The 15th annual Doors Open Toronto takes place May 24 and 25. It's a way to see the city from the inside out and earn a new appreciation for Toronto's rich and vibrant history. The annual free urban exploration event has attracted more than two million residents and tourists since its inception in 2000. Based on a European model, Toronto was the first North American city to introduce Doors Open, offering the public a chance to access many buildings and locations otherwise off limits.

This year's theme is Secrets and Spirits… Exploring the Mysteries Behind the Door. There are 155 buildings of architectural, historical, cultural and social significance participating, 80 of which are said to contain some sort of unexplained mystery, spirit sightings, and/or secret spaces. 

Since we're taking a publishing break for the Victoria Day weekend, we wanted to put this list out now. Stay tuned for our next issue, which will include photos from our own journey through Doors Open TO. 

Here are 10 must-see participating buildings listed in alphabetical order, though you really can't go wrong with any of the participating buildings and tours.

Arcadian

This now-event space features stunning interior architecture including a lavish mezzanine that provides 360 degree views of "grand arches and beautiful chandeliers," Doors Open TO says on its website. These days the space consists of three distinct areas. Guided tours will take visitors through each to learn more about the space's history, and a visit to the Panoramic Room will present gorgeous downtown views. 

Location: 401 Bay St Floor: 8
Hours: Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Learn More. 

Artscape Youngplace

See first hand what revitalization looks like by visiting Artscape's latest project, Youngplace, located in West Queen West. Tour artist studios and see how this old high school built in 1914 was transformed into an artist workshop and laboratory space. The renovations cost $17 million and were completed just before the building's 100-year anniversary. Guided tours will give visitors access to the brand-new community cultural hub, which includes multiple galleries, lounges, and a coffee pub—but, perhaps more importantly, they'll also give you a glimpse into the building's secret spaces and their history. 

Location: 180 Shaw St
Hours: 
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:00 pm
Learn more. 

CAMH Historic Patient Built Walls

In this unique event, "visitors will be taken on a guided tour of portions of the 1860 and 1888-89 walls during which the work and contributions of patients who lived and died behind this structure will be highlighted." Yes, during the building's construction, which was then the Provincial Lunatic Asylum, patients of the asylum worked on constructing some of the walls. In 2010, plaques were unveiled recognizing the work of these patients. In 2011, Heritage Toronto awarded the Psychiatric Survivor Archives a Community Heritage Award for these plaques for “the significant contributions that a marginalized community has made to the City’s fabric, shedding light on a little known dimension of Toronto’s history." Visitors will be able to see etchings carved into the walls by asylum patients, an old railway track, and archival photographs. 

Location: 1001 Queen St W
Hours:
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:00 pm
Learn more. 

Fort York Armoury

Designed by Toronto architect Ferdinand Marani and completed in 1935, the Fort York Armoury "was built as the headquarters of four infantry regiments and a field engineer unit, part of what was then known as the Militia (now the Army Reserve)," Doors Open's website says. Its interior architecture is that of a 1930's aircraft hangar, and its parade square is where thousands of the city's soldiers were dispatched to wars and peacekeeping missions around the world. Visitors will be able to "see, touch and try on the equipment carried by soldiers today," among other attractions. 

Location: 660 Fleet Street
Hours:
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:45 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:45 pm
Learn more. 

Fort York Historical Site

Quintessential to this city's history, the Fort York Historical Site represents the birthplace of modern Toronto. This (now) family-friendly location is rich in history and home to the largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings in Canada. This event is perfect for those with a passion for the city's diverse history, as well as Canada's military past. The site will provide, among other things, a range or guided tours and exhibits, offer access to its historical kitchen from 1826 and two military cemeteries, and discussions surrounding Fort York's "ghostly tales." 

Location: 250 Fort York Blvd
Hours:
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:30 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:30 pm
Learn more. 

The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse 

The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse is the oldest building in Toronto and the second oldest lighthouse in Canada. Located on Toronto Islands, visitors will be able to climb the approximately 90 steps to the top to view the island and part of the downtown core from the tallest point on the island. The ghost of its first keeper, John Paul Rademuller, who went missing in 1815, is said to haunt the tower. 

Please note this building is only partially accessible and visitors must board a ferry to the islands to access the structure. 

Location: 480 Lakeshore Ave
Hours:
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:45 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:45 pm
Learn more. 

Mount Pleasant Cemetery 

This walking tour will take visitors through Toronto's largest cemetery and will share stories of the soldiers buried there, "including veterans of conflicts ranging from the American Civil War, to World Wars I and II. Visitors are invited to explore Canada’s traditions of military burial and commemoration, and learn how these have shaped Toronto's home front. This tour is lead by La Société d'Histoire de Toronto, and offered in partnership with Heritage Toronto." It is sponsored by the University of Toronto. 

You must register for this special walking tour. More info here.
 
Osgoode Hall 

This landmark building opened in 1832 and remains a "symbol of the law in Ontario." The building is best known for its stunning gates, but highlights include the geometric tiles on the Atrium floor, the 19th century courtrooms, the Great Library, the East Wing (the oldest part of the building), and Convocation Hall, also known as the Osgoode Hall Restaurant. Self-guided tours are available in English, French and Chinese, but volunteers will be on hand to answer questions. Cameras are welcome—have some fun trying on robes in one of the courtrooms. There will also be catering during the event.

Location: 130 Queen St W
Hours:
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:45 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:45 pm
Learn More. 

The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning

Take a glimpse of modern innovation at this recently opened arm of SickKids Hospital. It has been deemed "an architectural marvel" for its design, which is "an expression of SickKids’ goal for connectivity with the community, environmental sustainability and to enhance collaboration among the 2,000 staff," Doors Open says. This is a rare research laboratory in a high-rise form, featuring curvilinear bay windows. Visitors will get a "behind-the-scenes look at the life of a health science researcher." There will also be various science activities designed for the whole family. 

Location: 686 Bay St
Hours:
Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:30 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:30 pm
Learn More. 

St. James Cathedral

One of the most beautiful and historically significant churches in Toronto, St. James Cathedral "dates back to the founding of the city," Doors Open TO says on its website. "The tower is the highest church tower in Canada and houses the only peal of 12 bells in the country." Visitors will experience a series of short organ concerts, will be able to climb the tower and experience the ringing bells, engage in family scavenger hunts, and even attend services. 

Location: 65 Church Street
Hours:
Saturday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Read more. 

Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

A book lover's paradise, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is a floor-to-ceiling collection of some 700,000 volumes of the world's most precious reads. "The exterior is Classic Brutalist, while the interior is one of the most dramatic spaces on the St. George campus, with six mezzanine floors of books surrounding an exhibition area." Visitors will have the opportunity to explore "one of the most spectacular public spaces in the city," learn about rare books and current collections, and experience yet-to-be-revealed materials that relate to the event's theme of Secrets and Spirits. 

Location: 120 St. George St
Open: Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Last admittance: 4:45 pm
Learn more. 

For a full list of participating buildings and tours, click here.