Walk on through Doors Open Ottawa all weekend

OTTAWA – Doors to many of Ottawa’s most interesting buildings, including West Carleton, will be open all weekend long, and you don’t even have to knock.

“Looking for something different to do this weekend?” city staff released in a statement today (June 2). “On June 6 and 7, Doors Open Ottawa 2026: Doors to the Past – Bytown’s Bicentennial Journey is your chance to ‘find your own adventure’ at some of the city’s most interesting spaces. As Ottawa marks its 200th anniversary it’s the perfect excuse to explore with your family, impress visiting friends or finally check out those hidden gems on your list.”

From historic homes to iconic buildings, each stop offers a memorable glimpse at Ottawa’s story and history.

Start with any of these Ottawa 200 historically significant stops, and plan your day or weekend adventure from there:

Laurier House National Historic Site

Walk through the home of Prime Ministers Sir Wilfrid Laurier and William Lyon Mackenzie King. For over 50 years, from 1897 to 1948, the house occupied a central position in the political life of Canada, as the place of residence of Laurier and, after his death, of Mackenzie King.

Rideau Hall

Rideau Hall has been the official residence of every governor general of Canada since 1867 and their workplace since 1940. It is a National Historic Site with nearly two centuries of history and has become an important gathering place and site of official activities. Visitors can explore historic rooms and learn how Rideau Hall welcomes dignitaries from around the world. Please note that the private gardens and Palm House will be open to visitors on Sunday only.

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

The Cumberland Heritage Village Museum offers you the chance to step back into rural life from the 1920s and ‘30s. With heritage buildings, costumed interpreters and hands-on demonstrations, this museum brings Ottawa’s agricultural roots to life in a way that’s engaging for the whole family.

Billings Estate National Historic Site

One of Ottawa’s oldest homes, the Billings Estate tells the story of early settlement along the Rideau River. Explore the grounds and discover how this family helped shape the community we know today.

Watson’s Mill and Dickinson House

In the Village of Manotick, this working 19th century gristmill still turns grain into flour. Nearby Dickinson House completes the glimpse into village life and entrepreneurship in early Ottawa.

Heritage Building and Ottawa City Hall

Past meets present at this central landmark. The Heritage Building, originally built in 1875 as the Ottawa Normal School, became part of Ottawa City Hall after the 2001 amalgamation. It now serves as the executive wing, housing offices for key city officials such as the Mayor, City Manager, and City Clerk.

Bytown Museum (The Commissariat Building)

Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the Bytown Museum explores the stories of a thriving city and its people, from the early days of Bytown to the Ottawa of today.

Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum

Descend into this once secret underground bunker built to protect Canada’s government during the Cold War. The Diefenbunker is Canada’s most significant surviving Cold War artifact.

Supreme Court of Canada

Step inside one of the country’s most important institutions. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the architecture of the building, the Canadian judicial system and how the Supreme Court of Canada deals with important legal issues. 

ByWard Market Building

At the heart of one of Ottawa’s oldest neighbourhoods, this historic market continues to be a vibrant gathering place. Discover its origins, architecture and how it has evolved and adapted to keep up with the community for nearly two centuries.

St. Mary’s Anglican Church

New St Mary’s was built in 1909 after the Old St Mary’s at Pinhey’s Point, built in 1827, was deemed structurally unsafe. Many of the pews and other interior fixtures are from the Old St Mary’s Church. Old St Mary’s was the first Anglican church in the Ottawa Diocese and is the oldest church in the Ottawa area. Ten stained windows. The windows are ogee windows. The idea was brought over from England by Hamnett Kirkes Pinhey.

 It is a beautiful heritage ruin and is still the active cemetery for New St Mary’s Church We have our services at 9:00am on the first and third Sundays. We have a candle light service on Christmas Eve. It is located on a lovely treed lot. We hold services in winter the hall because the church is too cold. We only have electric so it is very expensive to run. The interior of the church is lovely as it is mostly wood. 

With so many places to discover, it’s easy to create your perfect Doors Open Ottawa adventure. Visit ottawa.ca/doorsopen to see the full list of participating buildings, schedule of activities, free shuttle information, and download the printable guide.