Doors Open Ontario, an annual event showcasing public spaces that are typically not open to the public, is returning to Oshawa on Saturday, May 2. This offers a fantastic chance to discover and appreciate some of the area’s less-known but fascinating sites at no cost.
The event runs from 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. (some times may vary by location) and invites both local residents and visitors from afar to explore nearly twenty of Oshawa’s rich heritage and cultural landmarks while learning about local history.
Canadian Tank Museum and 420 Wing – 1000 Stevenson Rd. N.
The Canadian Tank Museum hosts North America’s largest collection of working historical military vehicles, serving as the official museum for Durham Region’s own Canadian Forces unit, the Ontario Regiment (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps).
This year, guests can enjoy one of the museum’s famous Tank Saturday live vehicle shows at no charge. ‘Tank Saturday: Evolution’ will showcase how armoured vehicles have changed since their introduction in 1916, highlighting advancements in design to address evolving battlefield challenges. The live demonstration starts at 1 p. m., and throughout the day, visitors can access free exhibit galleries including a ‘Kids’ Zone’ filled with military-themed activities for families with young kids. Rides in select vehicles like the M548 Battle Bus and M113 armoured personnel carrier will be available for an extra fee, and shoppers can visit the museum gift shop for souvenirs.
The 420 Wing was constructed as part of the Commonwealth Air Training Plan, recognized as Building 10. Oshawa Airmen became members of the Air Force Association of Canada and took over this building which has been a place for veterans and their families ever since.
420 Wing
Alexandra’s Bounty Community Garden – 68 Simcoe St. N.
The Oshawa and Durham Region Metis Council Community Garden started in 2016 provides free vegetables, berries, and herbs during summer months to Metis citizens as well as community members who need assistance.
You can bead a red dress during Doors Open in support of Red Dress Day (May 5), raising awareness about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Canadian Automotive Museum – 99 Simcoe St. S.
<p Founded in 1962, the Canadian Automotive Museum preserves Canada’s automotive history within a restored dealership from the 1920s located downtown Oshawa. The museum reflects Oshawa’s industrial past while featuring an impressive collection of significant Canadian cars.
During Doors Open, join guided tours of the museum or participate in a gallery scavenger hunt along with children’s coloring activities.
Canadian Automotive Museum
City of Oshawa: Art and Culture in the Hall – 50 Centre St. S. (NEW)
The Art and Culture program at City Hall features exhibits that highlight local artistic talent. The current displays were created by Friends of Second Marsh along with visual art students from Maxwell Heights Secondary School.
City of Oshawa: Greenhouse – 919 Farewell Street
Visit one of Ontario’s few remaining city-run glass greenhouses dedicated to tropical collections while producing annual bedding plants for city parks, gardens, City Hall itself, the Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden, plus downtown planters/hanging baskets. After planting over 5 thousand seeds and growing two thousand cuttings they’ve prepared around sixty thousand plants ready for planting by May.
City of Oshawa Greenhouse
City of Oshawa: Howden Operations Depot – 235 Howden Rd. E.
Check out where important work happens within our city-tour salt domes through fleet garages at Howden Depot while discovering how city crews maintain safe streets parks sidewalks beautification efforts throughout town!
Mc Laughlin Bandshell – 110 Simcoe St. S. (Memorial Park)
This Bandshell opened its doors officially back in July ’42 aiming primarily giving space needed by civic band practicing & performing; previously all practices took place either inside Orange Hall located above grocery store near four corners or at Armouries located on Simcoe Street nearby instead! Walk through interior room hosting practice sessions now ongoing! This art deco-styled bandshell came courtesy gift from R. S Mc Laughlin who founded General Motors Canada himself back then too! During Doors Open enjoy performance conducted by said Civic Band starting promptly around eleven o’clock AM next year marks fifty years since property designated heritage site!
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Canadian Automotive Museum
City of Oshawa: Art and Culture in the Hall – 50 Centre St. S. (NEW)
The Art and Culture program at City Hall features exhibits that highlight local artistic talent. The current displays were created by Friends of Second Marsh along with visual art students from Maxwell Heights Secondary School.
City of Oshawa: Greenhouse – 919 Farewell Street
Visit one of Ontario’s few remaining city-run glass greenhouses dedicated to tropical collections while producing annual bedding plants for city parks, gardens, City Hall itself, the Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden, plus downtown planters/hanging baskets. After planting over 5 thousand seeds and growing two thousand cuttings they’ve prepared around sixty thousand plants ready for planting by May.
City of Oshawa Greenhouse
City of Oshawa: Howden Operations Depot – 235 Howden Rd. E.
Check out where important work happens within our city-tour salt domes through fleet garages at Howden Depot while discovering how city crews maintain safe streets parks sidewalks beautification efforts throughout town!
Mc Laughlin Bandshell – 110 Simcoe St. S. (Memorial Park)
This Bandshell opened its doors officially back in July ’42 aiming primarily giving space needed by civic band practicing & performing; previously all practices took place either inside Orange Hall located above grocery store near four corners or at Armouries located on Simcoe Street nearby instead! Walk through interior room hosting practice sessions now ongoing! This art deco-styled bandshell came courtesy gift from R. S Mc Laughlin who founded General Motors Canada himself back then too! During Doors Open enjoy performance conducted by said Civic Band starting promptly around eleven o’clock AM next year marks fifty years since property designated heritage site!
<h4 id=”caption-attac… INsauga’s Editorial Standards & Policies
