From True Crime to Forest Science: Family Learning at Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie

What do true crime, forest science, military history and centuries-old archives have in common? Families can explore them all during Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, one-day event invites visitors inside 17 locations across the city, offering opportunities to discover stories connected to Indigenous history, the fur trade, art and culture, military heritage, architecture, science and more. Young visitors can explore historical documents, step inside museums and normally closed workplaces, discover how researchers study Ontario's forests and learn about the people and communities that have shaped Sault Ste. Marie. Keep reading for the complete list of participating sites and our full interview with Jami van Haaften, Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Heritage Committee, including family-friendly highlights and tips for planning your day.

For students, Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie demonstrates just how many different ways there are to investigate the past and understand the world around us. At the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library, visitors can explore true crime and discover how authors use historical documents to research real-life cases, while the North Branch offers a rare look at archival collections with records dating back more than two centuries. At the Ontario Forest Research Institute, the focus shifts to the present and future, with research related to topics including climate change, genetic diversity and invasive species. Throughout the day, families can also encounter art, artifacts, architecture and important stories connected to Indigenous and military history, turning the city into a place for learning beyond the classroom.

Where Is Sault Ste. Marie? Exploring Northern Ontario's Historic Waterfront City

Located on the St. Marys River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron, Sault Ste. Marie is one of Northern Ontario's largest cities. Its location along an important waterway has helped shape centuries of Indigenous, fur trade, transportation and industrial history, while the surrounding forests and Great Lakes landscape continue to influence the city's identity today.

For families travelling from elsewhere in Northern Ontario, Sault Ste. Marie is approximately 85 kilometres from Thessalon, or around a one-hour and 15-minute drive; and approximately 300 kilometres from Sudbury, or around four hours away. Travel times can vary depending on road and weather conditions, starting location and which Doors Open sites families plan to visit.

For families with school-aged children, Sault Ste. Marie is served by the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) and Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (HSCDSB). French-language public and Catholic education is also available through Conseil scolaire du Grand Nord and Conseil scolaire catholique Nouvelon. With Doors Open sites touching on history, science, environmental studies, art, architecture, Indigenous education and archival research, the event gives local students an opportunity to connect subjects they encounter at school with the people, places and stories in their own community.

Participating Sites at Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie

This year, visitors can explore 17 locations across Sault Ste. Marie:

• Algoma University (former Shingwauk Indian Residential School) — 1520 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G3
• Art Gallery of Algoma — 10 East Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3C3
• Bishophurst — 134 Simpson Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3V4
• Canal District — 83 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5P9
• Clergue Blockhouse — 800 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2A8
• Ermatinger Old Stone House — 800 Bay Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2A8
• Memorial Tower — 269 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1Y9
• North West Company Lock — 75 Huron Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5P9
• Ontario Forest Research Institute — 1235 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2E5
• Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 — 96 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4Y5
• Sault Ste. Marie Armoury — 375 Pine Street (1 Garrison Way), Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 3E6
• Sault Ste. Marie Métis Heritage Centre — 138 John Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 1P1
• Sault Ste. Marie Museum — 690 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2A4
• Sault Ste. Marie Public Library (James L. McIntyre Centennial Branch) — 50 East Street, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 3C3
• Sault Ste. Marie Public Library (North Branch) — 232C Northern Avenue East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4H6
• Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig — 1491 Queen Street East, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 2G5
• Wawanosh Monument & Memorial Project — 96 Great Northern Road, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4Y5

Visitors should review the official Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie event page before setting out for the latest information about participating locations, individual site hours, accessibility, parking and tours.

Read Our Full Interview With Jami van Haaften, Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Municipal Heritage Committee

Behind the scenes tours are always popular. Is there a site in Sault Ste. Marie this year that’s offering something usually closed off to the public?

The Ontario Forest Research Institute is a workplace during the week. This year special guest Michael Burtch, former Director/Curator of the Art Gallery of Algoma, will offer guided tours as he shares his knowledge of the art installed throughout the facility. Last year the Memorial Tower was closed for renovations, so this year we are excited to have it open, and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 25 will host. The Sault Armoury is normally not open to the public, but many in the community have attended theatre events or military balls in the past. Many are curious to see inside Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, and the new Royal Canadian Legion facility on Great Northern Road is a real landmark.

