401 Richmond is a heritage-designated industrial building turned arts-and-culture hub. The building was originally constructed in several phases between 1899 and 1923 for the Macdonald Manufacturing Company. It operated as a tin factory, best known for its lithographic work. That artistic lineage is still seen today with a community of nearly 150 artists, cultural producers, non-profits and micro-enterprises. (Photo: Vik Pahwa)

Housed in a 1940s canteen, this is the last surviving building from London Airport's WWII British Commonwealth Air Training Plan base. The London Aviation Museum commemorates Canadian and Commonwealth airmen trained here. A scavenger hunt and a hands-on activity highlighting key pieces will be available for kids. Visitors can gently handle a WWII practice bomb and guess its weight. Enjoy musical performance!

Constructed in 1912 for the Consumers Gas Corporation, this site welcomes visitors during Doors Open to learn about the activities and services that the city’s Transportation Division provides. Go behind the yard doors to explore traffic signs, road maintenance equipment and the salt storage area. Or see and learn about various service vehicles — including street sweepers, flushers and more.

A first-of-its-kind 9-square-metre (100-square-foot) mural of vinyl album covers and grooves that showcase historical Toronto scenes. Artist David Heard blends heritage, music and art into a vibrant installation. On view on the café level of Aurora Town Square, it offers an uplifting, visually dynamic interpretation of the city’s layered history.

Aardvark Learning Academy is a tutoring centre for adults and children learning English, Math, French and Japanese. Our mission is to empower students to accelerate their dreams. While here, try your hand at Shodo (Japanese calligraphy), learn how to hold/move a brush and complete a masterpiece. Participants can come up with a word that they want to write or copy a prepared word.

Officially opened on September 30, 2014, The Advanced Research Complex is a research building at the University of Ottawa, dedicated to multidisciplinary work in Earth sciences, physics and engineering. Guests of Doors Open 2026 will be able to take part in hands-on demos for all ages, conversations with local researchers and laboratory tours. 

Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum was established and developed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contribution made by Muslim civilizations to world heritage. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, see how cultures connect with one another. During Doors Open, enjoy special tours, activities and performances throughout the museum and its adjacent park. (Photo: Janet Kimber)

The AIDS Committee of Ottawa has served the community for nearly 40 years, providing support, prevention, education and outreach services that promote the holistic well-being of those living with, affected by, impacted by and at risk of HIV/AIDS in Ottawa. Overlooking the Rideau Canal, this home offers services such as subsidized gym memberships, food bank, laundry and office support.

On July 5, 1970, Air Canada flight 621 — a Douglas DC8 CF-TIW plane — crashed into a farm field at 8:05 a.m. All 100 passengers and nine flight crew perished. In 2013, the site was designated as a cemetery with a plaque listing all 109 victims' names. As part of this memorial, there are 109 marker stones and a memorial garden.

Akin Davisville is a workspace for more than 60 artists — including painters, ceramicists, photographers, writers, textile artists and more. The building comprises three floors, which are divided into individual studio spaces and shared co-working areas. Opened in January 2024, this is one of many locations managed by Akin — a Toronto-based, artist-run community organization providing studio space throughout the city.

This site is crucial to understanding the history of residential schools and reconciliation in Canada. The Shingwauk Residential School, which operated here from 1874-1970, is now home to Algoma University. Exhibits highlight foundational concepts of healing through education, designing for change, Indigenizing the museum and “Teaching Wigwam” as a contemporary education strategy. Visitors can enter their names in a draw!

Previously All Saints Anglican Church, the new “Allsaints” is housed in this beloved heritage property and building of national historic significance in the heart of Ottawa’s Sandy Hill neighbourhood. With a commitment to celebrating the building's past and preserving its architectural heritage, Allsaints is looking forward to welcome guests into the space for Doors Open Ottawa 2026.

Am Shalom is a Modern Reform Jewish Congregation. The public is welcome to join us at Doors Open for our weekly Shabbat services from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. followed by a community potluck luncheon (outdoors in our sukkah weather permitting) for our Sukkot holiday (Thanksgiving).

Established in the 19th century when agriculture formed the foundation of daily life and economy on the island, the Amherst Island Agricultural Society plays an important role in preserving and celebrating rural traditions. Through agricultural events, exhibitions and community involvement, the Society helps support the future of farming on the island. Visit the Saturday Market & Social at their new pavilion on the island.

When Irish settlers migrated to Amherst Island, they brought a unique way of building walls called dry stacking — layering stones without the use of mortar. This tradition has continued to this day. Although you can see beautiful displays of dry-stone stacking throughout the Island, visit Topsy Farms for an opportunity to speak to an actual dry stone waller!

The Ancaster Old Township Hall, built by William H. Thuresson in 1870, was a centre of local politics and exhibitions, including Edison’s “magic phonograph” in 1878. Today, it remains a fine example of stone architecture with original features. Retained by the City of Hamilton, visitors during Doors Open Hamilton can explore and learn about ongoing restoration efforts.

This beautiful church with recent renovations in Uptown Waterloo has an abundance of richly carved oak woodwork by Globe Furniture of Waterloo, including paneling, pews, choir stalls, a chancel screen, a pulpit and lectern, and a reredos carving of the Last Supper. Other highlights include murals and windows. Enjoy a talk: "Seagram’s: Family, Faith, and the Shaping of Waterloo."

Come and tour this new four-storey purpose-built health-care facility that is grounded by their mission to improve the health and well-being of Indigenous people in spirit, mind, emotion and body. Their programs (as well as the physical building’s design) reflect the full integration of Western medicine with traditional Indigenous healing. Also explore the beautiful artwork installed throughout.

The Archives of Ontario is the largest provincial archives in Canada, with a vast collection that includes paper items, photographs, maps, architectural drawings and audio, video and film recordings. Located at York University's Keele Campus, this purpose-built facility includes a reading room with digital microfilm readers, audio and video booths, digitization and conservation labs, an exhibit gallery and a classroom.

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.

Art and Culture in the Hall, located in City Hall, is an exhibit program that celebrates local artistic and creative talent. The current exhibits on display were created by Friends of Second Marsh and visual art students at Maxwell Heights Secondary School. Come visit the centre of municipal infrastructure and visual art, all in one!

Visitors will see how a piece of artwork is framed from start to finish. Explore digital design using advanced software, along with behind‑the‑scenes processes like computerized mat cutting, frame building, glass cutting, canvas stretching and picture assembly.

The Art Gallery of Algoma's permanent collection includes nearly 6,000 works, with a strong focus on Canadian art. Highlights include pieces by the Group of Seven, Indigenous art, modernist work and pieces from other significant artistic movements. The Gallery Shop features products created by local artists, as well as items inspired by the Group of Seven and Indigenous art traditions.

Step inside the AGB to see how contemporary art and hands-on making come together. Explore two inspiring exhibitions, including immersive installations by Celina Eceiza (Argentina) and Chukwudubem Ukaigwe (Nigeria/Canada), then wander through our working studios to watch artists in action. From pottery and textile to the darkroom and painting studio and meet the creative community that makes the AGB unique.

In 1978, Ottawa’s mayor recommended establishing a municipal arts centre, arts council, arts festival and a permanent art collection for the city. This building initially served as the Carleton County Court House, purpose-built in 1870-71. It was slated for demolition in 1980, but it was saved by the city and turned into the Arts Court. It officially opened in 1988.