Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Oshawa

in-person event information

Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Doors Open Oshawa gives you a chance to explore the historical architecture and fascinating sites found throughout Oshawa. Spend the day discovering local history first-hand and celebrate our community heritage. Admission is free, all are welcome.

Doors Open Oshawa will feature 18 sites this year — two of which are participating for the first time. Sites include Club Carib of Oshawa and the City of Oshawa's Howden Operations Depot, as well as some that have recently been designated, such as The Robert McLaughlin Gallery and the McLaughlin Bandshell at Memorial Park.

For more information, visit our website.

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Contact information

17 In-person Doors Open sites

420 Wing Oshawa Inc.Doors Open Oshawa

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420 Wing Oshawa Inc.

The 420 Wing Oshawa was established to train pilots during the Second World War. After the war, the building was used by the 420 Wing, formerly known as the 420 (City of Oshawa) Wing RCAFA. The building has been in operation since 1948, when returning veterans formed a "Wing," a practice that was common in many Canadian cities and towns.

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

Contact info

1000 Stevenson Road North
Oshawa, Ontario
https://420wing.com

Architecture

Year built: 1943
Building type: Military

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Alexandra's Bounty Community GardenDoors Open Oshawa

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Alexandra's Bounty Community Garden

The Oshawa and Durham Region Métis Council Community Garden, established in 2016, offers free vegetables, berries and herbs during the summer months to Métis citizens and members of the community in need. The garden also honours the memory of murdered and missing women and children through a display of red dresses. Explore the gardens to experience this uniquely designed space.

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

Architecture

Year built: 2016

Architect: We Grow

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

BOND|ST Event CentreDoors Open Oshawa

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BOND|ST Event Centre

Originally constructed for the General Motors United Auto Workers Union Local 222, this site is now — following recent renovations — a thriving event centre. The unique venue provides multiple spaces, including the Mainstage music venue, TwoTwoTwo, the Local Lounge, Café and Snack|Bar. During Doors Open Oshawa, BOND|ST will be open for self-guided tours.

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

Contact info

44 Bond Street East
Oshawa, Ontario
https://www.bondst.ca

Architecture

Building type: Attraction Food and drink Theatre Union hall

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Canadian Automotive MuseumDoors Open Oshawa

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Canadian Automotive Museum

The Canadian Automotive Museum was established in 1962 to promote the history of the automotive industry and local tourism. It currently showcases the most significant collection of Canadian automotive history worldwide. Located in a former 1920s auto dealership across from Memorial Park in downtown Oshawa, there are more than 70 vehicles on display, including Lightning McQueen from Disney/Pixar’s Cars.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

99 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: efinbow@canadianautomotivemuseum.com
https://www.canadianautomotivemuseum.com

Architecture

Year built: 1920
Building type: Commercial Museum

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Canadian Tank MuseumDoors Open Oshawa

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Canadian Tank Museum

This site is home to North America's largest collection of operational historical military vehicles and the museum of the Ontario Regiment (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps). The museum is located on the grounds of an original Second World War airfield. Rides in their M548 “Battle Bus” and M113 armoured personnel carriers will be available but at an additional cost.

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

Contact info

1000 Stevenson Road North (Airport South Field)
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: sam@ontrmuseum.ca
https://www.tankmuseum.ca

Architecture

Building type: Attraction Military Museum

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

City of Oshawa Parks Horticulture GreenhouseDoors Open Oshawa

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City of Oshawa Parks Horticulture Greenhouse

Explore the City’s greenhouse, one of the few remaining city-run glass greenhouses in Ontario. It is dedicated to housing tropical collections and producing annual bedding plants for city parks, gardens, City Hall, the Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden, and downtown planters/hanging baskets. After sowing over 5,000 seeds and planted 2,000 cuttings, they have 60,000 plants ready for planting by May.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 1964

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Colonel R.S. McLaughlin ArmouryDoors Open Oshawa

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Colonel R.S. McLaughlin Armoury

This downtown armoury, built on a stone foundation, features a spacious drill hall. The square towers flanking the façade of the drill hall enhance its fortress-like appearance. It is a recognized federal heritage building due to its historical significance, architectural design and environmental value. Come and explore its military equipment, as well as visit the main floor and officers' mess.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

53 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1914
Building type: Government building Military

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Hamilton-Oshawa Port AuthorityDoors Open Oshawa

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Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority

The Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority offers port/marine assets to support Ontario industries and to facilitate trade. The Port of Oshawa is Durham Region's gateway to the world, handling more than 500 vessels over the past decade. Oshawa is one of the few cities that can boast an airport, rail lines, a deep-sea port, and 400-series highway — giving industry a competitive edge.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

1621 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario
https://www.hopaports.ca

Architecture

Building type: Commercial Transportation

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Howden Operations DepotDoors Open Oshawa

New

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Howden Operations Depot

Oshawa’s Operations Services are responsible for maintaining the city's infrastructure — including roads, sidewalks, parks, trails and more. The Howden Operations Depot oversees the inspection and maintenance of city roads and municipal infrastructure. This includes street sweeping, pothole repairs, shoulder maintenance, catch-basin cleaning, litter control, and winter operations. See where Oshawa Fire Services refuels. And don’t miss the giant salt dome!

