This weekend, you can check out Banting House National Historic Site of Canada, Nancy Island Historic Site, and a bunch of other museums and historic places for free.
Fanshawe Pioneer Village
From April to October, Doors Open Ontario lets everyone explore the province’s heritage without spending a dime. Starting in 2002, this program has seen over 7.3 million visits, showcasing locations that mix history with modern use.
This weekend features events in Thousand Islands, Simcoe County, Waterloo Region, London, and Aurora-great spots for anyone into architecture, history, or just looking for a fun day out.
Thousand Islands – September 19
Credit: Michael Sherrer/Brockville Railway Tunnel
What secrets are behind Brockville’s historic buildings? On Friday, September 18, 2026, from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m., Doors Open Thousand Islands invites you inside 16 local spots with histories dating back over a century.
You can take a look at Fulford Place-a grand Edwardian mansion built between 1899 and 1901 by Senator George T. Fulford-who made his money selling “Pink Pills for Pale People.” Brockville City Hall, which opened in 1864, holds another surprise: it stands right above the historic Brockville Railway Tunnel-the first railway tunnel in Canada.
A few other places include the Brockville Arts Centre (once town hall and marketplace dating back to 1858) and the Brockville Museum located in the circa-1815 Isaac Beecher House. You can even see an 1895 building now occupied by the 1000 Islands Brewing Company. The history here is full of unexpected twists.
London – September 19 & 20
If you could spend one weekend visiting everything from a cemetery that’s been around for over two centuries to the home of a medical pioneer? Doors Open London is back on Sept. 19 and 20, 2026, featuring 40 sites with its anniversary theme: “Cheers to Years: Celebrating 25 Years Together.”
You can step inside Banting House-tied to Sir Frederick Banting since it was built in1907-explore Eldon House (London’s oldest house from1834), or stroll through Brick Street Cemetery where graves date back to1813 including early settlers and War of1812 veterans.
The Fanshawe Pioneer Village brings life from1820 to1920 alive through costumed interpreters across its30 heritage buildings. Military history also shines at the1st Hussars Museum plus an original1942 building from London Airport’s wartime training base.
You’ll find guided tours along with performances and historical re-enactments as well as many hidden gems around London waiting for your discovery.
Simcoe County – September 19
The stories of Simcoe County are often tucked away in spots you might not notice-from wartime locations to pioneer buildings and even one of Canada’s oldest surviving Black churches. Doors Open Simcoe County takes place on September19 ,2026 , from10a. m. to4 p. m., allowing access to23 sites throughout the area.
At Nancy Island Historic Site, youcan revisitthe1814Battleof Nottawasaga Bayandsee the preserved hullofthe HMSNancy. Fort Willow Conservation Area tellsanotherwartimelstoryasafomer supply depot alongthe Nine Mile Portage.
Nancy Island Historic Site
For adifferent chapter , visit Oro African Methodist Church, builtbetween1846and1849byformerlyenslavedsettlersandnowa National Historic Site. Youcanalsoexplorethe1833Coldwater Millandan1840sloghomesteadat Coldwater Museumor Stephen Leacock’slakesidesummerretreatbuiltin1928.
Itwillbeoneofthose dayswhereeach stop revealsanotherpieceof Simcoe County’spast.
Waterloo Region -September19
You’ll find someof Waterloo Region’smostinterestingstoriesbehinddoorsyou’dnormallynevergettoopen. Doors Open Waterloo Regionisback Saturday September19 ,2026 , from10a. m. to4pmwith27sitesrangingfromhistoric homes, churchees, researchspaces, andunexpectedremnantsfromthepast.
Atthe Ghost Villageof Black Horse Corner, youcancheckoutbuildingsremainingfromavanishedruralhamletincludingan1835stone cheese factory. Nearby Brubacher House, a Mennonitefarmhousebuiltinthe1850s, givesaglanceintotheearlylifeof Pennsylvania German Mennonite settlers.
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In Kitchener, the1852-53Waterloo County Gaol showshowoneofthearea’soldestbuildingsavoideddemolitionwhilefindinganewpurpose. Youcanalsoascendthe Waterloo Pioneers Memorial Towerforviewsacross Grand River.
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Ifyou’rein themoodforsomethingcompletelydifferent, the Perimeter Instituteoffersinsightinto theoreticalphysicspairingbigquestionsabouttheuniversewithaward-winningarchitectureAurora -September20
Aurora’shistoryissometimesfoundinhiddenplaces-fromavictoriandoctor’shome toa Masonic lodge adornedwithhistoricalmurals. Doors Open Aurorawilltakeplace Sunday September20 ,2026 , from10amto4pmfeaturing20sitesandexperiencesto explore.
Anhighlightisthe Hillary House National Historic Site, built-in1862. The Gothic Revivalhomeisnowthe Koffler Museumof Medicinewherepreservedroomsanda collection ofmedicalinstrumentsshowhowdoctorsusedtoliveandwork.
Youcanpeekinside Rising Sun Masonic Lodge, housedin an1877buildingorvisit Odd Fellows Block, reconstructedafter Aurora’s1887fire. At Aurora Town Square, a restored1926Lornefireengineaddsanother pieceoflocalhistory.
This event offers art, pottery exhibitions, churchearchitecture, and astorytellingwalk, making it simpleto uncover parts of Aurorayoumight usually overlook.
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