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370 In-person Doors Open sites

Syl Apps Community Centre Doors Open Along the Grand

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Syl Apps Community Centre

The Syl Apps Community Centre is named for professional hockey player, businessman and politician Charles Joseph Sylvanus “Syl” Apps (1915-98). A provincial plaque was unveiled here to commemorate the man in 2012. Today, the Paris Museum & Historical Society operates from the Centre. They collect and preserve artifacts about the rich cultural and historical heritage of Paris and area.

  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

51 William Street
Paris, Ontario
Email: info@theparismuseum.com

Architecture

Year built: 1921
Building type: Museum Archives Sports facility

Dates/hours open

May 10, 10:00am - May 10, 04:00pm

Westbury Home Studio Doors Open Richmond Hill

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Westbury Home Studio

Participating in the Richmond Hill Studio Tour, this home studio showcases the works of Laurel Douglas Shugarman and guest artist Claudia Galletta. Shugarman produces jewelry — rings, bracelets, pendants and earrings — in silver, gold, bronze and resin, along with prints and cards and two-dimensional art. Galletta produces ceramics, experimenting with various pottery techniques, motivated through her passion of wheel throwing.

  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

83 Westbury Court
Richmond Hill, Ontario
Email: culture@richmondhill.ca

Architecture

Building type: Private residence Gallery Studio

Dates/hours open

May 10, 10:00am - May 10, 05:00pm

Woodland Cultural Centre Doors Open Along the Grand

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  • In-person Doors Open Ontario

Woodland Cultural Centre

The Woodland Cultural Centre was established in 1972 by the Association of Iroquois and Allied Indians on the closure of the Mohawk Institute Residential School. Their focus began with research and artifacts, expanding to include art in 1975 and a language program in 1984. With over 50,000 artifacts, it is one of the largest Canadian facilities managed by First Nations.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

184 Mohawk Street
Brantford, Ontario
Email: tkelley@woodlandculturalcentre.ca
https://woodlandculturalcentre.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1831
Building type: Museum
Architect: Unknown

Dates/hours open

May 10, 10:00am - May 10, 04:00pm

Mohawk Trail School Museum Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Mohawk Trail School Museum

The Mohawk Trail School is a historical one-room schoolhouse built in 1882. It is a fine example of architecture that served early education in Ontario. It became a museum in 1967 as part of the centennial celebrations. Come and tour the schoolhouse — the oldest surviving example in the community that is still presented in its original form.

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

Contact info

20 Education Court
Hamilton, Ontario
https://www.hwdsb.on.ca/community/archive/mohawk-trail-school/

Architecture

Year built: 1882
Building type: Historical landmark Museum Schoolhouse
Architect: Ventin Group Associates (restoration, 2015)

Dates/hours open

May 04, 10:00am - May 04, 04:00pm

Adaptive Reuse Walking Tour of Ancaster Village Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Adaptive Reuse Walking Tour of Ancaster Village

This walking tour — led by Megan Hobson, Principal of Hobson Built Heritage Consulting — will explore adaptive reuse projects in Ancaster's historical village core. Ancaster is one of the oldest villages in Ontario and has some extraordinary pre-Confederation buildings. It has become a sought-after residential location with many striking historical buildings now enjoying new uses and showcasing new opportunities.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Meet at 64 Sulphur Springs Road
Ancaster, Ontario
Email: hobsonheritage@gmail.com

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

May 03, 02:00pm - May 04, 03:30pm

Hamilton Cemetery and Gatehouse Tour Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Hamilton Cemetery and Gatehouse Tour

The rich history of the Hamilton Cemetery and Gatehouse will be revealed by the gatehouse staff in a walking tour around Hamilton's oldest public burial ground. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity to tour the inside of the gatehouse building — including tours of the vault and the former caretaker’s residence.

