Celebrating its 15th anniversary Doors Open Toronto takes place this weekend and last year I finally made it out to see THREE of the many spots on offer. There’s so many places I still want to explore. Doors Open is a city-wide celebration offering free, rare access to more than 155 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across Toronto. This year’s theme is Secrets and Spirits… Exploring the Mysteries Behind the Door. Of course little ones need not know about ghosts and spiritual sightings but there’s a couple spots that I really want to check out.
Last year we explored Old City Hall and New City Hall, both spots that I love to frequently feature on Instagram. It was a great experience seeing some of the hidden rooms and alleys that aren’t usually open to the public.
For #IGTravelThursday I tried to live vicariously through Instagram and found some shares on some of the spots that are on my Doors Open hit list. You may notice that many of them have a religious focus and I think that’s one of the charms of an event like this; Different communities welcoming others to come in, explore and experience something that may not be otherwise as accessible. Some of these spots even have food on offer and many have of the religious spots have some sort of performance or special event happening throughout the weekend.
The Doors Open website lists accessibility options and so if you’re heading over with kids in strollers it’s a good way to figure out which ones are stroller accessible. Some even list out a kid friendly sign but you don’t really need that symbol to direct you as any building open to the public would let the young tots in.
Riwoche Tibetan Buddhist Temple of Toronto Jing Yin Temple
Metropolitan United Church Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre
Legislative Assembly of Toronto Canada Life – Financial Institution
Do you have a spot you really want to visit in your city but haven’t got around to? Do any of them offer access to usually hidden areas?
Reeta @houseofanais
May 22, 2014 at 4:55 pmI love this kind of events, and really need to find out if London offers them too. Beautiful images!
se
May 22, 2014 at 6:07 pmI love this idea, love it… I think I am going to have a look around to see is we have any “open door events” in our city, Cape Town. Thank you for joining #IGTT, it gave me a chance to find you… have a great day!!!
Tami @Colorado Mountain Mom
May 22, 2014 at 6:12 pmYou mean you don’t have to travel to an Old World country to discover and enjoy interesting, historical architecture?! Wow, how fun – this would be right up my alley.
I grew up in Pierre (population 12,000), the capital city of South Dakota, where they have a traditional dome style capital building. It was open to the public, and as a kid I used to explore it’s ‘secret’ tunnels and labyrinths with my best friend. That’s what this opportunity reminds me of – I’d love to get to see hidden rooms & alleys!
Enjoyed this… fun finding you through #IGTravelThursday today! 🙂
Satu VW / Destination Unknown
May 23, 2014 at 10:00 amThat’s amazing initiative! We live in a such a small place that I can’t really think of places there’s no access to… Except some of the private beautiful skilodges I’d like to explore inside and out but I probably never will…
Leigh Powell Hines
May 24, 2014 at 11:05 amI think Toronto is a beautiful city. I would love to go back with the family.
Uplifting Families
May 25, 2014 at 10:22 pmLooks like a great trip. Thank you for sharing.
Elisa
May 26, 2014 at 2:42 pmI love this! Such a great way to find undiscovered gems, and to turn exploring your own city into an adventure!
Stephanie Lau
May 28, 2014 at 12:19 amGreat post. Ive never been to this event but now it is on my list!
Yashy
May 28, 2014 at 12:27 pmThanks for swinging by!
Sophia
May 28, 2014 at 4:16 pmI’ve been saying it for years, but I finally made it happen and did Doors Open Toronto last weekend for the very first time! I loved it and will definitely do it again. I wish I had more time though. I had a huge list of places to visit, but only made it to a handful.
Janet Butler
May 30, 2014 at 1:06 pmSo fun!
Eldon
May 31, 2014 at 3:40 amLoved this event, the Temple was really an eye opener!