Take a Staytrip to Owen Sound: Celebrate the Return of Doors Open 2024 and Stay Awhile

Owen Sound is thrilled to welcome back Doors Open on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, marking the 18th year of this beloved event. After a brief hiatus due to the pandemic, this year’s Doors Open Owen Sound promises to be an extraordinary celebration of the city’s rich heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. With 14 diverse sites opening their doors to the public, this event offers a unique opportunity to explore the stories and history that shape our community. In an interview with Jennifer Wright, Events & Activation Coordinator for the City of Owen Sound, we gained insight into what makes this year’s event so special, offering both residents and visitors an unforgettable experience.

Doors Open Owen Sound is back, and the excitement is palpable! After a four-year hiatus, the return of this beloved event in 2024 is expected to draw between 500 and 1,000 visitors, just as it did in 2019. Teachers on Call's in-person and online tutors are thrilled to participate in an event that not only celebrates our community's history but also fosters a love of learning and exploration. Doors Open Owen Sound is proudly presented by the City of Owen Sound, TD Ready Commitment, Ontario Heritage Trust, Andpet Realty, 560 CFOS, and Barry’s Construction, and is part of the provincewide Ontario Heritage Trust program. This event is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with the city's past while looking forward to its future.

How to Plan for Doors Open Owen Sound

Planning your visit to Doors Open Owen Sound is essential for making the most of this exciting event. Jennifer Wright suggests starting your day at the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, where you can enjoy local produce, hand-made goods, and delicious baked treats before heading out to explore the participating sites. Be sure to download the official map from the website to help navigate the city and ensure you don’t miss any stops. Whether you’re walking, biking, or driving, wearing comfortable shoes and bringing a water bottle is recommended, as many of the sites are outdoors or involve some walking. Check the schedule for any special events or activities happening at each site, as many locations offer unique experiences like guided tours, live music, and hands-on workshops.

List and Schedule of 14 Participating Sites for Doors Open Owen Sound 2024

Here is the complete list of all 14 participating sites for Doors Open Owen Sound 2024:

Billy Bishop Home and Museum

948 3rd Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4P6

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Black History Cairn at Harrison Park

75 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5T2

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Community Waterfront Heritage Centre

1155 1st Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Georgian Bay School of the Arts

938 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H6

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Grey Roots Museum & Archives

102599 Grey Road 18, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Harrison Park

75 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5T2

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Inglis Falls Conservation Area

237785 Inglis Falls Rd, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre

700 10th St E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 0C6

Schedule: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Kelso Beach Park

2nd Ave W & 24th St W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K1

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Kiwanis SK8 & Bike Park

700 10th St E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 0C6

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Owen Sound Farmers' Market

88 8th St E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 1K8

Schedule: 8:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Owen Sound North Grey Union Public Library

824 1st Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K4

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Storybook Park

883 Durham Rd, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N6

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tom Thomson Art Gallery

840 1st Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K4

Schedule: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

An Interview with Organizers Behind Doors Open Owen Sound

What can first-time guests expect to experience at Doors Open Owen Sound?

It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the buildings and sites of Doors Open, meet volunteers, learn about programs and services, and participate in activities the sites may be hosting. For example, the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre is hosting its “Summer on the Waterfront” day in conjunction with Doors Open. It will feature music by Kailey Jane Hawkins, May Ip and the Owen Sound City Band.  They will also have refreshments, crafts, and more! Starting at 8 am, the public can stop by the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market before they venture out to peruse the local vendors that sell honey, produce, hand-made items and baked goods. It’s a perfect start to the day!

Can you describe the geography of Owen Sound for anyone unfamiliar with the area?

The City of Owen Sound is located on the southern shore of Georgian Bay in a valley below the limestone cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment. It lies at the foot of the Bruce Peninsula, famous for its exceptional geography. 

Known as the Scenic City, Owen Sound features an expansive harbour and bay, winding rivers, tree-lined streets, extensive parks and trails and a thriving, historic River District in the heart of the City. Key natural attractions include Inglis Falls, Harrison Park, Kelso Beach Park and several conservation areas. The Bruce Trail forms a ribbon around the city along the escarpment, connecting waterfalls and revealing a wide array of flora and fauna, including rare ferns.  Once named a Cultural Capital of Canada, the city is home to numerous festivals and events, such as the Summerfolk Music & Crafts Festival, Sweetwater Music Festival, the Waterfront Festival, Salmon Spectacular fishing derby, the Concours d’Elegance and the Festival of Northern Lights.

