Unveiling the Final Chapter: Doors Open 2024 in Picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake!

The end of the Doors Open 2024 season is here, with one last stop in the picturesque Niagara-on-the-Lake. You won’t want to miss this “final act” happening Saturday, October 19, 2024, from 10 AM to 5 PM. We had a chance to interview one of the event hosts to get exclusive insight into what you can expect! At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutoring team have loved exploring this year’s Doors Open events! It’s the perfect chance for visitors to dive into the fascinating history and endless charm of Ontario’s vibrant communities. The Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open program is all about celebrating and preserving our cultural heritage, and this final event of 2024 promises to delight visitors of all ages. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that will capture your heart and spark your curiosity!    

Nestled at the mouth of the Niagara River, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, is a charming town that beautifully blends history and natural beauty. Curiocity called Niagara-on-the-Lake one of the province’s prettiest cities “bursting with old-world charm.” Known for its stunning gardens, picturesque streets, and vibrant arts scene, this quaint destination offers visitors a delightful experience year-round. Explore the town’s rich heritage through its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and historic sites.  

How to Plan for Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake 2024

With 15 participating sites and only seven hours to explore, it’s important to plan ahead to make the most of your visit. If you arrive early, make sure to drop by the Shaw Festival to take part in an extra special tour, available only from 9 AM to 10 AM. Lace up your comfortable shoes as many of the popular attractions are only a short walk apart. For more insight into how to plan for your visit, check out Niagara This Week. 

Participating Site for Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake 2024 

1) Clare’s Harley-Davidson of Niagara - 590 York Road, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

2) The Exchange Brewery - 7 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

3) Grace United Church - 222 Victoria Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

4) Niagara Apothecary - 5 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

5) Niagara District Court House - 26 Queen Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

6) Niagara Lodge No. 2 - 153 King Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

7) Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre - 247 Ricardo Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

8) Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum - 43 Castlereagh Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

9) Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery - 1366 York Road, St. Davids, Ontario, L0S 1P0 

10) RiverBrink Art Museum - 116 Queenston Street, Queenston, Ontario, L0S 1L0 

11) Shaw Festival Theatre – 10 Queen’s Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

12) St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church – 323 Simcoe Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

13) St. Mark’s Anglican Church - 41 Byron Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

14) Voices of Freedom Park - 244 Regent Street, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, L0S 1J0 

15) Willowbank – 14487 Niagara Parkway, Queenston, Ontario, L2E 3E8 

An Interview with one of the Organizers Behind Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake 

Check out our interview with Amy Klasses, Director of Finance & Marketing, Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, for more details on what you can expect on October 19, 2024, at the Doors Open event. 

Niagara-on-the-Lake is bursting with historic charm! What unique experiences should visitors dive into that they might not have encountered before? 

Niagara-on-the-Lake is indeed one of the most historic communities in Ontario and we are lucky to have so many historic buildings preserved! Just walking through the streets in the National Historic District is a great way to experience the charm of this town. The theme for Doors Open this year is adaptive reuse and there are many examples of this in NOTL – from the Exchange Brewery to our own Museum, which is located partly in the old High School. 

Doors Open is a great opportunity to see many historic gems, some of which are not normally open to the public.  Niagara Lodge No. 2 is the oldest Masonic Lodge in Ontario, and this event is a rare opportunity to see inside.  Willowbank in Queenston is an old home turned School of Restoration Arts and is another unique site that isn’t open for regular tours. The Niagara District Court House on Queen Street is one of our most iconic buildings, but Doors Open is the only opportunity to see inside some of the rooms on the main floor. 

Niagara-on-the-Lake is a hot spot that attracts visitors all year long. How many guests do you anticipate will be joining the fun at this year’s Doors Open event?  

At last year’s event, our sites saw a combined visitation of over 4,000 people from all over Ontario, and from all over the world. The sites on Queen Street particularly saw many international visitors due to their location in the tourist shopping district. This year we have more participating sites, so we expect to see higher visitor numbers. 

It is no secret that Niagara-on-the-Lake is known for its beauty, what can visitors expect from the Beyond the Bricks & Mortar exhibit at the Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum? 

This current exhibit highlights the history and interesting stories behind some of our community’s heritage homes. Many people come to NOTL and admire the restoration work that has been done and the beautiful architectural elements, but it is the people who lived in these homes and their stories that make us unique from other small Ontario towns. Some of my favourite buildings highlighted are the Whale Inn, the Clench House, and the Oban Inn. Our Curator will be doing pop-up tours throughout the day talking about her favourites from this exhibition as well as our permanent displays. 

Do any of the 15 participating sites have a fee or require reservations? 

All the participating sites are free during Doors Open, so this is a great opportunity to visit some of the locations, like the museums, that normally have admission rates. Most sites do not require reservations, but the Shaw Festival has a very small window for their tours: 9 am to 10 am (to not conflict with their show schedule). There will be several tours happening within that hour block, but we encourage people to visit there first thing to get a spot. Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery will also have tours, so we also recommend calling ahead to ensure you can time their tour with the rest of your visits. 

What would you consider a can't-miss location for families visiting with young children? 

The Museum will have a heritage food expert, Pam Mundy, in our galleries from 1-5 pm with samples of heritage baking for families to enjoy. We also have War of 1812 costumes they can try on, which is always a favourite for kids.  Voices of Freedom Park is another location we recommend as we will have our Tiny Museum, a mobile structure we take out into the community, located at the park with an exhibition about NOTL’s important Black History. This is the only outdoor location on the tour, and it highlights the often-overlooked experiences of the Black residents in NOTL’s past. There is a digital walking tour that accompanies Voices of Freedom Park for families who want to spend more time exploring this topic and walking around the town. 

Where’s the best spot for visitors to grab a tasty lunch or a fun snack while exploring Niagara-on-the-Lake? 

There are too many great spots for food in Niagara-on-the-Lake!  While you are visiting the sites located on Queen Street, there are lots of wonderful cafes, shops and restaurants to choose from. You can have anything from a sweet treat to a sandwich to a full dining experience. A couple of our Doors Open sites have dining options – Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery and the Exchange Brewery. And even Clare’s Harley Davidson has the restored fixtures from an old café inside where you can grab a coffee!  

As a local in the know, what is your top tip for first-timers ready to explore Niagara-on-the-Lake? 

Definitely check out the Doors Open website for a full list of all the sites, their opening hours for the event, and their locations, so you can plan out your day and ensure you can get to as many sites as possible. 

Parking can sometimes be hard to find, so when you are in the heritage district, find a spot and walk to as many locations as you can. For sites located in St. Davids and Queenston, parking is available at those locations. 

We also recommend Tourism Niagara-on-the-Lake, located in the basement of the Court House, for information on other things happening in NOTL during the weekend of Doors Open. The fall is a perfect time to visit with the leaves changing colours, wineries celebrating the harvest, and beautiful landscapes. No visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake is complete without a stroll around the town and a stop in Queen’s Royal Park for a beautiful view of Lake Ontario, the Niagara River, and Fort Niagara on the US side. 

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Whether you’re a history lover or in search of a weekend escape, Niagara-on-the-Lake has something for everyone! Immerse yourself in the town’s captivating past, from its well-preserved 19th-century architecture to its vibrant cultural scene. Don't miss the chance to explore all of the rich cultural and educational experiences the city has to offer. Plan your visit to experience the unique blend of history and modern charm that makes Niagara-on-the-Lake a must-see destination. Be sure to mark your calendar for a memorable Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake!