Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake returned this year on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering visitors another unique opportunity to explore 15 historic sites, including churches, lodges and museums, to celebrate the town’s architectural and cultural heritage.
St. Mark’s Anglican Church
Nestled in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake, St. Mark’s Anglican Church stands as a testament to the town’s rich history, with its origins tracing back to 1790.
Gene Anne Smith, a warden at the church, says it was founded by Robert Addison, a missionary who traversed the Niagara Peninsula by horseback.
“The church itself was founded in 1792 by Robert Addison, whose memorial is right there,” Smith said, pointing to the memorial.
“The church was originally built in 1804 and was the only structure to survive both the fires and the War of 1812, thanks to its stone walls,” she said.
However, the church did face challenges. She said it was gutted during the war and the roof was lost.
A significant restoration therefore took place throughout the 1820s, finishing around 1838 or 1839.
Smith said the stained-glass window behind the altar is the oldest in Ontario, dating back to 1840.
It’s important to share St. Mark’s history with the community, she said: “It is so much part of the history of the origin of Ontario, really. And it’s a lovely, beautiful place.”
Niagara Masonic Lodge No. 2
Niagara Masonic Lodge No. 2, the oldest lodge in Ontario, is historically significant as the site of Upper Canada’s first legislature and the first hospital in Newark.
Founded by Col. John Butler, the lodge has played a pivotal role in the region’s heritage, said Master Mason Shawn DeBruyn.
During the wars, many military members who were Masons needed a place to uphold lodge, said DeBruyn.
“So, that’s when they formed this lodge. It was the first lodge of Upper Canada — which is what Niagara-on-the-Lake used to be called.”
The lodge has occupied its current building since 1816, though DeBruyn said it has been rebuilt after several fires throughout history.
“The basement and first floor have served as a hospital and been part of St. Mark’s Church,” he said, emphasizing how the lodge has always remained in its upper location.
DeBruyn believes it’s essential for the community to understand the lodge’s history, as it is an important part of Canadian heritage as the oldest lodge, and because Masonry in general is often misconceived, he said.
“Many think of it as a secret society and are unsure of what happens. We’re very visible: We’re not hiding anything.”
Niagara Apothecary
The Niagara Apothecary stands as another one of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s historical sites.
It’s an authentic museum restoration of an 1869 pharmacy that operated in Niagara-on-the-Lake from 1820 to 1964. The museum itself opened in 1971.
This mid-Victorian building, now restored, is the only remaining structure from the Canadian Confederation period in the town and served as a pharmacy for almost 150 years before the Ontario Heritage Trust acquired and restored it.
The trust partnered with the Ontario College of Pharmacists to ensure its historical accuracy.
David Leonard, senior marketing communications specialist at the Ontario Heritage Trust, said the collaboration with the Ontario College of Pharmacists was the reason for his presence at the Niagara Apothecary on Saturday.
“Every year during Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake, we also send a small staff team from Toronto to support the College of Pharmacists folks in getting Doors Open here and interpreting the site,” he said.
Leonard said the preservation of the apothecary makes it unique among the 15 sites featured in Doors Open.
“This site is preserved just as it was when it closed as a pharmacy in the 1960s,” he said. “The wealth of artifacts here is remarkable.”
Despite its single-room layout, Leonard said the apothecary offers various ways for visitors to engage with local history, whether they’re interested in advertising history, medicinal practices from a century ago, or simply curious about the community itself.
“It’s just such a unique slice of history,” said Leonard.
Niagara District Court House
The Niagara District Court House, built in 1847, is also a demonstration of the region’s significant history and architectural heritage. Located on the main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake, this stone building features a neoclassical design.
Originally a courthouse for two decades, the building — designed by architect William Thomas — transitioned to various functions after the county seat moved to St. Catharines in 1862, said volunteer Margret Walker.
Over the years, it has served as a market, bank, post office, fire hall, library, and town hall until a new town hall opened in 1952, said Walker.
Designated a national historic site of Canada in 1980, the Niagara District Court House is recognized for its unique architecture and multifunctional history.
Walker said it continues to serve the community today, offering event spaces, a ballroom, a small theatre and housing the NOTL Chamber of Commerce.
“It’s still quite functional. This historic site deserves more public access,” she said, reflecting on the community’s interest in exploring its past.
“Hopefully, maybe next year, the building will be open more to the public.”
Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum
The Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum, located at 43 Castlereagh St., showcases over 250 years of local history through its High School Building, Memorial Hall and Link Building, with collections, programs, and exhibitions that preserve and promote the town’s heritage.
Memorial Hall, Ontario’s first purpose-built museum, was opened in 1907 by the Niagara Historical Society and remains the province’s oldest purpose-built museum building.
It houses thousands of artifacts, documents, photographs and books.
Volunteer Christine Earl said the museum immerses the community in its history.
While display space is limited, plans are underway for an expansion to better showcase the collection, she said.
“I think it will be a great way to help staff in showcasing the collection,” said Earl.
Local chef and volunteer Pam Mundy hosted a display of historic baked goods, including Queen Victoria’s favourite cake, the Victoria sandwich.
Mundy explained the significance of each dessert, sharing how bread pudding was traditionally made from leftover bread, while war cake, developed during the world wars, was created for troops without using eggs, butter or milk.
Culinary traditions, along with the museum’s artifacts, help illustrate the evolving story of Niagara-on-the-Lake, said Mundy.
Other featured sites for Doors Open included Clare’s Harley-Davidson of Niagara, the Exchange Brewery, Grace United Church, Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre, Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, RiverBrink Art Museum, Shaw Festival Theatre, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Voices of Freedom Park and Willowbank.