Discover the story behind every door… Doors Open Rideau Lakes
Are you curious? This is for you! Doors Open is an exciting event that allows visitors to explore Ontario’s historical, cultural and natural treasures at free public events across the province. This year, Rideau Lakes will be hosting its own Doors Open event, set for August 16 and 17, 2025 across the township.
Get the inside scoop and go behind closed doors to experience intriguing interiors, where you will be inspired by rare and exceptional materials, craftsmanship and design. From historical houses to modern marvels of construction, Doors Open Rideau Lakes has something for everyone!
Brought to you by the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, Doors Open Rideau Lakes is presented in partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust. You’re invited to walk through more than 20 special sites and learn by exploring the rich heritage, nature and culture here.
Keep an eye out for our full list of sites launching this spring and prepare to be intrigued while satisfying your curiosity!
Doors Open Rideau Lakes
Aug. 16 and 17, 2025
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Email for more information and watch this space for more info coming soon.
Old Stone Mill and Blacksmith Shop in Delta
Chaffeys Lock Master's House Museum
The Red Brick School in Elgin, photo by Diane Haskins
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Have some questions about Doors Open Rideau Lakes? Here are some answers.
The event is taking place August 16-17, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It’s free! Doors Open events are free for visitors during the allotted times. Even sites that normally require a fee are free for visitors during the event.
For participating sites, being involved in the Doors Open Rideau Lakes event is also no cost, but sites will require liability insurance to be included. The Township of Rideau Lakes will not cover the additional cost for insurance but the Doors Open coordinator can help facilitate the event insurance (for example, through Duuo. It typically averages about $40 for the entirety of the event). Please email with questions.
In the beautiful Township of Rideau Lakes! Rideau Lakes is located between Kingston and Ottawa, smack dab in the middle of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Rideau Canal. With lakeside villages, scenic public spaces, and history spanning millennia, it’s the perfect spot to spend a weekend exploring heritage places and meeting friendly faces.
Designed to create free access to, awareness and excitement about, Rideau Lakes’ heritage sites, hosting Doors Open Ontario in our community provides residents and visitors alike with a unique opportunity to explore and enjoy the sometimes hidden and always interesting places and spaces in our villages and hamlets. These events celebrate our community’s identity, generate volunteerism, build interest in heritage and drive cultural tourism and economic development opportunities.
Anyone can visit all participating sites for free from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 16-17, 2025. A call for sites and site interest was put out in July 2024 and the sites are chosen by committee for participation by September 2024.
Yes and no. Some sites are considered accessible such as The Red Brick School (ramped entry), while others are not due to their historical nature and how the building is used. Still others, like the Old Stone Mill in Delta, are partially accessible, but still make for an intriguing visit (you can witness grain being ground into flour on the ground floor!). Look for an accessible icon by the site to indicate each property’s accessibility level. For more site-specific information, please email and we’re happy to help.
Keep an eye on the socials for Rideau Lakes for more information about the sites and the event as it draws closer. We’re planning in highlighting the sites on Instagram leading up to the event! Here’s where you can find Rideau Lakes on Facebook @twprideaulakes and on Instagram @experiencerideaulakes
Also, please check out the official Doors Open Rideau Lakes page through the Ontario Heritage Trust to see which sites will be featured. Lastly, be sure to check back here for a detailed map and brochure in early 2025!
Who is planning the event?
Doors Open Rideau Lakes is being organized by a working group of the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (MHAC). On this working group is Sabrina Barrett, Diane Haskins, Councillor Paula Banks, plus staff Marie White, coordinator of Economic Development and Cultural Heritage and Rosanne Lake, Heritage Event Program Assistant.
Can my property still be included as a site?
While we have chosen our initial sites for 2025 already, we would always love to hear from you to see how we can work together! Please email and tell us about your property.
