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Doors Open Ontario:

425 In-person Doors Open sites

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Oshawa Museum: Henry House and Guy House Doors Open Oshawa

In-person Doors Open Ontario

Oshawa Museum: Henry House and Guy House

This museum features restored Victorian-era homes, situated on their original foundations. Henry House showcases a traditional Victorian home, depicting family life in the 1870s. In contrast, Guy House features a gallery and gift shop. Each home belonged to prominent harbourmasters from the area. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of Henry House, where costumed hosts are available to answer questions.

Adaptive reuse
Full wheelchair access
Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Parking
Self-guided tours available
Photography allowed
Rental opportunities

Contact info

1450 Simcoe Street South, Lakeview Park
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: membership@oshawamuseum.org
http://www.oshawamuseum.org

Architecture

Year built: c. 1840
Building type: Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Oshawa Public Libraries — McLaughlin Branch Doors Open Oshawa

In-person Doors Open Ontario

Oshawa Public Libraries — McLaughlin Branch

Forming part of Oshawa's Civic Centre, this library was a gift of Col. R.S. McLaughlin in 1954. Architect Arthur Eadie was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright in his design of the McLaughlin Public Library, now the central branch. Explore captivating videos, photographs and memorabilia or attend a guided tour showcasing the library’s evolution over the past 70 years.

Full wheelchair access
Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Parking
Washrooms
Photography allowed

Contact info

65 Debwewin Miikan (formerly Bagot Street)
Oshawa, Ontario
https://oshawalibrary.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1954
Building type: Library
Architect: Arthur H. Eadie

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Playhouse Cinema, The Doors Open Hamilton Region

In-person Doors Open Ontario

Playhouse Cinema, The

Built in 1914 as a vaudeville and movie theatre, this distinctive beaux-arts building was designed by Stewart & Witton. After 76 years of continuous operation, the theatre closed in August 1990. But, in 2018, it reopened as an independent art-house cinema. Original architectural features — including lavish interiors — have been beautifully restored, and a new neon sign recreates the long-lost original.

Full wheelchair access
Kid-friendly
Parking
Washrooms

Contact info

177 Sherman Avenue North
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: jacob@playhousecinema.ca
https://www.playhousecinema.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Theatre
Architect: Steward & Witton

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 04, 01:00pm

Regent Theatre Ontario Tech University Doors Open Oshawa

In-person Doors Open Ontario

Regent Theatre Ontario Tech University

The Regent Theatre was constructed in 1919, and its King Street façade features symmetrical Georgian architectural lines. It stands as one of the few remaining examples of this classically inspired architectural style in Oshawa. Originally built for Famous Players theatres, it was closed for several years before being reopened in 2010 as a lecture theatre for Ontario Tech University.

Adaptive reuse
Full wheelchair access
Guided tours available
Parking
Self-guided tours available
Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
Washrooms
Photography allowed

Contact info

50 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: gm@regenttheatre.ca
http://regenttheatre.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1919; designated in 2001
Building type: Attraction Concert hall Educational facility Theatre
Architect: John McNee Jeffrey

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 03:00pm

Robert McLaughlin Gallery, The Doors Open Oshawa

In-person Doors Open Ontario

Robert McLaughlin Gallery, The

This artist-centred and community-oriented public art gallery in the heart of downtown Oshawa was founded in 1967 and expanded to add 3,300 square metres (36,000 square feet) in 1987. Arthur Erickson built the gallery around the existing structure, using dramatic skylights. This is the largest public art gallery in Durham Region, with a collection of over 4,700 works.

Full wheelchair access
Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Parking
Self-guided tours available
Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
Washrooms
Photography allowed
Rental opportunities

Contact info

72 Queen Street
Oshawa, Ontario
https://rmg.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1969; Erickson addition 1987
Building type: Museum Gallery
Architect: Arthur Erickson

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Second Marsh Wildlife Area and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve Doors Open Oshawa

In-person Doors Open Ontario

Second Marsh Wildlife Area and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve

The Friends of Second Marsh is a charitable organization dedicated to connecting people with nature through interpretation, education and stewardship services. This site features approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) of hiking trails. The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve offers self-guided tours of its naturalized areas and trail system. Leashed dogs only allowed on the Waterfront Trail and in Darlington Provincial Park.

Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Self-guided tours available
Photography allowed

Contact info

1908 Colonel Sam Drive (parking lot)
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: president@secondmarsh.ca
http://www.secondmarsh.ca

Architecture

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Shawn & Ed Brewing Company Doors Open Hamilton Region

In-person Doors Open Ontario
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Shawn & Ed Brewing Company

This 1885-86 building in the heart of Dundas has been a foundry, indoor skating/curling rink, bus depot, warehouse and, since 2016, this brewery. The wood post-and-beam/brick masonry structure has been preserved yet modernized with the latest in craft beer equipment. The brewery focuses on German-style lagers with an emphasis on quality and authenticity.

Digital Doors Open
Adaptive reuse
Full wheelchair access
Guided tours available
Parking
Washrooms
Photography allowed
Collections and resources

Contact info

65 Hatt Street
Dundas, Ontario
Email: taproom@lagershed.com
https://www.lagershed.com

Architecture

Year built: 1860s; renovated in 2015-16
Building type: Commercial Food and drink
Architect: Peter Brass, Hamilton (1885-86); Richard Todd Wilson (2015 renovation)

The Barracks Inn Doors Open Hamilton Region

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

The Barracks Inn

Believed to have been built in 1812 to house soldiers, The Barracks Inn building has been a drugstore, a body shop and a tool and die shop over the years. The original building burned down and was replaced by a solid stone structure. Now a luxury boutique hotel, the building has been remodelled and delightfully restored.

Adaptive reuse
Full wheelchair access
Self-guided tours available
Photography allowed
Rental opportunities

Contact info

425 Wilson Street East
Ancaster, Ontario
Email: christopher.colley@thebarracksinn.com
https://www.thebarracksinn.com

Architecture

Year built: 1812
Building type: Commercial Historical landmark
Architect: Kej Devai (renovations)

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 04, 04:00pm

The Westdale Doors Open Hamilton Region

In-person Doors Open Ontario
Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

The Westdale

This was Hamilton’s first theatre built expressly to show “talkies” — motion pictures with sound. The beautiful art deco building was fully restored in 2017 by the Westdale Cinema Group and has become a cinematic, cultural and economic hub. The venue now hosts live events as well as films. It is also a community space managed as a not-for-profit charitable organization.

Digital Doors Open
Food vendors
Full wheelchair access
Self-guided tours available
Washrooms
Photography allowed
Rental opportunities
Videos

Contact info

1014 King Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: info@thewestdale.ca
https://www.thewestdale.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1935
Building type: Theatre
Architect: Unknown

Turning the Wheel, by Dani Crosby Doors Open Oshawa

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

Turning the Wheel, by Dani Crosby

This new temporary public artwork was installed in September 2024. Commissioned at the site of the former John Borlase Warren Flour Mill, it reflects the history and legacy of the historical mill and its relationship to the Oshawa Creek. For Doors Open, join artist Dani Crosby for a talk at 11 a.m., followed by a walk along Oshawa Creek.

Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Partial wheelchair access
Self-guided tours available
Photography allowed

Contact info

110 King Street West
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: specialevents@oshawa.ca
https://www.oshawa.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/public-artworks.aspx#Turning-the-Wheel-by-Dani-Crosby

Architecture

Year built: Installed in 2024

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Ward 2 Heritage Council Doors Open Hamilton Region

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

Ward 2 Heritage Council

Meet the Ward 2 Heritage Council at the Lister Building. They are a small group of residents, along with Councillor Cameron Kroetsch, who celebrate and promote the rich heritage of Ward 2 communities. See how you can get involved with the Ward 2 Heritage Council to preserve Hamilton’s built heritage and create a vibrant sense of pride within the community.

Adaptive reuse
Full wheelchair access
Self-guided tours available
Washrooms
Photography allowed

Contact info

28 James Street North
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: Joey.McCullough@hamilton.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1913
Building type: Commercial
Architect: Bernard Prack

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 02:00pm

Hamilton Military Museum Doors Open Hamilton Region

In-person Doors Open Ontario

Hamilton Military Museum

Located on the grounds of Dundurn National Historic Site, this museum preserves and shares the military history of Hamilton and area through exhibits, programs and events. The building, originally constructed as a gate house for Dundurn Castle in the late 1830s, was first known as Battery Lodge, being located on the site of a War of 1812 artillery emplacement.

