This former stagecoach stop and hotel is the only remaining public building from the milling era on the lower Humber River. The two-storey brick building with double veranda offers spectacular views. The original halls and stairs remain. Costumed guides will lead tours of the house and wildflower garden. Don’t miss the never-before-seen photo exhibit from the James Bay Treaty signing.

Built in 1888 for industrial use by Gooderham and Worts, the Young Centre for the Performing Arts was adapted and reopened in 2006 as a performing arts facility with much of the original architecture still intact. The Young Centre was envisioned by George Brown College and Soulpepper Theatre Company as a home for Toronto's arts community and theatre lovers.

Massey College was built from 1961-63 following an architectural competition. At Doors Open, visitors will get the chance to see Ondaatje Hall and the Robertson Davies Library, sit in the Round Room and visit one of only three Royal Chapels in Canada. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be a demonstration of a 19th-century letterpress shop.

The Toronto Zoo celebrates its 50th year in 2024. Enjoy an exclusive chance to go behind the scenes at their new state-of-the-art Wildlife Health Centre – the first of its kind in Canada. See why the Zoo continues to be a centre of excellence. Note: Enter through the Administrative Support Centre. No access via the main parking lot or primary entrance.

Located on Mnisiing (Toronto Islands) in a former schoolhouse, this arts centre offers affordable retreat space, studios and accommodations for artists and creative thinkers. During Doors Open, learn about the facility, enjoy games on the lawn and the beach, and visit the lighthouse across the street (exterior only). Note: This site is accessible by ferry only. Consult the schedule.

Learn about this brewery in the historical John Street Roundhouse. During regular 30-minute tours, guides will share the railway history and unique features of this building, followed by its current use as a brewery. The Roundhouse is one of the best examples of preserved railway roundhouses; it has been skilfully restored. Walk on the catwalk and view the turntable outside.

Canada’s second-oldest rowing club is also the birthplace of the Toronto Argonauts football team. Located along the waterfront trail’s western shores, the club offers programs to fit different needs, abilities and interests. Take a tour of the facility, explore the Trophy Room, enjoy a coffee in the Henley Room, and see some of the best views of Lake Ontario.

Youngplace is a community cultural hub in the West Queen West area whose spaces include artists’ studios, a public lounge, café and free public art galleries. Meet some of the tenants in their studios, participate in a material exchange, take a tour of the building and its creative spaces and see how this former schoolhouse has been restored and rejuvenated.

By 1899, the burgeoning Toronto Carpet Manufacturing Company Limited outgrew its original space and moved into this impressive new factory. The structures were built in the classic 19th-century style around a central quadrangle and powerhouse. During Doors Open, tenant suites (largely design studios) will be available to view, showing how the complex continues to provide spaces that inspire new ideas.

The ZoomerPlex is a media, event and production complex in Liberty Village, and is home to blogTO, Daily Hive, The New Classical FM, Zoomer Radio, VisionTV and ONETV studios, and Zoomer magazine. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour, see how radio/television shows are made, meet the DJs, view Moses Znaimer’s famous collection of vintage televisions and radios, and catch a live-to-air concert.

This mental health charity turns an outdated candy factory into a modern, welcoming facility for teens and young adults to access mental health services. Understanding how the built environment influences health and well-being, the architect’s young design team worked directly with participants, counsellors and staff. Explore this site and see what architectural elements have been retained from the original structure.

Experience one of Toronto's rare Victorian mansions — the residence of former Ontario Attorney General James Joseph Foy. Lavish and historical décor includes a grand carved staircase, stained-glass windows, etched transoms, plasterwork medallions and elegant fireplace mantels that recall a high society of bygone elegance. Today, the house displays works by local artists and can be rented for events.

