Ottawa

Digital event information

Digital Doors Open Ottawa

Visitors are invited to explore nearly 50 of Ottawa’s most beautiful and interesting building sites without having to leave home. The following sites offer tours, videos and activities that will engage people of all ages.

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97 Sites

Church of the AscensionDoors Open Ottawa

New

Church of the Ascension

This church is notable for its exquisite local stained glass dating from the early 20th century to the 1980s. Their windows illustrate some of Ottawa’s early stained-glass works, with a strong influence by Tiffany. The building also tells the story of a creative and tenacious congregation that has had a spiritual home in what’s now Old Ottawa East since 1877.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Washrooms

Contact info

253 Echo Drive
Ottawa, Ontario
https://churchoftheascension.ca

Architecture

Year built: late 1910s
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Jun 07 - Jun 08

Centretown MosqueDoors Open Ottawa

Centretown Mosque

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.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Washrooms

Contact info

397 Kent Street
Ottawa, Ontario
https://centretownmosque.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1911
Building type: Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Jun 07 - Jun 08

CKCU 93.1 FMDoors Open Ottawa

New

CKCU 93.1 FM

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!

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking

Contact info

1125 Colonel By Drive (in the Nideyinàn building, Carleton University campus)
Ottawa, Ontario
https://www.ckcufm.com

Architecture

Building type: Educational facility

Dates/hours open

Jun 07 - Jun 07

Britannia Water Purification PlantDoors Open Ottawa

New

Britannia Water Purification Plant

Constructed in 1961, this is one of two treatment plants operated by the City of Ottawa to supply drinking water to almost one million people. Its source water is the Ottawa River. The treatment process removes undesirable substances — such as colour, suspended particles, algae, bacteria and viruses. Over the years, the site has seen significant expansion and modernization.

    Contact info

    2731 Cassels Street
    Ottawa, Ontario

    Architecture

    Year built: 1961
    Building type: Government building

    Dates/hours open

    Jun 07 - Jun 07

    British High CommissionDoors Open Ottawa

    British High Commission

    This state-of-the-art building, located within the Earnscliffe National Historic Site, has been the official residence for British high commissioners for more than 90 years. The building has LEED Gold status, with reduced water consumption inside and native and drought-resistant vegetation throughout the grounds. Note: Due to renovations, the High Commissioner’s residence will not be open, but the grounds will be.

    • Full wheelchair access
    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly

    Contact info

    140 Sussex Drive
    Ottawa, Ontario
    https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-high-commission-ottawa

    Architecture

    Building type: Government building Green building

    Dates/hours open

    Jun 07 - Jun 07

    Bank of CanadaDoors Open Ottawa

    Bank of Canada

    The Bank of Canada head office is known for its unique architecture — balancing modern and classical styles. The original granite building spoke of stability and tradition. In 1979, it was partially enclosed by modern glass office towers and a large indoor atrium. The complex has continued to evolve, with the addition of a conference centre, museum and an outdoor plaza.

    • Full wheelchair access
    • Guided tours available
    • Kid-friendly
    • Washrooms

    Contact info

    245 Sparks Street
    Ottawa, Ontario
    https://www.bankofcanada.ca

    Architecture

    Year built: 1938; 1969
    Building type: Government building
    Architect: Arthur Erickson (ajout de 1969 à 1979)

    Dates/hours open

    Jun 07 - Jun 07

    Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Orthodox CathedralDoors Open Ottawa

    New

    Annunciation to the Theotokos-Saint Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral

    This building was constructed on the eve of the Second World War as a church and bomb shelter. During the war, people came to pray to the Theotokos of the Passion icon for the safe return of their loved ones. All the young community men returned from the war. This icon remains a source of comfort during times of need.

      Contact info

      15 Lebreton Street North
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://ottawacathedral.org

      Architecture

      Building type: Place of worship

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 07

      1805 GaspéDoors Open Ottawa

      New

      1805 Gaspé

      Formerly the Terry Fox Centre, 1805 Gaspé is now a community, multi-tenant, multi-purpose building that houses a farmers’ market, private school, day care centre, Caribbean catering business and home to neighbourhood programs. This three-storey building has been beautifully renovated and repurposed, with an airy foyer that greets visitors. The addition of an elevator makes all floors fully accessible.

      • Adaptive reuse
      • Food vendors
      • Full wheelchair access
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

      1805 Gaspé Avenue
      Ottawa, Ontario

      Architecture

      Building type: Commercial Educational facility Food and drink

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      Ottawa Little TheatreDoors Open Ottawa

      Ottawa Little Theatre

      The Ottawa Little Theatre, founded in 1913, is Canada’s longest continuously running community theatre. During Doors Open Ottawa, visitors will receive a guided, behind-the-scenes tour from one of the theatre’s dedicated volunteers. The tour will reflect an actor’s experience from first rehearsal to opening night and feature the talented production team who support them on that journey.

