St. John's was one of the first Anglican churches built in Upper Canada. It is the oldest one standing and in use in Ontario. Begun in 1793, the church was completed and used as a place of worship in 1794. Fire destroyed it in 1925 and it was rebuilt that same year, continuing to offer services to the present day.

The congregation (established in 1852) worshipped in a frame church erected in 1851 just west of the present church. The original structure was moved to the Tugwell Farm, where it still stands. The limestone for the current church was cut and prepared by inmates of the Kingston Penitentiary. The cornerstone of the present sanctuary was laid in 1883.

Reverend James Peter Scanlon formed an Anglican congregation in the late 1950s. This congregation purchased land for a new church that was officially opened on May 1, 1959. After being partnered to various Anglican parishes, St. Peter’s became its own parish on July 1, 1979. Learn more about this church and its history during Doors Open Loyalist Township.

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.

Unveiled on August 17, 1920, this cenotaph honours five members of the local community who passed away in the First World War: Walter Bush, William R. Davy, Herbert Blanchflower, James Hutchison and Harry Smooth. Walter Bush, a survivor of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, later died when struck by enemy artillery. Come and discover the area's First World War history.

Since 1867, the Wilton Cheese Factory has been a hub of cheese production. In 1921, a farmers’ co-operative took over, ramping up production to 226,800 kilograms (500,000 pounds) annually. In 1978, Arne M. Jensen purchased the factory, where they still continue the old-world curing process. Visit during Doors Open Loyalist Township to explore their history and savour their renowned cheese!

The Wilton Church was built in the late 1800s. In 1963 and 1975, the church underwent renovations, drastically altering the church's interior and exterior. In 2004, the church decided to merge with the Wesleyan Methodist Church of Canada. Today, it continues as an active church, offering programs to all ages. Come and learn more about this church's unique history.

This limestone hall was originally the Wilton Wesleyan Methodist Church. It was built in the 1840s in what was then a thriving farming and mill community. Today, it is owned by Loyalist Township and cared for by the Wilton Community Association who took on its day-to-day management with a mandate to foster community spirit and encourage public use.

At this special event, Jay Shea from the Odeiwin Foundation will offer a unique learning experience during the opening of the Community Garden at the Jean-Baptiste Lainé Site. This opening will include giving thanks to the land through words and songs, a plant identification tour and a seed-pack giveaway. The Odeiwin Foundation offers Indigenous-led programs to support Indigenous people.

Established as a Heritage Conservation District in 2024, Stouffville Junction North offers much to explore. Business began to boom here with the opening of the Toronto and Nipissing Railway in 1871. Come and learn about the district as well as the town’s Heritage Awards and Commemorative Plaque Program. The 1.5-hour tour has a limit of 30 people. Sturdy shoes recommended. (Photo: Stouffville Train Station, c. 1900, accession no. 991.043.150.)

Formerly the Terry Fox Centre, 1805 Gaspé is now a community, multi-tenant, multi-purpose building that houses a farmers’ market, private school, day care centre, Caribbean catering business and home to neighbourhood programs. This three-storey building has been beautifully renovated and repurposed, with an airy foyer that greets visitors. The addition of an elevator makes all floors fully accessible.

The AIDS Committee of Ottawa has served the community for nearly 40 years, providing support, prevention, education and outreach services that promote the holistic well-being of those living with, affected by, impacted by and at risk of HIV/AIDS in Ottawa. Overlooking the Rideau Canal, this home offers services such as subsidized gym memberships, food bank, laundry and office support.

This building was constructed on the eve of the Second World War as a church and bomb shelter. During the war, people came to pray to the Theotokos of the Passion icon for the safe return of their loved ones. All the young community men returned from the war. This icon remains a source of comfort during times of need.

In 1978, Ottawa’s mayor recommended establishing a municipal arts centre, arts council, arts festival and a permanent art collection for the city. This building initially served as the Carleton County Court House, purpose-built in 1870-71. It was slated for demolition in 1980, but it was saved by the city and turned into the Arts Court. It officially opened in 1988.

The Bank of Canada head office is known for its unique architecture — balancing modern and classical styles. The original granite building spoke of stability and tradition. In 1979, it was partially enclosed by modern glass office towers and a large indoor atrium. The complex has continued to evolve, with the addition of a conference centre, museum and an outdoor plaza.

Celebrate the York Regional Forest at this innovative building that creates more energy than it uses. Functioning as the hub for York Region Forestry’s educational programming, this centre was built using local and recycled materials. In 2018, the building became the first LEED Platinum-certified building in Canada. During Doors Open, visit the displays and take a tour of the facility.

The main house here is considered to be one of the oldest homes in Ottawa. The Billings family lived here for five generations. Once a large agricultural property, parts of the estate were given to different family members or sold off. Today, what remains is a museum, several outbuildings and a cemetery for more than 140 community and family members.

Experience the many outdoor learning opportunities that the Blue & Silver Farm can offer. Built in 1860, this farm — with over 30 hectares (75 acres) — was donated in 2021 to Pickering College by Charles Boyd, who left behind a legacy as an educator. Come and experience a tour of the property, greenhouses, forests and the outdoor kitchen.

Constructed in 1961, this is one of two treatment plants operated by the City of Ottawa to supply drinking water to almost one million people. Its source water is the Ottawa River. The treatment process removes undesirable substances — such as colour, suspended particles, algae, bacteria and viruses. Over the years, the site has seen significant expansion and modernization.

This state-of-the-art building, located within the Earnscliffe National Historic Site, has been the official residence for British high commissioners for more than 90 years. The building has LEED Gold status, with reduced water consumption inside and native and drought-resistant vegetation throughout the grounds. Note: Due to renovations, the High Commissioner’s residence will not be open, but the grounds will be.

Experience nature's gifts at Bruce's Mill Conservation Park. Walk along the forest trails, admire the high tree canopy, and practise your swing on the driving range. Learn more about the park and conservation! During Doors Open, enjoy a tour or take a guided hike of the conservation area. Entrance fees to be waived for Doors Open Whitchurch-Stouffville.

The ByWard Market has been Lowertown’s focal point since 1848. This particular site has served as a market since 1875. The present building is the fifth to house the market. Home to food merchants, specialty boutiques and artisans operating in indoor and outdoor spaces, the ByWard Market Building is a landmark. For Doors Open, enjoy special tours, displays and presentations.

With over 17,000 artworks by over 3,000 artists, the Canada Council Art Bank houses the largest collection of contemporary Canadian art in the world. The collection houses paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs and prints by emerging and established artists, including a significant number of Indigenous artists. The collection is also regularly featured at the Canada Council for the Arts main office.

The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN), part of the Department of Canadian Heritage, were created in 1972 to advance and promote the conservation of Canada’s heritage collections. The building houses over 20 laboratories, metal and wood workshops and over 100 offices. Don’t miss “Captain Conservation,” an imposing fiberglass sculpture over the front entrance.

St. Thomas Christians can trace their origins to the arrival of St. Thomas on a lagoon in Malankara, India. Built in 2017, this 2,137-square-metre (23,000-square-foot) building contains a beautiful 750-seat sanctuary, seniors’ recreational room, youth room and spectacular chandeliers. Take a guided tour, browse exhibits to learn about faith, beliefs and rich cultural heritage, and stop by the food sale.