Built in 1907 to replace an 1864 school, this two-room schoolhouse held junior grades on the first floor and senior grades upstairs. It was closed in 1969 following school reorganization. The property was purchased by the city for use as the Markham Museum. Note: Only this building will be open for free during Doors Open. The museum will charge admission.

The design of this building was inspired by late 19th-century firehalls and features an 18-metre (60-foot) replica of a hose drying tower, historically common to most firehalls. This firehall was designed to fit into the context of historical Markham Village. During Doors Open Markham, come and visit the station and learn more about fire prevention.

The restoration of this original 1871 railway station was the first major project of the Markham Village Conservancy, with restoration completed in 2000. The exterior paint colours were reproduced from c. 1910 when the rail line was part of the Grand Trunk Railway. Today, the station serves GO Transit commuters and functions as a community centre for meetings and classes.

This distinctive example of Ontario vernacular architecture features Gothic revival and classical revival detailing. It was originally the home of Salem Eckardt, a local auctioneer. Group of Seven artist Frederick Varley lived here in his later years; he had a studio in the basement. The space now showcases the work of local artists and provides a studio for art instruction.

The Pettit family settled in Elgin County generations ago. Murray Pettit bought a farm in 1957 and transitioned to dairy farming. His son Tom (with his wife Kris) continued the family tradition despite setbacks (including two tornadoes). They opened Mistyglen Creamery in 2022 to provide healthy, local farm-fresh milk and food, while continuing to honour their dairy farm heritage.

Come to the Royal Canadian Regiment Museum where history is yours to unveil. Through self-guided tours and interactive, family-friendly activities, learn about the history of Canada’s military since the 1860s. Discover Canada’s contributions to major world conflicts, NATO and UN missions, as well as domestic operations. Don’t miss the special programming of military music with pipes and drums.

The hidden history of radar at the Secrets of Radar Museum helps us honour veterans and share their stories. By preserving experiences and artifacts from those who safeguarded secrets for 50 years, the museum allows visitors to learn about the history of radar and its impact. This year, visit the new meteorology exhibit and discover Canada’s contribution to weather radar.

An annual fall festival has been held on these fairgrounds since 1903, but the fair itself has run since 1873. Organized by the Severn Bridge Agricultural Society — a non-profit, charitable organization made up of local volunteers — the Severn Bridge Fall Fair continues to provide family entertainment and raises awareness about the importance of agriculture in the community.

The Springwater Conservation Area began in 1971 by the Catfish Creek Conservation Authority. It provides an ideal environment for outdoor education, wildlife observation, nature studies, hiking and general relaxation. It features a spring-fed reservoir that offers swimming, non-motorized boating and fishing. Or choose from one of their hiking trails. Picnic areas also offer ample space for outdoor sports and recreation.

Experience Anglican tradition at St. Martin’s. Built in 1956-57, with additions made in 1963, the church has long connections to the Oakridge community. During Doors Open, tour the church and view artifacts and documents outlining St. Martin’s history. Enjoy church organ performances by the Director of Music. On Sunday, come for a full choral service and a jazz vespers service.

Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral on your own or through a guided tour. Enjoy world-renowned artwork, magnificent pipe organ music and enlightening guest speakers, while enjoying light refreshments. Children are invited to learn about the story of Daniel through Godly Play. On Sunday, come early for the weekly service or stay late for evensong.

Over the years, many improvements have been made to this community church. In 1923, beautiful stained-glass windows were added to the sanctuary. A Christian Education building was completed in 1956 — which contains an auditorium and stage, offices and classrooms, a kitchen and washrooms. In 1995, the congregation celebrated its 150th anniversary. Then, in 2000, the building itself celebrated 125 years.

While the Talbot Street Church has changed over the years and its congregation has become more diverse, they remain committed to serving downtown London. During Doors Open, take a guided or self-guided tour. Engage with knowledgeable staff and learn fascinating stories. Listen to the pipe organ. Join a scavenger hunt (and win prizes). And enjoy a complimentary beverage.

Plan to visit one of Canada’s oldest remaining railway stations and one of the few 19th-century stations still in its original trackside location. Constructed in 1870 for the Toronto & Nipissing Railway, this unique building is clad in board-and-batten siding with a gable roof and six-over-six paned windows. The municipality restored the building as a community centre in 1989.

Situated in Unionville’s historical village core, the Varley Art Gallery is an excellent example of post-modern architecture that complements and contrasts with its neighbouring heritage buildings. The gallery — named after Group of Seven artist Fred Varley, who lived in Unionville in his later years — is home to a fine collection of the artist’s works, as well as those of other Canadian artists.

This brick two-storey high school was built in 1892, adding to an older grammar school building. With the introduction of the railway, higher education was now accessible for students in other nearby villages. After 1954, with the opening of a new high school, the building became home to the Markham Union Masonic Lodge. Today, it is a thriving co-working space.

Come and watch a re-enactment of activities from the time of the War of 1812. You will also learn how the war influenced Southwestern Ontario — through its many local battles and skirmishes, and General Sir Isaac Brock’s decisive victory at Fort Detroit. The 1812 Royal Scots Grenadiers participate in re-enactment events throughout Ontario and the United States.

Discover Canada’s oldest conservation club, established in 1875. Take lake and land tours with their education guides to learn about this unique natural area – which features many bird species, a freshwater pond, and numerous species of fish and game. Explore the club’s history through displays in the club hall and learn from demonstrations in fly tying, fishing skills and more.

Located in the former Brown’s Corner/Buttonville Schoolhouse, the York Region District School Board’s Museum & Archives collects and preserves the history of public education in York Region. The collections, from the 1850s, reflect ongoing changes to public education. Come and experience life as a student in the late 1800s by writing with pen and ink and on a slate.

York University’s new state-of-the-art campus is in Markham Centre, the community’s new downtown. The design of this building defines a collegial academic community within a series of interconnected, multi-storey spaces. Academic programs and research revolve around technology and entrepreneurship. Come and take a tour of this fascinating site. Parking is available at the Pan Am Sports Centre next door.

Discover the magic of the London Children’s Museum at their new location — designed for children by children! Explore innovative exhibits and interactive play spaces. Experience the new Discovery Lab through family-friendly, nature-inspired crafts. Guests can also engage in a hands-on experience that celebrates the sights and sounds of the Forest City. And immerse yourself in music and dance performances.

Meyers Creek Brewing took possession of this building in the fall of 2018. Over the course of the next five years — through the pandemic — they slowly peeled back the layers of renovations, ultimately uncovering the original 1884 brick building and its rich history. This beautiful space is now their taproom, with additions housing the brewery production business.

This museum has been an art, culture and heritage hub in downtown Orillia for over 25 years. They strive to provide an inclusive space to engage community, inspire creativity and celebrate culture through art and history. During Doors Open, view remnants of the building’s past as a post office and customs house. There’s even a jail cell in the basement!

Constructed in 1872-73 by architect John D. Evans (the builder was John Forin) as Belleville’s market building and town hall, this attractive structure — with its tall clock tower — has dominated the downtown landscape for over 150 years. Architect Bill White’s imaginative renovations (1987-88) preserved many original interior architectural features, while adding 929 square metres (10,000 square feet) of new space.

The Belleville Masonic Temple was built in 1950 to provide a new meeting place for community events for the then-four active lodges and their concordant bodies. This hall can seat up to 150 guests and contains a fully serviced kitchen and a fully licensed bar. During Doors Open, enjoy this rare opportunity to explore inside a Masonic temple.