Celebrate the beginning of fall at London City Hall! Join them from the top-floor observation deck and enjoy a stunning aerial view of the Forest City. Participate in the visual scavenger hunt, which will be based on your observations from the deck. Coffee and treats will be available by donation, with all proceeds going towards the United Way Elgin-Middlesex campaign.

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.

The Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Segwun is North America’s oldest operating coal-fired mail steamship. During Doors Open, knowledgeable interpreters will guide you around this one-of-a-kind docked ship (still an operating post office). See the tiny galley that feeds people in two dining areas. View her triple-expansion steam engines. And see the lake from the captain’s perspective in the wheelhouse.

Step into the rich and vibrant history of the 1st Hussars Regiment and Cavalry Troop — from its inception in 1856 to the present day. At this museum, visitors can immerse themselves in outdoor displays, attend guided tours and listen to stories of volunteer soldiers’ experiences abroad while serving their nation. Gain insights into their bravery, sacrifices and contributions to history.

The Aylmer Baptist Church houses one of Ontario’s oldest Baptist congregations. Initially meeting in local homes and barns, the congregation moved to Aylmer in 1843, constructing a frame chapel at Pine and John streets. This was replaced by a brick building in 1871. In 1950, devastating fire destroyed the church. The rebuilt church was dedicated on November 11, 1951.

Aylmer’s Old Town Hall is now a beautiful theatre. Its restoration did not interfere with the original Italianate architectural design. On the exterior, you can still see its Florentine windows and brickwork. Poet Pauline Johnson graced the stage here. And Sir John A. Macdonald addressed the residents of Aylmer. This is a wonderful stop for the arts and entertainment.

Step into the shoes of Sir Frederick Banting, a national hero renowned for his groundbreaking discovery of insulin. Through guided tours and expert commentary, you will discover Banting’s significant contributions to art, medicine and military research. Explore the lesser-known aspects of Banting’s legacy through the Forty for Forty Ink exhibit, which showcases items rarely displayed to the public.

Discover the Brick Street Cemetery, a cherished pioneer site in London restored to its former glory. Delve into the lives of some of Westminster Township’s earliest settlers with optional guided and self-guided tours. Educational activities are provided for historians old and young, from learning stone masonry to deciphering Christian gravestone symbolism. Become a volunteer to help them preserve their heritage.

Located on the shore of Lake Muskoka, this site has housed hotels (as early as 1897 and again following the Second World War), tuberculosis sanitoriums (c. 1909-25) and a German prisoner-of-war camp (1940-46). Currently, the expansive lands include a privately developed plan for a subdivision, a public beach and a walking trail that includes information panels.

Public School S.S. No. 20, built in 1869, replaced an earlier log schoolhouse to serve the local Mennonite and Presbyterian communities. The current structure is a particularly handsome and well-preserved example of the single-room Victorian-era schoolhouse. Home to students for almost 100 years, it was closed in the 1960s. but continues to serve the local community as a meeting facility.

Visit the London Public Library for a day of hands-on activities! Take a photo with a historical London backdrop, record a digital note for the archives, and explore the Wolf Performance Hall on a behind-the-scenes tour. Discover their exhibits filled with historical photographs, artifacts and documents. Children can also engage in crafts and try out the new outdoor musical instruments. (Photo: Scott Webb)

Discover the essence of the world's oldest civilization through informational sessions that delve into Hindu philosophy and religion. Learn about Hinduism and its major rites by immersing yourself in ancient Hindu chants, prayers and key rituals. Participate in meditation sessions, join introductory yoga classes, sample sumptuous Indian cuisine, and explore classical South Asian art forms through music and dance demonstrations.

Experience the magic of Clayworx with captivating wheel throwing demonstrations, pottery displays and hands-on clay activities for all ages. As the home of the London Potters Guild, the historical 1897 building was the only guild-owned and -operated facility in Canada that is dedicated to the clay arts. Through guided tours, discover how the space evolved into a spectacular arts facility.

Come to Fanshawe Pioneer Village to experience what daily life was like for Londoners between 1820-1920. Enjoy vintage games, try family chores and learn about trades. Try out a historical printing press and take home your creation as a printer's apprentice. Hindu Legacy adds to the excitement with a spectrum of offerings of interactive cultural activities and educational sessions.

After the devastating 1877 Gravenhurst fire, the local fire department was established. A single-level building was constructed in 1969 to house the town’s fire and police stations. In 1993, a two-storey addition was made to accommodate municipal offices. Today, the former town hall continues to operate as Fire Station No. 1. Come and take a tour and watch firefighter training.

Discover the rich history of this beloved church nestled in the heart of London. Enjoy guided tours of its storied halls and grounds. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of its heritage as organ performances echo throughout the day. Join them for a journey through time and faith, exploring the timeless beauty and significance of their historical sanctuary.

This museum was started by Andy and Lotty van Kasteren, who collected dairy memorabilia since immigrating to Canada in the 1950s. They built the current structure, which was purchased by Gay Lea Foods in 2008. Located on 40 hectares (98 acres) of Carolinian forest, the site hosts school groups, family reunions, community living groups and more with events year-round.

This single-storey board-and-batten one-room schoolhouse was Public School S.S. No. 2 and the focal point for the early German Mills settlement. It’s set back from the main road on the schoolhouse’s original lot and surrounded by lawn and rows of spruce trees planted in the late 1890s. The school was closed in 1962 and is today a local community centre.

A cornerstone of Muskoka’s arts scene since 1901, the Gravenhurst Opera House is considered the birthplace of summer theatre in Canada. With its distinctive architecture, original proscenium arch and deep community roots, it remains a tradition worth coming back for. During Doors Open, go behind the scenes to explore its rich theatrical and cultural history. You might meet their ghost!

Heintzman House is one of the oldest buildings in Markham. Originally built as an adobe brick cottage dating from the early 19th century, the house was enlarged by Colonel George Crookshank in 1817. Charles T. Heintzman, grandson of the founder of Toronto’s Heintzman Piano Company, purchased the property in the 1930s and transformed the house into its present, elegant form.

Step back in time to an era when single-screen cinemas reigned supreme in London. Join the AlvegoRoot Theatre for a free, live performance of the play The Last Temptation of Cinema at this historical movie house that has been a sanctuary for film lovers across the city since it opened. Discover the thrill and appeal of the classic movie-going experience!

Come to the Jet Aircraft Museum and learn about the history of London’s aircraft industry. Trace the growth of the industry and explore the museum’s contributions to life in Forest City, including London’s famous annual air show. Visit the museum’s hangar and explore displays that feature local people who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Come and explore the rich history of the London Fire Department at the historical 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 this exhilarating experience in fire safety education.

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.

Come and 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. Kids can explore the Family Zone. Enjoy a wagon ride and learn more about the centre’s history.