A tour of this site by one of the guide-interpreters is a unique way to learn about the building, its massive scale and commanding entrance hall. Architect Ernest Cormier’s art deco design enhances the natural beauty of the exquisite woods and marble interior. For Doors Open, only the Grand Entrance Hall, the judges’ gallery and the courtroom will be open.

The capital region’s only therapeutic riding facility accredited by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association provides therapeutic riding lessons and equine-assisted programming for children and adults with physical, developmental and learning disabilities. Situated on over 8 hectares (20 acres) of pasture and trails, this fully accessible facility includes an indoor and outdoor arena, box stalls and a classroom for additional programming.

Designed by Ottawa architect L. Fennings Taylor, Trinity Anglican Church has occupied the corner of Cameron Avenue and Bank Street in Old Ottawa South since 1926. Today’s visitors are invited to view its unique stained-glass windows, especially the Great Resurrection Window installed in 1973 behind the altar, and to learn about its exceptional Casavant pipe organ, dedicated in 1963.

Unitarian House is a not-for-profit retirement residence and seniors' apartments. This five-storey residence, located on a tranquil treed property on the Ottawa River, offers affordable living in a unique home-like atmosphere. Residents enjoy many gardens, a well-appointed courtyard and safe walking areas. Walk through the doors and learn how this facility has gained it a long-standing reputation.

The Studio at the University of Ottawa Press is a dynamic place for ideas, creation and encounters. Located at the downtown Sun Life Financial Centre with accessible facilities, the Studio is home to publishing professionals who work alongside authors. This downtown Ottawa base serves as a forum for the university community, members of government, non-profit organizations and the reading public.

The only French-language museum in Ottawa, the Vanier Museopark is a non-profit organization in the heart of Vanier, a popular neighbourhood near downtown Ottawa that celebrates the rich heritage and history of its community. Through exhibits, talks, workshops, school programs and interpretive tours, they enable visitors to discover and learn about the habits and customs of the local Francophonie.

Wallis House enjoys a rich and complex history. Constructed in 1873 as one of Ottawa’s first hospitals, it has been repurposed over the years as a seminary for aspiring priests, the Women’s Royal Canadian Navy Service and a shelter for veterans returning from the Second World War. It was saved from possible demolition and converted into loft-style condos/rentals in 1996.

Built in 1860 along the shores of the Rideau River, Watson’s Mill remains active as a water-powered flour mill. Nearby Dickinson House, built in 1867, displays the heritage home of the past mill owners. Dickinson Square is the only industrial heritage site in Ottawa. The site comes to life through tours by costumed interpreters and milling demonstrations.

Built in 1924 in the heart of Westboro, the designated Westboro Masonic Hall has opened its doors to the public for the past several years. Join a guided tour of the Victorian banquet hall and the Masonic lodge room. The elegant Victorian hall — with its high ornate ceilings, crystal chandelier and rich draperies — is one of Ottawa’s best-kept secrets.

Westminster Presbyterian is a large facility that is humming year-round. Constructed over four decades in a mix of architectural styles, the building today features an education wing, a gym and a popular pre-school. It has also been used for private parties, exercise classes and square dancing. Of note are the historical flags, the beautiful stained-glass windows and the organ.

Founded in 1990, the Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank is entirely volunteer based, providing support for residents impacted by food insecurity. Visit this site and experience a self-guided tour, get behind the scenes, and learn food sorting skills that you can take home with you. You may also be inspired by one of their many recipes.

The Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre has preserved and interpreted local heritage since 1971. This year, you can engage with different behind-the-scenes areas of the museum to learn about the lifecycle of an artifact — from donation to display. With over 18,000 artifacts, there is much to see. Explore their heritage buildings and exhibition galleries, including the newly restored Bogarttown 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.

This is the birthplace of James Shaver Woodsworth, one of the founders of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. A Member of Parliament during Mackenzie King’s term, Woodsworth was instrumental in enacting old-age pensions and unemployment insurance. The house was rescued from demolition in 1980 and moved to its current location. Today, it is largely used for weddings, special events and filming.

Canada’s second-oldest rowing club is also the birthplace of the Toronto Argonauts football team. Located along the waterfront trail’s western shores, the club offers programs to fit different needs, abilities and interests. Take a tour of the facility, explore the Trophy Room, enjoy a coffee in the Henley Room, and see some of the best views of Lake Ontario.

Windfields Estate was the principal residence of E.P. Taylor (1901-89). The family bequeathed the property to the municipality in 1987. Toronto filmmaker Norman Jewison (1926-2024), founder of the Canadian Film Centre, made the estate the Centre’s permanent home. Since 1988, they have delivered advanced training in film, television and screen acting to more than 2,000 creators from across Canada.

The Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre is a new, state-of-the-art recreation facility that opened in June 2020. It is a beautiful, universally accessible site with great views inside and out. Through consultations, the community had a big say in what they wanted to see featured in the building. Today, it is the place to be.

Estonian Museum Canada presents its home, Tartu College, as part of Doors Open Toronto 2025. Built in 1970, the college is known mostly as a student residence. But, for local Estonians, it is one of their most important cultural community centres, featuring diverse and lively programs. Their collection has grown into what is now the largest Estonian-themed collection outside Estonia.

Built in the 1890s as a Foresters' Hall, this building served as home to Toronto’s first English-speaking Mennonite congregation. The First Narayever congregation, founded in 1914, bought the building in 1943, It has been an orthodox synagogue ever since, evolving into the egalitarian-traditional congregation it is today. From 2020-23, the shul completed a major renovation, making the building fully accessible.

Ukrainian immigrants bought land in Kensington Market to build a synagogue. Completed in 1927, Kiever Synagogue’s exterior features twin-domed towers crowned with stars of David and two main staircase entrances. The interior includes a hand-carved Torah ark, paintings of biblical animals and signs of the zodiac. In 1979, the Kiever became the first building of Jewish significance to be designated.

The Potter's Studio, established in 1972, has been a major contributor to the ceramic community in Toronto with workshops and classes. It recently relocated to this Scarborough location. Come and visit the large, bright, airy studio and experience the potting process — from wheel throwing and hand-building to glazing and firing pots. Warning: Some visitors may find this craft addictive.

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 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 the knowledgeable volunteers. (No tripods allowed.)

Archival records and photographs are on display at the Scarborough Archives. The archives contain documents, photographs, maps, cemetery records and a collection of local community histories. Located inside the former W.J. Morrish General Store, it is also the home of the Scarborough Historical Society, which helps to promote, preserve and stimulate an interest in the history of Scarborough.

The Redwood Theatre is one of Toronto's remaining original vaudeville theatres, and continues to operate as a multidisciplinary arts and entertainment venue focusing on music and circus. It is also an arts and innovation centre — supporting young artists in developing careers and presenting their work to public audiences — a professional aerial-circus training centre and a multi-use entertainment space.

For more than 60 years, The Village at Black Creek has enabled Torontonians to explore the past and reflect on the present. With 40 historical buildings, 60 rare- and heritage-breed animals, six gardens growing flowers and plants from heirloom seeds, and one-of-a-kind programs that engage people of all ages, there’s something for everyone. Costumed historians will help explain it all.