The welcome mat is being laid down again at many Niagara-on-the-Lake heritage sites and businesses for the return of the provincewide Doors Open program on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Doors Open is led by the Ontario Heritage Trust and each year communities across the  province literally open the doors of local sites of interest for free public tours.

The program was launched in 2002 to create access, awareness and excitement about the province’s heritage and to provide unique opportunities to explore and enjoy some of the most interesting places in Ontario cities, towns and villages.

Local sites participating all share historical, architectural, or cultural significance. 

This year’s participants are the Niagara District Courthouse, Willowbank, Clare’s Harley-Davidson, Ravine Estate Winery, the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, Shaw Festival, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, St. Mark’s Anglican Church, the Exchange Brewery and the Niagara Apothecary.

Doors Open Niagara lets visitors step inside places they might have never seen or perhaps have known about for years but never actually walked through the doors.

The day-long program is co-ordinated by the NOTL Museum, which also is one of the participating sites. 

“The last time we were able to do this in person was back in 2017,” said the museum’s managing director, Sarah Kaufman.

“During the COVID years many sites opted for a digital Doors Open, so we’re thrilled to see the doors opening wide again this year.”  

Site hours vary for all participating locations, so visitors are encouraged to check tour times and opening hours prior to visiting.

More details can be found at doorsopenontario.on.ca/ and click on Niagara-on-the-Lake. 

Or for more information call the NOTL Museum at 905-468-3912. 

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Winter hours are in effect from November to April, 1 to 5 p.m.