Family Adventures Across History and Nature at Doors Open Simcoe County

Back-to-school season is the perfect time to take learning beyond the classroom, and Doors Open Simcoe County offers families a unique way to do just that. With most elementary and secondary students across Simcoe County returning to school on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Doors Open Simcoe County follows less than two weeks later on Saturday, September 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Families, students and curious explorers are invited to discover 22 historical, cultural and natural sites across the region as part of this free, one-day Ontario Heritage Trust Doors Open Ontario event. With many sites participating for the first time this year, there will be plenty of new places to explore. Keep reading for our interview with the Doors Open Simcoe County organizers, including their tips and insights to help families make the most of the 2026 event.

Highlights from Doors Open Simcoe County range from the War of 1812 stories preserved at Fort Willow Conservation Area and Nancy Island Historic Site to visual arts at Quest Art School + Gallery, children’s activities at the Museum on the Boyne and nature exploration at George Langman Wildlife Sanctuary. Our tutoring service at Teachers on Call recommends experiences like Doors Open Simcoe County because they connect subjects such as history, geography, environmental science and the arts with real places and stories. Keep reading for the complete list of participating sites and our interview with Jaime Skehill, Cultural Tourism Experience Development Coordinator for Tourism Simcoe County, featuring family-friendly recommendations, route-planning advice and an inside look at what visitors can expect in 2026.

Where Is Simcoe County? Exploring the Region from Lake Simcoe to Georgian Bay

One of the things that makes Simcoe County unique is its mix of growing urban communities, rural landscapes and cottage country. Simcoe County is located in Central Southern Ontario. An upper-tier municipality made up of 16 municipalities, the county includes the cities of Barrie and Orillia, which are geographically located within its boundaries but operate independently from the County. Barrie is the largest urban centre in the region, although it will be hosting its own Doors Open Barrie event later in the month.

For families with school-aged children, Simcoe County is primarily served by the Simcoe County District School Board (SCDSB) and the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB), with French-language education also available through the region’s French public and Catholic school boards.

Stretching from Lake Simcoe to the east and Georgian Bay to the west, Simcoe County is known for its waterfront communities, rural landscapes, vibrant arts scene and nationally significant heritage sites. Families who already love exploring nearby cottage-country destinations such as Muskoka and Grey County will find even more history, culture and outdoor adventure to discover throughout Simcoe County. Located approximately 104 kilometres north of Toronto, or about a 90-minute drive, the county is also roughly one hour and 40 minutes from Burlington and just under two hours from Hamilton. Since participating locations are spread across several municipalities, visitors should plan their routes in advance and allow extra travel time between sites.

Participating Sites for Doors Open Simcoe County 2026

• Canadian Museum of Water Interactive Hub – 333 King Street, Midland, ON L4R 3M7
• Coldwater Mill – 1 Mill Street, Coldwater, ON L0K 1E0
• Coldwater Museum – 1474 Woodrow Road, Coldwater, ON L0K 1E0
• First Presbyterian Church, Penetanguishene – 20 Robert Street East, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1K9
• Fort Willow Conservation Area – 2714 Grenfel Road, Utopia, ON L0M 1T2
• George Langman Wildlife Sanctuary – 2457 Bass Lake Sideroad East, Orillia, ON L3V 0J8
• Historic Walking Tour of Downtown Collingwood – Meet at 44 Hurontario Street, Collingwood, ON L9Y 2L6
• Leacock Museum National Historic Site – 50 Museum Drive, Orillia, ON L3V 7H8
• Midland Cultural Centre – 333 King Street, Midland, ON L4R 3M7
• Museum on the Boyne – 250 Fletcher Crescent, Alliston, ON L9R 1N8
• Nancy Island Historic Site – 119 Mosley Street, Wasaga Beach, ON L9Z 2X1
• Orillia Museum of Art & History (Sir Sam Steele Memorial Building) – 30 Peter Street South, Orillia, ON L3V 5A9
• Oro African Methodist Church – 1645 Line 3 North, Oro-Medonte, ON L0L 2X0
• Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives – 13 Burke Street, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1C1
• Penetanguishene Historical Walking Tour – Begins at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives, 13 Burke Street, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1C1
• Peter Dušek Gallery – 151 Mill Street, Creemore, ON L0M 1G0
• Quest Art School + Gallery – 333 King Street, Midland, ON L4R 3M7
• Seven Star Masonic Lodge No. 285 G.R.C. – 28 Victoria Street West, Alliston, ON L9R 1S8
• St. James on the Lines Anglican Church – 215 Church Street, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1E6
• Town of Midland Mural and Public Art Walking Tour – Guidebooks available at the Midland Harbour Office, 165 King Street, Midland, ON L4R 3L9
• Utopia Hall – 8396 6th Line, Utopia, ON L0M 1T0
• Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care – 500 Church Street, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1G3

Read Our Full Interview with Jaime Skehill, Cultural Tourism Experience Development Coordinator, Tourism Simcoe County

Doors Open Simcoe County is a unique opportunity to explore the area's diverse communities, from waterfront towns to rural hamlets. What kind of experience can visitors expect this year?

Visitors can expect a rich and engaging experience that celebrates the county’s historical, architectural, natural, and cultural heritage.

