Tour Tips & Routes:
1) Plan your Doors Open Niagara visit ahead of time. Refer to www.doorsopenniagara.ca for detailed site information, special events and maps. Use this information to identify the sites and events that interest you and your travel companions. Regional maps and additional travel information are available from the Ontario and New York State Visitor Information Centers in the binational region, and will also be available at our Hub sites on the Doors Open weekend.
2) You don’t have to be a heritage expert to enjoy a Doors Open adventure. Select sites that interest you most. Doors Open Niagara allows you to tour stunning sites that may not normally be open to the public – FREE OF CHARGE!
3) Check the dates and times your chosen sites will be open. Most sites are open between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. both days – BUT THERE ARE SOME EXCEPTIONS.
4) Some of the special events and tours and time sensitive and require pre-registration. Check out the guide and website and make sure you book these in advance and schedule your travel time accordingly.
5) Allow yourself enough time to visit each site properly and to travel between your chosen sites. Look for sites clustered together to save you drive and parking time. Rural and more remote sites need extra drive time. If you have special needs or are traveling with children, factor these into your schedule.
6) Plan to visit no more than 8 to 10 sites a day – more than that and you won’t be able to take in the programs and tours that have been developed for this special weekend and fully enjoy the experience. Most sites take approximately 30 minutes to tour, and you might have to wait at some of the more popular locations.
7) The sites offer a variety of self- and guided tours, unique exhibits, retail shops and special offerings. Check the Doors Open website and links to the participating sites regularly for updates, and specific times for program components you are interested in attending.
8) Enjoy other places of interest in the communities you are visiting. Stop for lunch, take in a concert, do some early Christmas shopping, take a canal boat ride.
9) Consider making this a Doors Open overnight or weekend getaway – check our listing of accommodations and contact them directly for information and bookings.
10 Immerse yourself in the experience – ask questions, pick up information on the various sites, consider participating in our Photo Contests. Our volunteers are only too happy to assist and have been specially trained to help make the most of your visit.
11) HAVE FUN! Get to know these heritage and architectural treasures. Many of them offer special events and programs year round – a perfect reason to return to the sites and our wonderful Binational Region again and again!
NEW FOR 2009!
Blue Water Tours will be offering Doors Open Bus Tours - please call 716-299-0770 for details.
BACK FOR 2008:
This year take the Bike Train to Doors Open Niagara 2008. The Bike Train is a new sustainable transportation initiative that has opened up the Niagara region to Toronto cyclists. By adding a special baggage car to select VIA Rail departures between Toronto and Niagara Falls Stations, the Bike Train allows up to 56 cyclists per train to travel to Niagara hassle free.
Cycling is a great way to experience Doors Open Niagara. Bicycle from site to site and see all that Niagara has to offer on two wheels. Schedule and reservation information is available at www.biketrain.ca
