Events
Sites
Filter sites by: (add a filter)
  • 1. Content type
  • 2. In-person services
  • 3. Digital services
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

Viewing

Doors Open Ontario:

151 In-person Doors Open sites

Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury Doors Open Oshawa

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury

This brick armoury on a stone foundation contains a large drill hall. The square towers that flank the drill hall façade emphasize its fortress motif. The armoury is a recognized federal heritage building because of its historical associations and its architectural and environmental values. Come and view the military equipment and visit the main floor and officers' mess.

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

Contact info

53 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Military

Dates/hours open

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

Cotton Factory, The Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Cotton Factory, The

The Imperial Cotton Factory, built in 1900, ran as a factory until 1972. It has been repurposed as the largest creative hub in the Hamilton area — with studios for artists, artisans, musicians, craftspeople and entrepreneurs. Film and television productions, photographers and special events are also drawn here. This year's Door's Open Hamilton is also the Cotton Factory's 10th anniversary.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

270 Sherman Avenue North
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: laura@cottonfactory.ca
https://www.cottonfactory.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1900
Building type: Commercial Green building
Architect: E.B. Patterson

Dundas Museum & Archives Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Dundas Museum & Archives

Opened in 1956, the Dundas Museum & Archives is a private, non-profit museum that collects, interprets and celebrates the unique identity of the Valley Town. As part of Doors Open Hamilton, they welcome the public to tour its permanent galleries. As well, you can visit the historical c. 1848 Doctor's Office and the 1873 Pirie House.

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

Contact info

139 Park Street West
Dundas, Ontario
Email: kevin@dundasmuseum.ca
https://dundasmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1873, 1956, 1963, 2013
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Museum
Architect: McCallum Sather (2013 addition)

Dates/hours open

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

Dundurn National Historic Site — Dundurn Castle Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Dundurn National Historic Site — Dundurn Castle

Dundurn Castle is one of the finest examples of high regency-style architecture in the country. Constructed in the 1830s for Sir Allan Napier MacNab (railway magnate, lawyer and politician), the buildings deteriorated under subsequent owners, but were restored in the 1960s to their original splendour. Today, Dundurn Castle tells the story of the MacNabs and the people who served them.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

610 York Blvd.
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: Richard.Barlas@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/dundurn

Architecture

Year built: 1835
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum
Architect: Robert Wetherell

Durham College — Oshawa Campus Doors Open Oshawa

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Durham College — Oshawa Campus

Durham College — Oshawa Campus, a leader in teaching and learning, boasts a vibrant campus culture, serving more than 13,700 full-time and 14,600 professional and part-time students. During Doors Open, guided campus tours (registration required) will showcase the campus and its state-of-the-art learning spaces. If you can’t make it on May 4, register for their May 7 Program Information Night.

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

Contact info

2000 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario
https://durhamcollege.ca/event/program-information-night-oshawa-3

Architecture

Building type: Educational facility

Dates/hours open

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

Fire Station No. 6 Doors Open Oshawa

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Fire Station No. 6

Oshawa’s newest fire station is a 992-square-metre (10,675-square-foot) single-storey building, designed to complement the historical legacy of Windfields Farm. Built on the former Windfields Farm land (the birthplace of champion racehorse Northern Dancer), the building also reflects the area's agricultural history. Tour this unique space, explore a collection of Windfields Farm memorabilia and view fire safety information.

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

Contact info

2339 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario
https://www.oshawa.ca/en/fire-services-community-support/fire-stations.aspx

Architecture

Year built: 2016
Building type: Green building Fire station
Architect: Thomas Brown Architects Inc.

Dates/hours open

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

Grace Anglican Church Doors Open Hamilton Region

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Grace Anglican Church

Situated in a park-like setting, Grace Anglican Church is known for many things: the beautiful building, the surrounding cemetery and its wide-ranging charitable works. The sanctuary has been updated many times to include stained glass, an organ and other details. The grand hall offers community functions, often including music. This idyllic small-town community church thrives in Waterdown.

