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.

Come and experience the unique architecture of Layer Cake Hall. Built in 1859, it was originally commissioned by the Mechanics’ Institute. Over the years, it has passed through different owners and has served various functions. Now owned by Loyalist Township, it houses the Lennox and Addington County Library, Bath Branch. Join the library staff for a fun day!

Nestled on the shores of Lake Couchiching, the Leacock Museum National Historic Site is housed in the summer cottage, boathouse and gardens of famous Canadian humorist and economist, Stephen Leacock (1869-1944). Leacock was known for his witty and satirical works (particularly Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town). His legacy is honoured annually through the Stephen Leacock Memorial Medal for Humour.

Coronation Branch 286 Rexdale has stood here since 1937 to serve Canadian veterans and their families. The Legion Experience Museum was established to tell the intersecting stories of Canadians and the military through art and artifacts. Knowledgeable volunteers will answer your questions. Search records to find family members, try one of the child-friendly activities or put on a military kit.

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 self-guided tours that include the legislative chamber. There’s even a kid-friendly scavenger hunt. (No tripods allowed.)

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.

The tradition of written communications comes full circle in this building, once home to the Lindsay Daily Post and currently home to the Kent Bookstore and a number of other businesses. Featuring original wooden floors and magnificent tin ceilings, this historical facility is reputed to be haunted.

The Lindsay Legends and Lore Walking Tours are self-guided tours that explore the historical buildings in downtown Lindsay and beyond. Pick up your self-guided tour brochure at Lindsay's historical Queen's Square and former Lindsay Town Hall and explore Lindsay's historic past.

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.

Have you ever wondered what the symbols on gravestones really mean? Join local historian Don Willcock for a guided walking tour of Peterborough’s historic Little Lake Cemetery and discover the hidden meanings behind iconic memorials. Opened in 1850 and surveyed with the assistance of Sandford Fleming, the cemetery is the final resting places of some of Peterborough’s most prominent citizens.

Home to Brockville’s local radio broadcasters, 104.9 myFM and 103.7 Giant FM provide local news, information, weather, community updates and entertainment to Brockville and the surrounding region. The stations are among the community’s longest-standing media organizations and continue to serve Eastern Ontario audiences.

Visitors can explore the Club’s radio station and discover the hobby of amateur radio, including how to become a certified operator. Weather permitting, see fully off-grid outdoor stations demonstrating how radio can support communities during emergencies. A special call sign celebrating London’s 200th anniversary will also be in use throughout the day.

Discover the magic of the London Children’s Museum, inspiring curiosity and creativity for nearly 50 years! Explore innovative exhibits and interactive play spaces and experience a special Curator’s Corner featuring archival materials and artifacts. Enjoy hands-on activities, classic experiments and a self-guided tour celebrating community stories and the ideas of more than 500 Londoners. Enjoy musical performance!

The symbolic centre of civic government and administration, visit London City Hall to explore municipal decision-making, including the Mayor’s office and Council Chambers. Tour the building’s exterior with an architecture expert, view archival displays and visit the 12th floor observation deck to see London’s past and present from over 40 metres (131 feet) above ground. Enjoy musical performance!

Step into the rich history of the London Fire Department at the historic W. Peter Harding Fire Hall #4 in the heart of Old North. Learn essential tips to prevent kitchen fires, the top cause of fires in Ontario. Explore artifacts and images unveiling the heroic evolution of fire services. Join us for an exhilarating experience in fire safety education!

Discover cultural beauty at the London Muslim Mosque, the oldest operating mosque in Canada! Adorn your hands with intricate henna designs, have your name written in beautiful Arabic calligraphy and feel the elegance of wearing a hijab. Hear firsthand stories from mosque and city professionals about their faith and professions. Come and discover the beauty of these rich traditions.

During Doors Open London, take a guided tour of the London Police headquarters! Experience exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the London Police Service's history and operations. Enjoy a rare opportunity to peek inside a police vehicle and learn about different police units. Explore the firearms range, meet with officers and see specialized equipment up close.

Explore London Public Library's Wolf Performance Hall on an exclusive backstage and VIP tour, discovering what it takes to set up an event in this 365-seat theatre. See dressing rooms, a green room and experience the hall's renowned acoustics, sound and lighting systems. Browse exhibits of historical photographs, artefacts, documents and enjoy crafts and outdoor musical instruments. Enjoy musical performance!

Join us to learn how modern innovations in science and biotechnology are being used to reduce insect pests in crops, make crops less reliant on fertilizer, use plants to make vaccines and develop crops that are more resistant to diseases. Take a wagon ride, explore the Family Zone and learn more about our agricultural history.

Bientôt!

This museum is housed in the historical Carnegie Library. Built in 1906, it was one of 110 libraries constructed across Ontario with grants from the Carnegie Foundation. It served as the Brampton Library until the early 1970s. It then became office space for many years. It then sat empty (except for the Brampton Concert Band) until this museum moved in.

This site comprises 10 heritage buildings that were moved here by members of The Lost Villages Historical Society when the St. Lawrence Seaway was developed in 1958. Casualties of progress, the villages and hamlets disappeared under water but are remembered by former residents. The interiors and exteriors have been restored, and the buildings have been assembled in a village-like setting.

Come and visit the Amherstview Fire Hall! The Emergency Services Department — formed in 1998 — protects 340 square kilometres (131 square miles) and 17,000 residents through four fire stations. Witness firefighters in action and explore the historical 1962 King Seagrave Pumper, which will be onsite during the event. Enjoy a rare opportunity to explore fire trucks and talk to the team.

Previously home to the Dundas Playhouse, this has been a gathering place for Ukrainian, Portuguese and Latin communities to enjoy theatre, film, music and dance for nearly 90 years. Now home to Toronto's vibrant Latin music scene, the Lula Lounge has become a hot spot. During Doors Open, learn about the building’s long history or take a family-friendly salsa lesson.