Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor
Doors Open Ontario presenting sponsor

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Doors Open Ontario:

Vaughan

in-person event information

Saturday, September 28, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Doors Open Vaughan is back!

Vaughan makes for a perfect daytrip. You can experience Ontario’s history firsthand, combine a natural oasis with leading-edge sustainable education, or discover more than 7,000 works of art by historical and present-day Canadian artists.

Come and explore this urban destination to create a one-of-a-kind travel experience!

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Contact information

19 In-person Doors Open sites

Arthur McNeil HouseDoors Open Vaughan

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Arthur McNeil House

This house was built by Irish settler Arthur McNeil in 1819. McNeil was active in agricultural matters, being the first to introduce the Galloway breed of cattle into the district. Five generations of the McNeil family have lived here. During Doors Open, enjoy a self-guided tour of this property. Today, it is home to Balzac's Coffee Roasters.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Food vendors
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

10499 Islington Avenue
Kleinburg, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: c. 1832 (relocated here in 1987)
Building type: Commercial Historical house

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Christ Church Anglican WoodbridgeDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Christ Church Anglican Woodbridge

The original church was constructed by William Tyrell, a well-known local builder. In 1921, the church burned down and the brick church you see today replaced it. One of the few surviving pieces from the fire was the Casavant organ. Historically, children operated the organ. During Doors Open, children will be once more invited to try their hands at playing.

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

Contact info

8045 Islington Avenue
Vaughan, Ontario
Email: jlk@jonk.com
https://sites.google.com/view/christchurchwoodbridge/home-3

Architecture

Year built: 1850-51 (original); 1921 (replacement)
Building type: Cemetery Educational facility Historical landmark Place of worship Schoolhouse
Architect: William Tyrell

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

City Playhouse TheatreDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

City Playhouse Theatre

Welcome to the City Playhouse Theatre — where excitement, entertainment and education meet. This multipurpose 386-seat theatre is the perfect place to enjoy a live performance, explore performing arts through programs, or host your own event. The lobby redesign mimics a film reel. During Doors Open, city staff will be available to answer your questions as you tour the public spaces.

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

Contact info

1000 New Westminster Drive, Unit 102
Vaughan, Ontario
https://www.vaughan.ca/explore-vaughan/city-playhouse-theatre

Architecture

Year built: 1996; 2022 (redesign)
Building type: Theatre
Architect: Organica Studio+ (2022 redesign)

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

David Braley Vaughan Metropolitan Centre of CommunityDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

David Braley Vaughan Metropolitan Centre of Community

This vibrant hub is located in the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. It features a YMCA, Vaughan Studios & Events Space Centre (with a rooftop terrace and gourmet teaching kitchen), the VMC Library (with a suite of resources and interactive programming) and VMC Express (a self-serve storefront). During Doors Open, staff will be available to answer questions as you tour the site.

  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Architecture

Year built: 2022
Building type: Commercial Library Sports facility
Architect: Diamond Schmitt Architects and RJC Engineers

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Devlin HouseDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Devlin House

Vaughan’s Devlin and Cook families were early settlers from Ireland who came to the township during the 1820s-30s, making significant contributions to the township’s history. Built by Henry Burton, a well-known local mason who built many area farmhouses, this building is now home to the Vaughan Soccer Club. Staff will be on hand to answer questions during your tour.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

11151 Keele Street
Maple, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1852-59
Building type: Historical house
Architect: Henry Burton

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

John Abell Pioneer Building, TheDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

John Abell Pioneer Building, The

The Woodbridge Agricultural Society celebrates its 177th year! The Woodbridge Fairgrounds contain several buildings, one of which is The John Abell Pioneer Building, which stores an extensive collection of historical farm equipment. This building houses one of two remaining Abell steam engines, along with a thrasher and combine, and much more. Come get a peek inside this rarely open treasure!

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

100 Porter Avenue
Vaughan, Ontario
Email: nancyrosepayne@gmail.com
https://www.woodbridgefair.ca

Architecture

Building type: Attraction Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Jonathan Baker House and CottageDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Jonathan Baker House and Cottage

Built in 1853, this house is of rare, horizontal plank construction, an uncommon method of construction. The Baker family were early settlers in Vaughan. They were also considered to be maple syrup pioneers (read some of their history here). During Doors Open, tour the house, the cottage and sugar shack to learn more. Part of Sugarbush Heritage Park.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

91 Thornhill Woods Drive
Vaughan, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1853
Building type: Historical house

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Kline House, TheDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Kline House, The

Located in the centre of Kleinburg village, the two-storey Kline House (also known as the Henry Stark Howland House) was built around 1858 by John Nicholas Kline, owner of a saw and flour mill. It has a white clapboard exterior and large veranda. During Doors Open, volunteers will help you explore the place through photos, artifacts and other memorabilia.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

8 Nashville Road
Kleinburg, Ontario
https://downtownkleinburg.ca/listings/klein-house

Architecture

Year built: 1858
Building type: Historical house
Architect: John Nicholas Kline

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Kortright Centre for ConservationDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Kortright Centre for Conservation

Set among pristine woodlands, the Kortright Centre for Conservation combines a natural oasis with some of the most leading-edge programs and events in Canada. Throughout the year, they offer environmental education programs for schools, as well as sustainable technology workshops for the public, trades and professionals. Enjoy the trails and tour the sustainable houses to learn how green technology works.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • French services available
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

9550 Pine Valley Drive
Woodbridge, Ontario
https://kortright.org

Architecture

Building type: Green building

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Maple United Church Cemetery and VaultDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Maple United Church Cemetery and Vault

The designated cemetery vault at the Maple Cemetery was constructed in 1882 for the purpose of housing bodies during the winter when the ground was frozen. At the time, machinery to dig through the winter frost was not readily available. During Doors Open, come and take a self-guided tour of the cemetery with its old stone vaults and mausoleums.