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

Contact info

235 Howden Road East
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: specialevents@oshawa.ca
https://www.oshawa.ca/en/city-hall/operations-services.aspx

Architecture

Building type: Government building

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Intrepid Park/Camp XDoors Open Oshawa

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Intrepid Park/Camp X

Join this fascinating walking tour of the famous top-secret spy camp. Camp X was a Second World War training facility for agents operating behind enemy lines. It was also North America’s largest communication centre. Join one of two guided tours or stay and engage with guest speakers about the site's history. Uneven terrain. Parking across the street from the monument.

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

Contact info

2008 Boundary Road (meet at the monument)
Oshawa, Ontario
http://www.camp-x.com

Architecture

Year built: 1941
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Military
Architect: Canadian Corps of Engineers

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

McLaughlin BandshellDoors Open Oshawa

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McLaughlin Bandshell

This art deco-inspired bandshell was a gift from R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors Canada, to the City of Oshawa. It was constructed in 1942 to give the Oshawa Civic Band a place to perform and practise. Before this, they practised in the Orange Hall over a grocery store near the four corners and the armouries on Simcoe Street North. 

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

110 Simcoe Street South
Oshawa, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1942
Building type: Theatre

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Oshawa Museum: Henry House and Guy HouseDoors Open Oshawa

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Oshawa Museum: Henry House and Guy House

This museum features restored Victorian-era homes, situated on their original foundations. Henry House showcases a traditional Victorian home, depicting family life in the 1870s. In contrast, Guy House features a gallery and gift shop. Each home belonged to prominent harbourmasters from the area. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of Henry House, where costumed hosts are available to answer questions.

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

Contact info

1450 Simcoe Street South, Lakeview Park
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: membership@oshawamuseum.org
http://www.oshawamuseum.org

Architecture

Year built: c. 1840
Building type: Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Oshawa Public Libraries — McLaughlin BranchDoors Open Oshawa

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Oshawa Public Libraries — McLaughlin Branch

Forming part of Oshawa's Civic Centre, this library was a gift of Col. R.S. McLaughlin in 1954. Architect Arthur Eadie was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright in his design of the McLaughlin Public Library, now the central branch. Explore captivating videos, photographs and memorabilia or attend a guided tour showcasing the library’s evolution over the past 70 years.

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

Contact info

65 Debwewin Miikan (formerly Bagot Street)
Oshawa, Ontario
https://oshawalibrary.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1954
Building type: Library
Architect: Arthur H. Eadie

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Regent Theatre Ontario Tech UniversityDoors Open Oshawa

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Regent Theatre Ontario Tech University

The Regent Theatre was constructed in 1919, and its King Street façade features symmetrical Georgian architectural lines. It stands as one of the few remaining examples of this classically inspired architectural style in Oshawa. Originally built for Famous Players theatres, it was closed for several years before being reopened in 2010 as a lecture theatre for Ontario Tech University.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

50 King Street East
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: gm@regenttheatre.ca
http://regenttheatre.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1919; designated in 2001
Building type: Attraction Concert hall Educational facility Theatre
Architect: John McNee Jeffrey

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Robert McLaughlin Gallery, TheDoors Open Oshawa

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Robert McLaughlin Gallery, The

This artist-centred and community-oriented public art gallery in the heart of downtown Oshawa was founded in 1967 and expanded to add 3,300 square metres (36,000 square feet) in 1987. Arthur Erickson built the gallery around the existing structure, using dramatic skylights. This is the largest public art gallery in Durham Region, with a collection of over 4,700 works.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

72 Queen Street
Oshawa, Ontario
https://rmg.on.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1969; Erickson addition 1987
Building type: Museum Gallery
Architect: Arthur Erickson

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Second Marsh Wildlife Area and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife ReserveDoors Open Oshawa

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Second Marsh Wildlife Area and McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve

The Friends of Second Marsh is a charitable organization dedicated to connecting people with nature through interpretation, education and stewardship services. This site features approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) of hiking trails. The McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve offers self-guided tours of its naturalized areas and trail system. Leashed dogs only allowed on the Waterfront Trail and in Darlington Provincial Park.

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

Contact info

1908 Colonel Sam Drive (parking lot)
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: president@secondmarsh.ca
http://www.secondmarsh.ca

Architecture


Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03

Turning the Wheel, by Dani CrosbyDoors Open Oshawa

New

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Turning the Wheel, by Dani Crosby

This new temporary public artwork was installed in September 2024. Commissioned at the site of the former John Borlase Warren Flour Mill, it reflects the history and legacy of the historical mill and its relationship to the Oshawa Creek. For Doors Open, join artist Dani Crosby for a talk at 11 a.m., followed by a walk along Oshawa Creek.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: Installed in 2024

Dates/hours open

May 03 - May 03