      • Full wheelchair access
      • Guided tours available
      • Parking
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed
      • Rental opportunities

      Contact info

      400 King Edward Avenue
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://www.ottawalittletheatre.com

      Architecture

      Year built: 1972
      Building type: Theatre
      Architect: W.E. Fancott

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 07

      Ingenium CentreDoors Open Ottawa

      Ingenium Centre

      The Ingenium Centre houses Canada’s science and technology collection, with more than two million archival, trade literature and library materials, and more than 150,000 artifacts. The Centre provides a controlled environment to protect the artifacts for the benefit of generations to come. It is designed to properly house artifacts made of materials such as plastic, wood, paper, textiles and ivory.

      • Full wheelchair access
      • Guided tours available
      • Parking
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

      1865 St. Laurent Blvd.
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://ingeniumcanada.org/centre

      Architecture

      Year built: 2019

      Architect: Diamond Schmitt

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 07

      Library and Archives Canada, TheDoors Open Ottawa

      Library and Archives Canada, The

      The Library and Archives Canada is in a prominent structure, comprising two symmetrical four-storey wings that wrap around a central nine-storey tower block. It’s located at the western extremity of Ottawa’s Parliamentary Precinct overlooking the Ottawa River. Clad in grey granite, the building is accented with polished granite panels and brushed aluminum railings. The building houses the National Library collection.

      • Full wheelchair access
      • Guided tours available
      • Kid-friendly
      • Parking
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

      395 Wellington Street
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://library-archives.canada.ca

      Architecture

      Year built: 1967
      Building type: Government building Historical landmark Library
      Architect: Mathers and Haldenby

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      Gladstone Theatre, TheDoors Open Ottawa

      Gladstone Theatre, The

      The Gladstone Theatre has been a theatre for nearly 50 years. Initially a garage, it was turned into a 230-seat theatre in 1983 by the Great Canadian Theatre Company, with further renovations in 2007. By 2016, it was regularly hosting 12 stylistically diverse theatre companies, with more than 27,000 tickets being sold per year. Come and explore this unique site!

      • Adaptive reuse
      • Full wheelchair access
      • Guided tours available
      • Kid-friendly
      • Parking
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed
      • Rental opportunities

      Contact info

      910 Gladstone Avenue
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://thegladstone.ca

      Architecture

      Year built: 1983; 2007
      Building type: Theatre

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 07

      Ottawa Glassblowing Co-opDoors Open Ottawa

      Ottawa Glassblowing Co-op

      Founded in 2019, the Ottawa Glassblowing Co-op is located in the heart of Ottawa near Little Italy. Their mandate is to foster a glassblowing co-operative that operates inclusively to support the artistic creativity, learning and growth of its members and to educate the public in the art of glass. Come and see glassblowing demos by local artists!

      • Full wheelchair access
      • Kid-friendly
      • Parking
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

      957C Gladstone Avenue
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://ottawaglassblowing.ca

      Architecture

      Building type: Commercial Educational facility

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      ByWard Market BuildingDoors Open Ottawa

      ByWard Market Building

      The ByWard Market has been Lowertown’s focal point since 1848. This particular site has served as a market since 1875. The present building is the fifth to house the market. Home to food merchants, specialty boutiques and artisans operating in indoor and outdoor spaces, the ByWard Market Building is a landmark. For Doors Open, enjoy special tours, displays and presentations.

      • Adaptive reuse
      • Food vendors
      • National Historic Site (Canada)
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

      55 ByWard Market Square
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://www.byward-market.com

      Architecture

      Year built: 1928
      Building type: Attraction Commercial Food and drink Historical landmark
      Architect: Richards and Abra, Barry Padolsky

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton (TROtt)Doors Open Ottawa

      Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton (TROtt)

      The capital region’s only therapeutic riding facility accredited by the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association provides therapeutic riding lessons and equine-assisted programming for children and adults with physical, developmental and learning disabilities. Situated on over 8 hectares (20 acres) of pasture and trails, this fully accessible facility includes an indoor and outdoor arena, box stalls and a classroom for additional programming.

      • Guided tours available
      • Kid-friendly
      • Parking
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

      6362 Bank Street
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://ottawatherapeuticriding.ca

      Architecture

      Building type: Educational facility Health-care facility

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      Parliamentary Precinct RehabilitationDoors Open Ottawa

      Parliamentary Precinct Rehabilitation

      Public Services and Procurement Canada invites you to visit Parliament Hill during Doors Open Ottawa. Although Centre Block is currently closed, visitors can meet subject matter experts on the Hill and get answers to all their questions. Visitors are free to roam to different stations to learn about the rehabilitation of the Centre Block.

