10 buildings we desperately want to return for Doors Open Toronto
Doors Open Toronto returns for 2026 in just a few weeks, and there are over 160 locations to visit at this year's edition of the popular event.
However, a few key buildings that have proven popular stops on the city-wide crawl in previous years are conspicuously absent from this year's lineup, and we kind of want them back.
Locals are crossing off the days on the calendar until Doors Open returns on Saturday May 23 and Sundy 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. But some fan favourites won't be available to visit this year, including a few former Doors Open destinations we'd really like to see return in the future.
Here are 10 buildings that we desperately want to see brought back for Doors Open Toronto next year.
Fisher Rare Book Library
If you put me on the spot and asked me to name the most Kubrickian-looking space in Toronto, it would be this space within the University of Toronto's Robarts Library complex. Just an absolute stunner that I was heartbroken to see left off this year's list.
Jack Landau
Canada Life Building
This historic building, designed in the same Beaux Arts style as Union Station, is easily one of Toronto's most beloved heritage structures. While best known for its large rooftop weather beacon, fewer are aware of the charming little observation deck perched on the 15th floor. A previous recurring favourite at Doors Open, this space hasn't been open to the public for a few years.
Commerce Court North
Whether you were showing up for the ornate banking hall or the gargoyle-lined observation deck, this Art Deco office tower in the Financial District has been a popular fixture on the Doors Open circuit, though the public won't be taken behind the curtain this year.
Jack Landau
Massey College
A mash-up of midcentury modernism and Harry Potter-style upper-crust educational architecture, Massey College and its stunning Ondaatje Hall was a popular addition to Doors Open a couple of years ago, just don't show up expecting behind-the-scenes access this year, as the University of Toronto facility is not participating for 2026.
Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres
These beloved theatres are not included in this year's Doors Open festivities, though the twinned performance venues have been popular stops in previous years. Anyone looking to see inside these theatres in 2026 will just have to buy tickets for a show.
Leslie Barns
Many locals interact with TTC streetcars on a daily basis, but these carefully-engineered vehicles require some serious upkeep to handle life on Toronto's frigid, heavily salted streets. The 2015-opened facility, with its futuristic reflective-walled service bays, has been a past stop on Doors Open, but is not on the roster for 2026.
Native Child and Family Services of Toronto
Previous years' Doors Open celebrations permitted access to the Native Child and Family Services of Toronto on College St. A highlight of this stop was the Longhouse structure with its stunning geometric timber construction. It's not on the schedule for 2026, but here's hoping it makes a return in the future.
Portlands Energy Centre
It's hard to describe the colossal scale of this 550-megawatt natural gas power plant, but you'll have to take my word for it, as this electrical generating station will not be accessible for Doors Open this year.
BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Without a doubt one of the most fascinating structures in Toronto, this Hindu temple in the extreme northwest corner of the city is easily missed by those who stick to the downtown core, but was a popular stop for Doors Open from 2005 to 2009. It's not part of this year's event, but luckily, the temple grounds are open to visitors most days.
Jack Landau
Bay Lower Station
Toronto's only abandoned subway station is something every local should see at least once, but anyone looking to tick this haunting disused subway station off their bucket list will have to wait for future events, as the transit relic is not open for visitors during this year's Doors Open.
Jack Landau
What is your favourite former Doors Open attraction that you want brought back next year?
Jack Landau
