Lynde House is Durham Region's oldest home, and a stunning example of Georgian architecture. The Museum is operated by the Whitby Historical Society, whose costumed interpreters lead tours that tell the history of Whitby, Lynde family stories and life in 19th-century Whitby. Be sure to visit the Warren General Store to view the works of local artists.

Mabelle Arts' new facility, The Belle in Mabelle Park, is the result of a seven-year project between LGA Architects and hundreds of Mabelle Avenue residents. This neighbourhood park now allows residents to practise community care, find urban respite, host celebrations and solve community problems — together. Mingle with residents, participate in hands-on crafts, and re-naturalize this urban space with native plants.

Come 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.

Step inside the restored home of publisher, rebellion leader and Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie. Get hands-on with a working linotype and other operating heritage presses. Don’t miss the rare Louis Roy Press, the oldest printing press in Canada and one of the few original wooden presses remaining in the world! Limited parking. Interior accessible by stairs only. No bathroom available.

Combining a renovated Carnegie library with a dynamic contemporary addition, the MacLaren Art Centre complex includes multiple galleries, an education centre, a garden patio, cafe, gift shop and framing department. The building is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act as a space of architectural and historical significance. Tours, arts activities and more will be available throughout the day.

As an Anglican church, St. Mark’s served the community for over 100 years before closing in 1989. Now owned by the City of Hamilton, the site has undergone extensive restoration, preserving the heritage character of the building and park, while adding modern services, gardens and accessibility. It now has a new life as a community arts and cultural programming space.

Main Stage Rehearsal Studios is Ontario’s largest professional rehearsal facility and a one-stop creative hub for musicians and creators. Their 10,668 square-metre (35,000-square-foot) space features 40-plus studios for rehearsals, recording, podcasting, video production and live performance. Serving over 1,000 musicians each month, they provide professional gear, inspiring spaces and a supportive community where artists can create, collaborate and grow.

The written word has been the heartbeat of communication for centuries. Built in 1887, this frame building became a Mechanic's Institute in 1893, from which the Manilla Library emerged. Since then, the library has offered library and community services to Manilla and the surrounding area. Now restored, it is operating as a community hub once again.

Visit the Manor Road United Church during this year's Doors Open Toronto. Located in the heart of Davisville Village, the church offers something for the whole family. Be the curious adventurer and celebrate the Manor's 100th anniversary. Hear from resident "heritage whisperers," listen to the sound of music, and discover a place that is home for many today.

Brock University’s Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts celebrates 10 years in the award-winning, repurposed Canada Hair Cloth Company building (1888). The facility is a vibrant hub for arts education and research, featuring theatres, studios, galleries, and specialized spaces. Guided tours run at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon; no pre-registration required.

Built in 1925 by J.W. Butler & Co., this Ontario Heritage Act-designated building has a rich history. Formerly known as the Genosha Hotel, it welcomed notable World War II era figures, including James Bond creator Ian Fleming and future CIA director J. Edgar Hoover. Today, it continues as an active mixed commercial (8 food vendors) and residential property.

Built in 1895 as Woodstock's public market, the Market Centre has been a cornerstone of community life for more than 130 years. Thoughtfully restored, this historical landmark now serves as a collaborative downtown hub, housing Economic Development, Human Resources, the Woodstock BIA, Chamber of Commerce and Small Business Centre, while continuing its legacy of connection, collaboration and community growth. 

The Market Gallery on the second floor of the St. Lawrence Market South occupies the former city hall council chamber, which operated here from 1845-99. After a 1978 renovation, the space became an exhibition facility for the city’s extensive art collections. The gallery’s signature fan windows, which once overlooked Toronto harbour, today overlook the main floor of the market.

Join us in the vault! Go behind the scenes with our curatorial team on a 30-minute guided tour of the collections vault, archives, and curatorial workroom. Discover areas rarely seen by the public.
Note: Only the guided tour is free during Doors Open. Admission fees apply to the rest of the museum.

This mid-19th-century house was converted into a public library in the 1970s and remains a cherished community resource. It blends seamlessly into the historic streetscape of Colborne Street. The library was featured in Lure, a ghost story by Deborah Kerbel, published by Dundurn Press in 2010.

Designed to reflect late 19th-century fire halls, this building features an 18-metre (59-foot) replica hose drying tower and fits seamlessly into the historic context of Markham Village. Visitors are invited to learn about fire prevention, meet fire services staff and explore firefighting equipment.

The restoration of this original 1871 railway station was the first major project of the Markham Village Conservancy, with restoration completed in 2000. The exterior paint colours were reproduced from c. 1910 when the rail line was part of the Grand Trunk Railway. Today, the station serves GO Transit commuters and functions as a community centre for meetings and classes.

Join us for a 45-minute guided street tour of the “Heart of Markham Village”, showcasing historical buildings and sites in the commercial core of the village. Come and experience one of Markham's oldest communities that got its start in 1826. Tours will begin at 10 AM and 1 PM starting at the Old Town Hall (96 Main Street North).

The Mary-Lou Griffin Local History Room is located on the fourth floor of the Central Branch of the Richmond Hill Public Library. It contains an extensive collection of historically significant and unique resources about Richmond Hill, York Region and beyond. Join in guided tours, special exhibits and demonstrations with a research specialist.

The Muslim Society of Guelph Masjid is located in a former elementary school, purchased in 2012. It has been developed into a place of worship, offices, community hall, library, classrooms and a daycare. Tours and displays will help visitors understand the religion and culture of Guelph’s Muslim community.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, this mosque — a former bank — serves as a city landmark and a symbol of Toronto’s multiculturalism and inclusion. Come and explore the site through guided tours and discover the building’s history, learn about the community’s heritage and diversity, have your name written in Arabic calligraphy and enjoy delicious cultural foods and drinks.

Step inside McDougall Cottage, Cambridge’s hidden gem on the Grand! Learn the stories of the two Scottish-settler families who first called this lovely stone Cottage "home” and view its remarkable hand-painted murals. McDougall's newest exhibit, Snapshots in Time: Nostalgia and Memory, will be displayed. There will be samples of Scottish shortbread and crafts for the kids.

This distinctive example of Ontario vernacular architecture features elements of both Gothic Revival and Classical Revival styles. Originally the home of local auctioneer Salem Eckardt, it later became the residence of Group of Seven artist Frederick Varley, who maintained a studio in the basement. Today, the space showcases local artists’ work and offers studio space for art instruction.

This art deco-inspired bandshell was a gift from R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors Canada, to the City of Oshawa. It was constructed in 1942 to give the Oshawa Civic Band a place to perform and practice. This location also features the Cenotaph, a historical war memorial honouring residents who died in the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War.

Step inside The Memorial Tower — an iconic structure and symbol of the sacrifices made by local men and women in the service of their country and the world. Artwork depicts action from six military conflicts dating back to the War of 1812. Representatives from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 25 will be onsite.