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

Contact info

157 Mill Street North
Waterdown, Ontario
Email: office@graceanglicanwaterdown.org
https://www.graceanglicanwaterdown.org

Architecture

Year built: 1860
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

May 04, 10:00am - May 05, 04:00pm

Hamilton Military Museum Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

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: Richard.Barlas@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 04, 10:00am - May 04, 04:00pm

Hamilton Police Museum (Tisdale House) Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

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 04, 10:00am - May 05, 04:00pm

Hamilton Wentworth District School Board Archives Doors Open Hamilton Region

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

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 of the archives will be compiling photos, records and possibly videos of the music presented at high schools in the area. A treasure trove for former students and families.

  • 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

Dates/hours open

May 04, 10:00am - May 05, 04:00pm

Lister Building, The Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Lister Building, The

The Lister Block features a two-level, L-shaped interior shopping arcade and distinctive terracotta and brick façade. It is one of Hamilton's first multi-purpose commercial office/retail buildings. Built in 1923, it was restored in 2012. Join architect-led tours both days (every hour from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) and explore a Tourism Hamilton presentation inside.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

28-44 James Street North
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: Richard.Barlas@hamilton.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1924; renovated 2009-11
Building type: Commercial
Architect: Bernard Prack; restoration by WDG Architects

Dates/hours open

May 04, 10:00am - May 05, 04:00pm

LIVELab Doors Open Hamilton Region

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

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. 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 04, 10:00am - May 05, 04:00pm

MacNab Presbyterian Church Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

MacNab Presbyterian Church

The MacNab Presbyterian Church was completed in 1857 during a cholera epidemic. The exterior is solid stone masonry with an updated slate roof. After the First World War, nine-window stained-glass windows by the Scottish artists William Wilson and James Ballantyne were installed. The sanctuary has stone walls and columns, blonde wood and a magnificent Casavant organ.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

116 MacNab Street South
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: macnabsec@cogeco.ca
https://macnabpresbyterian.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1854; 1935
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: William Thomas (1857); Albert Hills (1930s); Stewart McPhie and William Somerville (1935 addition)

McLaughlin Bandshell Doors Open Oshawa

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

McLaughlin Bandshell

The art deco-inspired bandshell — designated in 2024 — was a gift from R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors Canada, in 1942 to the City of Oshawa. During Doors Open Oshawa, enjoy a performance by the Oshawa Civic Band at 11:30 a.m. The War Memorial and Cenotaph set in Memorial Park celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

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

Contact info

110 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario
https://www.oshawa.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1942
Building type: Theatre

Dates/hours open

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

Ontario Regiment Museum Doors Open Oshawa

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Ontario Regiment Museum

The Ontario Regiment Museum is the official military history museum of Durham Region's own local Canadian Army unit, the Ontario Regiment Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. It is also home to Canada's largest collection of operational, historical military vehicles. Rides in the museum's M548 "Battle Bus" and M113 armoured personnel carriers will be available at an additional cost during Doors Open.

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

Contact info

1000 Stevenson Road North (Airport South Field)
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: sam@ontrmuseum.ca
https://www.ontrmuseum.ca/tankmuseum

Architecture

Building type: Attraction Military Museum

Dates/hours open

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

Playhouse Cinema, The Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

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 04, 10:00am - May 05, 01:00pm

Robert McLaughlin Gallery, The Doors Open Oshawa

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Robert McLaughlin Gallery, The

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) was founded in 1967, expanded in 1987 and designated in 2024. It is the largest public art gallery in Durham Region with a collection of over 4,700 works, focusing on the continuing story of Canadian abstraction. During Doors Open Oshawa, try some hands-on artmaking from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

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

Royal Canadian Legion Battlefield Branch 622 Doors Open Hamilton Region

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Royal Canadian Legion Battlefield Branch 622

Stoney Creek’s Fox Theatre opened on October 20, 1952 and ran successfully until 1965, when it closed. In 1979, it was renovated and re-opened as the Royal Canadian Legion Battlefield Branch 622. This clever adaptive reuse has transformed a lovely mid-century modern theatre into a community space used today for a wide variety of functions. Enjoy musical performances both days.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

12 King Street East
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Email: rains@rogers.com
https://stoneycreeklegion.weebly.com

Architecture

Year built: 1952
Building type: Military Theatre

Dates/hours open

May 04, 10:00am - May 05, 04:00pm

Second Marsh Wildlife Area and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve Doors Open Oshawa

