Toronto 
Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake is returning this year, offering visitors free access to heritage sites across the town on October 19.
The event allows people to explore locations of historical, architectural, and cultural significance that define the community.
Niagara District Court House//Credit: Niagara on the Lake Museum
Part of the larger Doors Open Ontario initiative, which runs from April to October, the 2024 event highlights “adaptive reuse” — showcasing sites that have been repurposed for modern use while retaining their historical essence.
Several sites in Niagara-on-the-Lake will be open for public viewing, including Clare’s Harley-Davidson of Niagara, which features architectural elements made from reclaimed materials. The Exchange Brewery, originally constructed in 1880 as a telephone exchange, will also welcome visitors. Other key locations include the Niagara Apothecary, Niagara District Court House, Grace United Church, and the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, which will offer curator-led tours and special exhibits.
- 2024 Halloween in Niagara Falls Region – Haunted Attractions, Ghost Walks, Family & Adult Halloween Parties
In addition to historic buildings, cultural landmarks such as the RiverBrink Art Museum and Shaw Festival Theatre will offer behind-the-scenes experiences. Other notable sites include the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, Voices of Freedom Park, and Willowbank, a National Historic Site that houses the School of Restoration Arts.
Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake is a chance to learn about the town’s rich heritage and explore its unique landmarks, all for free.
Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake 2024
- Clare’s Harley-Davidson of Niagara, 590 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Features reclaimed materials and a restored art deco interior from the former Diana Sweets restaurant. - Exchange Brewery, 7 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Housed in Niagara’s first telephone exchange (1880), now a brewery, retaining original architectural elements. - Grace United Church, 222 Victoria Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake , Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Designed by William Thomas, featuring stained-glass windows and celebrating its 200th anniversary. - Niagara Apothecary, 5 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A restored 19th-century apothecary, now a museum managed by volunteers. - Niagara District Court House, 26 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Built in 1847, served as Niagara’s county seat and later as a Shaw Festival Theatre venue. - Niagara Lodge No. 2, 153 King Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ontario’s oldest Masonic lodge, home to historic artifacts and once hosted Upper Canada’s legislature. - Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, 247 Ricardo Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A former water supply building converted into a community arts centre. - Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, 43 Castlereagh Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Offers curator-led tours and special exhibitions on the town’s history. - Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, 1366 York Road, St. Davids — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., tours noon to 4 p.m.
Historical winery offering tours and farm-to-table dining. - RiverBrink Art Museum, 116 Queenston Street, Queenston — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Art museum showcasing Samuel E. Weir’s collection and rotating exhibits. - Shaw Festival Theatre, 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Modernist theatre with guided backstage tours. - St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 323 Simcoe Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rebuilt after the War of 1812 and a cyclone, maintaining its original architecture. - St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 41 Byron Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ontario’s oldest Anglican church with historic stained-glass windows. - Voices of Freedom Park, 244 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrates Black history through an art installation and walking tour. - Willowbank, 14487 Niagara Parkway, Queenston — Oct 19, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
National Historic Site and home to the School of Restoration Arts since 2006.
