The 16th annual Doors Open Toronto event runs this weekend. This year, a whole new batch of curious, inquisitive visitors will peruse their way through some of the city’s most notable buildings.
With the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games fast approaching, Doors Open has opted to tie themselves into July’s international multi-sport bonanza. Boasting a theme of “Sports, Recreation and Leisure”, this year’s two-day event will offer guests a peek into the venues that will host some of the world’s best athletes this summer.
Whether you’re a sports fan or not, this year’s Doors Open offers plenty of historical and cultural buildings that are worth checking out. Here’s a rundown of some of the can’t-miss highlights from this year’s edition:
BMO Field
No venue in the city has been the subject of more recent buzz than the home of MLS soccer club Toronto FC and, as officially announced on Wednesday, the CFL’s Toronto Argos. With their new football-playing tenants set to arrive in time for the 2016 season and Pan Am hosting duties set to commence for the Rugby Sevens event, it’s a great time to check out new-look BMO Field. Take in the enhanced, renovated 30,000-seat facility and look into the future with a glimpse at plans for the Phase 2 development. 170 Princes' Blvd.
Spadina Museum
Nearby Casa Loma typically offers a long wait for Doors Open explorers, so why not head to the Spadina Museum for a scenic bit of Toronto history? The Historic House and Gardens is a heritage site, having been built in 1866 by the Austin family of Spadina. Guests can walk through this massive manor-turned-museum while receiving contextual background information from knowledgeable on-site staff on the family’s connections to the Lambton Golf and Country Club, and the Olympic Games of 1904. 285 Spadina Rd.
Laser Quest
Amidst a day of wandering through architectural marvels, heritage sites and socially significant buildings, it’s sometimes nice to unwind with a little change of pace. For the first time, Laser Quest will be a part of Doors Open at its Eglinton East location. Guests can take a walk through the confusion, compelling terrain of the LQ course and, for a nominal fee, even participate in the laser-shooting battle zone that was so popular in the late-90’s. Also open for a thrill-seeking visit is Joe Rockhead’s Climbing Gym (29 Fraser Avenue). 1980 Eglinton Ave. E.
Bata Shoe Museum
Doors Open serves as the ideal event for the long-time Toronto resident that scoffs at anything touristy in the city, only to realize that they haven’t been to the CN Tower since they were in elementary school. Sure enough, the Bata Shoe Museum makes its debut at the event this year, inviting visitors to view the museum’s impressive exterior and interior design. Even those not particularly moved by the idea of a museum dedicated to footwear will find something to enjoy here. 327 Bloor St. W.
Mattamy Athletic Centre
Post City covered the Pan Am basketball venue’s tune-up event, the CIS national championships, in March, so we know a thing or two about the old Maple Leaf Gardens and what it currently has to offer. Mattamy offers a compelling mix of new and old, blending historical nods to its former tenant with what is a state-of-the-art basketball facility. Be sure to visit 50 Carlton Street for a nostalgic trip back to the days of the Gardens while also having a glimpse of what’s to come during the much-hyped Pan Am basketball tournament at what is now the home of the Ryerson Rams. 50 Carlton St.
