From Camp X to Trafalgar Castle School: Discover Whitby’s Heritage | Doors Open 2025

As the 2025 Doors Open Ontario season comes to a close, Whitby invites visitors to celebrate its heritage, creativity, and community spirit one last time this year. After a six year hiatus, Doors Open Whitby is back! On Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., explore historic landmarks, architectural gems, and cultural spaces through the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Doors Open Ontario program. From century-old homes to new public spaces, this event offers a special opportunity to connect with the stories that have shaped Whitby’s past and continue to influence its bright future. A highlight is Trafalgar Castle School, an independent day and boarding school for girls in Grades 4 through 12. As a tutoring service passionate about educational sites, we especially love how Trafalgar Castle School showcases Whitby’s rich history alongside its ongoing commitment to learning. Keep reading for our full interview with event organizer Mainika Gera, Special Events Coordinator, Town of Whitby.

Located on the north shore of Lake Ontario, Whitby is known for its charming downtown, scenic harbour, and rich historical roots, including Camp X, Canada’s World War II spy training facility, and the elegant Lynde House Museum, one of Durham Region’s oldest homes. Just 50 minutes east of Toronto and under 20 minutes from Oshawa or Pickering, Whitby offers the perfect balance of small-town charm and urban access. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your community or a day-tripper seeking a heritage adventure, Doors Open Whitby is an ideal way to explore the town’s stories up close. The in-person and online tutoring team at Teachers on Call recommends heritage experiences like this for families and students, as they bring learning in subjects like history, architecture, and the arts to life beyond the classroom. This year’s event is presented with support from Treasure Hill Homes, a proud community partner helping celebrate the people and places that make Whitby unique.

Participating Sites for Doors Open Whitby 2025

• 1855 Accelerator – 400 Centre Street South, Whitby, ON L1N 4W2
• Burr Lodge – 918 Centre Street South, Whitby, ON L1N 4X3
• Camp X Memorial, Intrepid Park – 2008 Boundary Road, Whitby, ON L1N 7G4
• Centennial Building - 416 Centre Street South, Whitby, ON L1N 4W2
• Lynde House Museum – 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, ON L1N 4L6
• St. Arsenije Sremac Serbian Orthodox Church - 508 Byron Street South Whitby, ON L1N 4R3
• St John’s Anglican Church - 150 Victoria Street East, Whitby, ON L1N 4S6
• Station Gallery – 1450 Henry Street, Whitby, ON L1N 0A8
• Trafalgar Castle School – 401 Reynolds Street, Whitby, ON L1N 3W9 (from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.)
• Werden’s Plan Walking Tour - 900 Brock Street South, Whitby, ON L1N 4L6
• Whitby Public Library (Central Library) – 405 Dundas Street West, Whitby, ON L1N 6A1

Read Our Full Interview with Mainika Gera, Special Events Coordinator, Town of Whitby

With 12 sites participating this year, which new or hidden gem locations are you most excited for visitors to discover? 

The first location that comes to mind would be Burr Lodge. Burr Lodge, which was first built in 1855, making it 170 years old, is a private residence. Visitors will only be able to step back in time and tour this location for Doors Open, making it an exciting and exclusive opportunity to learn more about Whitby’s history. Informative tours will be running from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for those who stop by and want to learn more.  

Additionally, Whitby’s brand-new Visitors Centre has been added to this year’s Doors Open lineup. Having been open since just the end of September, the Visitors Centre is part of Whitby’s plan to provide easily accessible resources to our visitors. Visitors can stop by to ask any questions they have and learn more about what Whitby has to offer. Located at Shirley Scott Park, with serene landscapes and select seating areas for visitors, this location offers an amazing escape from our busier locations.   

What changes or new experiences can returning guests expect for Doors Open Whitby 2025? 

This is our long-awaited comeback from 2019! After 6 years away, Doors Open Whitby 2025 offers the perfect blend of new and former site participants, making it equally as exciting for our returning visitors as it is for anyone who has never participated before. For returning participants, the Station Gallery will be a key site to visit. Despite having previously taken part in our Doors Open events, the Station Gallery will have 3 enamouring exhibitions taking place, including: 

True North by the Durham Potters Guild - Located in Galleries A, B, C 
About: Ceramic pieces handcrafted by the Durham Potters Guild that speak to each artists’ own idea of what True North means to them. 