Redpath Sugar began in Canada in 1854 and has been operating in Toronto since 1959. As one of the last industrial establishments in the Toronto Harbour, Redpath remains a vital part of the community. Explore the site, engage with employees, interact with historical artifacts and enjoy a treat or two along the way. Entrance will be through the Centre Gate.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, this mosque — a former bank — serves as a city landmark and a symbol of Toronto’s multiculturalism and inclusion. Come and explore the site through guided tours and discover the building’s history, learn about the community’s heritage and diversity, have your name written in Arabic calligraphy and enjoy delicious cultural foods and drinks.

Opened in 1930 as Eaton’s Seventh Floor, The Carlu was spearheaded by businessman Timothy Eaton and his wife, Lady Eaton, who aspired to bring high society and world-class culture to Toronto. Allegedly, the design inspired the Rockefeller Center’s Rainbow Room in New York. It is now a popular event venue. Come and enjoy this rare opportunity to explore the building.

This former church was transformed into a Buddhist temple in 2005. The large meditation hall can host 180 people for classes and retreats. It contains a huge and stunning shrine with 16 beautiful Buddha statues. Explore the meditation halls, learn about the temple’s various community activities, view a slideshow of the building’s history or enjoy children’s activities. Complimentary refreshments available.

Located on the main floor of the Hilary and Galen Weston Wing, the Daphne Cockwell Gallery dedicated to First Peoples art and culture is one of the Royal Ontario Museum’s premiere cultural spaces, featuring more than 1,000 works of art and cultural heritage. The museum’s Indigenous Learning Team will be available to answer questions. Tickets required for other museum galleries.

Welcome to the station beneath the station: the Toronto Transit Commission’s Bay Lower Station! While off limits to the public since 1966, the station is often used for television commercials, shows and movies (including Total Recall and Suicide Squad). Come and take a self-guided tour of the station, with plenty of TTC fun facts and selfie spots along the way.

Built by the family of the founder of the Eaton’s retail chain, this neo-Gothic church features a 30-metre (100-foot) bell tower that houses a 21-bell carillon. Explore the important collection of stained-glass windows, take a behind-the-scenes guided tour, hear the Casavant organ (see their recital schedule), view never-before-seen historical photos, and look up marriage records of relatives married here.

Anchored under Toronto's Gardiner Expressway, The Bentway is a growing public space — and so much more. Developed through partnerships with the City of Toronto, residents, supporters, artists, city-builders and dreamers, it shows how we can re-imagine the opportunities of urban spaces. Doors Open also marks the opening weekend of the Bentway's summer 2024 exhibition, Softer City.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, the legendary El Mocambo has seen some of the world’s top musical acts — including Ronnie Hawkins, Stevie Ray Vaughan and The Rolling Stones. It has become a world-class production and entertainment facility. Come and take a tour of the most legendary music venue in North America! Note: The venue closes at 3:45 p.m.

Toronto’s Aga Khan Museum was established and developed by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the contribution made by Muslim civilizations to world heritage. Through permanent and temporary exhibitions, see how cultures connect with one another. During Doors Open, enjoy special tours, activities and performances throughout the museum and its adjacent park.

Electricity was first produced here in 2008. Today, the Centre supplies enough power to serve nearly one-quarter of Toronto’s needs. During Doors Open, guided tours will include audio headsets, hard hats, reflective vests and safety glasses. Explore the Info Tent for local vendors, artists and photographers. Then, wander through their pollinator garden and speak with the resident beekeeper.

Campbell House — built for William Campbell, the sixth Chief Justice of Upper Canada — is the oldest surviving building from the Town of York. Fifty years ago, it was rescued from demolition and moved to its current location, where it opened as a museum. During Doors Open, experience the interactive exhibit, PLACE SETTINGS: Food and Status in 1820s York.

Constructed in the 1930s, this popular Doors Open site is Toronto’s largest water treatment plant, providing 400 million litres of safe drinking water daily. It’s also the largest ensemble of art deco structures in the city. Take a self-guided tour and explore the pump house and filter building, with staff available to answer questions along the way. (No tripods/filming allowed.) (Photo: Samuel Kolber)