With sites participating across multiple municipalities, what kind of visitor turnout are you expecting? Are most visitors local to Simcoe County, or do you see people coming in from areas like Barrie, the GTA, or cottage country?

Doors Open Simcoe County is a great opportunity for both locals and visitors to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage. While we anticipate strong participation from residents within Simcoe County, we also expect to see visitors from surrounding areas. For those coming from outside the region, Doors Open offers a meaningful way to connect with the history and character of the communities they’re visiting.

At the same time, it provides local residents a chance to discover and appreciate the unique heritage sites in their own backyard.

For guests with limited time, what are a few “can’t-miss” locations you’d recommend on this year’s lineup, and why?

You won’t want to miss the guided walking tours in Penetanguishene or Collingwood, both of which offer a rich and immersive experience. Visitors can expect a guided journey through the town’s architectural history, complemented by engaging stories and local lore that bring the buildings and their past to life. These tours are perfect for those who enjoy history, storytelling, and exploring charming urban environments on foot.

The Peter Dusek Gallery in Creemore is a “can’t miss” destination for the art lovers. Showcasing Zen-inspired photography, Peter Dusek’s work emphasizes balance, simplicity, and negative space, offering poetic and abstract landscapes that invite reflection and calm. The gallery is housed in the historic 1881 Creemore Meat Market building, making it a perfect blend of artistic and historical exploration.

Are there any new, behind-the-scenes, or rarely accessible sites joining the event this year that you're particularly excited to showcase?

I'm particularly excited to showcase a few sites that offer visitors a chance to experience parts of Simcoe County's history, culture, and heritage in unique ways.

Fort Willow Conservation Area is always a standout. While visitors can enjoy the site year-round, Doors Open provides an opportunity to learn more about its significance as a key transportation route during the War of 1812 and the early settlement of the region. The site offers a fascinating look at how goods and people moved between Lake Simcoe and Georgian Bay in the early 1800s.

Quest Art School + Gallery is another exciting addition. As a vibrant creative hub, it gives visitors the chance to go behind the scenes and learn more about the programs, artists, and community connections that make the space such an important part of the local arts scene. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate arts and culture alongside the region's-built heritage.

Nancy Island Historic Site is especially exciting because it brings an important chapter of Canadian history to life. Home to the reconstructed HMS Nancy, the site tells the story of naval history on the Great Lakes and the War of 1812. Doors Open visitors can explore exhibits, artifacts, and the stories that helped shape the region, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the area's maritime heritage.

What I love most about these sites is that they each offer a very different experience, whether it's stepping into military history at Fort Willow, exploring creativity and community at Quest Art School + Gallery, or discovering the nationally significant stories preserved at Nancy Island. Together, they showcase the diversity of places and experiences that make Doors Open Simcoe County so special.

Simcoe County has a lot to offer families—are there any hands-on exhibits, guided tours, or outdoor activities that will appeal to kids or students attending Doors Open?

At the Museum on the Boyne in New Tecumseth, visitors can get hands-on by participating in kid's crafts while discovering local history. In Penetanguishene, families can enjoy guided tours and special activities at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum & Archives, where local stories and artifacts help bring the area's rich heritage to life.

Nature lovers won't want to miss the George Langman Sanctuary, where visitors can explore scenic trails and learn about local conservation efforts in a beautiful natural setting. It's a great opportunity for children and students to connect with nature while discovering the importance of protecting local wildlife habitats.

Whether it's participating in hands-on activities, discovering local heritage, exploring natural spaces, or gaining access to behind-the-scenes sites, Doors Open Simcoe County provides engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Given the wide geography, what’s your advice for planning a route? Are there recommended clusters of sites that pair well together for a half- or full-day trip?

We suggest parents and visitors pre-plan their route, as there’s often too much to see in one day. Use the list of Doors Open Simcoe County locations to decide which sites you’d love to visit the most in advance. Choosing a theme – such as architecture or local history can help narrow down your options and make the most of your time.

Visiting historic sites and touring the county can build up an appetite! Where can families grab a coffee, enjoy lunch, or treat themselves to something sweet during their Doors Open adventure? Any local favourites you'd recommend?

There are plenty of options to choose from across the County. Visitors are encouraged to visit our Eat and Drink section on our website below: Eat & Drink - Tourism Simcoe County.

Doors Open helps connect residents with the stories behind the buildings and spaces they see every day. What do you hope people walk away with after this year’s event, especially those new to the area?

We hope visitors leave Doors Open Simcoe County with a deeper appreciation for local history. We hope visitors experience a sense of connection to the people, places, and stories that make Simcoe County unique and inspire further exploration.

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Discover Simcoe County Through Doors Open Ontario

From War of 1812 landmarks and maritime history to art galleries, museums and wildlife trails, Doors Open Simcoe County offers families a meaningful way to experience the region’s stories firsthand. Cottage-country adventures do not have to end when the school bell rings, and this event proves there is still plenty to explore as summer winds down. With 22 participating locations and many fresh discoveries in this year’s lineup, visitors can build an adventure around history, architecture, creativity or nature. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., plan your route in advance and enjoy a free day of learning and exploration across Simcoe County.

For residents in Simcoe County looking to continue exploring local history and culture, the learning continues the following weekend with Doors Open Barrie on Saturday, September 26, 2026.