You can go behind the scenes at historic and cultural sites for free in Ontario

Doors Open Ontario returns for another season in 2026, offering locals and visitors the chance to explore hundreds of buildings that are typically closed to the public.

The free program is an initiative of the Ontario Heritage Trust, designed to provide access to culturally significant sites across the province. This year also marks its 25th anniversary, celebrating its continued success as one of Ontario’s most popular programs of its kind.

Each year, from April through October, Doors Open Ontario highlights unique buildings, cultural spaces, and heritage sites that are not normally accessible. Since its inception, the program has welcomed 9.5 million visitors, reflecting strong community interest in the history that has shaped the province.

Thirty-four communities will be participating this year. Here are the upcoming Doors Open Ontario dates for 2026:

• Stratford – Saturday and Sunday, April 18 and 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Guelph – Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Oshawa – Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Hamilton – Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Along the Grand – Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Richmond Hill – Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Toronto – Saturday and Sunday, May 23 and 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Tillsonburg – Saturday, June 6, 2026, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
• Whitchurch-Stoufville – Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Ottawa – Saturday and Sunday, June 6 and 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• St. Catharines – Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Loyalist Township – Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Owen Sound – Saturday, July 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Halimand – Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Burlington – Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Cornwall and SDG Counties – Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 15 and 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Belleville – Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Peterborough – Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Kawartha Lakes – Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thousand Islands – Friday and Saturday, Sept. 18 and 19, 2026, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Simcoe County – Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Waterloo Region – Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• London – Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 19 and 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Aurora – Saturday, Sept. 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Barrie – Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Markham – Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Sault Ste. Marie – Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Brampton – Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Chatham-Kent – Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Quinte West – Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake – Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Whitby – Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Woodstock – Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Niagara Falls – Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Doors Open Ontario is the perfect chance for history lovers and those with a curious mind to get out there and explore some of the province’s most remarkable architecture up close. Take advantage of this free province-wide event series!

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