Get ready for an educational and exciting day filled with discovery and daylight! Doors Open Owen Sound returns on Saturday, June 21, 2025, just in time for the summer solstice, the longest day of the year. As part of the province-wide Doors Open Ontario program organized by the Ontario Heritage Trust in partnership with the City of Owen Sound, this free event offers the public a chance to explore local heritage treasures and cultural spaces that are often closed to visitors. In the blog below, we’ll share what’s planned for this year’s event, including new additions, returning favourites, and tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Part of the larger province-wide Ontario Heritage Trust program, this annual favourite continues to shine a light on Ontario’s rich history, and Teachers on Call’s tutoring team is proud to spotlight events that offer hands-on learning opportunities for families, students, and educators. Last year, we spoke with Jennifer Wright, Events & Activation Coordinator for the City of Owen Sound. You can revisit that conversation and our full 2024 coverage here in last year’s blog. This year, we’ll update you on what’s new for 2025, including three exciting new locations and other fresh additions to explore.
Where is Owen Sound?
Nestled on the southern shores of Georgian Bay, Owen Sound is a historic port city located in Grey County in southwestern Ontario. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and picturesque harbours, the city is about 2.5 hours northwest of Toronto and under an hour from neighbouring communities like Collingwood, Hanover, Meaford, Thornbury, and Wiarton. Known for its deep Indigenous roots, vibrant arts scene, and strong sense of local pride, Owen Sound makes a wonderful day trip or weekend destination for families and curious explorers alike.
Celebrate the Summer Solstice in Owen Sound
June 21 marks the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, when daylight lingers well into the evening, a perfect opportunity to explore the science behind seasons and sunlight through real-world STEM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). It’s a special time to celebrate community, history, and nature — and in Owen Sound, it means more hours to explore, learn, and enjoy everything this vibrant city has to offer. In addition to Doors Open, Owen Sound will be filled with activities, music, and cultural events. You can find more about what’s happening across town in this roundup from the Owen Sound Sun Times and Owen Sound Current.
What to Expect at Doors Open Owen Sound 2025
This year’s event features 19 incredible sites, all free to visit. The day officially begins at 5:30 a.m. with a meaningful Sunrise Ceremony in recognition of National Indigenous Peoples Day at the Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden (South end of Kelso Beach at Nawash Park, enter at 19th Street West, Owen Sound, Ontario) followed by the opening of all other sites at 10:00 a.m.
Returning Doors Open Owen Sound favourites include:
Billy Bishop Home and Museum
948 3rd Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4P6
Community Waterfront Heritage Centre
1155 1st Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
Georgian Bay School of the Arts
938 2nd Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H6
Owen Sound North Grey Union Public Library
824 1st Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K4
Tom Thomson Art Gallery
840 1st Ave W, Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K4
Joining this year’s list are three exciting new additions:
- Bayshore Broadcasting Corporation 270 9th St E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 5P5: Step behind the scenes of one of Owen Sound’s most influential media outlets. Learn how local news and radio programs are produced and discover the role of community broadcasting in shaping public dialogue.
- Harmony Centre 890 4th Ave E, Owen Sound, ON N4K 2N7: A beautifully restored former church that now serves as a thriving venue for the arts, culture, and community wellness. From concerts to classes, this space shows how heritage buildings can be reimagined for modern use.
- Sydenham Campus 1130 8th St. E., Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N8: A centre for innovation, entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning housed in a historic school building. Tour shared workspaces and discover how this campus is helping to launch new ideas in the community.
Why Doors Open is a Favourite for Educators and Families
Doors Open is more than a behind-the-scenes tour, it’s an educational experience that brings Ontario’s history, culture, and architecture to life. For families with school-age children, it’s a chance to connect real-world learning with subjects like Canadian history, geography, visual arts, Indigenous studies, and civics. Many elementary and high school teachers use events like Doors Open to inspire creative writing prompts, history projects, or enrichment assignments during the school year or summer sessions. The event is also designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that individuals and families from all socioeconomic backgrounds can take part without financial barriers.
Plan Your Day in Owen Sound
Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your day:- Start early: Attend the Sunrise Ceremony for a reflective beginning at the Gichi-Name Wiikwedong Reconciliation Garden.
- Grab a guide: Download the site map or pick up an itinerary at City Hall – Community Services Desk.
- Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at one of Owen Sound’s downtown restaurants or brewery stops between visits.
- Talk to volunteers: Site hosts and local historians are often on hand to share fascinating stories and answer questions.
- Share your journey: Use social media to connect with others on the Doors Open Owen Sound Event Page, and share photos of your discoveries.
A Day of Discovery Awaits in Owen Sound, Ontario
The return of Doors Open Owen Sound on the longest day of the year is the perfect way to celebrate community, learning, and local heritage. With three new sites added to this year’s impressive lineup and 19 total destinations to explore, there’s something for everyone - whether you’re a history buff, architecture enthusiast, artist, student, or simply curious about what lies behind Owen Sound’s most iconic doors.
Take the opportunity to slow down, explore at your own pace, and reconnect with the spaces and stories that shape this beautiful region. Teachers on Call’s online and in-person tutoring service is proud to support events like Doors Open that champion access to education, heritage, and community connection. We’ll be following along and we hope you will too.
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