Doors Open Ottawa 2026: a Peek Inside Ottawa’s Prominent Buildings

In 2025, over 90 significant buildings across Ottawa participated — including many that normally charge admission or are closed to the public. Whether you choose a virtual or live experience, you’ll discover the secrets and stories within Ottawa’s most interesting buildings through photography, in-depth descriptions, 3D tours, YouTube videos, guided tours, and self-guided experiences.

Heritage Ottawa will be set up in the main floor lobby of Arts Court on June 6 from noon to 5:00 pm, sharing information about Ottawa’s heritage and a free self-guided walking tour handout. Arts Court will also be offering hands-on experiences, exhibitions, screenings and performances for the whole family.

Check the City of Ottawa Doors Open page for the full list of 2026 participating buildings and registration details.

Ottawa embraced this great initiative in 2002, when the very first event welcomed nearly 80 building participants and 35,000 visitors. It has since grown into the second biggest Doors Open event in Canada and one of the biggest in the world not something you’d expect in a relatively new city. More than a million visitors have now participated, not surprising considering the 19th-century building boom that shaped the capital.

After the Rideau Canal was built and Ottawa became the nation’s capital, the city expanded rapidly. It needed federal government buildings such as Parliament Hill, hotels and a railway station, utility buildings, a main post office, churches and theatres. The lumber industry’s leading entrepreneurs built large mansions, and retail needed its department stores. Ottawa was booming — and that architectural legacy is what makes Doors Open so rich today.

Besides historic buildings still used for their original purpose, you can expect to see buildings adapted for reuse — such as the former railway station, which became the temporary seat of the Senate.

Newer buildings are worth checking out too. The National Arts Centre was built in 1967 for Canada’s 100th birthday in a Brutalist style (from the French “Béton brut,” meaning ‘raw concrete’) and expanded in 2017 for Canada’s 150th anniversary. The Ottawa Art Gallery is also worth a visit — don’t miss the ‘Lantern,’ the tower-like structure on Elgin at the NCC with a magnificent display at night.

Hydro Ottawa’s hydroelectric facility at Chaudière Falls sits right on the Trans Canada Trail along the Ottawa River. Spring is the perfect time to see the spectacular falls in full glory. Part of Ottawa’s electricity supply comes from the turbines powered by these falls. There’s a viewpoint with a small park — ideal for a picnic while watching the thunderous water

A perennial Doors Open favourite is the Hostelling International youth hostel, once the Ottawa Jail. Not far from there is the Laurier House Historic Site, home of former Prime Minister Wilfrid Laurier. A bit further east in Vanier, you can find the Wabano Centre for Aboriginal Health, an important place for Ottawa’s First Nations community.

On Sussex Drive, you’ll notice the striking building of the Delegation of the Ismaili Imamat, built by the Aga Khan Foundation. Next door is the Lester B. Pearson Building, which houses Global Affairs Canada, and not far from there is the Global Centre for Pluralism tucked between the Royal Canadian Mint and the National Art Gallery.

A single weekend is never enough to see everything — but a bicycle lets you make the most of your time. Distances between buildings are short and Ottawa’s cycling infrastructure is excellent. Here are a few tips for Doors Open weekend:

• Plan ahead: Some buildings require registration. Check the City of Ottawa Doors Open page early for 2026 participants and booking details.
• Consider an e-bike: Cover more ground with less effort and squeeze in more buildings across the city.
• Pick up a map: Stop by the Arts Court lobby on June 6 (noon–5 pm) for a free self-guided walking tour handout from Heritage Ottawa.
• Ride past closed buildings: Admiring Ottawa’s stunning architecture from your saddle is worthwhile even on its own.

Reserve your bikes in advance at Escape Bicycle Tours & Rentals and get ahead of the Doors Open weekend crowds. Don’t forget to share your experience using #DoorsOpenOttawa, #MyOttawa and @biketoursottawa.