St. Raphael’s Ruins
In 1970 a fire consumed the church of St. Raphael’s, one of the earliest Roman Catholic churches in English-speaking Canada. Fortunately the outer walls were spared and today its impressive scale and fine masonry work continue to attract the tourists to the site. The Ruins were declared a National Historic Site in 1996.
Visitors are welcome to tour the site. Gates are open during the day in the summer months with a curator on duty in July and August.
No charge for individuals visiting the site, albeit donations are gratefully accepted.
The Ruins are open to the public 7 days a week, a curator will be onsite from Thursday to Monday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm during the summer months. We do book weddings, special events and photography sessions which must be approved beforehand. Visit our Wedding & Event FAQ for more details.
When John Ashurst, the heritage conservationist from Bournemouth University visited St. Raphael’s recently, he described the ashlar-facing masonry as “of the finest workmanship” and the edifice itself as “the best monument of its type in Canada”.
In 1970, a fire, natural in origin, consumed the church leaving only bare stone walls. The walls were later stabilized by the Ontario Heritage Foundation.
Video courtesy of Christina Conway Photographer
19998 County Rd 18,
Williamstown, ON K0C 2J0
Hours of Operation
The Ruins are open seven days a week
9:00 am to 5:00 pm