Ottawa 
Plan a visit to Ottawa this weekend and explore a variety of historic and culturally significant buildings open to the public at no cost. In addition, the city is hosting several festivals, offering a vibrant atmosphere.
Credit: City of Ottawa
Doors Open Ottawa is returning for its 24th edition on June 6 and 7.
You can tour many architecturally and historically rich buildings, which are not typically open to the public, such as the Britannia Water Purification Plant, the Embassies of Hungary to Canada/Birkett Castle, the People’s Republic of China in Canada, the Republic of Armenia, the Toller House (Croatian Embassy), and the French Embassy in Canada.
Some of the museums and galleries offering free admission this year include Billings Estate National Historic Site, ByWard Market Building, Cumberland Heritage Village Museum, Dickinson House, Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum, Fairfields Heritage House, Goulbourn Museum, Ingenium Centre, Laurier House National Historic Site, Library and Archives Canada, Osgoode Township Museum, Royal Canadian Mint, Scouts Canada National Museum, The Commissariat Building (Bytown Museum), Vanier Museopark, Watson’s Mill
Credit: City of Ottawa
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore architecturally and historically rich buildings for free! Keep in mind that pre-registration is required for these participating sites:
- Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
- edstudiO – University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Education
- Embassy of Hungary to Canada/Birkett Castle
- Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Canada
- Embassy of The Republic of Armenia
- French Embassy in Canada
- Ingenium Centre
- Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
- The Toller House (Croatian Embassy)
- uOttawa-IBM Cyber Range
- STEM Complex
- University of Ottawa Heart Institute
- University of Ottawa Skills and Simulation Centre
There’s more to enjoy in Ottawa this weekend!
Explore Manotick’s Dickinson Days festival, including a parade, fireworks, entertainment, and tours at Watson’s Mill & Dickinson House. Other events include Blackburn Fun Fair, Orléans Craft Beer Festival, and Capital RibFest, among others.
So, mark your calendars, grab your camera, and get ready to unlock the secrets behind Ottawa’s hidden gems at Doors Open 2026! (Building List)
Doors Open Ottawa is part of Doors Open Ontario.
