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.

The Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is the largest community museum in Ontario, with stories and histories of Waterloo Region. In addition to visiting this museum, stop by select buildings at the nearby Doon Heritage Village (which showcases rural life in 1914) during their renovations — a bonus for Doors Open visitors exclusively. Enjoy pilot programming at Doon and provide feedback.

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 legacy of Martin Simmons Sweers Architects — Waterloo Region's longest operating architectural firm. Discover how this award-winning firm has shaped Waterloo Region’s built environment — and beyond — over the last eight decades. Tour their offices. meet the architects and designers, and learn how they shape sustainable, functional architecture in the community. For kids, check out Urban Minds — Reimagine Uptown.

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.

Visit Muskoka Steamships, where the heritage is older than Canada. The first ship steamed Lake Muskoka in 1866.  The Royal Mail Ship (RMS) Segwun can be viewed from the dock until 11:30 a.m.  The beautifully restored Wanda III, powered by a new electric system, will be available for limited hours to tour at the dock. Volunteers in the workshop will be available for questions. (Photo: Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre)

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. The event kicks off a week-long celebration that spotlights science, innovation and community impact across Waterloo Region. Registration required.

The Pressworks Building was constructed 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 houses ABA Architects. For kids, check out Urban Minds — The Architect’s Adventure.

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.