Two Toronto landmarks that you can check out at Doors Open; the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant and Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, each playing a unique role in the city’s landscape.
Toronto is gearing up for one of its most anticipated annual events — Doors Open Toronto 2025. From May 24 to 25, the city invites locals and tourists to uncover its most fascinating and culturally rich locations for free. This year’s theme embraces Toronto’s playful, creative spirit, with unique spaces that reflect the soul of the city.
Get ready to explore six standout venues that open their doors — and stories — to the public.
A Studio of Vision: Q4 Architects
Location: #602 – 4110 Yonge St.
Q4 Architects is not your typical workspace. This woman-owned and led architectural firm has become one of the largest in Canada. Perched above the Don Valley, the Toronto studio bursts with natural light and innovation.
For 20 years, Q4A has designed dignified residential and mixed-use spaces with a human-centred approach. During Doors Open Toronto 2025, visitors can tour their studio and see creativity in action.
Where Heritage Meets Sustainability: Riverdale Hub
Location: 1326 Gerrard St. E.
Originally a silent film theatre built in 1914, the Riverdale Hub is now a bustling centre for art and community. Restored with care, this three-storey building features co-working spaces, art galleries, and a serene rooftop garden.
What sets this hub apart? It operates with over 90% energy efficiency and uplifts marginalized voices through inclusive programming. A walk through its halls offers both inspiration and a glimpse into sustainable innovation.
Toronto’s Sweet Story: Redpath Sugar
Location: 95 Queens Quay E.
Since 1959, Redpath Sugar has stood quietly on Toronto’s waterfront. It's one of the last functioning industrial sites in the Harbourfront area. During Doors Open, the factory opens its gates to the public.
This is a rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes of a company that helped shape Toronto’s industrial legacy. Discover how sugar production remains a crucial — yet often overlooked — part of the city’s identity.
The “Palace of Purification”: R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
Location: 2701 Queen St. E.
This isn't just a water plant. It's a masterpiece of engineering and architecture. Built in the 1930s, the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant still supplies Toronto with 400 million litres of clean water every day.
Often called the “Palace of Purification,” the plant’s design blends Art Deco, Romanesque Revival, and Modern Classical styles. Declared a national historic site, it offers visitors both beauty and insight into essential city infrastructure.
A Creative Island Escape: Gibraltar Point Centre for the Arts
Location: 443 Lakeshore Ave.
Located on the scenic Toronto Islands, Gibraltar Point is a peaceful retreat for artists from around the world. The building, a former schoolhouse from 1909, has been transformed into an artistic sanctuary.
The centre supports long-term studios and short residencies, allowing artists to reflect and create in a natural, tranquil setting. Doors Open visitors can explore this vibrant creative hub and witness the power of artistic collaboration.
More Than a Runway: Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport
Location: 2 Eireann Quay
Just minutes from downtown, Billy Bishop Airport connects Toronto to cities far and wide. Originally a WWII training base, it’s now a modern hub for travel, medevac, and general aviation.
Visitors can explore the airport’s unique history and experience one of the most scenic landings in the country. It’s more than an airport — it’s a piece of living Toronto history.
Discover Toronto’s Hidden Stories
Doors Open Toronto 2025 offers more than free entry to historic buildings. It’s a chance to discover the city’s identity through its spaces — from quiet studios to buzzing factories. Whether you're a curious local or a first-time visitor, this two-day event is a unique way to experience the vibrant heartbeat of Toronto.
