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Doors Open Ontario:

734 In-person Doors Open sites

Hamilton Cemetery Gatehouse Lodge Doors Open Hamilton Region

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Hamilton Cemetery Gatehouse Lodge

The gatehouse at Hamilton Cemetery is a historical landmark, showcasing Gothic revival architecture with charming stonework and arched windows. Built in 1854, the gatehouse was once the cemetery caretaker’s home and a chapel. Today, it serves as the arrangements office and administration offices for all 71 cemeteries operated by Hamilton Municipal Cemeteries. Join a tour at 2 p.m. each day.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

777 York Blvd.
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: amoroz@hamilton.ca
http://hamiltoncemeteries.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1854
Building type: Private residence
Architect: William Hodgins

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 04, 02:00pm

Hamilton Craft Studios Doors Open Hamilton Region

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Hamilton Craft Studios

Hamilton Craft Studios is a 1,300-square-metre (14,000-square-foot) multidisciplinary craft space in a historical wire factory in downtown Hamilton. Panoramic windows fill the space with natural light. The second floor houses woodworking and fabrication spaces, while the third floor features ceramics, textiles and general arts studios — offering tools, equipment and shared workspaces for makers of all skill levels.

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

Contact info

121 Princess Street
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: hello@hamiltoncraftstudios.com
https://hamiltoncraftstudios.com

Architecture

Year built: 1904
Building type: Studio Factory

Dates/hours open

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

Hamilton Police Museum (Tisdale House) Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Hamilton Police Museum (Tisdale House)

Tisdale House is the oldest home in Ancaster. In the 1820s, the building was occupied by "Charcoal Burner" John O’Neil and housed two charcoal kilns. Later, the house became an undertaker’s parlour run by George Moore. The house has been fully retrofitted and is now home to the Ancaster Community Policing Centre and the Hamilton Police Museum.

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

Contact info

314 Wilson Street East
Ancaster, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1806
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Museum

Dates/hours open

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

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Archives Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Archives

Located at the Hill Park Learning Centre, the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Archives contains records and memorabilia of almost 350 former and current Hamilton-region schools. The volunteers and staff will be illustrating the many schools in Hamilton Region that have been repurposed to residential or commercial use. This is a treasure trove for former students and families!

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

465 East 16th Street
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: hhillgre@hwdsb.on.ca
https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/community/archive

Architecture

Year built: 1988
Building type: Educational facility Archives

Dates/hours open

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

Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority Doors Open Oshawa

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Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority

The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority offers port/marine assets to support Ontario industries and to facilitate trade. The Port of Oshawa is Durham Region's gateway to the world, handling more than 500 vessels over the past decade. Oshawa is one of the few cities that can boast an airport, rail lines, a deep-sea port, and 400-series highway — giving industry a competitive edge.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1621 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario
https://www.hopaports.ca

Architecture

Building type: Commercial Transportation

Dates/hours open

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

King John Buildings Doors Open Hamilton Region

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King John Buildings

The restoration project at this site brings together two 19th-century heritage buildings — each with an elegant façade. Only by combining the two buildings was it possible to bring the structures to modern standards and code, rather than demolishing them. The architects kept the old character and plaster walls while updating mechanical and structural aspects of the building.

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

Contact info

62 King Street East
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: info@kingjohnbuilding.ca
https://www.bermingham.studio/newpage

Architecture

Year built: 1850
Building type: Commercial
Architect: Toms + McNally Design (renovation)

Dates/hours open

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

LIVELab Doors Open Hamilton Region

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LIVELab

This innovative concert hall has a virtual acoustic system. It advances research on human interaction and music's impact on health. It is also used to assist Parkinson's patients, improve music listening for the hard of hearing, and enhance creativity in performances. This acclaimed national treasure offers a unique contribution to understanding the power of music. Limited availability. Pre-registration required.

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

Contact info

1280 Main Street West
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: livelab@mcmaster.ca
https://livelab.mcmaster.ca

Architecture

Year built: 2014
Building type: Educational facility
Architect: McCallum Sather

Dates/hours open

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

Magnolia Hall (formerly St. Mark's Church) Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Magnolia Hall (formerly St. Mark's Church)

As an Anglican church, St. Mark’s served the community for over 100 years before closing in 1989. Now owned by the City of Hamilton, the site has undergone extensive restoration, preserving the heritage character of the building and park, while adding modern services, gardens and accessibility. It now has a new life as a community arts and cultural programming space.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

115 Hunter Street West (corner of Bay Street South and Hunter Street West)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/stmarks

Architecture

Year built: 1877
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

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

McLaughlin Bandshell Doors Open Oshawa

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McLaughlin Bandshell

This art deco-inspired bandshell was a gift from R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors Canada, to the City of Oshawa. It was constructed in 1942 to give the Oshawa Civic Band a place to perform and practise. Before this, they practised in the Orange Hall over a grocery store near the four corners and the armouries on Simcoe Street North. 

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

110 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1942
Building type: Theatre

Dates/hours open

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

McMaster University Campus Architecture Tour Doors Open Hamilton Region

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  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

McMaster University Campus Architecture Tour

The McMaster Museum of Art has developed a self-guided walking tour that highlights architecture on the campus, with information about the history, evolution and styles of architecture along the way. Access the tour here, with photographs sourced from McMaster’s digital archives. You can follow the text descriptions or use headphones and be guided by recorded audio.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Food vendors
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Activities and games
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

Start at the McMaster Museum of Art on Sterling Street
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: shawl17@mcmaster.ca

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Oshawa Museum: Henry House and Guy House Doors Open Oshawa

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

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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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

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  • 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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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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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

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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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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