Doors Open Ontario

Michigan Central Railway Bridge is set on an 86-year-old bridge with a great story to tell about St. Thomas’s railway heritage. The second phase of this ongoing project–Canada’s first elevated park–will be completed in 2018. Visitors will learn more about the history and vision for the site and enjoy stunning views of the Kettle Creek Valley.
The Hindu Temple in Richmond Hill is the largest Hindu Temple in North America. Visitors will have the opportunity to take guided tours of this extraordinary site, which features beautiful, colourful artwork. Photo courtesy of the Hindu Temple Society of Canada.
The University of Windsor School of Creative Arts opened in January 2018, in the historical downtown Armouries building. Formerly named after Acting Major F.A. Tilston, a Second World War hero, the University of Windsor repurposed the building through an extensive restoration that preserved its original look and feel. Photo courtesy of Curt Clayton Studio.
Fool’s Paradise is the former home of renowned Canadian artist Doris McCarthy, featuring beautiful grounds, with gardens, a large pond, and spectacular views of the Scarborough Bluffs. Built by McCarthy, the house and studio are now home to the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doris McCarthy Artist-in-Residence program. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Heritage Trust.
Intrepid Park, Camp X is offering guided tours of the site—a former top-secret Second World War spy training school. Visitors can explore the remains of the camp, which was strategically located beside Lake Ontario, where over 500 special agents were trained. Photo courtesy of the Ontario Heritage Trust.
The Water Filtration Building at the City of Hamilton Water Treatment Plant underwent an extensive structural rehabilitation and architectural facelift in 2010 which returned it to its original art deco grandeur. Visitors will have a rare opportunity to learn about the City of Hamilton’s historical and current drinking water system through a guided tour of the Learning Centre, Filter Gallery, and Control Room.
Photo courtesy of the Ontario Heritage Trust.

Discovering home.

The appeal of Doors Open Ontario is multi-fold. Yes, visitors to any of the event’s 800 sites are provided an opportunity to learn about history, culture, and architecture, but they are also given the chance to indulge their voyeurism, no sneaking required, with many sites offering tours, lectures, exhibits, and performances, to better explore the stories inside.

Having contributed of $13.1 million to local economies since launching in 2002, the free event also supports the communities it reveals. On until October across Ontario (with Toronto opening up May 26 and 27) Doors Open Ontario anticipates this year’s most popular exhibits, from former spy training grounds to massive temples, above.

For a complete list of participating locations, click here.

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