Welcome to Doors Open St. Catharines!
Have you ever wondered what the inside of your favourite building looks like? Doors Open St. Catharines is your chance to explore some of the city’s most unique, historical, and interesting buildings.
Whether you live in St. Catharines, Niagara or are visiting from elsewhere, we invite you to explore some of the city’s most distinctive places free-of-charge.
Saturday, Aug. 20 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
There is something for everyone: heritage sites, cultural centres, places of worship and outdoor walking tours.
Mark your calendar and plan your visits; we're looking forward to seeing you!
Participating Locations:
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre |
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250 St. Paul Street Guided Tours: every hour starting at 10 a.m., last tour at 3 p.m.; pre-registration not required. Meet at the Box Office/Front Doors on St. Paul Street. The FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) is a cultural hub comprised of four unique venues that host a signature presentation of international, Canadian, and local artists alongside community members and organizations. Over 600,000 patrons have come through our doors since the PAC opened in 2015 to enjoy music, dance, theatre, film, comedy, speakers, and community gatherings. The building was designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects in 2015. |
Knox Presbyterian Church |
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53 Church Street Accessible / Kid Friendly / Parking at Market Square or Downtown Parking Garages Tours: Self-guided with stationed interpreters Special Event: Director of Music and Organist, Kenneth Hutton, playing from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Knox Presbyterian Church celebrated its 181st Anniversary of community service in May. We welcome visitors to enjoy tours highlighting the history of Knox and the 15 Memorial Stained-Glass Windows. The windows are dedicated to many local leaders including Lake Captains, Lake Ship Owners and Builders, businessmen and more. A history of Knox Church including a Casavant organ soundtrack: |
Lake Street Armoury |
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81 Lake Street Accessible / Kid Friendly Tours: Self-guided with stationed interpreters A symbol of early 20th century development of active volunteer militias, a historic hub for social events, and a conspicuous neighbourhood landmark, the story of the Lake Street Armoury goes beyond traditional military history in our community. The Armoury is now home to the 10th St. Catharines Field Battery Artillery and the Lincoln & Welland Regiment. Built in 1905, the Lake Street Armoury was to replace a drill-shed located on Raymond Street that had been destroyed by a tornado in 1898. Construction of this more permanent structure came during an era of renewed interest, reform, and expansion in the Canadian military. Many of the Canadian armouries built in the period between 1896 and 1914 were designed with similar architectural inspiration, including the features that make the Lake Street Armoury stand out: red brick walls with a quarry-faced stone foundation, and medieval military features such as the crenellated corner-towers and troop doors reminiscent of fortified gates. This new facility was initially built to serve as a headquarters for local militia units across Niagara, including the 10th St. Catharines Field Battery artillery (or the 10th Battery of the 56th Field Regiment); the 2nd and 10th Dragoons and the 19th Lincoln Regiment (later known as the Lincoln & Welland Regiment). The Armoury was used for military recruitment, training, storage for military equipment, and as a starting, ending, or resting point for troops during marches. The land in front of the building, now a parking lot, was once a grassy field used for drills, or as place for troops to set up their bell tents. The Lake Street Armoury has also served as an enlistment location during war. |
Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts |
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15 Artists’ Common Accessible / Kid Friendly / Parking in Downtown Parking Garages (no street parking) Guided Tours Only – No pre-registration necessary: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. Special Event: In conjunction with the Doors Open St. Catharines, The Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture will be setting up a book table in the Marilyn I. Walker School's Lobby, highlighting some of the Small Walker Press publications from the past few years. Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts opened in 2015, and is an award-winning, architectural triumph of adaptive re-use of a 19th-century industrial site. This setting creates a compelling post-secondary arts education environment featuring a 235-seat theatre, digital media studio, photo darkroom, rehearsal spaces, studios, wardrobe shop, art gallery, and other specialized facilities that support students in dramatic arts, music, and visual arts. The former Canada Hair Cloth Company building was built by James A. McSloy in 1884; the building was redesigned for the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts by Diamond Schmitt Architects in 2015. |
Meridian Center and Sports Hall of Fame |