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

Contact info

2000 Major Mackenzie Drive West
Vaughan, Ontario
https://www.retrospectivevaughan.ca/maple-cemetery-vault

Architecture

Year built: 1882 (vault)
Building type: Cemetery

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

McMichael Canadian Art CollectionDoors Open Vaughan

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

McMichael Canadian Art Collection

Located on the original lands of the Ojibwe Anishinaabe people, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection spans 40 hectares (100 acres) of forested land along the Humber River. Its permanent collection comprises over 6,500 artworks by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists who have contributed to the development of Canadian art.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • French services available
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

10365 Islington Avenue
Kleinburg, Ontario
https://mcmichael.com

Architecture

Year built: 1954, with additions in 1963, 1967, 1969 and 1972
Building type: Green building Museum
Architect: Leo Venchiarutti

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Nathaniel Wallace HouseDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Nathaniel Wallace House

Nathaniel Wallace, an Irish immigrant, built this house in 1873. Today, it is part of the Woodbridge Heritage Conservation District — and is also a designated building. Their mandate is to promote natural and cultural heritage, and to reflect the heritage of Woodbridge and the contemporary cultural character of its community. Enjoy a curated tour by the Friends of Wallace House.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

137 Woodbridge Avenue
Woodbridge, Ontario
https://www.wallacehouse.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1873
Building type: Historical house Museum

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Noble House (Beaverbrook House)Doors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Noble House (Beaverbrook House)

This house was built for the Noble family — one of Maple’s earliest settlers. The original house transitioned from a frame structure to this fine brick building, which was erected by Sarah Noble (Lord Beaverbrook’s maternal grandmother). Enjoy a rare opportunity to have a curated tour of the ground floor, which will showcase some of the building’s spectacular architectural features.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

9995 Keele Street
Maple, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: 1878
Building type: Historical house

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Pierre Berton Heritage Centre (formerly the Kleinburg United Church)Doors Open Vaughan

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Pierre Berton Heritage Centre (formerly the Kleinburg United Church)

Built in 1926, the Kleinburg United Church remains a cherished landmark with its striking Gothic revival architecture. Today, it is the Pierre Berton Heritage Centre, which aims to provide visitors with a high-impact, immersive experience in Canadian history, while allowing them to learn more about the extensive career and influential works of one of Canada’s preeminent authors and media pioneers.

  • 2024 theme: Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

10418 Islington Avenue
Kleinburg, Ontario
Email: reccsd@vaughan.ca
https://downtownkleinburg.ca/listings/pierre-berton-heritage-centre

Architecture

Year built: 1926; adapted in 2018
Building type: Educational facility Historical landmark Museum Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

St. Paul's Presbyterian ChurchDoors Open Vaughan

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

St. Paul's Presbyterian Church

Until 1884, when this church was constructed, itinerant ministers held services in this community in people’s homes. Initially built as a modest frame structure, the current Romanesque-style brick building replaced it in 1888, with unique architectural details worth exploring during your visit. The adjacent cemetery contains the remains of many of Vaughan’s notable pioneering families.

  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

10150 Pine Valley Drive
Woodbridge, Ontario
https://pccpresby.wixsite.com/stpauls

Architecture

Year built: 1884; 1888
Building type: Cemetery Place of worship

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Vaughan City HallDoors Open Vaughan

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Vaughan City Hall

The Vaughan Civic Centre is an example of civic landscapes with environmentally responsible development. The floorplan, a series of bands referencing town planning and north-south concession grids, is organized around interconnected, centrally located atria to maximize access to daylight and fresh air. During Doors Open, explore the City Hall, council chambers and archives and learn how it all works together.

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

Contact info

2141 Major Mackenzie Drive West
Vaughan, Ontario
https://www.vaughan.ca

Architecture

Year built: 2011
Building type: Government building Archives
Architect: KPMB Architects

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Vellore Heritage ParkDoors Open Vaughan

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Vellore Heritage Park

This park contains three unique heritage sites worth exploring, including the Vellore Schoolhouse and the Vellore Township Hall. The initial log schoolhouse was replaced by this larger building in 1868 at a cost of $1,200. The local township hall, built in c. 1845, became Memorial Hall in 1919 to honour local soldiers who died in the First World War.

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

Contact info

9541 Weston Road
Vaughan, Ontario

Architecture

Year built: c. 1845 (Township Hall); 1868 (Schoolhouse)
Building type: Government building Historical landmark Schoolhouse

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

William Armstrong HouseDoors Open Vaughan

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

William Armstrong House

This house was built in the 1880s. It passed through various owners. Its most famous resident was artist William Armstrong who moved into the house in 1968 and lived and painted there until his death in 2000. Amstrong painted landscapes and still life; his paintings are part of the National Gallery of Canada. Tours of the studio will be available.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities

Contact info

42 Old Yonge Street
Thornhill, Ontario
https://www.retrospectivevaughan.ca/william-armstrong-house

Architecture

Year built: 1880s
Building type: Historical house

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28

Woodbridge Memorial TowerDoors Open Vaughan

New

  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Woodbridge Memorial Tower

In commemoration of the great courage demonstrated by the men from the Woodbridge area killed during the First World War, the Village of Woodbridge Council passed a bylaw in 1924 for the purpose of erecting a memorial tower in honour of these men who laid down their lives for King and Country. Volunteers will be available to answer questions.

  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

80 Wallace Street
Vaughan, Ontario
https://www.cdli.ca/monuments/on/woodbrdg.htm

Architecture

Year built: 1924
Building type: Military

Dates/hours open

Sep 28 - Sep 28