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.

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.

Explore the design legacy of Martin Simmons Sweers Architects — Waterloo Region's longest operating architectural firm. Discover how this award-winning firm has shaped the built environment of Waterloo Region and beyond over the last eight decades. Tour their offices and meet the architects and designers behind their work, and learn how they shape sustainable, functional architecture in the community.

McDougall Cottage, a granite and limestone labourer’s home, is located in downtown Cambridge. Celebrated for its century-old hand-painted murals and heritage gardens, this scenic site offers engaging programs, inviting visitors of all ages to explore the rich layers of local history and culture and to connect with the community. During Doors Open, enjoy Scottish shortbread and kids’ crafts.

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.

Discover The Hub — home to MCC’s material resources and thrift processing, including their innovative new meat cannery. Tour the facility, explore behind-the-scenes operations and join the Buckets of Thanks event to pack a relief kit for someone affected by conflict or disaster. See how they “meat” urgent needs and make a global impact — one can, one kit at a time.

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.

Join the Perimeter Institute as they celebrate their 25th anniversary! Step inside one of the world’s premier centres for theoretical physics. This unique opportunity lets you enjoy rare behind-the-scenes access to celebrate scientific discovery — with interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for all ages. The event kicks off a week-long celebration that spotlights science, innovation and community impact across Waterloo Region.

The Pressworks Building was constructed in 1969 to house the presses for Fairway Publishing. In 1996, the building was carefully disassembled and re-erected in its current location, preserving a piece of history otherwise slated for demolition. The building has since been expanded and renovated as a collaborative space that ABA Architects now calls home.

This congregation celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, with 74 years in this location! Tour this beautiful space and discover the artwork, stained glass and wood carvings. Enjoy short recitals featuring the Schlicker pipe organ, Kawai grand piano, and ensembles. Activities in the Parish Activity Centre include a kids' craft, a tone chime station for hands-on play, displays and refreshments.

Lights, camera, action! Rogers tv, Cable 20 is Waterloo Region’s local community channel, covering issues, events, entertainment, sports and all things local. During Doors Open, come and tour the studio, control room and mobile unit. You will get an exclusive look at how shows are created and meet the people who make it happen.

Come and see the Roseville Church, a place of worship since 1852. A tragic 2017 car accident resulted in the original building being demolished. In its place, a new, expanded sanctuary was built in 2019. Take a guided tour, learn about their history and hear how they are reaching out to, and collaborating with, the community today.

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.

Do you envision a future where older adults live life to the fullest? Our goal is to change the way we age in Canada. The RIA supports research in several areas and mobilizes that research into programs, resources and education. Explore their state-of-the-art building and lab spaces, meet their researcher and staff and learn how you can get involved.

Visit Schneider Haus to view some rarely seen treasures from their collection — including the world’s oldest crokinole board. Speak with staff about the historical importance of these items and how they are preserved. Engage all your senses in the historical house and discover the new stories they are sharing. Play crokinole and other outdoor games in their green spaces.

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. This year, the Severn Bridge Agricultural Society celebrates 150 years of the Severn Bridge Fall Fair. For 150 years, people have gathered to enjoy horse competitions and livestock displays, as well as baking, quilting, knitting, photography and painting. Come and see where it all happens.

Explore the built heritage of London’s SoHo neighbourhood on a captivating tour led by Western University’s Public History program. Discover the area’s thriving immigrant communities and the legacy of the old Victoria Hospital. Learn about the new Vision SoHo Alliance block, where Western's former Faculty of Medicine and the War Memorial Children’s Hospital are being transformed into supportive housing.

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.