Are there new sites participating this year? 

Doors Open has been dormant since 2019 in Owen Sound and we are excited to be hosting 14 sites on August 24 with several new hosts.

Do you have any educational sites to recommend that are geared towards students and families?

Yes, the Georgian Bay School of the Arts, Community Waterfront heritage Centre, Owen Sound Farmers’ Market, and Tom Thomson Art Gallery.

Beyond Owen Sound, where do your Doors Open visitors come from?

We see visitors from across Ontario, who come to Owen Sound to visit the sites but also to engage in the full history of the city.

Deep historic roots run through the core of Owen Sound, a significant port city in the early 1900s. Located in the upper Great Lakes, the region of Owen Sound was first surveyed in 1815 by William Fitzwilliam Owen and Lieutenant Henry W. Bayfield. The area was named ‘Owen’s Sound’ in honour of Admiral Edward Owen (William Fitzwilliam’;s older brother).

From about 1830 until the end of the American Civil War, escaped slaves made their way across the Canada-U.S. border through the Underground Railroad, a secret route that led to freedom (there was no actual railroad involved). Many were headed for the Village of Sydenham (Owen Sound), the last “terminal” of the railroad, and settled here, finding work and raising families.

Originally known as Sydenham, the area was first settled by First Nations people, a then colonized in 1841 by Charles Rankin. The city gained its current name in 1851 and was incorporated in 1857.

Throughout much of its history, Owen Sound was a major port known by such names as the ‘Chicago of the North’, ‘Corkscrew City’, and ‘Little Liverpool’. The notoriety of taverns, booze, and a brothel led to a rowdy reputation for the City.

Its proximity to Georgian Bay gave it access to the upper Great Lakes, while major rail lines easily moved cargo across the land. Being both the gateway to cottage country and within the heart of Ontario’s agricultural region, farming and tourism remain integral parts of the local economy.

We also feature a Cemetery Tour, Historic Walking Tour and several opportunities to explore the rich black history in the area including the cairn, and Emancipation Festival.

Known as the Scenic City, what natural attractions should visitors explore in Owen Sound?

Our city is the perfect destination to explore the natural beauty of Ontario while experiencing authentic food, culture, arts and entertainment.

Owen Sound offers a variety of must-haves, whether you are visiting, passing through, or thinking of making our city home. It truly features it all: a beautiful harbour and bay, winding rivers, tree-lined streets, plush parks, numerous trails, and a thriving, historic River District.  We are perfectly placed along the Niagara Escarpment, an ideal location to base yourself on during your next Grey-Bruce adventure.

Whether visiting us for a day, a weekend, an entire week or more, you will want to surround yourself with our authenticity. Our gritty, energized locality is the ideal place to explore! We know you must extend your stay and want to return often to experience it all!

Owen Sound offers a full slate of family activities to keep everyone happy! Many of our annual Events and Festivals are family-focused, such as the New Year’s Eve Family Celebration, the Festival of Northern Lights, Festival in the Park, the Chinese New Year celebration, SNOwen Sound Frolics, Summerfolk, Emancipation Festival, Keystone’s Family Fun Festival, the Salmon Tour, TD Harbour Nights, Midweek Music, and Movie Nights. Need space for the kids to let off steam? There are dozens of parks in Owen Sound, with playgrounds or playing fields. Harrison Park offers activities for all ages, including boats, mini
golf, camping, swimming, playgrounds, a bird sanctuary, paved trails for cycling, walking, or pushing a stroller. In winter, you can skate, snowshoe or toboggan in the park. Kelso Beach at Nawash Park includes a beach, splash pad, playground, and great cycling trails.

Many conservation areas are nearby, three of which have waterfalls! Check out the self-guided Waterfall Tours if you would like to explore them all. If you have a skateboarder or cyclist in the family who wants to practice their skills in a safe but challenging environment, head to the Kiwanis SK8 Bike Park. It’s in Victoria Park, adjacent to the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre.

