Doors Open returns to Haldimand County this August

After a ten-year hiatus, Doors Open is returning to Haldimand County on Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A popular, free, province-wide heritage tourism program, Doors Open offers public access to the heritage buildings, natural spaces, infrastructure, public art and cultural landscapes that shape and define our communities.

In Haldimand County, residents and visitors are invited to explore nine diverse locations, including heritage museums and buildings, community spaces, local archives and Black history sites. Delve into familiar built heritage and cultural spaces with uniquely Haldimand guided tours, guest speakers and more. 

Haldimand County sites for 2026

Caledonia Grand Trunk Railroad Station, 1 Grand Trunk Lane, Caledonia

Visitors will learn about local train history as they explore this station and museum, built in 1908, restored in 1996 and now an event and rental space. The museum includes a historical water tower and a refurbished caboose train car, currently being transformed into a museum exhibit.

Canfield Black History Walking Tour, 50 Talbot Road, Canfield

Enjoy guided and self-guided walking tours through the village of Canfield, exploring the community's rich and diverse Black history. Learn about the families which sought freedom through the Underground Railroad and set down roots in Canfield, where they lived, worked and worshipped. Guided tours will begin at Canfield Hall at 10:15 a.m. and occur every hour until 2:15 p.m.

Canfield Cemetery, 1 Ragland Street, Canfield

Dating back to the 1880s, the Canfield Cemetery is the final resting place for many notable community members and Black settlers. Explore the cemetery's rich history with self-guided tours to learn about the family names and stories of Black settlers who sought freedom in Canfield via the Underground Railroad.

Canfield Hall and Community Centre, 50 Talbot Street, Canfield

Visitors are invited to an Emancipation Day Gathering with guest speaker Dr. Natasha Henry-Dixon, an assistant professor of African-Canadian History at York University, presenting: Black Enslavement and the Possibilities of Freedom in the Niagara Peninsula from 1 to 2 p.m. Reflect on the history of slavery in Canada, acknowledge the contributions of Black Canadians and address ongoing systemic anti-Black racism. 

Cayuga Grand Vista Trail, 71 Munsee Street North, Cayuga

This award-winning trail guides pedestrians and cyclists on a loop from the historical courthouse (built in 1851) over the Canadian National Bridge to King George Street and Maple Road, and back to the courthouse via Talbot Street East and Munsee Street North. Enjoy picturesque views of the Grand River on two lookout platforms and learn about local natural and built heritage, including storyboards about the Honourable Madame Justice Helen Kinnear and the Honourable Dr. Justice T. David Marshall.

Cayuga Library and Heritage Centre, 19 Talbot Street, Cayuga

Explore Haldimand County's Black history with a guided tour of research and primary source documents in the archive. Enjoy a self-guided exploration of the gallery exhibition celebrating the Retired Women Teachers of Ontario. The building itself has several interesting design features, including chain waterspouts, standing rib metal roofing, and a "Big Bang" light by Foscarini.

Cottonwood Mansion Museum, 740 Haldimand Road 53, Selkirk

Step into the 1860s at Cottonwood for guided tours that will be running daily, as well as a chance for families to participate in a scavenger hunt through the mansion. View the Italianate and Georgian architecture, and use the stereoscopes, a popular Victorian pastime.

Nicholas Log Cabin, 8 Echo Street, Cayuga

Explore this fine example of one of the few remaining early pioneer, timber-constructed log cabins in Haldimand County. The cabin was built circa 1835 by Thomas Nicholas for his family of 13. Enjoy guided and self-guided tours to learn more about Haldimand's pioneer history.

Ruthven Park National Historic Site, 243 Haldimand Hwy 54, Cayuga

Explore Ruthven Park National Historic Site with free exhibits and activities including an agricultural display, a 19th‑century hygiene exhibit, guided tours of the 1840s Greek revival-style Thompson Mansion, scenic walking trails and a visit to the ghost town of Indiana. The park spans 598 hectares (1,477 acres) of forest, wetlands, sloughs, open fields and an island.

Haldimand County’s host sites look forward to seeing you for this Grand adventure! For more information, please email museums@haldimandcounty.ca; complete details are also available at haldimandcounty.ca/doors-open or at Doors Open Ontario heritagetrust.on.ca/doors-open-ontario.