Kid-friendly
National Historic Site (Canada)
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Self-guided tours available
Washrooms
Photography allowed

Contact info

610 York Blvd. (at Dundurn National Historic Site)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/militarymuseum

Architecture

Year built: 1835-38
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Military Museum
Architect: Robert Wetherall

Dates/hours open

May 03, 12:00am - May 04, 04:00pm

10C Shared Space Doors Open Guelph

In-person Doors Open Ontario

10C Shared Space

10C is a community hub for activators and changemakers. It uses placemaking, social enterprise, social finance, social innovation — and food — to create new ways to connect, collaborate and share resources. They welcome groups and individuals working across sectors and engaging in collaborative work to build a resilient and sustainable community in Guelph, Wellington County and across Southern Ontario.

Adaptive reuse
Full wheelchair access
Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Washrooms
Photography allowed
Rental opportunities

Contact info

42 Carden Street
Guelph, Ontario
Email: jess@10carden.ca
https://10carden.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1860s
Building type: Commercial
Architect: Lloyd Grinham Architects (restoration 2016)

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

Art Not Shame Doors Open Guelph

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Art Not Shame

Founded in 2017, Art Not Shame is a community-engaged, multidisciplinary arts organization serving youth and adults in Guelph and across Ontario. Their new downtown arts hub features the Workshop, the Gathering Space, the Community Kitchen and the Sensory Room — spaces that are fully accessible, that foster creativity, and that offer a supportive and transformative environment for individuals and the community.

Full wheelchair access
Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Washrooms
Photography allowed
Rental opportunities

Contact info

119 Wyndham Street North
Guelph, Ontario
Email: somer.graham@artnotshame.org
https://artnotshame.org

Architecture

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

Goldie Mill Ruins and Norwich Bridge Doors Open Guelph

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

Goldie Mill Ruins and Norwich Bridge

The Norwich Bridge, one of Ontario’s oldest metal truss bridges, was constructed in 1882 to provide a vital connection across the river for early industries. One such place was the Goldie Mill, built in 1864 — one of the area’s first mills. Fire destroyed the building in 1953, leaving only the walls and chimney as you see from the ruins today.

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

Contact info

Start at the bridge (69 Norwich Street East) and then follow the trail through Goldie Mill Park to the ruins
Guelph, Ontario
https://guelph.ca/park/goldie-mill-park-and-ruins/

Architecture

Building type: Commercial Historical landmark Transportation

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

Guelph Armoury Doors Open Guelph

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

Guelph Armoury

Constructed in 1909 of red brick with limestone trim, the Guelph Armoury has been the home of the 11th Field Regiment for over 165 years. Its castellated towers, battlements and heavy gate give the impression of a medieval fortress. The Officer’s Mess contains a collection of art and memorabilia of the Regiment.

Full wheelchair access
Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Washrooms
Photography allowed

Contact info

7 Wyndham Street South
Guelph, Ontario
Email: heather.kenny@forces.gc.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1909
Building type: Military
Architect: David Ewart and T.W. Fuller

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

Guelph Outdoor School Doors Open Guelph

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

Guelph Outdoor School

Located on five wooded hectares (13 acres) of cedar grove along the Eramosa River, this school operates programs for children aged 4-14 in wild spaces that are home to many animals. Visitors can tour the three areas that contain tents and firepits where trained instructors lead a nature immersion program.

Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Parking
Washrooms
Photography allowed

Contact info

733 Stone Road East
Guelph, Ontario
Email: chris@theguelphoutdoorschool.com
http://theguelphoutdoorschool.com

Architecture

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

Guelph Youth Music Centre Doors Open Guelph

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

Guelph Youth Music Centre

Come and explore Canada’s first non-profit centre dedicated to providing musical, cultural and artistic education opportunities for youth. Built in 1928, the site was formerly a seed processing facility. Plans by heritage architect Lloyd Grinham and renovations by over 1,000 volunteers created a renovated facility with 15 classrooms and teaching studios, a large dance studio, and a recital hall.

Adaptive reuse
Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Photography allowed

Contact info

75 Cardigan Street
Guelph, Ontario
Email: valerie@gymc.ca
https://gymc.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1928
Building type: Commercial Concert hall Educational facility Farm
Architect: Grinham Architects (restoration)

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

Islamic Society of Guelph Doors Open Guelph

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Islamic Society of Guelph

Built in 1856 for Scottish Congregationalists, this was Guelph’s second oldest stone church. Then, in 2008, the Islamic Society of Guelph purchased it and converted it into a mosque. The floor is covered with rugs for worshippers and there is a niche in the wall pointing to Mecca. Shoes must be removed, and head coverings are required.

