Explore Burlington’s Hidden Spaces During Doors Open on August 9

Head to Burlington to explore some of the city’s distinctive locations during Doors Open Burlington on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event provides free admission to a variety of historical, cultural, and community spaces.

Credit: Art Gallery of Burlington

Archaeological Services Inc., Canada’s largest heritage consultancy, will open its Fairview Street lab, offering artifact displays and interactive activities. The Art Gallery of Burlington will feature exhibition tours and a live clay demonstration tied to the A Curve, Not a Line exhibit.

At Backed By Bees, guided tours will take visitors through the Pollinator Path to learn about biodiversity and honey production. Meanwhile, Burlington Community Robotics invites guests to tour their Heritage Road facility, drive robots, and build mini-robots.

The Burlington Lions Club, marking 100 years, will welcome visitors to Lions Hall with children’s activities and free hot dogs. The Burlington Masonic Temple and Knox Presbyterian Church, the latter celebrating its 180th anniversary, will open their doors to share their longstanding community roles.

Also participating is the Lowville Schoolhouse on Guelph Line, now home to the Field and Stream Rescue Team, and St. John’s Anglican Church, founded in 1835, which will offer cemetery tours featuring notable local figures.

Credit: Royal Botanical Gardens

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. As part of Canada Strong Pass, the gardens offer free admission to children aged 17 and under and a 50% discount for youth aged 18 to 24.

Doors Open Ontario, launched in 2002, promotes free access to heritage sites across the province. The program has seen over 9 million visits and generates upwards of 15,000 volunteer hours annually.