The Ottawa Hospital is a world leader in cancer research. During Doors Open, discover fascinating cancer research with a behind-the-scenes tour of a lab, and an opportunity to explore the lab’s high-tech tools. For safety reasons, visitors must be 16 years or older. Forty-minute guided tours leave every hour from the Cancer Centre lobby. Space is limited. Registration is required.

The Centretown Mosque was constructed in 1911 as the First United Church — the site of Canada’s first mixed-raced marriage. Since then, it was also the Ottawa Chinese-Canadian Heritage Centre. Today, it is the first mosque to serve Ottawa’s Muslim community. Fundraising campaigns are currently underway to help preserve the site’s history — including two beautiful halls, an organ and stained-glass windows.

Built in 1872, this church was constructed to harmonize with the new Parliament buildings. Named the Cathedral of the Diocese in 1897, it continues to nurture faith in creative and traditional ways. Architectural features include soaring ceilings, magnificent windows and the bell tower, home to the 516-pound bronze bell cast for the original church in 1839.

St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church was built of local limestone. It remains an active place of worship and a concert venue today, with a history that’s closely intertwined with that of the local community, the city of Ottawa and the nation. Artifacts and windows remind us of those connections — particularly the stained-glass window behind the altar and the magnificent Létourneau organ.

In 1975, CKCU became the first campus-based community radio station in Canada. It continues to be a pioneer in community broadcasting, serving as a voice for many Ottawa identities and communities not served by the mainstream media. Offering over 100 programs in over 10 languages, CKCU is committed to diversity. Come witness live radio in the making!

Holy Theotokos is a Greek Orthodox convent that not only follows the traditional order but also manufactures pure beeswax candles. During Doors Open, visitors can tour the chapel and the candle shop to see how this property has changed and adapted over time. Don’t forget to stop by for lunch at the Greek souvlaki and pastry tent.

The Jean-Baptiste Lainé Site was home to a remarkable late-16th-century ancestral Wendat community. Of all the sites in Southern Ontario that have been almost completely excavated, it is considered to be one of the largest and most complex. During Doors Open, explore and learn about this amazing archaeological site with self-guided tours and a staffed interpretation table.

The Lemonville School was constructed in 1923 as S.S. #9 and expanded in 1959. The school closed in 1969, reopening as the Lemonville Community Centre in 1972. Today the building serves as a multi-purpose space while maintaining its community roots. Explore the building’s past and chat with volunteers about the building’s fascinating history. Winner of the 2023 Whitchurch-Stouffville Heritage Awards!

Opened in 2024, the Memorial Park Multi-Purpose Trail provides an accessible space for winter sport and offers year-round recreation space for residents of all ages. Measuring 275 metres (900 feet), the trail allows users to walk, use scooters and rollerblade during the warmer months. Walk the trail loops but don’t miss the nearby building to see the ice resurfacer.

This designated heritage home, built in 1885 for the village veterinarian, currently houses the offices of Morra Caruso Law. It features the original dining room pocket doors, large, crafted wood baseboards and plaster crown moulding. Take a staff-led tour and enjoy refreshments and a presentation of photos in the boardroom. Winner of the 2024 Whitchurch-Stouffville Heritage Award!

As the only brewery in Stouffville, Muddy York Brewing Co. serves as a hub for both locals and visitors. Opened in 2023, Muddy York has gone beyond being a brewery and retail store, offering a unique venue for events. During Doors Open, come and enjoy a staff-led tour of the facility and learn about their locally crafted beverages.

The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Humane Society provides care, comfort and compassion to animals in need across the province. Join an educational behind-the-scenes tour of the Animal Centre, interact with animals, play games and learn to be animal smart. During Doors Open, there will also be a vendor market. Pre-registration required for the tours.

Richardson Masonic Lodge prides itself as a well-established institution dedicated to the cultural, social and moral development of men 21 years of age and older. Enjoy a tour, presentations of the history of Richardson Lodge Masonic Hall, a fundraiser and light refreshments. Also be sure to check out the sundial out front!

Adults and children alike can visit the Richmond Hill Live Steamers to experience miniature railway demonstrations. This outdoor model railway, run by hobbyists and engineers, features several gauges of trains running on steam, gasoline and electric power, based on real engines dating back to 1803. Rides are limited to one per person. Last admission at 2 p.m.

Explore the wonders of this heritage building, which offers live entertainment and special amenities. Built in 1892 and shared with the Stouffville United Church, this venue holds historical value and offers a welcoming space for local artists and event goers. During Doors Open, there will be live entertainment, refreshments, a bake sale and a sound and lighting demonstration.

Founded in 1990, the Whitchurch Stouffville Food Bank is entirely volunteer based, providing support for residents impacted by food insecurity. Visit this site and experience a self-guided tour, get behind the scenes, and learn food sorting skills that you can take home with you. You may also be inspired by one of their many recipes.

The Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre has preserved and interpreted local heritage since 1971. This year, you can engage with different behind-the-scenes areas of the museum to learn about the lifecycle of an artifact — from donation to display. With over 18,000 artifacts, there is much to see. Explore their heritage buildings and exhibition galleries, including the newly restored Bogarttown Schoolhouse!

This is the birthplace of James Shaver Woodsworth, one of the founders of the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation. A Member of Parliament during Mackenzie King’s term, Woodsworth was instrumental in enacting old-age pensions and unemployment insurance. The house was rescued from demolition in 1980 and moved to its current location. Today, it is largely used for weddings, special events and filming.

Canada’s second-oldest rowing club is also the birthplace of the Toronto Argonauts football team. Located along the waterfront trail’s western shores, the club offers programs to fit different needs, abilities and interests. Take a tour of the facility, explore the Trophy Room, enjoy a coffee in the Henley Room, and see some of the best views of Lake Ontario.

Windfields Estate was the principal residence of E.P. Taylor (1901-89). The family bequeathed the property to the municipality in 1987. Toronto filmmaker Norman Jewison (1926-2024), founder of the Canadian Film Centre, made the estate the Centre’s permanent home. Since 1988, they have delivered advanced training in film, television and screen acting to more than 2,000 creators from across Canada.

The Canoe Landing Community Recreation Centre is a new, state-of-the-art recreation facility that opened in June 2020. It is a beautiful, universally accessible site with great views inside and out. Through consultations, the community had a big say in what they wanted to see featured in the building. Today, it is the place to be.

Estonian Museum Canada presents its home, Tartu College, as part of Doors Open Toronto 2025. Built in 1970, the college is known mostly as a student residence. But, for local Estonians, it is one of their most important cultural community centres, featuring diverse and lively programs. Their collection has grown into what is now the largest Estonian-themed collection outside Estonia.

Built in the 1890s as a Foresters' Hall, this building served as home to Toronto’s first English-speaking Mennonite congregation. The First Narayever congregation, founded in 1914, bought the building in 1943, It has been an orthodox synagogue ever since, evolving into the egalitarian-traditional congregation it is today. From 2020-23, the shul completed a major renovation, making the building fully accessible.

Ukrainian immigrants bought land in Kensington Market to build a synagogue. Completed in 1927, Kiever Synagogue’s exterior features twin-domed towers crowned with stars of David and two main staircase entrances. The interior includes a hand-carved Torah ark, paintings of biblical animals and signs of the zodiac. In 1979, the Kiever became the first building of Jewish significance to be designated.

The Potter's Studio, established in 1972, has been a major contributor to the ceramic community in Toronto with workshops and classes. It recently relocated to this Scarborough location. Come and visit the large, bright, airy studio and experience the potting process — from wheel throwing and hand-building to glazing and firing pots. Warning: Some visitors may find this craft addictive.