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

Contact info

Meet at 777 York Blvd. (at the cemetery gatehouse)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: alex.moroz@hamilton.ca

Architecture


Dates/hours open

May 03, 02:00pm - May 04, 03:30pm

Adaptive Reuse Walking Tour of Dundas Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Adaptive Reuse Walking Tour of Dundas

Dundas is a town with a thriving commercial core mixing retail, restaurants and residential uses in buildings often constructed for industrial purposes. Join historian Stan Nowak for an in-depth look at 15 historical buildings in downtown Dundas. The tour will also illustrate how we can breathe new life into a community while continuing to preserve its architectural heritage.

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

Contact info

Meet at 5 Ogilvie Street
Dundas, Ontario
Email: basil.cottage@sympatico.ca

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

May 03, 12:30pm - May 04, 03:30pm

Ancaster Old Township Hall Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Ancaster Old Township Hall

Enjoy a look inside the Ancaster Old Township Hall. Built in 1871 by William H. Thuresson, it is one of the finest pieces of stone architecture in Ancaster — complete with original apron stage, hardwood floors, arched windows and historically accurate colours. It was the first threatened heritage building in Ancaster but has been happily saved.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Adaptive reuse
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos
  • Kid-friendly

Contact info

310 Wilson Street
Ancaster, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/attractions/hamilton-civic-museums/fieldcote-memorial-park-museum

Architecture

Year built: 1871
Building type: Historical landmark
Architect: William H. Thuresson

Barrel Heart Brewing Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Barrel Heart Brewing

Barrel Heart Brewing is an upscale brewery and eatery in the old Dundas post office. The old-world brewing traditions are perfectly suited to the post office vibe. Visitors can enjoy lunch in the taproom, buy a few bottles of beer, or simply drink in the beauty of the location in a landmark Dundas building.

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

Contact info

104 King Street West, Unit 1
Dundas, Ontario
Email: info@barrelheart.com
https://barrelheart.com

Architecture

Year built: 1913
Building type: Commercial Food and drink Post office

Dates/hours open

May 03, 12:00pm - May 04, 04:00pm

Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site

Battlefield House Museum, part of which dates to 1796, was once home to the prominent Gage family. Learn about the stories of the people who built the house and the ongoing efforts to preserve and restore it. Explore the Dunington Grubb landscape (which includes the impressive Battlefield Monument) and hike around a 13.8-hectare (34-acre) patchwork of meadow and forest.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

77 King Street West
Stoney Creek, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/battlefield

Architecture

Year built: 1796
Building type: Attraction Historical landmark Historical house Museum

Dundurn National Historic Site — Dundurn Castle Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Dundurn National Historic Site — Dundurn Castle

Dundurn Castle is one of the finest examples of high regency-style architecture in the country. Constructed in the 1830s for Sir Allan Napier MacNab (railway magnate, lawyer and politician), the buildings deteriorated under subsequent owners, but were restored in the 1960s to their original splendour. Today, Dundurn Castle tells the story of the MacNabs and the people who served them.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

610 York Blvd.
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/dundurn

Architecture

Year built: 1835
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house Museum
Architect: Robert Wetherell

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology National Historic Site

The Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology is the site of the original 1859 Hamilton Waterworks. The museum features two 13.7-metre high (45 feet), 70-ton steam-powered pumping engines that supplied the city with clean drinking water from 1859 to 1910. Made in Dundas, these engines are the oldest surviving examples of their kind in North America today.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Rental opportunities
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • National Historic Site (Canada)

Contact info

900 Woodward Avenue
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/steammuseum

Architecture

Year built: 1859
Building type: Historical landmark Museum
Architect: Thomas Coltrin Keefer

Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Whitehern Historic House & Garden National Historic Site

Whitehern Historic House and Garden is a mid-19th-century urban estate owned by the McQuesten family for three generations. It was built in 1848 with a 1930s addition. The home includes original family furnishings from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras in the context of Thomas B. McQuesten’s career in 1939. Today, it is a splendid museum with beautiful gardens.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • National Historic Site (Canada)
  • Parking
  • Site has blue and gold provincial plaque
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

41 Jackson Street West (at MacNab Street South)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.hamilton.ca/whitehern

Architecture

Year built: 1848
Building type: Historical landmark Museum

Dates/hours open

May 03, 12:00pm - May 04, 04:00pm

Intrepid Park/Camp X Doors 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, 11:00am - May 03, 03:00pm

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, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Adaptive Reuse Walking Tour of Downtown Hamilton Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Adaptive Reuse Walking Tour of Downtown Hamilton

Join local author Bill King for a 90-minute walking tour that explores historical and architectural highlights of downtown Hamilton. You will visit buildings throughout the city’s 200-year history, as well as public spaces, art and statues, alleys and some little-known oddities. King will also share his knowledge of notable architects and other figures connected with the buildings and sites visited.

