Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, owned and operated by PortsToronto, is a world-class, award-winning airport. Located on Toronto Island, it offers service to more than 20 cities in Canada and the United States. Doors Open visitors can explore the underwater pedestrian tunnel, the electric ferry, interactive exhibits and a rare chance to get up close with the airport’s safety vehicles.

During Doors Open, take a behind-the-scenes look around Buddies in Bad Times Theatre — the world's largest and longest-running queer theatre. Built in 1912, the building served different purposes before Toronto Workshop Productions opened here in the 1960s. Since then, the space has been a hub for alternative theatre, with Buddies (opened in 1994) being awarded a 40-year lease.

Originally home to Knox College, this building later served as a military hospital and laboratory. It is now the University of Toronto’s John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design. To create the faculty's new home, the restored historical building has been blended with a contemporary addition that continues to delight visitors. During Doors Open, take a self-guided tour.

The legendary El Mocambo has seen some of the world’s top musical acts — including Ronnie Hawkins, Stevie Ray Vaughan and The Rolling Stones. It has become a world-class production and entertainment facility. Come and take a tour of the most legendary music venue in North America! But arrive early to avoid disappointment as the venue closes at 3:45 p.m.

Explore the world’s last operating double-decker theatre and learn about its history from vaudeville stage to live theatre venue. Visit the original and new lobbies, the Elgin Theatre and the Winter Garden Theatre, plus see samples from the world’s largest collection of vaudeville scenery. Photography allowed but no tripods. No tours, but history talks will be presented throughout the day.

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, Toronto’s oldest standing and first free school, opened to the children of Corktown in 1849. It served as an important catalyst for accessible public education in the province. Today, the site is a museum and events venue where visitors can step back in time to an urban Victorian classroom. Come and tour the site for Doors Open.

George Brown House is a Second Empire-style house built for George Brown between 1874 and 1876. Its elegance reflects his prominence as a leading politician, founder of The Globe newspaper (now the Globe and Mail) and a key figure in Canada’s Confederation. The house is one of Ontario’s best-preserved and documented urban examples of the Second Empire residential style.

Toronto's Naval Reserve Division, home to 350 sailors and officers, celebrates its centennial this year. Boats, weapons, divers, musicians, marine technicians, intelligence operators and naval warfare officers are all tested here for domestic operations or deployed missions. Come and see the work that they do, check out the boats on display and listen to the marching band throughout the day.

Come and visit the home of rebel leader, activist journalist and Toronto’s first mayor — William Lyon Mackenzie. While the house is currently unfurnished following a restoration, the site includes a recreated printshop (there will be printing demonstrations throughout the Doors Open weekend). As you explore the historical portion of the house, feel free to offer suggestions on interpretation and programming.

Come and explore Ontario’s Legislative Assembly — an impressive structure that has been home to the province’s legislature since 1893. Alongside oak floors and Italian marble finishes is artwork from the Government of Ontario Art Collection. During Doors Open, visitors can enjoy several exhibits on a self-guided tour that includes the legislative chamber. There’s even an outdoor scavenger hunt for kids. (No tripods allowed.)

Osgoode Hall — home of the Law Society of Ontario and the highest courts of the province — opened in 1832 and remains a Toronto landmark and a symbol of the law in Ontario. The 1867 fence, renowned for its peculiar gates, surrounds the property and its landscaped grounds. Download the self-guided tour or speak with one of their knowledgeable volunteers. (No tripods allowed.)

Come and enjoy a delicious adventure at the QUEST XO Chocolate Lab! This industrial three-storey brick-and-wood-beam building, constructed in 1901, is located in the heart of the Liberty Village neighbourhood. As you explore the lab, speak with the knowledgeable chocolate-loving team members stationed along the way who will answer all your questions about chocolate, edible art and the community.

Constructed in the 1930s, this popular Doors Open site is Toronto’s largest water treatment plant, providing 400 million litres of safe drinking water daily. It’s also the largest ensemble of art deco structures in the city. Take a self-guided tour and explore the pump house and filter building, with staff available to answer your questions along the way. (Photo: Samuel Kolber) (No tripods or filming allowed.)

Pearse House (now the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre), occupied by the Pearse family until the 1930s, was eventually acquired by the City for the Metro Toronto Zoo. In 1993, the house was moved to its current location and, after years of neglect, was restored by the Rouge Valley Foundation. Come and explore this house and wander the surrounding trail system.

The Second City is the largest improvisational comedy theatre and training centre in Canada. Its list of famous alumni includes John Candy, Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Martin Short, Dan Aykroyd, Andrea Martin and many others. In June, they celebrate 50 Years of Funny. During your self-guided tour, knowledgeable volunteers and staff will be available to answer questions. Bring your camera! (No tripods allowed.)

Come and tour Spadina House and discover the home of the Austin family from 1866 to 1982. Period rooms contain furniture and decorative details from the 1920s and 1930s. Co-owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and the City of Toronto, this site includes a kitchen garden, an orchard and the newly created Aki Wiidookaagewin "Ontario Earth Helpers" Indigenous kitchen garden. (No tripods allowed.)

The Chapel of St. James-the-Less is a mid-19th-century Victorian Gothic revival funeral chapel that is picturesquely set atop a small, landscaped knoll just inside the main gates of Toronto’s St. James’ Cemetery. Designed by Cumberland and Storm, it was designated a National Historic Site in 1990. It is enhanced by its elevated position, surrounded by the peaceful cemetery.

St. Lawrence Hall was built in 1850 as a meeting place for public gatherings, concerts and exhibitions. Restored to its original grandeur in 1967, the Hall — with its three major rooms — continues to serve as a breathtaking venue for inspired special occasions. On Sunday during Doors Open, Opera Atelier will present three fun, family-friendly and free 20-minute performances.

Anchored under Toronto's Gardiner Expressway, The Bentway is a growing public space — and so much more. Developed through partnerships with the City of Toronto, residents, supporters, artists, city-builders and dreamers, it shows how we can re-imagine the opportunities of urban spaces. Opening for the summer 2023 season during the Doors Open weekend, the site offers free talks, tours and performances.

The Ismaili Centre, Toronto, is a place of congregation (Jamatkhana) and a community centre, serving as a symbolic marker of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community in Canada. During Doors Open, explore the Centre’s stunning architecture, enjoy a guided tour — including the prayer hall with its crystalline dome — and stay for a special photography exhibition. (No tripods allowed.)

This library at the University of Toronto – with four floors of rare books – is something of a hidden treasure. They hold some of the rarest print materials in the world – including manuscripts dating back to the 11th century. Visitors during Doors Open can view this spectacular public space and chat with staff while viewing selected highlights from the collections.

The Toronto Humane Society (THS) is one of Ontario’s largest animal welfare organizations. With over 135 years of providing care for animals, the THS is an industry leader in shelter care, animal training, behavioural consultations and veterinary services. It is their mission to improve the lives of animals. Knowledgeable volunteers be on hand for tours and questions. Bring your camera! (No tripods allowed.)