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1 David S. Howes Way Tours: Self-guided Entry: Front Lobby or Rankin Bridge entry only The Meridian Centre is the premier location for entertainment in the Niagara Region. Opened in 2014, the arena hosts a wide variety of renowned sporting events, concerts, and performances which have included Jerry Seinfeld, Elton John, Cirque du Soleil, the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters, the U18 Women’s World Hockey Championship as well as the prestigious Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the FIBA U18 Americas Championships. Recurring events include OHL hockey with the Niagara IceDogs team and CEBL basketball with the Niagara River Lions. St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame The St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame recognizes the outstanding accomplishment of athletes and builders who have significantly contributed to the development of sport in St. Catharines. The current exhibit installed in partnership with the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Museum, highlights the history of Lacrosse in Ontario. The Hall of Fame, which overlooks the ice arena, showcases historic sports-related artifacts and memorabilia. |
Morningstar Mill |
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2714 Decew Road Partially Accessible / Kid-friendly / Closed-toed shoes are recommended / Limited Parking Tours: Self-guided with stationed interpreters This year marks the 150th anniversary of the stone flour mill built in 1872. The site features a working flour mill, the home of the Morningstar family restored to 1932, a blacksmith shop and a beautiful view of Decew Falls. The Friends of Morningstar Mill also celebrate their 30th anniversary working with the City of St. Catharines in preserving and interpreting the site. Morningstar Mill is one of the few mills in Ontario that houses all its original equipment and operates its millstones using its original water source. It provides a rare glimpse back in time to when moving water was still used to mechanically grind grain into flour. |
Niagara Artists’ Centre |
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354 St. Paul Street Main Floor is accessible / Kid-friendly / Parking in Downtown Parking Garages (no street parking) Tours: Self-guided Special Exhibits: The Pandemic Diaries in the Member’s Gallery and Rocks and TV in the Plate Glass Gallery. Niagara Artists’ Centre (NAC) is a not-for-profit, charitably registered, collective formed by and dedicated to serving the working artists and community of Niagara. NAC provides a forum for the development, exhibition, and appreciation of contemporary visual and media art by providing facilities, equipment, professional expertise and a supportive atmosphere for arts research, advocacy, and dissemination. |
Salem Chapel – British Methodist Episcopal Church NHS |
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92 Geneva Street Not accessible / Parking at McGeorge’s Auto and Ace Alignment on North Street / Please use the crosswalks when crossing the streets. Tours: Self-guided Salem Chapel was an important centre of abolitionist and civil rights activity and was the cornerstone of a growing African-American community in Niagara. Harriet Tubman, who attended the church, led many freedom seekers to St. Catharines. The chapel, built in 1855, has an auditory-hall design which is typical of churches associated with the Underground Railroad movement; it also has many original artifacts on display. |
St. Catharines Heritage Advisory Committee Walking Tours |
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Have you ever wondered about some of the St.Catharines’ historical neighbourhoods and districts? Discover some of our city’s hidden gems by attending one or all three of the walking tours. Tour limit is 20 people and is first come, first serve. Tours are partially accessible / Please use the crosswalks when crossing the street / Closed-toed shoes are recommended / Parking in Downtown Parking Garages Yesterday and Today – Downtown East Tour (presented by Brian Nahri) Yates Street Tour (presented by Holly Washuta) Queen Street Tour (presented by John Crawley) |
St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre |
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1932 Welland Canals Parkway Accessible / Kid-friendly / Free Parking Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours: Self-guided with stationed interpreters Special Event: Fallen Workers Memorial Tours at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Tour limit is 10 people and is first-come first-serve. Located along the Welland Canal, the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre tells the stories that shaped our community. Our permanent exhibitions feature stories of the Welland Canals and the Underground Railroad with special attention to the stories of the immigrant labour and Freedom Seekers arriving to St. Catharines in the 1850s. Our temporary exhibits offer the chance to learn about what makes our city what it is today. |
St. George’s Anglican Church |
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83 Church Street Accessible / Kid Friendly / Street Parking Tours: Self-guided with stationed interpreters St. George’s is the first established church in St. Catharines and its congregation celebrates their 230th anniversary this year. The grey stone church with its tall spire was built in 1840. Inside, the carved stone, beautiful stained glass, memorials from both world wars, and magnificent pipe organ provide an inspiring background for prayer and worship. |
St. Ignatius of Antioch Antiochian Orthodox Church |
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332 Carlton Street (and 75 Rolls Avenue) Accessible / Kid Friendly / Street Parking / Accessible Parking at 75 Rolls Avenue Tours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Self-guided with stationed Interpreters After gaining Mission status in 2008, St Ignatius of Antioch Orthodox Church purchased the former Queen of Angels Roman Catholic Church on Carlton Street in 2013. The church’s sanctuary and nave were remodeled to accommodate an iconostasis (a screen containing icons and religious paintings) which now includes new Byzantine-style icons by Montreal-based artist, Alexander Schelechow. Nineteenth century icons from St. George Church in Niagara Falls, New York, are displayed in the narthex. |
St. Thomas’ Anglican Church |