Family attractions in the area include the Owen Sound Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, year-round) and Keady Market plus strawberry and apple picking nearby in the spring and fall. Other seasonal activities include The Bowling Alley and Storybook Park - a themed amusement park for young children with animals, rides, mini golf and a water play area. Learning opportunities for kids exist at the Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Billy Bishop Museum and Owen Sound North Grey Union Library, as well as the Community Waterfront Heritage Centre, featuring an old-fashioned caboose and dining car. Grey Roots Museum and Archives offers a heritage village open all summer. Indoor recreation facilities include the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre with twin ice pads, and the YMCA of Owen Sound and Grey Bruce. Harrison Park is an urban dream, with over 40 hectares of streams, trails, gardens, playgrounds, forest, and green space in the heart of Owen Sound. Often called our ‘jewel in the crown’, the park features dining and recreation facilities, a full-service campground including a cabin rental, boat rentals, a mini-putt, basketball courts, and a pool. Entry to Harrison Park is free, and free parking is also available.  Its network of trails connects directly with the Bruce Trail, the longest footpath in Canada. This trail will take you to Inglis Falls, just south of the city, or the Centennial Tower, one of the highest points in Owen Sound. A small waterfall, Weavers’ Creek Falls, is accessible from within the park. The waterfall is on private lands but can be viewed from the boardwalk on public lands. When Harrison Park was turned over to the city a century ago by the family of founder John Harrison was deemed one of the most beautiful parks in Ontario. Today, it remains one of the area’s most fantastic attractions, retaining the natural beauty and rustic charm that have drawn generations to its gates.

Cool off with an ice cream cone at the Harrison Park Inn restaurant, open year-round andlicensed. Catch the action in the spring and fall when the trout and salmon upstream to spawn.  Check out the Black History Cairn, an intriguing monument to the city’s first black settlers, escaped slaves who followed the Underground Railroad to its most northerly terminus, here in Owen Sound. An Emancipation Festival is held in the park every August. Paddle the Sydenham River in a paddle boat or canoe from the Putt ‘n Paddle kiosk, which is open daily during the summer. Mini golf is also available there.

Lace up your skates in the winter when the Good Cheer open-air rink is operating. Remember the "HOSE" rule - Hockey on Odd-numbered days, Skating on Even-numbered days.

Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and other winter activities are popular. The area is most delightful during the annual Festival of Northern when colourful displays light up the park from dusk onward.

Are there volunteer opportunities available? For students? If yes, what are the next steps to get involved?

We are always accepting volunteers of all ages, including students. To join our events team, sign up here.

What impact do you hope Doors Open Owen Sound has on the local community?

We hope that visitors “Staytrip” while in Owen Sound and not only take advantage of exploring the 14 sites but dine at a local restaurant, stay overnight or enjoy the harbour, trails, waterfalls or attractions. 

Once named a Cultural Capital of Canada, Owen Sound is known for its festivals and events. What else is on the lineup this year?

Summer in Owen Sound is always busy with events and as August approaches we look forward to the Owen Sound Salmon Spectacular that kicks off the evening before Doors Open. 

Owen Sound is one of the few places in Ontario where you can watch the salmon spawning in their natural habitat, in streams and rushing rivers, migrating upstream to lay their eggs in the shallows before winter settles in. The salmon run is weather-dependent, beginning in mid-September and lasting until mid-October.

The event last took place in 2019 and took a pause during the pandemic. What is in place for this year for a triumphant return?

The City of Owen Sound invites the public to explore its most beloved buildings and sites free of charge. The event provides rare access to buildings that are not open to the public and free access to sites that would usually charge an admission fee.

What is your favorite tip to share about your event?

Doors Open Ontario's core principle is to create meaningful shared experiences for all Ontarians to enjoy and appreciate their heritage with as few barriers to participation. It’s a perfect opportunity to learn about the rich history of Owen Sound and take part in a community event, grab lunch or sit for a rest at one of the parks while in town. Download the map on the website to be sure not to miss a stop!

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As you embark on your Doors Open Owen Sound adventure, consider the insights shared in our interview with the organizing team. This event is more than just exploring buildings; it’s about connecting with the stories and people that make Owen Sound a vibrant and unique place to live and visit. Whether you're rediscovering old favorites or exploring new sites, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable community. If you're traveling from nearby cities in Ontario like Barrie, Guelph, Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge or Collingwood, why not extend your stay to fully experience the rich history, local restaurants and natural beauty that Owen Sound has to offer? We look forward to welcoming you to this year’s Doors Open event, and we hope you enjoy every moment of your staytrip!