Discover Niagara Falls’ heritage at Doors Open on October 18

Free event invites residents and visitors to explore 13 participating sites

NIAGARA FALLS, ON - Explore the buildings, places and stories that help shape Niagara Falls during Doors Open Niagara Falls on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Organized by the City of Niagara Falls Municipal Heritage Committee as part of the province-wide Doors Open Ontario program, this free, one-day event invites residents and visitors to discover 13 participating sites across the city.

From historic churches and a War of 1812 battlefield to museums, cultural spaces and buildings finding new purpose, this year’s event offers opportunities to explore Niagara Falls’ history, architecture and community life. Select locations will offer guided tours, demonstrations and opportunities to speak with the people who care for these places.

“Heritage is not just about preserving the past; it is about inspiring the future. It connects us to the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shaped our community, inviting both residents and visitors to discover the rich tapestry of Niagara Falls. Through Doors Open Niagara Falls, we celebrate this living legacy, fostering a deeper appreciation and shared commitment to protect and cherish our cultural treasures for generations to come,” said David Servos UE, Chair, Doors Open Niagara Falls.

Thirteen Participating Sites 

Battle of Chippawa National Historic Site

• Walk the preserved battlefield where British and American forces fought in 1814. Interpretive storyboards guide visitors through the battle and its significance in the War of 1812.

Chippawa Town Hall

• Explore this 1842 civic landmark and learn about restoration work that is preserving its historic character while preparing the building for new uses.

Cummington Square & Bandshell

• Visit the historic heart of Chippawa, featuring war memorials and a bandstand that recreates the original 1920s structure. Doors Open volunteers will be on hand to share local history and information about participating sites.

Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Chippawa

• Discover this historic Chippawa church, whose congregation dates to 1820 and included War of 1812 heroine Laura Secord.

Niagara Falls (Chippawa) Water Treatment Plant

• Join plant operators for a one-hour guided tour tracing the drinking water treatment process from collection to delivery. Advance registration is required; no drop-ins are permitted. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.

Niagara Military Museum & Armoury

• Explore the Niagara Military Museum inside the 1911 armoury, with exhibits examining local military history and service across the Army, Navy and Air Force.

Niagara Falls Rankin Innovation Hub

• See how former federal customs offices have been transformed into collaborative spaces that support businesses and entrepreneurs. Enjoy guided tours and demonstrations by Hub members.

Ten Thousand Buddhas Sarira Stupa

• Discover this spiritual landmark in Niagara Falls’ tourist district, featuring traditional Chinese architecture and 10,000 Buddha statues.

Old St. John's Church and Stamford Green Heritage Columbarium

• Explore this early example of Gothic Revival architecture, built in 1825 and later restored and repurposed as a columbarium.

Niagara Falls History Museum

• Experience local history through interactive exhibits and War of 1812 artifacts. Guided curator tours will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church

• Admire traditional Ukrainian architecture and iconography, and discover the community’s cultural and spiritual traditions. The parish hall will feature music, dancing, food and activities.

The Niagara Falls Exchange

• Explore the City’s arts and culture hub, home to artists and woodworking studios, an art gallery, a café and spaces for community events.

Stamford Presbyterian Church

• Learn about a congregation that has worshipped on this site since 1791. Members will be available to answer questions, with a historical display, information materials and light refreshments.

A full list of participating sites is available at Doors Open Ontario.  

Plan your visit

Admission to all participating sites is free. Visitors are encouraged to review individual site listings for hours, accessibility information, activities and tour requirements before heading out.

Advance registration is required for Niagara Falls (Chippawa) Water Treatment Plant tours; drop-ins cannot be accommodated. To register, email wwwtours@niagararegion.ca. Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.

For site descriptions and information to help plan your visit, go to doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/niagara-falls.

Visitors can also make a weekend of exploring local heritage by attending Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

About Doors Open Niagara Falls

Doors Open Niagara Falls is organized by the Municipal Heritage Committee of the City of Niagara Falls. The event invites the public to explore local buildings and sites, learn about their history and architecture, and celebrate the community’s heritage, all free of charge.

For more information, please contact:
Julie Hannah
Manager of Policy Planning
City of Niagara Falls
jhannah@niagarafalls.ca