Algoma University’s former Shingwauk Indian Residential School has such a complex history. What do you hope people take away when they visit this site during Doors Open?

I think both here and at the Wawanosh Memorial Project they will come away with a fresh appreciation of the work undertaken by the Children of Shingwauk in sharing their story with the community, and the significance of the Truth and Reconciliation process. Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig Teaching Lodge is a post-secondary centre for Anishinaabe knowledge and culture, and the Sault Métis Heritage Centre is a cultural and spiritual centre for the Sault Ste. Marie Métis community.

For first-time Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie visitors who want to make the most of the day, can you suggest a route or a few sites that pair well together geographically or thematically?

The theme of Indigenous history is well covered by the Shingwauk Indian Residential School, Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig Teaching Lodge and the Sault Métis Heritage Centre. The fur trade era is represented by the North West Company Lock and The Old Stone House. The industrial era is part of the theme of Clergue’s Blockhouse and the Machine Shop/Canal District.

What interactive or kid-friendly features are part of this year’s lineup at Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie? Anything designed to spark curiosity in younger visitors?

I think any site with a museum will have something to offer children – The Sault Museum, The Armoury, the Legon, Ermatinger Clergue NHS and the Sault Métis Heritage Centre. Ermatinger Clergue NHS has special programming during Fall Rendezvous including reenactments and Scottish Highland Day with music and dancing.

Sites like Memorial Tower offer glimpses into military history. For guests who may not usually visit such sites, what might surprise them about the stories they’ll find here?

We have three sites this year with a military theme, the Memorial Tower, the Sault Armoury and the new Royal Canadian Legion headquarters. Both the Armoury and the Royal Canadian Legion Headquarters have museums. The artwork inside the tower is a feature. People may be surprised at the range of military conflicts covered, going back to 1812. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 25 will be at the Memorial Tower and the RCL Headquarters to answer questions.

If someone has just a few hours, which sites would you recommend as must-sees in Sault Ste. Marie, and why?

You are spoiled for choice. According to our survey last year 55% only planned to visit 1 - 3 sites. The Art Gallery of Algoma was our most visited site last year. Right next door is the James L. McIntyre Centennial Library, where you can explore the world of true crime! Authors Judy Penz Sheluk and Amanda Capper will talk about researching real-life cases and transforming historical documents into gripping narratives. You could then continue east on Bay Street and stop at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site, and then head further east to see the Armoury (Pine Street), Bishophurst (on Simpson), and the Ontario Forest Research Institute (on Queen). Our you could head west to the Canal District and the Sault Métis Heritage Centre.

Exploring takes energy! What local cafés or restaurants in Sault Ste. Marie do you recommend for a rest or a bite?

Royal Canadian Legion building has two restaurants. Absolutely Delicious (6 Great Northern Rd, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6B 4Y5), a good spot to stop for a drink or a meal. The Canal District has several restaurants. The Blockhouse Pub (87 Huron St, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 5P9) offers all day breakfast and hearty meals. Both Queen Street and Great Northern Road have numerous cafes and restaurants. Hotels like the Water Tower, Quattro and The Delta have great restaurants too.

What do you hope visitors walk away with after Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie, especially folks who might not be from Sault Ste. Marie or know much of its heritage?

I think visitors would be surprised to discover how many sites here have been designated by the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada or recognized by Ontario Heritage Trust as being of heritage value. I am struck by the effort that has been made by so many organizations to collect, conserve and preserve our historical papers and artifacts and share stories, many times through the work of dedicated volunteers.

Discover Sault Ste. Marie Beyond the Classroom

From investigating true crime through historical documents to learning how scientists study Ontario's forests, Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie gives families an opportunity to discover just how many different forms learning can take. Visitors can explore important Indigenous stories and places, trace the city's fur trade and industrial history, step inside military sites, encounter Canadian art and discover archives and artifacts preserved for future generations. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 26, 2026, and turn a day of exploring Sault Ste. Marie into a free family learning adventure that connects the past, present and future of the Soo.