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Doors Open Ontario:

37 Digital Doors Open sites

Auchmar Manor House Doors Open Hamilton Region

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

Auchmar Manor House

The Auchmar Estate is considered to be the last surviving country estate on Hamilton Mountain. It was built for the Honourable Isaac Buchanan, a local Scotsman, entrepreneur, politician and civic leader in 19th-century Canada. Visit this Gothic revival manor house and learn about its storied past before strolling the walled and landscaped grounds that surround it. No parking on site.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

88 Fennell Avenue West (at West 5th Street)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: Richard.Barlas@hamilton.ca
http://www.friendsofauchmar.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1852-54
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house

Boyd Heritage Museum Doors Open Kawartha Lakes

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Boyd Heritage Museum

The Boyd Heritage Museum in Bobcaygeon was founded to collect and exhibit information and artifacts related to the history of Bobcaygeon and the family of Mossom Boyd, the lumber baron whose business activities shaped the history of the village beginning in the mid-19th century. Come and explore the museum to learn about Bobcaygeon's past and the surrounding area.

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

Contact info

21 Canal Street East
Bobcaygeon, Ontario
Email: info@theboydmuseum.com
https://www.theboydmuseum.com

Architecture

Year built: 1889
Building type: Museum
Architect: John Belcher

Brown Homestead, The Doors Open St. Catharines

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Brown Homestead, The

Come and visit The Brown Homestead as its doors are once again opened to the community! The Brown Homestead is the site of the oldest house in St. Catharines. They are currently undergoing restoration work and are on their way to becoming an important cultural centre, a site for innovation, education, community connection and heritage advocacy.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

1317 Pelham Road
St. Catharines, Ontario
https://thebrownhomestead.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1796
Building type: Historical house

Bytown Museum: Commissariat Building Doors Open Ottawa

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Bytown Museum: Commissariat Building

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Ottawa’s oldest stone building. The Bytown Museum offers tours of the Commissariat Building throughout the day. Come check out their new temporary exhibit and award-winning gallery renewal, a showcase of their historical costume collection and their vault. Enjoy a fresh lemonade next to the Ottawa lockstation, part of the Rideau Canal UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

1 Canal Lane
Ottawa, Ontario
https://bytownmuseum.com

Architecture

Year built: 1827
Building type: Historical landmark Museum
Architect: The Corps of the Royal Engineers, Thomas McKay

Canada Council Art Bank Doors Open Ottawa

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  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Canada Council Art Bank

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.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Virtual tours
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

921 St. Laurent Blvd.
Ottawa, Ontario
https://artbank.ca

Architecture

Building type: Museum Gallery

Canal District, The Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie

New

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

Canal District, The

Francis H. Clergue arrived in the Sault in 1894 and established the Lake Superior Power Company and the Sault Ste. Marie Pulp and Paper Company Limited, building his own machine shop and foundry to create the machines he needed to run the businesses. Today, the property features pubs, restaurants, event spaces, The Rink and the train station.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

83 Huron Street
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
https://machineshopinc.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1899
Building type: Food and drink Historical landmark

Clare's Harley-Davidson of Niagara Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Clare's Harley-Davidson of Niagara

Throughout this store are architectural touches with reclaimed and re-purposed materials – including reclaimed brick, doors and woodwork, as well as a vintage window in the sales office and a countertop in the ladies’ washroom. Also, the art deco interior and fittings from Diana Sweets — a restaurant that operated for 75 years in St. Catharines — has now been fully restored inside!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

590 York Road
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: lisa@clarescycle.com
https://www.claresharleydavidson.com

Architecture

Year built: 2008
Building type: Commercial Historical landmark

Cotton Factory, The Doors Open Hamilton Region

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  • 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

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum Doors Open Ottawa

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Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

The Diefenbunker is Canada’s most significant surviving Cold War artifact. It is an impressive four-storey underground facility that operated as the country’s central communications headquarters during the Cold War, ready at any moment in case of a nuclear attack. Now a museum, the Diefenbunker offers a one-of-a-kind experiential learning environment, coupled with award-winning programs, events and exhibitions. Registration required.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Activities and games
  • Kid-friendly
  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse

Contact info

3929 Carp Road
Carp, Ontario
http://diefenbunker.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1961
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Military Museum
Architect: Defense Construction Canada

Dundurn National Historic Site — Dundurn Castle Doors Open Hamilton Region

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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