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99 Ontario Street Accessible / Kid Friendly / Street Parking / Parking in Downtown Parking Garages / Please use the crosswalks when crossing the streets. Guided Tours – no pre-registration required Other: Please bring dry and canned foods for the Breakfast Program With its turret as one of St. Catharines more noticeable features, St. Thomas' Anglican Church has been present in downtown St. Catharines since 1879. Members of the Church community are active in many local and international outreach programs. The Church is also well known for its long-standing Day Care Centre and as host to the Annual Civic Carol Concert, showcasing the wonderful acoustics under its expansive domed roof. The Church was designed by Mr. M. E. Beebe Architect. Notable among its features are the many elaborate stained-glass windows dedicated to prominent members of the Church and early community. Among these is the St. Thomas' window (1905) paid for by the Anglican Church Women to honour Augustus Halliday, a freed slave. Displayed inside are many ornaments and historical memorabilia collected over the years. In 1990, extensive renovations were done to the interior and exterior, with the addition of welcoming glass doors, a ramp for accessibility, and a forecourt surrounded by gardens welcoming visitors to the Garden City and the Church. It is through these doors that you can begin the exploration of this magnificent piece of Richardson Romanesque architecture. |
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Ukrainian Catholic Church |
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14 Rolls Avenue Accessible / Kid Friendly/ Free Parking Tours: Self-guided; and Presentations every hour from 10 a.m. last presentation at 3 p.m. The Ukrainian community in St. Catharines begins in about 1912. In 1943, the property for Sts. Cyril and Methodius was purchased for $600. The Byzantine-style church was designed by well-known architect, Rev. Philip Ruh in 1944. The church is decorated with a full three-level iconostasis (a screen containing icons and religious paintings), altars, stained glass windows and chandeliers – it is a jewel inside and out. |
The Brown Homestead |
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1317 Pelham Road The site is partially accessible / Kid-friendly / Please be careful crossing the street / Closed-toed shoes are recommended Tours: Self-guided with stationed interpreters Special Event: stay tuned! The Brown Homestead is the site of the oldest house in St. Catharines. We are currently undergoing restoration work and are on our way to becoming an important cultural centre, a site for innovation, education, community connection and heritage advocacy. We invite you to visit us to hear more - and to join the conversation. Throughout Doors Open, The Brown Homestead will showcase both the rich past and the dynamic future of the site. There will be demonstrations and displays giving insight into our work to date as we use new techniques to solve old questions,and give our visitors a sneak peek into the future of this historic site as "Niagara's Homestead"! Children’s crafts and activities will be available throughout the day, along with tasty local treats, so why not bring the whole family? You’ll get to discover both traditional and contemporary methods of heritage conservation, engage in our discussions about the restoration design of the John Brown House (c. 1796), and learn about some of the historical research projects we’ve been working on. Take a stroll through our victory gardens. Chat with our heritage experts. Come be a part of history at The Brown Homestead.
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Virtual Tours
| Inner Lighthouse |
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The inner range lighthouse is 16 metres high and is eight-sided. It has a stone foundation, and a tapered frame which supports a twelve-sided lantern and beaver-shaped weathervane. The lighthouse has windows on each level which provided interior light and enabled the lighthouse keeper to view activities in the harbour and on the lake. It was also equipped with sleeping and eating quarters, cupboards, a kitchen table, a coal bin, and a stove with additional venting for heating; however, it was not normally used as a residence. Access to the lantern is provided by four very steep and narrow wooden staircases. Its light was extinguished in 1988. Today, both lighthouses are designated as structures of historical significance and serve as a symbol of St. Catharines and its maritime history. |
| Decew Generating Station #1 |
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On August 25, 1898, the Cataract Power Company of Hamilton (now Ontario Power Generation) began generating and transmitting electricity from St. Catharines to Hamilton. The entrepreneurial project resulted in the transmission of electricity a staggering 56 kilometers. At this time, 56 kilometers was the longest distance electricity had been transmitted in Canada, and the second longest distance in the world. Decew Generating Station 1 remains a working piece of Canada’s hydroelectric heritage. |
| Courthouse Clock |
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The old county courthouse was built at the corner of James and King Streets in 1849, and three years later, Council approved putting a town clock in the tower. When the clock was first installed, a caretaker for the clock was hired to wind the clock, oil and grease the various moving parts, and adjust the time weekly so that it was within one minute of observatory time in Toronto. Its pendulum is almost three metres and is about the size of a dinner plate. The bell and its clapper originally swung back and forth, but later; a hammer was installed to ring the bell. Today, the clock is maintained by the City of St. Catharines facility repair staff. |
Interactive Map