      • Digital Doors Open
      • Full wheelchair access
      • Guided tours available
      • Kid-friendly
      • Photography allowed
      • Videos

      Architecture

      Year built: 1916-20

      Architect: John A. Pearson and Jean-Omer Marchand

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      Bytown Museum: Commissariat BuildingDoors Open Ottawa

      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.

      • Full wheelchair access
      • Guided tours available
      • Kid-friendly
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed

      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

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 07

      Canada Council Art BankDoors Open Ottawa

      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

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 07

      Canadian Conservation InstituteDoors Open Ottawa

      Canadian Conservation Institute

      The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) and the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN), part of the Department of Canadian Heritage, were created in 1972 to advance and promote the conservation of Canada’s heritage collections. The building houses over 20 laboratories, metal and wood workshops and over 100 offices. Don’t miss “Captain Conservation,” an imposing fiberglass sculpture over the front entrance.

      • Full wheelchair access
      • Kid-friendly
      • Parking
      • Washrooms

      Contact info

      1030 Innes Road
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute.html

      Architecture

      Building type: Government building Historical landmark Museum

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 07

      Delegation of the Ismaili ImamatDoors Open Ottawa

      Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat

      This award-winning building serves a representational role for the Ismaili Imamat in Canada, offering a centre for building relationships, enabling quiet diplomacy, and disseminating knowledge and information, while reflecting the humanistic/humanitarian agenda of the Aga Khan Development Network and its associated institutions. Inside, the play of light on transparent and translucent surfaces creates a dynamic visual effect.

      • Full wheelchair access
      • Guided tours available
      • Kid-friendly
      • Parking
      • Washrooms

      Contact info

      199 Sussex Drive
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://www.akfc.ca/about-us/visit-us

      Architecture

      Year built: 2008

      Architect: Fumihiko Maki

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War MuseumDoors Open Ottawa

      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.

      • Adaptive reuse
      • Full wheelchair access
      • Guided tours available
      • Kid-friendly
      • Parking
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

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

      Architecture

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

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 07

      Heritage Building and Ottawa City HallDoors Open 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, housing the offices of the Mayor, City Manager and City Clerk.

      • Adaptive reuse
      • Full wheelchair access
      • Kid-friendly
      • Self-guided tours available
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed

      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

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      Pinhey's Point Historic SiteDoors Open Ottawa

      Pinhey's Point Historic Site

      Pinhey’s Point Historic Site stands as a testament to 19th-century upper- and middle-class rural life. Built in four stages from 1820 to 1849, the Georgian-style house maintains many of its original features, including the imposing entrance and staircase, servants’ quarters and 1860s wallpaper. Explore the history of rural water, from dowsing to boring wells, in a new exhibit.

      • Guided tours available
      • Parking
      • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

      270 Pinhey's Point Road
      Dunrobin, Ontario
      https://ottawa.ca/pinheyspoint

      Architecture

      Year built: 1820
      Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      Rideau Hall (Official Residence of the Governor General of Canada)Doors Open Ottawa

      Rideau Hall (Official Residence of the Governor General of Canada)

      Rideau Hall has been the official residence of every Governor General of Canada since 1867, and their workplace since 1940. It has nearly two centuries of history, and has become an important gathering place and site of official activities. The grounds, the building and its interiors have evolved over time to reflect/reinforce Rideau Hall’s identity as a national symbol.

      • French services available
      • Full wheelchair access
      • Guided tours available
      • Kid-friendly
      • National Historic Site (Canada)
      • Parking
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

      1 Sussex Drive
      Ottawa, Ontario
      https://www.gg.ca/en/visit-us/rideau-hall

      Architecture

      Year built: 1838
      Building type: Government building Historical landmark Historical house
      Architect: Thomas McKay

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08

      Watson's MillDoors Open Ottawa

      Watson's Mill

      Built in 1860 along the shores of the Rideau River, Watson’s Mill remains active as a water-powered flour mill. Nearby Dickinson House, built in 1867, displays the heritage home of the past mill owners. Dickinson Square is the only industrial heritage site in Ottawa. The site comes to life through tours by costumed interpreters and milling demonstrations.

      • Guided tours available
      • Kid-friendly
      • Parking
      • Partial wheelchair access
      • Washrooms
      • Photography allowed

      Contact info

      5525 Dickinson Street
      Manotick, Ontario
      https://watsonsmill.com

      Architecture

      Year built: 1860
      Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Museum Farm

      Dates/hours open

      Jun 07 - Jun 08