Immerse yourself in the history of Rideau Lakes and discover more about local heritage through these intriguing learning sites with a past! Save the date for Doors Open Rideau Lakes, Aug. 16 and 17, 2025! A collaboration between the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee and Doors Open Ontario, this event enables visitors to gain rare, free access to explore historic, natural and cultural places for FREE throughout the township. More than 20 sites and activities are featured during the weekend. For more information, and for a complete site list, please visit www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/rideaulakes and prepare to satisfy your curiosity!
Lockmaster's House Museum at Chaffey’s Lock
Explore an authentic lockmaster’s house on the Rideau Canal! The Lockmaster’s House Museum is operated by the Chaffey’s Lock and Area Heritage Society in the building that served as home to lockmasters and their families from 1844 until 1967. Fun fact: during its heyday, the house was the social centre of Chaffey's - it had the only phone in the village and even housed the local post office! The Museum opened in 1982, and has featured many different exhibits, telling local stories through research and artifacts. Visitors may also watch short videos highlighting the area’s past and can purchase items from the small gift shop. The Museum is typically open daily, from late June until early September. Admission is free and donations are gratefully accepted.
The Old Stone Mill at Delta
Red Brick School at Elgin
This historic schoolhouse is like a step back in time! Active from 1887 to 1964, it has many character defining elements that express the heritage of the red brick gem. On the heels of its popular exhibit from last year showcasing the brilliance of local historical photographer, Clifford Pennock, The Elgin & Area Heritage Society has another intriguing new exhibit for the summer of 2025! The society invites visitors to come aboard for a summer cruise at the Red Brick School and experience the Historical Rideau Canal through a multi-panel display of remastered photos. Stay tuned!
Be sure to view the WWI Elgin Platoon exhibit, as well as wall displays, gardens, benches and of course the historic architecture! Look for yellow brick quoins above the windows, three tall multi-paned windows on the north façade, stone window sills, wood frame dormers about the doors and an enchanting roof line and brick gables above the windows – with a stone label under the central one, inscribed, “school”. A truly unique learning atmosphere! Keep an eye on the Facebook page for open dates and events.
Emmanuel Heritage Centre

Built in 1861 of fine local sandstone at the crest of Portland Hill, the Emmanuel Heritage Centre stands as the landmark of the village and hosts events and concerts throughout the year! Find out more through the Portland on the Rideau Historical Society – there is even a Saturday Three-Sisters Market here throughout the summer!
In the meantime, learn about the historical societies within Rideau Lakes and catch a unique and thought-provoking presentation by the Newboro & Area Heritage Society.
Watch an intriguing documentary about exciting aspects of Rideau Lakes’ history by award-winning filmmaker, Allison Margot Smith. Intrigued and looking for more? Be sure to check out a complete list of heritage plaques, cemeteries, as well as heritage walking tours and driving tours, documentaries and much more!
Rideau District Museum

This regional museum located in the village of Westport provides an inside perspective on the early history of Rideau Lakes through artifacts, imagery, and stories. The most amazing artifact in the collection is the Statue of Justice 1844, "Sally Grant”. She stands eleven feet tall and was carved in 1844 from a single white cedar tree! See complete hours here.
Dig into local heritage and unravel the history of Rideau Lakes by visiting museums and national historic sites this season!