The Ismaili Centre, Toronto, is a place of congregation (Jamatkhana) and a community centre, serving as a symbolic marker of the permanent presence of the Ismaili community in Canada. During Doors Open, explore the Centre’s stunning architecture and enjoy a guided tour — including the prayer hall with its crystalline dome. (No tripods allowed.)

The Westdale was built in 1935 as Hamilton's first cinema equipped to show “talkies” — motion pictures with sound. It is the centerpiece of Westdale Village. In 2016, a group of arts and culture-minded Hamiltonians decided to save it from developers. Today, The Westdale has been beautifully restored into a stunning art deco, single-screen theatre and multidisciplinary performance space.

This 1902 site is now home to one of Canada's oldest alternative theatre companies: Theatre Passe Muraille. Designated in 1974, the building was transformed into an arts space that holds two theatres. Passe Muraille has a history of mentoring and offering affordable space to much of Toronto’s independent performing arts community. It is known for its work in fostering access/inclusivity.

For 35 years, Theatre Tillsonburg has delivered unforgettable live theatre experiences. Based at the Otter Valley Playhouse, this vibrant community theatre presents three productions each season, along with workshops, camps and special projects year-round. Whether you enjoy watching, learning or performing, Theatre Tillsonburg welcomes you to experience the magic of live theatre.

The Theatrix Costume House is located behind an Edwardian gable front beside the fabric district on Ottawa Street. Theatrix has one of the largest collections of costumes available in North America, with over 50,000 professional-quality costumes and accessories from every century. During Doors Open, they are thrilled to showcase music-inspired costumes. The team will be delighted to dress up, too!

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.

This studio features the work of Ale Groen, whose practice explores themes of identity and objecthood. Across multiple series, Groen examines the tension between knowledge and the unknown, drawing parallels between the act of understanding and the act of creation. Visitors can expect an engaging selection of sculptures and paintings of various sizes.

This building was designed in 1922 by John M. Lyle (1872-1945) for the Thornton-Smith Company, an antique furniture and interior design firm. The crowning jewel of this property is its Aperture Room — a stunning event venue that keeps the 100 years of history on Yonge Street alive by boasting exposed brick, hardwood floors, three magnificent skylights and original windows.

TIFF Lightbox is a five-storey podium featuring a public atrium, five cinemas, two galleries, three learning studios, two dining spaces and the Film Reference Library. Since its 2010 completion, it has been the permanent home for the Toronto International Film Festival as well as year-round educational, festival and new release programming. Explore artifacts, hands-on activities and guided tours (pre-registration required).

The Tillsonburg Pioneer Cemetery, established in 1838 and closed in 1881, is one of the oldest cemeteries in the area. Many early settlers, including the Tillson family, are buried there. A 2015 restoration added an obelisk, benches, section markers and a gateway, preserving its history and honouring those interred.

The Tillsonburg Station Arts Centre is a non-profit, charitable community arts hub housed within two beautifully reimagined 19th-century train stations. Serving as a vibrant creative centre, it features art galleries, hands-on workshops and an artisan shop showcasing the work of talented local artists. With year-round cultural programming for all ages, the centre fosters creativity, learning and connection within the community.

Todmorden Mills allows visitors to immerse themselves in Toronto's past. It features a collection of 19th-century industrial and domestic buildings (including a paper mill that houses the Papermill Theatre and Gallery), a former brewery, two restored period homes and a wildflower preserve. Discover Toronto’s history through the people who made the lumber, flour, beer and bricks that built this city.

Established in 1967 as a memorial to iconic Canadian landscape artist Tom Thomson, this gallery houses a nationally significant collection of the artist’s works and artifacts. It develops exhibitions and programs that enrich the region and contribute to a national visual arts discourse. Completely renovated in 1988, the gallery features exhibition halls, collection storage, an educational studio and atrium.

Topsy Farms is a popular tourist destination offering hiking trails, farmyard activities, events, workshops and classes. During Doors Open, explore the farm and property with some fun activities. Hike through a 6-km (3-mile) forest trail, immerse yourself in the organic garden, skip stones at the beach, visit with farm animals and enjoy a scavenger hunt made just for kids.

In 2025, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority unveiled their new head office, bringing together cutting-edge sustainability design and practice. One of North America’s most sustainable buildings, it boasts low greenhouse gas emissions. Look for the beautiful cascading water walls and the naturally lit atrium. See how green building design in an urban landscape can integrate with the natural environment.

The Toronto Camera Club was incorporated in 1893, with its origins back to 1888. It is the oldest camera club in Canada, and among the first in North America. It has occupied a major place in the culture of Toronto. The club has a working darkroom and gallery in the basement, a two-storey auditorium and a gallery for photographic exhibits.

By 1899, the burgeoning Toronto Carpet Manufacturing Company Limited outgrew its original space and moved into this impressive new factory. The structures were built in the classic 19th-century style around a central quadrangle and powerhouse. During Doors Open, tenant suites (largely design studios) will be available to view, showing how the complex continues to provide spaces that inspire new ideas. (Photo: Ben Rahn, A-Frame)

This building is one of Toronto’s most famous landmarks and a year-round gathering place. The design showcases the civic square, the podium and the circular council chamber, creating a sculptural quality that makes it such a striking landmark. Doors Open visitors can view the 27th-floor observation deck, the council chambers and the Hall of Memory. Special programming throughout the weekend.

The Toronto Humane Society (THS) is one of Ontario’s largest animal welfare organizations. With over 135 years of providing care for animals, the THS is an industry leader in shelter care, animal training, behavioural consultations and veterinary services. It is their mission to improve the lives of animals. Knowledgeable volunteers be on hand for tours and questions. Bring your camera! (No tripods allowed.)

The Architecture Building is home to the Department of Architectural Science at Toronto Metropolitan University. Completed in 1981, this unique building with dramatic atriums was designed by the acclaimed Canadian architect Ron Thom (1923-86). Thom also designed Massey College (1963) at the University of Toronto, the Toronto Zoo (1974), the Shaw Festival Theatre in Niagara-on-the-Lake (1973) and numerous other projects.

This world-class facility was the largest sport-related new build for the 2015 Toronto Pan Am and Parapan Am Games and the largest infrastructure investment in Canadian amateur sport history. The 29,000-square-metre (312,000-square-foot) centre includes two internationally sanctioned 10-lane, 50-metre (164-foot) pools, a world-class dive pool and dryland dive training facilities, a four-court gymnasium, an indoor running track and more!

The Toronto School of Art is housed within a historical building. Over the years, it has been everything from a garment factory to an artist commune. Purchased in 2016, it has been the school's permanent home since 2019. With preserved century-old features and six light-filled studios, the school continues to be a vital part of Toronto’s art community.

The Star has been a Toronto institution since it was founded in 1892. Step inside their newsroom where award-winning journalism is made. Meet some of the team and learn more about the Star’s long-standing history. Enjoy family-friendly crafts and bring home a souvenir. The Star has also been making a difference in the lives of children for 100-plus years.

Finch Yard is one of six Toronto Water operations yards in the city. This yard will showcase some of the equipment, tools, technology and materials that Toronto Water uses to ensure the distribution of high-quality water and the collection of waste-water — including 67,000 valves, 42,000 hydrants, 10,000 km (6,200 miles) of sewers, 155,000 maintenance holes and 170,000 catch basins.

The iconic Toronto-Dominion Centre is the vision of two Canadian corporations who collaborated to change the face of Toronto's Financial District. An outstanding model of the international style of architecture, the TD Bank tower opened in 1967 and changed the future of Canadian business, introducing the modern workplace to a business community eager to step up and compete internationally.