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 former Sydenham Community School, built in 1967, was an elementary school until 2017. In 2018, Grey County purchased the 4,200-square-metre (45,000-square-foot) building and turned it into a regional hub now called Sydenham Campus. The partners and tenants form a collection of trainers and businesses that support workers, entrepreneurs and local organizations by providing access to education and training.

Come and visit the offices of Taylor Hazell Architects. This 1919 art deco building, located in the West Toronto Junction neighbourhood, was purchased by the architecture firm in 2021 and adapted for their practice. The ground and lower floor of the office will be open for lectures and demonstrations by senior staff over the course of the Doors Open weekend.

The Textile Museum of Canada is the only museum in the country dedicated to exploring the human experience through textiles. Originally located in Mirvish Village, it moved to its permanent location in 1989. Highlights include a brand-new Collection Gallery (featuring a selection from the 15,000-object collection), the Textile Learning Hub and Reuse Program, and the Gift Shop. (Photo: Darren Rigo)

This charity and Toronto agency is dedicated to the health, happiness and full participation of 2SLGBTQ+ communities. The original Edwardian-inspired building underwent major refurbishment and expansion in 2010. Local advocacy and serving the public is central to this organization, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Enhanced programming and guided tours will be provided by staff, volunteers and board members.

For over 50 years, the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air of Liberty Village. The Canada Bread Company baked and packaged bread and bread products here until 2012 when the building was decommissioned. Today, after being retrofitted, over 500 people work in this building complex. As a salute to its past, it was renamed The Bakery.

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.

The Corleck, the new home of the Canada Ireland Foundation, is a contemporary arts and culture space on Toronto’s waterfront. Highlights of this restored building include its performance space, heritage brickwork and patio with views to the Islands and Toronto skyline. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Ireland Park, a space dedicated to Irish Famine commemoration.

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)