When Doors Open
Two Days. Two Journeys. One Unforgettable Weekend.
Some doors only open once a year. Behind them lie stories long forgotten, spaces rarely seen, and moments that feel as though they were waiting just for you. When Doors Open is a limited-time journey into the quiet wonders of Rideau Lakes, where private manors, historic mills, and artisan spaces offer rare glimpses into the past.
Running on Saturday, August 16th and Sunday, August 17th only, each day features a slightly different itinerary shaped by what’s uniquely available. You’ll be driven through the countryside in comfort, with every detail thoughtfully arranged, so you can settle into the experience and let the story unfold around you. The spirit of discovery stays the same, but the path you take and the details you uncover will depend on the day you choose.
Space is extremely limited, and once the doors close, they won’t reopen until next year. This is your chance to experience something few others ever will.
(This experience departs from Kingston, Westport, Gananoque, Brockville, and area)
Saturday: A Day of Living History and Countryside Elegance
Saturday’s tour begins in Delta at the historic Old Stone Mill, where original gears and limestone walls offer a striking window into the past. A live blacksmith demonstration adds movement, heat and storytelling to the space.
Next, visit the Old Town Hall and Makers Market, open only on Saturdays, where local artisans share handcrafted goods and heritage traditions.
Continue to Newboro Manor for a private tour led by the Lady of the Manor, followed by a garden Walking High Tea. Enjoy a curated picnic under the gazebo, then take time to explore the gardens, forest path and Stone Manor Studios.
The day concludes with a scenic stop at Spy Rock Lookout, followed by a tasting at Scheuermann Vineyard and Winery, a lakeside estate known for handcrafted wines and panoramic views.
Saturday August 16
Tour Details
Your Private Experience Starts at $800 for Two
Add Guests for $180 per person — Up to Six Total
Includes all tastings, experiences, and door-to-door transportation.
Duration: 6 Hours
Tour Includes:
- Visit to Old Stone Mill + Blacksmith Demo
- Old Town Hall + Makers Market
- Newboro Manor Tour with Lady of the Manor + Walking High Tea
- Tastings at Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery
Sunday: Stillness, Story, and the Comfort of Tea
Sunday unfolds at a slower pace, offering quiet beauty, rich stories and space to breathe.
Begin at Mallory Coach House in Mallorytown, where a glassworks exhibit reveals a lesser-known chapter of Canadian artisan history.
Continue to Delta for a visit to The Old Stone Mill, a National Historic Site filled with limestone walls, original gears and riverside charm. Just across the road, pause for a handcrafted drink at The Bastard Coffee House, a cosy stop with local character.
The day ends at Newboro Manor with a private tour led by the Lady of the Manor, followed by a garden Walking High Tea. After tea, explore the gardens, forest path or Stone Manor Studios before heading home.
Sunday August 17
Tour Details
Your Private Experience Starts at $800 for Two
Add Guests for $180 per person — Up to Six Total
Includes all tastings, experiences, and door-to-door transportation.
Duration: 6 Hours
Tour Includes:
- Mallory Coach House
- Old Stone Mill
- Bastard Coffee House
- Newboro Manor + Exclusive Tour with Lady of the Manor + Walking High Tea
Highlights
Newboro Manor
Step inside the historic John Draffin estate and slip into another time. You’ll be welcomed by the Lady of the Manor in full Victorian dress and guided through a private tour of this remarkable home. Along the way, enjoy a sparkling elderflower mocktail named in honour of the estate’s legacy. The experience concludes under the garden gazebo with a quietly elegant Walking High Tea, surrounded by flowers, stories and a feeling that lingers.
Old Stone Mill
Built in 1810, this striking limestone grist mill is one of the oldest of its kind in Ontario. With original milling equipment still in place, the site offers a quiet window into early innovation. It once powered itself by acting as its own dam, and today remains a rare example of craftsmanship that has endured for more than two centuries.
Mallory Coach House
Built in 1853, this heritage home has served as everything from a doctor’s office to a coach house. Today, it quietly preserves a rare chapter of Canadian history through its award-winning glassworks exhibit. Inside, fragments of the past are carefully displayed, offering a glimpse into the country’s first glassworks and the stories lost to time.
Foley Mountain Conservation
High above the village of Westport, a granite ledge opens to one of the most breathtaking views in the region. Spy Rock offers a sweeping glimpse across the lakes and hills of the Frontenac Arch. It’s a place shaped by ancient forces, where the land itself tells a story, and the view stays with you long after you leave.
Scheuermann Vineyard & Winery
Set on a hillside overlooking the lake, this family-owned vineyard pairs handcrafted wines with one of the most peaceful views in the region. The atmosphere is relaxed, the setting sun often golden, and each tasting offers a moment to savour the landscape as much as the wine.
Bastard Coffee House
Across from the Old Stone Mill, this small-batch coffee house offers a warm welcome and something freshly brewed. It’s a place where time slows down, the conversation feels easy, and even the smallest details are worth savouring.