Discover Burlington’s Past, Present & Future at Doors Open | August 9, 2025

Get ready to explore Burlington like never before! On Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the city opens its doors (literally) for a free, family-friendly event as part of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program. Whether you're a curious local or a day-tripper looking for a cultural adventure, Doors Open Burlington offers a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes at heritage sites, community spaces, and architectural gems that are often hidden in plain sight. The Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program shines a spotlight on the province’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, making it an ideal day of learning and exploration for all ages.

Conveniently located between Toronto and Hamilton and just over an hour’s drive from Kitchener and Waterloo—Burlington is the perfect destination for a summer heritage road trip. This lakeside city blends natural beauty with a vibrant community spirit. At Teachers on Call, our in-person and online tutoring team is always looking for ways to make learning fun and meaningful outside the classroom—and events like The Ontario Heritage Trust Doors Open Ontario do just that. With hands-on experiences, engaging exhibits, and rich local history, Doors Open Burlington is a wonderful way for students and families to connect with Ontario’s past and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around them.

Participating Sites at Doors Open Burlington 2025

• Archaeological Services Inc. (ASI) – 2321 Fairview Street, Unit 200, Burlington, ON, L7R 2E3
• Art Gallery of Burlington – 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A9
• Backed By Bees – 6214 Appleby Line, Burlington, ON, L7M 0P7
• Burlington Community Robotics – 1140 Heritage Road, Unit 14, Burlington, ON, L7M 0P7
• Burlington Masonic Temple – 459 Brant Street, Burlington, ON, L7R 2G3
• Kilbride United Church – 2066 Kilbride Street, Burlington, ON, L7P 0H9
• Knox Presbyterian Church – 461 Elizabeth Street, Burlington, ON, L7R 4B1
• Lowville Schoolhouse – 6207 Guelph Line, Burlington, ON, L7P 0A6
• St. John’s Anglican Church – 2464 Dundas Street West, Burlington, ON, L7P 0S8

An Interview with Miriam Martens, Manager Events & Programs at Museums of Burlington

Doors Open Burlington is back! What are some of the most exciting or unique buildings and locations opening their doors to the public this year?

I don't like to play favourites, but we do have some exciting new sites available to visit this year! At the Lowville Schoolhouse, you can learn about the work of the Field & Stream Rescue Team and take a hike along Bronte Creek (1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville, ON L6M 4J7). The Schoolhouse is located in Lowville Park, which also makes it a great stop for a family picnic. There will also be hands-on activities for kids at Archaeological Services Inc. and Burlington Community Robotics, both of which are new to Doors Open this year.

What kind of turnout are you expecting for this one-day event?

This is a hard question to answer! Some sites see hundreds of people, while some have a few dozen. We expect that at least 500 people in total will make stops at various sites throughout the day, but I can't say for sure!

With so many sites to explore in just one day, what are your personal top three “can’t-miss” locations this year and why should they be on every visitor’s list?

All of the sites are so interesting, that I like to group them into geographic locations so people can see sites more efficiently! Our sites are conveniently listed out on a Google map here.

Group 1:

• Backed by Bees
• Kilbride United Church
• Lowville Schoolhouse

Group 2: 

• ASI
• Burlington Community Robotics
• St. John's Anglican Church

Group 3:

• Burlington Masonic Temple
• Knox Presbyterian Church
• Art Gallery of Burlington

Are there any new additions to the lineup for 2025, or returning favourites that tend to surprise first-time attendees?

Our new sites for this year are Lowville Schoolhouse, Burlington Community Robotics, and St. John's Anglican Church. Backed by Bees is always a fun site to visit - a (brightly) hidden gem just down Appleby Line and a great place to learn about Burlington's local food production!

For families with children or teens, are there any interactive or kid-friendly features at this year’s sites that make learning fun?

Definitely! You have the chance to create and take home your own mini-robot at Burlington Community Robotics, view a pottery demonstration at the Art Gallery of Burlington (11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.), learn about Burlington's biodiversity and keeping our spaces eco-friendly at Lowville Schoolhouse and Backed by Bees, and you can learn about archaeology and Burlington's history with hands-on activities at ASI (Archaeological Services Inc.)

All that exploring calls for a break! Where would you recommend families stop for a coffee, lunch, or sweet treat during their Doors Open adventure? Any local favourites near the participating sites?

Sunshine Doughnuts (439 Brock Ave, Burlington, ON L7S 1M8) is located beside the Art Gallery of Burlington if you need dessert or an afternoon iced coffee. I would also recommend packing a picnic to have at Lowville Park (6207 Lowville Park Rd, Burlington, ON L7P 0A6), or enjoying a cold honey soda (while adults taste-test some mead!) while at Backed by Bees.

Doors Open gives residents and visitors alike a rare peek behind the scenes of historic spaces. What impact do you think this event has on how people see Burlington’s past—and its future?

I think Doors Open is a great opportunity to connect Burlington's past to its present and future. You get to see how buildings have changed, evolved, and even moved to new locations (Kilbride United Church). You can learn about Burlington's agricultural past, and see how important agriculture and biodiversity still is to our city (Backed by Bees, Lowville Schoolhouse). And you can see how the past is quite literally being discovered right here in our own backyard (ASI).

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Doors Open Burlington is a perfect reminder that history isn’t just something we read about—it’s all around us, waiting to be explored. From hands-on science and art activities to peaceful heritage churches and buzzing community hubs, this one-day event offers something for every kind of learner. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, it's a chance to see Burlington in a new light and connect with the stories that shape its identity. Want to learn more about other communities taking part in Doors Open Ontario this year? Check out our recent interviews with event organizers in Seaforth or Cornwall for more inspiration on where to go next!

More Fun in Burlington

Don’t miss Movie Night in Hendrie Park: A Green Angels Fundraiser on August 30, 2025 at the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens. Enjoy a screening of The Wild Robot (2024, PG) under the stars while supporting RBG’s Green Angels Program, which helps make nature and learning experiences accessible to families facing financial barriers.

The movie begins around 8:00–8:15 p.m., depending on light conditions. The Wild Robot is a heartwarming and visually stunning film that blends adventure, emotion, and nature—perfect for a summer evening. Bring blankets, cushions, or pillows for turf seating; lawn chairs are welcome behind lawn seating, and rental chairs must be pre-purchased. All proceeds support the Green Angels Program. Check out our recent blog about the Royal Botanical Gardens before you plan your visit!