Doors Open is returning to Toronto this month and you’ll be able to explore tons of incredible buildings and landmarks for free. From museums to airports and more, you can delve into some of the interesting sites around the city and learn about the stories behind them.
The event is taking place on May 25 and 26, 2024 and features over 150 amazing spots to visit.
This year’s theme is “hidden histories,” and you can discover “untold stories from across the city through a variety of open house experiences, engaging tours and insightful talks,” according to the Doors Open website.
If you’re wondering which spots to visit, here are 18 incredible attractions that are worth checking out for free.
Aga Khan Museum
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 77 Wynford Dr., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can spend the weekend exploring this museum of Islamic art. The venue is offering free architectural tours as well as activities like Truth or Tale, where you can guess the stories behind artifacts in the Aga Khan Museum Collection.
Bata Shoe Museum
Price: Free
When: 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Address: May 25 and 26, 2024
Why You Need To Go: The Bata Shoe Museum is home to collection of nearly 15,000 shoes and shoe-related artifacts. You can take a trip through footwear history and explore 4,500 years of shoes.
Current exhibitions you can see include Exhibit A: Investigating Crime and Footwear, Dressed to Impress: Footwear and Consumerism in the 1980s,In Bloom: Flowers and Footwear and more.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This historic village will whisk you back in time and you can explore it for free during Doors Open. The area his home to “some of the oldest doors in the city” with over 40 buildings dating between 1816 and 1867, according to the website.
Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
Price: Free
When: May 25, 2024
Address: 189 Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario
Why You Need To Go: You can explore the “world’s last operating double-decker theatre and learn about its history from the vaudeville era to today,” according to Doors Open Ontario.
The stunning theatre is worth checking out and while there won’t be tours, staff will be available onsite.
Osgoode Hall
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 130 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Step inside the stunning Osgoode Hall, home of the Law Society of Ontario, the Superior Court of Justice and the Court of Appeal for Ontario. The 1832 building is a Toronto landmark and “a symbol of the law in the province,” according to the City of Toronto website.
Some must-see areas include the landscaped grounds, Atrium, 19th-century courtrooms, the Great Library and Convocation Hall.
Allen I. Carswell Astronomical Observatory
Price: Free
When: May 25, 2024
Address: 4700 Keele St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Get ready to gaze into the galaxies! This observatory is home to two telescopes located in separate domes as well as small, portable telescopes for visitor use.
According to the City of Toronto website, you can “learn about the research that happens in this space and what it means to be an astronomer.”
Toronto Railway Museum
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 17 255 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Situated inside the historic John Street Roundhouse, this museum is home to “the country’s longest turntable” and tales of Toronto’s railways.
QUEST XO Chocolate Lab
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 100 25 Liberty St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Who’s ready to explore a “chocolate wonderland?” You can take a 10-minute self-guided tour through the Chocolate Lab, which is located in the heart of Liberty Village. The experience is complete with a special photo station.
Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts
Price: Ferry fee
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 443 Lakeshore Ave., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Hop on a ferry and take a trip to Gibraltar Point during the Doors Open weekend. There will be artist studios to visit, information about the Toronto Islands’ history, tours around the grounds and gardens, games on the lawn and the beach and more.
Toronto Zoo Wildlife Health Centre
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 361A Old Finch Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can take a guided tour of the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Health Centre. The tour takes you past its labs and ICU, as well the “Frozen Zoo” which is home to over 50 endangered species frozen in special time capsules.
St. Paul’s Basilica
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 83 Power St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can wander around the basilica and take in the incredible architecture, or enjoy a guided tour which gets you an up-close look at one of North America’s oldest all-wood organs.
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 2701 Queen St E, Scarborough, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can embark on a self-guided tour around the two largest buildings at R.C. Harris.
TIFF Lightbox
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 350 King St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This year, TIFF Lightbox “invites audiences to reflect on the hidden histories of Canadian cinema” through behind-the-scenes tours and workshops.
Toronto Humane Society
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 11 River St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you love animals you’ll want to take a trip to this Doors Open destination. The Humane Society will take you on a tour through the facilities and let you see cute cats and dogs.
Redpath Sugar
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 95 Queens Quay E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Do you have a sweet tooth? Head to this sugar factory where you can learn about the history of the building and maybe even enjoy a treat or two.
St. Lawrence Hall
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 157 King Street E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: From special talks to live performances, this grand building is worth checking out during Doors Open.
Campbell House Museum
Price: Free
When: May 25 and 26, 2024
Address: 160 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
You Need To Go: You can take a trip back in time at this venue that was once home to Judge Campbell and his wife. Activities include holding a 200-year-old teacup and standing in the footsteps of the Campbells’ servants.
Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Price: Free
When: May 25 ,2024
Address: 2 Eireann Quay, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Ever wondered what it’s like behind-the-scenes of an airport? You can find out during Doors Open by heading to Billy Bishop Airport. The experience includes exhibits, access to airport service vehicles and more.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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