Explore Cornwall’s History with New Historic Walking Tour

August 4, 2025

A new historical walking tour of downtown Cornwall is set to launch soon, a collaborative effort between the Cornwall Community Museum and Cornwall Tourism. This “Historic Downtown Cornwall Walking Tour” invites guests to explore one of Ontario’s oldest downtowns. Participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in Cornwall’s 241-year history, from the 1780s to the present day, as you discover buildings and significant sites from various eras. The tour begins at the Cornwall Civic Complex and concludes at the Cornwall Community Museum, operated by the Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Historical Society and housed within the historic Wood House in Lamoureux Park. This provides an excellent opportunity to delve deeper into the city’s rich past, as the museum is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and sharing all aspects of Cornwall’s history and heritage.

Guided by a Cornwall Tourism ambassador, the tour provides the opportunity to experience the depth of history that Cornwall has to offer. The tour highlights a number of interesting points of interest, including the Cornwall Canal, historic homes on First Street, St. Paul’s United Church, St. Columban’s Church, the Loyalist Monument (commemorating the landing of Loyalists in June 1784), and the former County Courthouse and Jail. These guided tours will be available from 9 AM to 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

“The Cornwall Community Museum is thrilled to collaborate with Cornwall Tourism on the launch of our new downtown historic walking tour. Our city, over time, has grown through so many fascinating changes and has so many interesting stories to tell! We are excited to share these with everyone and look forward to receiving your feedback,” says Brent Whitford, Senior Curator and Administrator of the Cornwall Community Museum and Archives.

For more information on the historical walking tour, please visit cornwalltourism.ca or come to our Visitor Information Centre located next to the aquatic centre. Additional historical information can also be found at cornwallcommunitymuseum.ca.

We’re here to help!

Got questions? Looking for recommendations? Cornwall Tourism is here to help! Text us anytime at 613-938-4748 and we will be happy to assist with any questions you might have.

#ExploreCornwallON

Looking for other fun things to do in Cornwall? Check out the Explore section of our website for other fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Better yet, consider extending your stay with a night at one of our great accommodations!

Reference: Copyrighted by the 2025 Cornwall Community Museum and Archives.

Image: Pierre Giroux, Artist