Come and tour this facility and learn about its proud 132-year history of dedicated policing service delivery to the community and its residents. Working in partnership with the community, they provide the highest quality policing services, building on past successes and implementing future strategies that will result in efficiencies, a reduction in crime, and best practices.

Step into the shoes of Sir Frederick Banting, a national hero renowned for his groundbreaking discovery of insulin. Through guided tours and expert commentary, you will discover Banting’s significant contributions to art, medicine and military research. Explore the lesser-known aspects of Banting’s legacy through the Forty for Forty Ink exhibit, which showcases items rarely displayed to the public.

This former schoolhouse serving School Section No. 18 was built in 1877 in the classic one-room schoolhouse form. The round arch windows on the front add a touch of Romanesque revival and Italianate styles to an otherwise utilitarian structure. Now used as a community centre, the school was closed in the 1960s with the introduction of centralized schools and bussing.

Discover the Brick Street Cemetery, a cherished pioneer site in London restored to its former glory. Delve into the lives of some of Westminster Township’s earliest settlers with optional guided and self-guided tours. Educational activities are provided for historians old and young, from learning stone masonry to deciphering Christian gravestone symbolism. Become a volunteer to help them preserve their heritage.

Located on the shore of Lake Muskoka, this site has housed hotels (as early as 1897 and again following the Second World War), tuberculosis sanitoriums (c. 1909-25) and a German prisoner-of-war camp (1940-46). Currently, the expansive lands include a privately developed plan for a subdivision, a public beach and a walking trail that includes information panels.

Public School S.S. No. 20, built in 1869, replaced an earlier log schoolhouse to serve the local Mennonite and Presbyterian communities. The current structure is a particularly handsome and well-preserved example of the single-room Victorian-era schoolhouse. Home to students for almost 100 years, it was closed in the 1960s. but continues to serve the local community as a meeting facility.

Visit the London Public Library for a day of hands-on activities! Take a photo with a historical London backdrop, record a digital note for the archives, and explore the Wolf Performance Hall on a behind-the-scenes tour. Discover their exhibits filled with historical photographs, artifacts and documents. Children can also engage in crafts and try out the new outdoor musical instruments. (Photo: Scott Webb)

Discover the essence of the world's oldest civilization through informational sessions that delve into Hindu philosophy and religion. Learn about Hinduism and its major rites by immersing yourself in ancient Hindu chants, prayers and key rituals. Participate in meditation sessions, join introductory yoga classes, sample sumptuous Indian cuisine, and explore classical South Asian art forms through music and dance demonstrations.

Experience the magic of Clayworx with captivating wheel throwing demonstrations, pottery displays and hands-on clay activities for all ages. As the home of the London Potters Guild, the historical 1897 building was the only guild-owned and -operated facility in Canada that is dedicated to the clay arts. Through guided tours, discover how the space evolved into a spectacular arts facility.

Come to Fanshawe Pioneer Village to experience what daily life was like for Londoners between 1820-1920. Enjoy vintage games, try family chores and learn about trades. Try out a historical printing press and take home your creation as a printer's apprentice. Hindu Legacy adds to the excitement with a spectrum of offerings of interactive cultural activities and educational sessions.

After the devastating 1877 Gravenhurst fire, the local fire department was established. A single-level building was constructed in 1969 to house the town’s fire and police stations. In 1993, a two-storey addition was made to accommodate municipal offices. Today, the former town hall continues to operate as Fire Station No. 1. Come and take a tour and watch firefighter training.

Discover the rich history of this beloved church nestled in the heart of London. Enjoy guided tours of its storied halls and grounds. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of its heritage as organ performances echo throughout the day. Join them for a journey through time and faith, exploring the timeless beauty and significance of their historical sanctuary.

This museum was started by Andy and Lotty van Kasteren, who collected dairy memorabilia since immigrating to Canada in the 1950s. They built the current structure, which was purchased by Gay Lea Foods in 2008. Located on 40 hectares (98 acres) of Carolinian forest, the site hosts school groups, family reunions, community living groups and more with events year-round.

This single-storey board-and-batten one-room schoolhouse was Public School S.S. No. 2 and the focal point for the early German Mills settlement. It’s set back from the main road on the schoolhouse’s original lot and surrounded by lawn and rows of spruce trees planted in the late 1890s. The school was closed in 1962 and is today a local community centre.

Step back in time to the world of a typical grandmother’s wartime kitchen. Learn about how “Gramma” contributed to the war effort through rationing. Discover what kinds of roles women played during wartime — not just in the kitchens but in the fields. As part of Doors Open, explore this kitchen and try some tasty delights from Canada and Great Britain.

A cornerstone of Muskoka’s arts scene since 1901, the Gravenhurst Opera House is considered the birthplace of summer theatre in Canada. With its distinctive architecture, original proscenium arch and deep community roots, it remains a tradition worth coming back for. During Doors Open, go behind the scenes to explore its rich theatrical and cultural history. You might meet their ghost!

Heintzman House is one of the oldest buildings in Markham. Originally built as an adobe brick cottage dating from the early 19th century, the house was enlarged by Colonel George Crookshank in 1817. Charles T. Heintzman, grandson of the founder of Toronto’s Heintzman Piano Company, purchased the property in the 1930s and transformed the house into its present, elegant form.

Step back in time to an era when single-screen cinemas reigned supreme in London. Join the AlvegoRoot Theatre for a free, live performance of the play The Last Temptation of Cinema at this historical movie house that has been a sanctuary for film lovers across the city since it opened. Discover the thrill and appeal of the classic movie-going experience!

Come to the Jet Aircraft Museum and learn about the history of London’s aircraft industry. Trace the growth of the industry and explore the museum’s contributions to life in Forest City, including London’s famous annual air show. Visit the museum’s hangar and explore displays that feature local people who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Come and explore the rich history of the London Fire Department at the historical W. Peter Harding Fire Hall #4 in the heart of Old North. Learn essential tips to prevent kitchen fires — the top cause of fires in Ontario. Explore artifacts and images unveiling the heroic evolution of fire services. Join this exhilarating experience in fire safety education.

During Doors Open London, take a guided tour of the London Police headquarters! Experience exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the London Police Service's history and operations. Enjoy a rare opportunity to peek inside a police vehicle and learn about different police units. Explore the firearms range, meet with officers and see specialized equipment up close.

Come and learn how modern innovations in science and biotechnology are being used to reduce insect pests in crops, make crops less reliant on fertilizer, use plants to make vaccines, and develop crops that are more resistant to diseases. Kids can explore the Family Zone. Enjoy a wagon ride and learn more about the centre’s history.

This fire station was established in 2019 when two smaller stations were amalgamated. Designed to enhance operational efficiency and community service, the station serves as a hub for both emergency response and training. It includes a training room, kitchen, gym, changerooms, a training tower, and a vehicle bay that accommodates various pumpers. Come and see how this station functions.

The Manor at Gravenhurst is a welcoming retirement home with amenities and activities, and new friends waiting to meet you. Built in 1931 as the Martin Manor Hotel, it now houses 45 suites. Visit during Doors Open to experience its hospitality and historical charm — including preserved features like an old hotel telephone booth. Come see why generations call it home.

Built in 1907, this two-room schoolhouse held junior grades on the first floor and senior grades upstairs. It was closed in 1969. The property was later purchased for a community museum. Note: Only this building will be free during Doors Open. The rest of the museum is not part of the event and will require paid admission.