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Doors Open Toronto

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Enoch Turner Schoolhouse

Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, Toronto’s oldest standing and first free school, opened to the children of Corktown in 1849. It served as an important catalyst for accessible public education in the province. Today, the site is a museum and events venue where visitors can step back in time to an urban Victorian classroom. Come and tour the site for Doors Open.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

106 Trinity Street
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/etsh

Architecture

Year built: 1848
Building type: Museum Schoolhouse

Ermatinger Old Stone House Doors Open Sault Ste. Marie

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Ermatinger Old Stone House

Built in 1812-14 by Charles Oakes Ermatinger, the Ermatinger Old Stone House is one of the oldest stone buildings west of Toronto. It has served many purposes over the years — as a hotel, a sheriff's residence and, prior to being abandoned, apartments. Restored in 1967, the building is now a historical site and museum. For Digital Doors Open, watch the video below to discover why the Old Stone House was built, explore the Clergue Blockhouse (the private residence of Francis H. Clergue) and hear the tale of the transformation from a North West Company powder magazine.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

800 Bay Street
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Email: old.stone.house@cityssm.on.ca
https://saultstemarie.ca/Government/City-Departments/Community-Development-Enterprise-Services/Community-Services/Recreation-and-Culture/Historic-Sites-and-Heritage/Ermatinger-Clergue-National-Historic-Site/Heritage-Discovery-Centre.aspx

Architecture

Year built: 1812-14
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum

Exchange Brewery, The Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Exchange Brewery, The

Constructed in 1880, this building was Niagara's first telephone exchange. In 2015, it was transformed into a brewery, but retains some of its original features. Original hemlock floor joists became the second-floor bar and tabletops. Some nods to the building's use as a telephone exchange include brewing numbers (instead of names) and a tasting board shaped like a rotary dial.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

7 Queen Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Email: info@exchangebrewery.com
https://exchangebrewery.com

Architecture

Year built: 1880; adapted in 2015
Building type: Commercial Food and drink
Architect: Williamson Chong

Glanmore National Historic Site Doors Open Belleville

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario
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Glanmore National Historic Site

Glanmore is an excellent example of Second Empire architecture in Canada. Now a regional museum, it was built for banker J.P.C. Phillips. This year, with Glanmore celebrating its 50th anniversary as a museum and its 140th since the house was constructed, it will be hosting a special exhibit in the basement. Visitors can also take part in a scavenger hunt.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Activities and games

Contact info

257 Bridge Street East
Belleville, Ontario
Email: glanmoreinfo@belleville.ca
https://www.glanmore.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1883
Building type: Historical landmark Museum
Architect: Thomas Hanley

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site

The Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology is the site of the original 1859 Hamilton Waterworks. The museum features two 13.7-metre high (45 feet), 70-ton steam-powered pumping engines that supplied the city with clean drinking water from 1859 to 1910. Made in Dundas, these engines are the oldest surviving examples of their kind in North America today.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)

Contact info

900 Woodward Avenue
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: Richard.Barlas@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/steammuseum

Architecture

Year built: 1859
Building type: Historical landmark Museum
Architect: Thomas Coltrin Keefer

Heritage Building and Ottawa City Hall Doors Open Ottawa

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Heritage Building and Ottawa City Hall (Photo: City of Ottawa)

Heritage Building and Ottawa City Hall

Originally built as the Ottawa Normal School, this site is now Ottawa City Hall. Built in the Gothic Renaissance style, it reflects the influence of the Parliament Buildings — with Italianate windows and Romanesque columns. Purchased by the municipality in 1987, the restored building opened as city hall in 2001. The Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame is now permanently housed here.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Virtual tours

Contact info

110 Laurier Avenue West (Elgin Street entrance)
Ottawa, Ontario
https://ottawa.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1875
Building type: Government building
Architect: W.R. Strickland and Kivas Tully

Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum Doors Open Oxford-Ingersoll

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Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum

Ingersoll Cheese & Agricultural Museum

Now in its 45th year, this award-winning museum has become the focus of the Oxford County Cheese Trail and the hub of cycling in Ingersoll. Beginning as a cheese museum, it has since become a community museum, home of the recreated Oxford County Museum School. Start your Doors Open adventure here and pick up your guidebook and shopping vouchers.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Activities and games
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