Adaptive reuse
Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Self-guided tours available
Washrooms
Photography allowed

Contact info

126 Norwich Street East
Guelph, Ontario
https://isofg.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1856
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 01:00pm

Junction Village Guelph Doors Open Guelph

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

Junction Village Guelph

The Junction Village Community Land Trust is a community space located behind three houses where neighbours gather, connect and share in a large common backyard with an event space, community gardens, a skating rink, sauna and pool. Visitors can tour the outdoor areas and hear about their philosophy of sharing the housing, the land, food, childcare, recreation and entertainment.

Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Photography allowed

Contact info

45-47 Meadowview Avenue
Guelph, Ontario
Email: 2sistersriver@gmail.com
http://junctionvillageguelph.com

Architecture

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

RWDI Doors Open Guelph

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

RWDI

This Canadian-based firm of consulting engineers and scientists tackles complex problems in the built environment by combining innovative thinking and collaborative problem-solving. Through climate engineering, building performance and environmental engineering, RWDI creates sustainable buildings and infrastructure that are resilient to extreme weather. Their headquarters here in Guelph feature state-of-the-art wind tunnels and a water tunnel. Only flat, closed-toed shoes allowed.

Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Parking

Contact info

600 Southgate Drive
Guelph, Ontario
https://rwdi.com

Architecture

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

Trails Open: The Ontario Reformatory Doors Open Guelph

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

Trails Open: The Ontario Reformatory

In 1912, reformatory prisoners built this wooden trestle bridge over the Eramosa River from Douglas fir logs transported by train from British Columbia. The Guelph Hiking Trail Club will lead 30-minute 400-metre walks (1,300 feet) (on demand) from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., visiting the Guelph Escarpment and the dry-stone walls around the remnants of Guelph's original 1908 oak aqueduct.

Guided tours available
Parking
Photography allowed

Contact info

Meet at the Barber Scout Camp parking area (733 Stone Road East)
Guelph, Ontario
Email: ghtccommunications@gmail.com

Architecture

Year built: 1912
Building type: Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

Wellington County Administration Centre and Law Library Doors Open Guelph

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In-person Doors Open Ontario

Wellington County Administration Centre and Law Library

Constructed by William Allan of local limestone in 1842-44, the original County Court House is one of Guelph’s most significant buildings. It has been enlarged several times over the years. Walls from the original jail surround a secret garden. The Law Library is housed in the former 1911 jail building, known as the “County Bucket,” which was vacated in 1980.

Full wheelchair access
Guided tours available
Kid-friendly
Parking
Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
Washrooms
Photography allowed

Contact info

74 Woolwich Street
Guelph, Ontario
Email: jennifera@wellington.ca
https://www.wellington.ca/your-government/contact-us

Architecture

Year built: 1842-44
Building type: Courthouse Government building
Architect: William Allan

Dates/hours open

Apr 26, 10:00am - Apr 26, 04:00pm

Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum Doors Open Hamilton Region

In-person Doors Open Ontario

Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum

Fieldcote was built in 1948 as a private home on the outskirts of the former village of Ancaster. Today, as the village expands, it serves as a cultural heritage centre with an emphasis on local history and the promotion of fine arts. The idyllic setting is the perfect venue for music, with beautiful, landscaped gardens and walking trails.

Parking
Partial wheelchair access
Self-guided tours available
Washrooms
Photography allowed

Contact info

64 Sulphur Springs Road
Ancaster, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/fieldcote

Architecture

Year built: 1948
Building type: Museum

Dates/hours open

May 03, 12:00pm - May 04, 04:00pm

Bayview Yards Doors Open Ottawa

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Bayview Yards

Bayview Yards is Ottawa’s one-stop business acceleration shop — bringing together innovators, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, investors and community members. Built as a municipal works building, it once contained machinery storage and repair shops, stables, offices and stockrooms. Built of reinforced concrete with brick panels, it exemplifies the modern industrial architecture popular in Canada from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Digital Doors Open
Photography allowed
Virtual tours

Contact info

Bayview Station Road
Ottawa, Ontario
https://bayviewyards.org

Architecture

Year built: 1941-47
Building type: Government building