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Most Ontarians are familiar with Doors Open Ontario events across our province. It’s that day of the year when venues’ doors are flung open in full regalia. You could say  they, “pull out all the doorstops.”

This September 15th, Smiths Falls returns to Doors Open with exciting, new thresholds to cross. It’s a perfect experience to conclude your summer.

Visitors to Smiths Falls can now get a deep look at famed venues in Canada’s fastest growing town. Everyone should experience the spark that is stemming its growth onward to 2020.

Among the venues are the newly minted Tweed Visitor Centre, The Lockmaster’s House, new home of European luxury boating trailblazer, le boat, and the outstanding, Railway Museum of East Ontario. There are 16 venues in all–something for every taste.

RAILWAY MUSEUM OF EAST ONTARIO : INTOXICATING

The Railway Museum is so much fun mainly because it is interactive. You can get on real trains and choo-choo around the grounds.

You can also visit car interiors–train engines, a caboose, a freight car, and a dental car–decked-out as they were early in the 20th century.

It is astonishing that this National Historic site was fully functional until 1979.

There is plenty of nostalgia for “boomers,” but for the children it is a whole new adventure.  It succeeds in keeping them off their e-devices. Expect the time to pass quickly.

Outstanding miniature train collections are always on exhibit and souvenirs for sale.

WHERE: 90 William Street West–just west of Downtown.

TWEED VISITOR CENTRE : AVANT-GARDE

Tweed, the world’s leader in the cannabis market, finished putting the final touches to its Visitor Centre this late August.

Upon entering, you will travel through several rooms to learn the science and the history of cannabis. This will include a peek at its pristine production facilities.

The Visitor Centre blends technology with its earthy context beautifully. It is unique–the art of cannabis according to Tweed. It is also atmospheric and superlative for its educational value.

This is land’s end for the curious to fully grasp the wave that is cannabis.

WHERE: 1 Hershey Drive–Southeast of town

THE LOCKMASTER’S HOUSE : HISTORY MEETS LUXURY

A visit to the Lockmaster’s House will place you at the heart of the canal’s history. This clapboard and stone building is as old at the Rideau Canal. It is also the only “Unesco World Heritage” site in Ontario.

It now houses a new tenant, European luxury boating company, le boat. They chose Smiths Falls as their North American headquarters after being led to the location. Thanks to le boat the town is on travelers’s mental maps worldwide.

Here, you will learn a thing or two about the Rideau Canal as le boat ambassadors are a fountain of information on the waterway they travel daily.

This House’s charming pathways lead to striking views of Victoria, Murphy and Centennial parks, and to the deepest canal on the Rideau.  le boat vessels are often moored nearby.

WHERE: 1 Jasper Avenue–just south of downtown by the bridge and canal

DAVIDSON COURTYARD : BAKERS’ SWEET MEMORIES

The Davidson Courtyard is smack-dab downtown, tucked-in on Russell Street West. In Smiths Falls, this location is one the most idyllic and stylish with several shops and a cafe. It is also one of its historical treasures still living in the memories of its senior residents.

From 1890 through the mid 1900s, it was the site of the former Davidson Bakery. Current owners have worked tirelessly to restore the location and its bakery elevator.

The elevator carried 100 lbs. bags of flour to the second floor where the dough was mixed. After it rose the dough was cut into pieces and sent to the first floor through a chute where it was cut again to fit into bread pans. This was the mid 30s.

The original bread wagon pulled by horses will be at Davidson’s Court on September 15th. Employees of Forest Davidson who delivered the bread to homes will be present to reminisce with visitors. This should evoke great memories and perhaps a few dewy-eyed responses.

WHERE: 7 Russell Street West, Downtown

There are 12 more venues opening their doors on this auspicious day. You can peek at them below (click the logo) and plan a full day.

You can open the brochure with map here (PDF). DoorsOpenBrochure_4Fold

Pack up the car and experience Smiths Falls rising.