The 420 Wing has been in operation since 1948 when returning Air Force veterans formed a "Wing," as did many other cities and towns across Canada. Offering support and encouragement to the Royal Canadian Air Cadet squadrons and individuals involved in various aspects of aviation, it remains a fully accessible vital organization. Light refreshments will be available while supplies last.

Previously the Genosha Hotel, this designated building has an illustrious history. During the Second World War, James Bond creator Ian Fleming was a frequent visitor here. It also hosted several future CIA directors, including J. Edgar Hoover, before they were secretly sent overseas. Additionally, the Canadian rock band Rush performed here. The site has been redeveloped as luxury apartments.

Established in 1940, the Biltmore Theatre was built by the Okum Bros. of Toronto. Under different names over the years, it has operated as a movie theatre, nightclub and music venue. When the last movie house here closed in 1989, the site was renovated to what you see today — a public hall for touring concerts, special events and community rentals.

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. And enjoy a live concert at 2 p.m.

The Canadian Automotive Museum was established in 1962 to promote the history of the automotive industry and tourism in the area. Currently, it is home to the world's most significant collection of Canadian vehicles. Located in a former 1920s auto dealership building across from Memorial Park, more than 70 vehicles are on display —including Lighting McQueen from Disney/Pixar’s Cars.

The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) headquarters was erected in 1920. The site was originally the Cedar Dale Works, making farm implements in the late 1800s. From 1898 to 1977, the site was home to Robson Leather, turning out hides for shoe and boot leather. During Doors Open, view historical information and artifacts or talk with CLOCA staff.

The former Alger Press Building was renovated and refurbished in 2010 by Ontario Tech University. Today, it is one of the university's key academic hubs. Charles Hall's features include extensive classroom spaces, lecture halls, research labs and common areas for students and faculty. It also houses the faculties of Social Science and Humanities, as well as the Education Library.

This is one of the few remaining city-run glass greenhouses in Ontario. Once containing the city's tropical plant collections, it now produces most of the annual bedding plants used in the city's flower beds, hanging baskets and planters. Come and see where city gardeners and seasonal staff grow the plants that adorn Oshawa’s streets, gardens and parks.

This brick armoury on a stone foundation contains a large drill hall. The square towers that flank the drill hall façade emphasize its fortress motif. The armoury is a recognized federal heritage building because of its historical associations and its architectural and environmental values. Come and view the military equipment and visit the main floor and officers' mess.

Durham College — Oshawa Campus, a leader in teaching and learning, boasts a vibrant campus culture, serving more than 13,700 full-time and 14,600 professional and part-time students. During Doors Open, guided campus tours (registration required) will showcase the campus and its state-of-the-art learning spaces. If you can’t make it on May 4, register for their May 7 Program Information Night.

Oshawa’s newest fire station is a 992-square-metre (10,675-square-foot) single-storey building, designed to complement the historical legacy of Windfields Farm. Built on the former Windfields Farm land (the birthplace of champion racehorse Northern Dancer), the building also reflects the area's agricultural history. Tour this unique space, explore a collection of Windfields Farm memorabilia and view fire safety information.

The Port of Oshawa is Durham Region's gateway to the world, handling more than 500 vessels carrying over 3 million metric tons of cargo. Oshawa is one of the few cities that has an airport, rail lines, a deep-sea port and a 400-series highway all within proximity, offering importers and exporters a competitive edge. Come and join this shuttle-bus tour.

Located on the shore of Lake Ontario, the memorial to Camp X at Intrepid Park is dedicated to the men and women who were employed at the British Security Coordination spy training school and communications centre located here during the Second World War. During Doors Open, take a 90-minute tour (only one available). Uneven terrain. Parking is across the street.

The Islamic Centre of Oshawa is the first purpose-built mosque built in Oshawa. Reminiscent of the Ottoman Empire, it features ornamental crescent moons in the main prayer hall dome and the dome atop the minaret. Over the years, Muslims and non-Muslims have used the premises for meetings, lectures, studies and community and educational purposes. Shoes must be removed to enter.

The art deco-inspired bandshell — designated in 2024 — was a gift from R.S. McLaughlin, founder of General Motors Canada, in 1942 to the City of Oshawa. During Doors Open Oshawa, enjoy a performance by the Oshawa Civic Band at 11:30 a.m. The War Memorial and Cenotaph set in Memorial Park celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.

The Ontario Regiment Museum is the official military history museum of Durham Region's own local Canadian Army unit, the Ontario Regiment Royal Canadian Armoured Corps. It is also home to Canada's largest collection of operational, historical military vehicles. Rides in the museum's M548 "Battle Bus" and M113 armoured personnel carriers will be available at an additional cost during Doors Open.

Learn about life in the late 19th century at the Oshawa Museum. Henry House was the family home of Thomas Henry, a local minister, farmer and harbourmaster. Built circa 1840, it showcases life in a traditional Victorian-era home. Museum staff will be on hand to talk about the family and answer questions. While you’re here, visit the Guy House, too.

Forming part of Oshawa's Civic Centre, this library was a gift of Col. R.S. McLaughlin. Architect Arthur Eadie was influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright in his design of the building, now the city’s central branch. Enjoy a display of materials in the Local History Room or take a guided tour that showcases the library’s evolution over the past 70 years.

The Oshawa Union Cemetery, formerly Thornton's Burying Ground, is the final resting place of many famous individuals from Oshawa and Canada. Recently designated, the site spans 12 hectares and includes private mausoleums and a Gothic-revival chapel. Enjoy a walking tour of 1920s Oshawa available at 2 p.m., courtesy of the Oshawa Museum, starting at the King Street Gates.

The Regent Theatre's façade, built in 1919 for Famous Players theatres, has Georgian architectural lines. One of the town's few remaining examples of this classically inspired style, the building reopened in 2010 as a lecture theatre for Ontario Tech University, as well as for community and cultural events. Still in use for film screenings, the site has been sensitively restored.

The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) was founded in 1967, expanded in 1987 and designated in 2024. It is the largest public art gallery in Durham Region with a collection of over 4,700 works, focusing on the continuing story of Canadian abstraction. During Doors Open Oshawa, try some hands-on artmaking from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This outdoor, city-owned area, run by the Friends of Second Marsh, connects people with nature through interpretative, educational and stewardship services. It is a coastal wetland that features marshes, meadows and woodlot habitats. Visitors arrive at the adjacent McLaughlin Bay Wildlife Reserve. Discover this incredible natural area that is unknown to most citizens of Oshawa.

The current stone St. George’s Memorial Church — a distinctive landmark in Oshawa for 100 years — replaced a wooden structure that previously stood on this site. It continues to have an integral place in the city’s history, recognized by its bell tower and carillon. During Doors Open, come and view the church’s interior, which showcases its architectural artistry, beauty and serenity.

The historical Windfields Farm — birthplace of celebrated horse Northern Dancer — has been transformed into a sustainable agricultural research centre for the Ontario Tech University. This open-air laboratory pioneers innovative farming methods, conserves biodiversity and integrates renewable energy. Shuttle-bus access only: In celebration of Oshawa’s centennial, a shuttle bus will take you from Ontario Tech’s Campus Ice Centre to the site.