The Gladstone Theatre has been a theatre for nearly 50 years. Initially a garage, it was turned into a 230-seat theatre in 1983 by the Great Canadian Theatre Company, with further renovations in 2007. By 2016, it was regularly hosting 12 stylistically diverse theatre companies, with more than 27,000 tickets being sold per year. Come and explore this unique site!

Located in Stittsville, the Goulbourn Museum preserves and interprets materials from the Goulbourn Township area. Built in 1872, the building was once the old town hall for the former township. This popular community hub was home to council meetings, parties and dances. The adjacent office building is used as administrative offices, as well as the museum’s primary collections storage.

Originally built as the Ottawa Normal School, this site is now Ottawa City Hall. Built in the Gothic Renaissance style, it reflects the influence of the Parliament Buildings — with Italianate windows and Romanesque columns. Purchased by the municipality in 1987, the restored building opened as city hall in 2001, housing the offices of the Mayor, City Manager and City Clerk.

The design, architecture and interior shrines of this temple follow traditional Hindu architectural styles. Deities in these shrines are made of granite, marble and bronze. The large prayer hall hosts ceremonies throughout the year. The temple also houses a reference library on Hindu religion and philosophy. When visiting, everyone is required to remove their footwear.

Holy Theotokos is a Greek Orthodox convent that not only follows the traditional order but also manufactures pure beeswax candles. During Doors Open, visitors can tour the chapel and the candle shop to see how this property has changed and adapted over time. Don’t forget to stop by for lunch at the Greek souvlaki and pastry tent.

The Ingenium Centre houses Canada’s science and technology collection, with more than two million archival, trade literature and library materials, and more than 150,000 artifacts. The Centre provides a controlled environment to protect the artifacts for the benefit of generations to come. It is designed to properly house artifacts made of materials such as plastic, wood, paper, textiles and ivory.

The Jean-Baptiste Lainé Site was home to a remarkable late-16th-century ancestral Wendat community. Of all the sites in Southern Ontario that have been almost completely excavated, it is considered to be one of the largest and most complex. During Doors Open, explore and learn about this amazing archaeological site with self-guided tours and a staffed interpretation table.

Kadampa Meditation Centre of Ottawa (formerly Joyful Land Buddhist Centre) is the focal point for the Ottawa community of the modern tradition of Mahayana Buddhism called the New Kadampa Tradition. Housed in a classical Victorian red-brick building in Chinatown, it features a beautiful shrine with Buddha statues. Chat with members of the Buddhist community and learn about their many programs.

Knox Presbyterian Church is known for its high-quality building materials, beautiful interiors and gorgeous stained glass. The interior features Italian marble, British Columbia cedar and redwood, and British lantern lights in the sanctuary. Two stained-glass windows are illuminated from the east and west, highlighting the life of Jesus and the Book of Revelation. Nepean fieldstone was used for the exterior.

Laurier House commemorates two of Canada’s most notable prime ministers — Sir Wilfrid Laurier and the Right Honourable William Lyon Mackenzie King. For over 50 years, from 1897 to 1948, the house occupied a central position in Canada’s political life as the residence of Laurier and, after his death, of Mackenzie King.

The Lemonville School was constructed in 1923 as S.S. #9 and expanded in 1959. The school closed in 1969, reopening as the Lemonville Community Centre in 1972. Today the building serves as a multi-purpose space while maintaining its community roots. Explore the building’s past and chat with volunteers about the building’s fascinating history. Winner of the 2023 Whitchurch-Stouffville Heritage Awards!

The Library and Archives Canada is in a prominent structure, comprising two symmetrical four-storey wings that wrap around a central nine-storey tower block. It’s located at the western extremity of Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct overlooking the Ottawa River. Clad in grey granite, the building is accented with polished granite panels and brushed aluminum railings. The building houses the National Library collection.

Discover the interim main library inside a former bank — designed in 1924 by John MacIntosh Lyle, one of Canada’s leading beaux-arts architects. In this unique setting, where modernism rubs against a classical esthetic, you will learn about the Library of Parliament’s collections and services as well as have a look inside its reading room, upgraded in 2018.

Ottawa’s first high school has occupied this prime downtown location alongside the Rideau Canal since 1874. The Gothic revival building has been extended and renovated several times. It has many distinct architectural features — including an impressive 660-seat auditorium that maintains much of its original character, and an attic that students used as a shooting range during the Second World War.

Opened in 2024, the Memorial Park Multi-Purpose Trail provides an accessible space for winter sport and offers year-round recreation space for residents of all ages. Measuring 275 metres (900 feet), the trail allows users to walk, use scooters and rollerblade during the warmer months. Walk the trail loops but don’t miss the nearby building to see the ice resurfacer.

This designated heritage home, built in 1885 for the village veterinarian, currently houses the offices of Morra Caruso Law. It features the original dining room pocket doors, large, crafted wood baseboards and plaster crown moulding. Take a staff-led tour and enjoy refreshments and a presentation of photos in the boardroom. Winner of the 2024 Whitchurch-Stouffville Heritage Award!

As the only brewery in Stouffville, Muddy York Brewing Co. serves as a hub for both locals and visitors. Opened in 2023, Muddy York has gone beyond being a brewery and retail store, offering a unique venue for events. During Doors Open, come and enjoy a staff-led tour of the facility and learn about their locally crafted beverages.

This sailing club is a family-oriented, volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting and encouraging active participation in the sport of sailing and recreational boating. Since opening, the club has provided a range of cutting-edge public and member programs, as well as hosting important aquatic events and national regattas. The terrace offers stunning views of the Ottawa River.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need across the province. Join an educational behind-the-scenes tour of the Animal Centre, interact with animals, play games and learn to be animal smart. During Doors Open, there will also be a vendor market. Pre-registration required for the tours.

Operating since 1973, the Osgoode Township Museum presents the story of Ottawa South’s agricultural and rural heritage. The main museum building is a mid-century two-room schoolhouse that holds the collection of nearly 11,000 artifacts. Explore the galleries, gift shop and research library during your visit. Then step outside and wander through the Agricultural Barn and discover their vast farming collection.

The Maplesoft-Jones building is home to Ottawa's only Community Cancer Hub, where they are transforming supportive cancer care through dynamic collaborations with diverse community partners. They empower people living with, and impacted by, cancer on every step of their journey. And the Cancer Survivors Park is a beacon for those making their way to The Ottawa Cancer Foundation.

Founded in 2019, the Ottawa Glassblowing Co-op is located in the heart of Ottawa near Little Italy. Their mandate is to foster a glassblowing co-operative that operates inclusively to support the artistic creativity, learning and growth of its members and to educate the public in the art of glass. Come and see glassblowing demos by local artists!

The Carleton County Jail was built in 1862 and was run as a prison for 110 years, with room for approximately 150 prisoners. In 1972, the jail was shut down due to inhumane conditions. But it was repurposed and opened a year later as this hostel. After a night in a real cell block, you can visit Ottawa’s main sites.

The Ottawa Little Theatre, founded in 1913, is Canada’s longest continuously running community theatre. During Doors Open Ottawa, visitors will receive a guided, behind-the-scenes tour from one of the theatre’s dedicated volunteers. The tour will reflect an actor’s experience from first rehearsal to opening night and feature the talented production team who support them on that journey.

The Ottawa Muslim Association and the Ottawa Mosque was incorporated in 1964 as a charitable organization, with its first phase completed in 1970. The Ottawa Mosque is the first and the oldest mosque in the city, and is one of the oldest in Canada. Its distinct architectural design includes a two-storey prayer hall, library, minaret, central dome and multi-purpose basement.