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Second Marsh Wildlife Area and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve

This outdoor, city-owned area, run by the Friends of Second Marsh, connects people with nature through interpretative, educational and stewardship services. It is a coastal wetland that features marshes, meadows and woodlot habitats. Visitors arrive at the adjacent McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. Discover this incredible natural area that is unknown to most citizens of Oshawa.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • 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 04, 10:00am - May 04, 04:00pm

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Doors Open Hamilton Region

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church

Founded in 1826, St. Andrew's has been at the heart of the historical Ancaster Village for almost 200 years. The stone Gothic revival church was completed in 1875; the bell dates from 1835. There were renovations in 1961 and 1990, then again in 2018. The main entrance was redesigned and an elevator was installed.

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

Contact info

31 Sulphur Springs Road
Ancaster, Ontario
Email: karen.staubin33@gmail.com
https://standrews.ws

Architecture

Year built: 1875
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

May 04, 10:00am - May 05, 04:00pm

St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church Doors Open Hamilton Region

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Lawrence the Martyr Roman Catholic Church

Built in 1890, this church was designed in the Romanesque style. With its open plan, stained-glass windows, interior artwork, 1908 Casavant pipe organ and 7.6-metre-high (25-foot) Carrera marble altar, St. Lawrence is a treasure in Hamilton’s north end. There will be live demonstrations of the organ being played throughout the weekend, and complimentary food/drink at noon on May 5.

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

Contact info

125 Picton Street East
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: aadenham@hotmail.com
http://stlawrencehamilton.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1890; 1908 (pipe organ installation); 1935 (renovations); 1955-65 (interior renovations)
Building type: Place of worship
Architect: Robert Clohency

Dates/hours open

May 04, 10:00am - May 05, 04:00pm

Windfields Farm Doors Open Oshawa

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Windfields Farm

The historical Windfields Farm — birthplace of celebrated horse Northern Dancer — has been transformed into a sustainable agricultural research centre for the Ontario Tech University. This open-air laboratory pioneers innovative farming methods, conserves biodiversity and integrates renewable energy. Shuttle-bus access only: In celebration of Oshawa’s centennial, a shuttle bus will take you from Ontario Tech’s Campus Ice Centre to the site.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

285 Britannia Avenue West (or catch the shuttle bus from the parking lot at 2200 Simcoe Street North, Founders Lot 5)
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: events@ontariotechu.ca

Architecture

Building type: Educational facility Farm

Dates/hours open

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

Guelph City Greenhouses Doors Open Guelph

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Guelph City Greenhouses

Nestled in Riverside Park, above the floral clock, these greenhouses grow gorgeous planters that decorate downtown streets and municipal buildings. See how City staff prepare for the spring planting, and see the plan for this year’s floral clock and Blossom Express. While here, check out other amenities in Riverside Park, including the Enabling Garden and the children’s playground.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

709 Woolwich Street
Guelph, Ontario
https://guelph.ca/park/riverside-park

Architecture


Dates/hours open

Apr 27, 10:00am - Apr 27, 04:00pm

Guelph Little Theatre Doors Open Guelph

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Guelph Little Theatre

In 1935, the first Little Theatre opened at Guelph City Hall. In 1993, a fire forced the theatre out of the Salvation Army Hall on Dublin Street. In 1997, it moved into a former welding shop that now features a 288-seat raked auditorium, gracious lobby, rehearsal hall, workshop and dressing rooms.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

176 Morris Street
Guelph, Ontario
https://guelphlittletheatre.com

Architecture

Year built: 1960
Building type: Theatre

Dates/hours open

Apr 27, 10:00am - Apr 27, 04:00pm

Heritage Hall Doors Open Guelph

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Heritage Hall

This building, previously a British Methodist Episcopal Church, was built in 1880 by former Black slaves using limestone quarried from Essex Street. In 2012, the Guelph Black Heritage Society purchased and renovated the site, which is now a cultural, historical and social centre. Experience the mosaic tile Underground Railway quilt that tells the story of Guelph’s Black community.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

83 Essex Street
Guelph, Ontario
https://guelphblackheritage.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1880
Building type: Historical landmark Place of worship
Architect: William Slater

Dates/hours open

Apr 27, 10:00am - Apr 27, 04:00pm