290 Harris Street
Ingersoll, Ontario
Email: curator@ingersoll.ca
https://www.ingersoll.ca/cheese-and-agricultural-museum

Architecture

Year built: 1977
Building type: Attraction Food and drink Museum Schoolhouse

Lorne Scots Regimental Museum Doors Open Brampton

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Lorne Scots Regimental Museum

The Lorne Scots Regimental Museum opened in 1980 in what was once the old Brampton firehall. Come and explore the collection of historical and military artifacts that showcases the rich history of the regiment from 1792 to today. After your visit, walk up nearby Carnegie Lane for a preview of the museum’s new home in the former Carnegie Library.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

48 John Street
Brampton, Ontario
Email: museum@lornescots.ca
https://www.lornesmuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1910
Building type: Historical landmark Military Museum
Architect: Frank Wickson

MacNab Presbyterian Church Doors Open Hamilton Region

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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)

McMaster University Campus Architecture Tour Doors Open Hamilton Region

New

  • Digital Doors Open Icon Ontario

McMaster University Campus Architecture Tour

The McMaster Museum of Art has developed a self-guided walking tour that highlights architecture on the campus, with information about the history, evolution and styles of architecture along the way. Access the tour here, with photographs sourced from McMaster’s digital archives. You can follow the text descriptions or use headphones and be guided by recorded audio.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Activities and games
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

Start at the McMaster Museum of Art on Sterling Street
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: shawl17@mcmaster.ca

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Museum on the Boyne Doors Open Simcoe County

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Museum on the Boyne

The Museum on the Boyne houses a large collection of household, agricultural, industrial and archival artifacts with exhibits that trace the growth of South Simcoe from its early settlement to present day. It features a 1914 agricultural fair building, an 1865 log house and an 1858 barn. Come for a tour, explore the site and check out the gift shop!

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

250 Fletcher Crescent
Alliston, Ontario
Email: boynemuseum@newtecumseth.ca
https://www.newtecumseth.ca/en/parks-recreation-and-culture/museum-on-the-boyne.aspx

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Historical house Museum

National Air Force Museum of Canada Doors Open Quinte West

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National Air Force Museum of Canada

Established in 1984, the National Air Force Museum of Canada is dedicated to preserving and telling the history of Canadian military aviation. The museum — with over 7,000 square metres (75,000 square feet) of exhibition space with an adjoining 6-hectare (16-acre) air park — captures the spirit, daring and courage of the men and women of the Royal Canadian Air Force.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos
  • Activities and games
  • Collections and resources
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

220 RCAF Road
Astra, Ontario
http://airforcemuseum.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1984
Building type: Attraction Military Museum

Niagara Apothecary Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake

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Niagara Apothecary

Step through these doors and see how pharmacists practised their profession over 100 years ago. The apothecary opened in the late 1860s at this location and closed in 1964. The Ontario Heritage Trust acquired the property, led its restoration and opened it as a museum in 1971. Operated by volunteers from the Ontario College of Pharmacists.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

5 Queen Street
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/properties/niagara-apothecary

Architecture

Year built: 1818
Building type: Historical landmark Museum
Architect: Peter Stokes (restoration architect)

O'Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area Doors Open Hastings County

New

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O'Hara Mill Homestead and Conservation Area

Where nature meets history! The O’Hara legacy began in 1789 when Patrick O'Hara arrived from Ireland and busied himself with starting a sawmill and creating a thriving homestead. Today, the O’Hara Mill Homestead is an opportunity to relive the day-to-day hardships and rewards of early pioneer life. Come and explore the restored original farmhouse, sawmill, carriage-house, shed and woodworking shop.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Videos

Contact info

638 Mill Road
Madoc, Ontario
Email: jamesohara1880@gmail.com
https://www.oharamill.ca

Architecture

Year built: early 1900s
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Schoolhouse

Ontario Legislative Building Doors Open Toronto

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Ontario Legislative Building

Come and explore Ontario’s Legislative Assembly — an impressive structure that has been home to the province’s legislature since 1893. Alongside oak floors and Italian marble finishes is artwork from the Government of Ontario Art Collection. During Doors Open, visitors can enjoy several exhibits on a self-guided tour that includes the legislative chamber. There’s even an outdoor scavenger hunt for kids. (No tripods allowed.)

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Virtual tours
  • Activities and games

Contact info

111 Wellesley Street West
Toronto, Ontario
https://www.ola.org

Architecture

Year built: 1893
Building type: Government building
Architect: Richard A. Waite; E.J. Lennox and George Gouinlock (later additions)