Rideau Hall has been the official residence of every Governor General of Canada since 1867, and their workplace since 1940. It has nearly two centuries of history, and has become an important gathering place and site of official activities. The grounds, the building and its interiors have evolved over time to reflect/reinforce Rideau Hall’s identity as a national symbol.

This single-storey building is home to the tv Rogers and Rogers tv community production studios, where they create 300 original hours of programming every year. Come and visit the studios and learn more about the fascinating world of television. Check out their volunteer opportunities. Or suggest an idea for programming you’d like to see developed here.

Headquartered in the historical building where the Mint was founded in 1908, this facility produces hand-crafted commemorative coins, gold and silver bullion, medals and medallions. A tour of the operations explains the many different coin manufacturing technologies. For an unforgettable souvenir, hold a 24-karat pure gold bar worth over $700,000.

The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada has guided learning for specialist physicians so they can deliver the best health care for all. This landmark building, which overlooks the Rideau Canal, is a classically inspired structure — featuring impressive stained glass and an interior courtyard. It was formerly a monastery for the Sister Adorers of the Precious Blood.

This is one of Ottawa’s monuments of religious architecture. The church boasts two bell towers — the largest of which showing Norman influence while the smaller is more Orthodox-inspired. Known for its exceptional acoustics, it hosts regular concerts by the Ottawa Chorale Society and Pro Organo Ottawa. Explore the site, noting its magnificent organ and the bells that came from France.

Designed by Hobin Architecture, the new School of Photographic Arts: Ottawa (SPAO) building was completed in just 43 days in the heart of Little Italy. The contemporary, purpose-built design is quintessential to the development of photography, with room for the SPAO Centre Gallery, classrooms and the most well-appointed darkroom in the Ottawa region.

Visit this unique museum to view collections that show how scouting contributed to Canada’s heritage while helping to develop youth into valued citizens. See displays of photos, uniforms, badges, scrapbooks, diaries and other memorabilia. The museum also houses their own amateur radio station (VE3SHQ), which allows youth to participate in the largest on-air and on-the-internet scout gatherings in the world.

The exterior of the Southminster United Church is Nepean sandstone, the same stone used for the Parliament Buildings. The entrance ends at a pointed arch gate that leads into the church porch, which opens into the narthex. Beyond is the nave, which consists of five bays on each side, a central aisle and smaller aisles on each side.

This site is a unique, non-denominational place of worship. Sathya Sai Baba’s life message is to "love all, serve all" and "help ever, hurt never," strongly promoting the unity of faiths as depicted through symbols and messages on the centre’s pillar. During your Doors Open visit, explore the stupa at the entrance, the main prayer hall, library and classrooms.

Having outgrown an earlier church, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian was constructed in 1872 with wood provided by Ottawa lumber baron, J.R. Booth. Of note are the splendid stained-glass windows and the high vaulted ceilings. The raised pulpit is uniquely placed along the west wall. This placement follows the Scottish Presbyterian tradition that sees the ministers as teachers, with children around them.

This church was built a few years after the congregation was granted full status. The Christian Education Centre was added in 1955. A hall and offices were set up across the street, but that building was sold. Note the plaque that is dedicated to members of the congregation who served or were killed in the Second World War.

This red brick building is a familiar Ottawa landmark. Note the separate entrance for the community thrift shop, while another door is the way into The Well — a day program for women. Throughout the summer, their Indigenous Engagement Coordinator offers smudging each Sunday. The bell can be heard throughout the neighbourhood. Music can also often be heard when passing by.

St. Margaret’s Anglican Church Vanier was the first Ottawa-area church to feature an apse. The ceiling of the sanctuary with its 12 apostle panels was painted by artist J.W.H. Watt, who also created the painting behind the altar. The pews were repurposed from a chapel at the University of Ottawa. Note the brass plaque commemorating Canadian landscape poet Archibald Lampman.

Although St. Mary the Virgin, Blackburn no longer offers Sunday services, it is available for use as a venue for musical presentations, art shows, a coffee house and more. Over the years, many changes and upgrades have been made. The stained-glass window was donated following the World Wars. The adjacent cemetery, too, pays homage to generations of area settlers.

Built to serve Ottawa’s growing German-speaking Lutheran community, this church replaced an earlier wood-frame structure. It still retains some of the original stained-glass windows, the altarpiece, and its beautiful woodwork and beams. One of Ottawa’s earliest organs, a Casavant pipe organ, was installed in 1888. Sir John A. Macdonald and Governor General Lord Lansdowne made donations to the new construction.

Explore the wonders of this heritage building, which offers live entertainment and special amenities. Built in 1892 and shared with the Stouffville United Church, this venue holds historical value and offers a welcoming space for local artists and event goers. During Doors Open, there will be live entertainment, refreshments, a bake sale and a sound and lighting demonstration.

Suntech is a commercial greenhouse that supplies Ottawa's grocery stores with tomatoes and cucumbers. They use hydroponics to reduce water consumption and give exact nutrients to the plants in conjunction with LED lights in certain crops. They also focus on providing the highest quality vegetables to local markets, meaning that their carbon footprint is reduced. Don’t miss the tasting tables!

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.