  • Adaptive reuse
  • Guided tours available
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

Meet at the statue of Queen Victoria in Gore Park
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: wm.king4@gmail.com

Architecture

Year built: Various

Architect: Various

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 03:30pm

Alexandra's Bounty Community Garden Doors 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

Contact info

360 Simcoe Street North
Oshawa, Ontario
Email: Oshawadurhammetiscouncil@gmail.com
https://www.metisnation.org/community-councils/oshawa-and-durham-region-metis-council

Architecture

Year built: 2016

Architect: We Grow

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre

The Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre is in the heart of Ancaster Village. It includes the 454-seat Peller Hall, Voortman Studio Theatre and multiple rooms for art, film, theatre and dance. This state-of-the-art centre will serve as home to many of Ancaster's successful and popular community arts groups. It will also provide a venue for many professional performers and artists.

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

Contact info

357 Wilson Street East
Ancaster, Ontario
Email: bethany@memorialarts.ca
https://www.memorialarts.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1942; renovated in 2022
Building type: Educational facility Theatre
Architect: Invizij Architects Inc.

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Auchmar Manor House Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Auchmar Manor House

The Auchmar Estate is considered to be the last surviving country estate on Hamilton Mountain. It was built for the Honourable Isaac Buchanan, a local Scotsman, entrepreneur, politician and civic leader in 19th-century Canada. Visit this Gothic revival manor house and learn about its storied past before strolling the walled and landscaped grounds that surround it. No parking on site.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Kid-friendly
  • Partial wheelchair access
  • Self-guided tours available
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Virtual tours
  • Kid-friendly
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

88 Fennell Avenue West (at West 5th Street)
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: museums@hamilton.ca
https://www.friendsofauchmar.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1852-54
Building type: Historical landmark Historical house

Balfour House (Chedoke Estate) Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Balfour House (Chedoke Estate)

Balfour House is Hamilton’s last great escarpment estate. Several prominent Hamiltonians have called it home since 1836, most recently the family of St. Clair Balfour. Owned by the Ontario Heritage Trust and managed by the City of Hamilton, the building and garden are spectacular. Come and explore how this architectural gem grew from a simple homestead into a grand estate.

  • Digital Doors Open
  • Full wheelchair access
  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust
  • Washrooms
  • Photography allowed
  • Videos
  • Site is protected by the Ontario Heritage Trust

Contact info

1 Balfour Drive
Hamilton, Ontario
Email: abuhrmann@cardus.ca

Architecture

Year built: 1836-38
Building type: Historical house

BOND|ST Event Centre Doors 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, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Canadian Automotive Museum Doors 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, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Canadian Tank Museum Doors 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, 10:00am - May 03, 04:00pm

Cannon Knitting Mills Doors Open Hamilton Region

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Cannon Knitting Mills

The Cannon Knitting Mills — one of Hamilton’s few surviving industrial complexes — started as a foundry and became the Chipman-Holton Knitting Company in 1902, one of Hamilton’s first knitting mills. Tour the former textile production spaces that are in the process of being adapted as the Beasley Park Lofts — a restaurant, boutique hotel and residential condominiums complex.

  • Guided tours available
  • Parking
  • Photography allowed

Contact info

134 Mary Street (off Wilson Street)
Hamilton, Ontario
https://stinsonproperties.com/current-projects/beasley-park-lofts/

Architecture

Year built: 1854 (original foundry); 1856; c. 1910 (additions); 1911-22 (additions)
Building type: Commercial Historical landmark

Dates/hours open

May 03, 10:00am - May 04, 04:00pm