alls (75 King St S Unit 56, Waterloo, ON N2J 1P2) (all within walking distance of each other).

Downtown Kitchener: Explore Schneider Haus and Child & Youth Advocacy Centre, then lunch on the water at the Boathouse DTK in Victoria Park (57 Jubilee Dr, Kitchener, ON N2G 0A9). A six minute walk!

New Hamburg: Discover the rural charm of Wilmot Township with visits to the Mennonite Central Committee Hub to explore their new cannery, then take in the beauty of Zion United Church, followed by an excellent lunch at the historic Puddicombe House (145 Peel St, New Hamburg, ON N3A 1E7) – all within a three-minute drive.

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Whether you’re fascinated by theoretical physics at the Perimeter Institute, intrigued by railway restoration in Woolwich, inspired by architectural heritage, or curious about community advocacy, Doors Open Waterloo Region offers a full spectrum of discoveries. With both brand-new sites and tried-and-true favourites, there’s something for everyone—science fans, architecture lovers, families, history buffs. Set your itinerary, pack your walking shoes (or plan your drive), and get ready for a day that celebrates heritage, innovation, and community. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 20, 2025, and experience how Waterloo Region’s past and future intersect in Doors Open. Want more Doors Open adventures? Check out our features on Doors Open London, Doors Open Gravenhurst, and Doors Open Aylmer & Malahide, happening the same weekend.