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Chantry, Ontario, July 15, 2025 – Discover hidden histories and untold stories during Doors Open Rideau Lakes!
Rideau Lakes is bringing back its Doors Open event for the first time in almost a decade and it’s gearing up to be fantastic, with 19 sites ready to welcome and inspire visitors for free on August 16 and 17, 2025.
A collaboration between Rideau Lakes’ Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee and Doors Open Ontario through the Ontario Heritage Trust, Doors Open Rideau Lakes is the key that unlocks intriguing historical, natural and cultural sites. The event enables locals and visitors alike to gain rare, free access to buildings and spaces that are normally closed to the public or sites that would typically charge admission.
Glimpse inside a rare rural mausoleum, view the Rideau from high atop a granite cliff, see a colour-changing stained-glass window or stroll on a field walk guided by scientists. Gracefully step onto a sweeping wooden staircase in a grand 1800s manor or be intrigued by a 160-year-old full body baptismal font in a church turned private residence! Explore inside a centuries old military Blockhouse – open for the first time in 25 years – or take a trip along the Rideau Canal through historic photos. Watch wide eyed as 200-year-old millstones grind wheat into flour and blacksmiths demo their craft. Go behind the scenes at a shop that has been a merchant’s haven for more than 150 years and then peek through an authentic jail door at one of the oldest stone buildings in the township. Unique experiences await at Doors Open Rideau Lakes!
“If you’ve ever wondered when to visit Rideau Lakes, this is the perfect invitation,” said Marie White, Rideau Lakes Economic Development and Cultural Heritage Coordinator. “We are excited to showcase the natural and built heritage of the township with this behind-the-scenes opportunity.”
Plan your route! The 19 sites participating in Doors Open Rideau Lakes are:
- Chaffey’s Lock Community Hall, 1661 Chaffey’s Lock Road;
- Emmanuel Heritage Centre, 2767 Highway 15, Portland;
- Foley Mountain Conservation Area, 105 Foley Mountain Road (Saturday only);
- Lockmaster’s House Museum, 1724 Chaffey’s Lock Road;
- McKinney House, 798 Highway 15, Lombardy (exterior only);
- Morton Community Hall, 13 Judd Street;
- Newboro Blockhouse, 10 Blockhouse Lane;
- Newboro Branch, Rideau Lakes Public Library, 10 Brock Street;
- Newboro Manor, 11 New Street;
- Old Stone Mill, 44 King Street, Delta;
- Old Town Hall, 8 Lower Beverley Lake Park Road, Delta;
- Philipsville Baptist Church, 1407 County Road 8;
- Queen’s University Biological Station, 280 Queen’s University Road (Saturday only, registration required);
- Red Brick School, 3 Halladay Street, Elgin;
- Revolve Farms, 4 Moran Road, Lombardy (Saturday only);
- Samuel Poole House, 3909 Freeland Road, Portland (exterior only);
- St. Mary’s Anglican Church, 15 Brock Street, Newboro;
- The Tipped Ship, 3 Main Street, Elgin, and
- Wood Mausoleum, 299 County Road 29, Lombardy.
Find out more about the history at each site, hours, interpretation and tour info at www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/rideaulakes. Check ahead to ensure open hours and activity times.
Want to see a brochure or community itinerary about other things to do in Rideau Lakes communities? Look to www.rideaulakes.ca/doorsopen to plan your weekend and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @experiencerideaulakes.
