Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Toronto

in-person event information

Saturday and Sunday, May 27 and 28, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Join us for another exciting year of Doors Open Toronto!

Each May, Doors Open Toronto — presented by Great Gulf — invites you to explore the city’s most-loved buildings and sites, free of charge. The event provides rare access to buildings that are not usually open to the public and free access to sites that would usually charge an admission fee. Since its inception in 2000, it has attracted more than two million visits to nearly 700 unique locations. It remains the largest event of its kind in Canada.

The list below is only a sampling of featured sites participating this year. Visit their website for the full list.

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Contact information

22 In-person Doors Open sites

Billy Bishop Toronto City AirportDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

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.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

2 Eireann Quay
Toronto, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1939
Building type: Commercial

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 27

Buddies in Bad Times TheatreDoors Open Toronto

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Buddies in Bad Times Theatre

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.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

12 Alexander Street
Toronto, Ontario
https://buddiesinbadtimes.com

Architecture

Year built: 1912
Building type: Theatre

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

Daniels BuildingDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Daniels Building

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.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

1 Spadina Crescent
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.daniels.utoronto.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1875; 2017 restoration
Building type: Educational facility Green building
Architect: Smith & Gemmel (restoration by NADAAA)

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

El Mocambo, TheDoors Open Toronto

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

El Mocambo, The

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.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

464 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
https://elmocambo.com

Architecture

Year built: 1948
Building type: Attraction Commercial Concert hall Food and drink Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre CentreDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre

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.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

189 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
Email: ewg@heritagetrust.on.ca
http://www.elginwintergarden.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1913-14
Building type: Theatre
Architect: Thomas Lamb (designer)

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 27

Enoch Turner SchoolhouseDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse

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.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

106 Trinity Street
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/etsh

Architecture

Year built: 1848
Building type: Museum Schoolhouse

Dates/hours open

May 28 - May 28

George Brown HouseDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

George Brown House

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.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

186 Beverley Street
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/properties/george-brown-house

Architecture

Year built: 1876
Building type: Historical house Private residence
Architect: William Irving; Edward Hutchins

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

HMCS YorkDoors Open Toronto

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

HMCS York

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.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

659 Lake Shore Blvd. West
Toronto, Ontario

Architecture

Building type: Government building Military

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

Mackenzie HouseDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Mackenzie House

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.

  • Self-guided tours available

Architecture

Year built: 1858
Building type: Historical landmark Museum

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

Ontario Legislative BuildingDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Ontario Legislative Building

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.)

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Virtual tours
  • Activities and games

Contact info

111 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.ola.org

Architecture

Year built: 1893
Building type: Government building
Architect: Richard A. Waite; E.J. Lennox and George Gouinlock (later additions)

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

Osgoode HallDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Osgoode Hall

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.)

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

130 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario
https://lso.ca/home

Architecture

Year built: 1832
Building type: Courthouse Educational facility Historical landmark
Architect: John Ewart, William Warren Baldwin

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

QUEST XO Chocolate LabDoors Open Toronto

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

QUEST XO Chocolate Lab

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.

  • 2023 theme: Food
  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

25 Liberty Street (at Atlantic Avenue)
Toronto, Ontario
https://questxo.com

Architecture

Year built: 1901
Building type: Commercial Food and drink
Architect: George Martel Miller

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

R.C. Harris Water Treatment PlantDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

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.)

  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1932
Building type: Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

Rouge Valley Conservation CentreDoors Open Toronto

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Rouge Valley Conservation Centre

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.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1749 Meadowvale Road
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.rvcc.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1893
Building type: Historical house

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

Second City, TheDoors Open Toronto

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Second City, The

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.)

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1 York Street
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.secondcity.com/toronto

Architecture

Year built: 2021
Building type: Theatre

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

Spadina Museum Historic House and GardensDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Spadina Museum Historic House and Gardens

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.)

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Architecture

Year built: 1866; 1896
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Historical house Museum
Architect: Original architect unknown; Vaux Chadwick (1896)

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

St. James' Cemetery and the Chapel of St. James-the-Less National Historic SiteDoors Open Toronto

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. James' Cemetery and the Chapel of St. James-the-Less National Historic Site

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.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

635 Parliament Street
Toronto, Ontario
https://stjamescemetery.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1861
Building type: Cemetery Place of worship
Architect: Cumberland and Storm (the chapel); John G. Howard (the cemetery)

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

St. Lawrence HallDoors Open Toronto

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Lawrence Hall

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.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

157 King Street East
Toronto, Ontario
http://www.stlawrencemarket.com/st_lawrence_hall

Architecture

Year built: 1850
Building type: Concert hall Historical landmark Theatre

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

The BentwayDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

The Bentway

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.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

250 Fort York Blvd.
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.thebentway.ca

Architecture

Year built: 2018

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

The Ismaili Centre, TorontoDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

The Ismaili Centre, Toronto

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.)

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

49 Wynford Drive
Toronto, Ontario
https://the.ismaili/ismailicentres/toronto

Architecture

Year built: 2014
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Charles Correa, Moriyama & Teshima

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28

Thomas Fisher Rare Book LibraryDoors Open Toronto

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

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.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

120 St. George Street
Toronto, Ontario
https://fisher.library.utoronto.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1973
Building type: Library

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 27

Toronto Humane SocietyDoors Open Toronto

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Toronto Humane Society

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.)

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

11 River Street
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.torontohumanesociety.com

Architecture

Year built: established in 1887; constructed in 1979

Dates/hours open

May 27 - May 28