Station to Station: Picturing a Landmark - Located in the Jill Dyall Community Gallery 
About: An exhibition celebrating Whitby’s old railway station where artists and image-makers have represented one of our most celebrated landmarks since 1903. 

The Oh Canada! Project - Located in the SG Underground Gallery 
About: Group exhibition celebrating our national identity through the lens of the Canadian flag. 

Additionally, there will be a pop-up activity exclusively for Doors Open at the Station Gallery- Create Pointillism colourful hot air balloons! 

For families with children or younger visitors, which Doors Open Whitby sites or activities would you recommend for an engaging and hands-on experience? 

The Whitby Public Library has been able to plan some exciting and engaging tours planned for all ages. Tours are only running at set times and certainly shouldn’t be missed! We recommend that visitors check out their blog for more information about what they can expect during their visit below:  

 Doors Open is back! Experience the Central Library in a whole new way. | Whitby Public Library 

For people who only have a few hours, what route or cluster of sites would you suggest to help them make the most of their visit to Doors Open Whitby? 

For visitors who may only have a limited amount of time to visit our participating sites should participate in Werdens walking tours. Starting from the Warren General Store, this tour will allow visitors to visit multiple sites and learn a wealth of information from knowledgeable tour guides. Here is what visitors can expect from this tour:  

Step back in time through the Werden's Plan Heritage Conservation District! Join the Whitby Historical Society to uncover the stories of the people who once lived in these beautiful homes, enriching your understanding of their significance in the community, and appreciating the unique architectural features that set them apart.  

For our return to Doors Open, the Town of Whitby has carefully crafted our lineup of participating sites in South Whitby with the intention to allow visitors to potentially visit every participating site while they are open for the event. 

Which sites are absolute must-sees and why?

While each of our participating sites have amazing activations specially organized for our visitors, our must-see sites would have to be those that are not typically open to the public. These exclusive sites include: 1855 Accelerator, Burr Lodge, and Trafalgar Castle School (visits are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Trafalgar Castle School).  

Besides our exclusive sites, Lynde House Museum and Camp X Memorial, Intrepid Park offer the perfect glimpses of Whitby’s history through their in-depth tours. While these sites may be accessible to the public after Doors Open, their Doors Open tours are for one day only!  

After a day of exploring Whitby’s history and culture, what local cafés, restaurants, or markets would you recommend for visitors to enjoy while reflecting on their experience? 

Cafés such as Belle Vie (117 Brock St N, Whitby, ON L1N 4H3, Canada), Brock St Espresso (131 Brock St S, Whitby, ON L1N 4J9, Canada), Jacked up Coffee (132 Brock St N, Whitby, ON L1N 4H4, Canada), and The Souk (124 Dundas St W, Whitby, ON L1N 2L9, Canada) are just some of the delectable locations open for a coffee and a quick bite.

For those looking for a filling meal to energize them for their further exploration of Whitby, Lloyd’s Lunchbox (111 Dundas St W, Whitby, ON L1N 2M1, Canada) and Tuscan Wolf Pizzeria (110 Dundas St W, Whitby, ON L1N 2L9, Canada) are sure to satisfy your cravings.  

For more information on dining in Whitby, we recommend that visitors check out Whitby’s award-winning food guide here.   

What do you hope attendees take away from Doors Open Whitby this year, whether they are locals rediscovering their community or day-trippers exploring for the first time? 

Here in Whitby, we always want our visitors to discover something new to enjoy. From fan-favourites to hidden gems, the possibilities are endless for both our locals and visitors. Through Doors Open 2025, we hope each visitor can be immersed in Whitby’s rich heritage and learn more about key historical figures that have played a crucial role in developing Whitby as the beautiful town it is today.  

~

Whether you’re exploring the exclusive Burr Lodge, touring Trafalgar Castle School, or taking part in creative workshops at the Station Gallery, Doors Open Whitby 2025 promises a memorable day of discovery. With its stunning waterfront, welcoming community, and fascinating mix of historic and modern attractions, Whitby continues to connect its past with its bright future. For families, educators, and curious learners alike, it’s an invitation to step through history, one open door at a time. This may be the last weekend of Doors Open 2025 - but the fun doesn’t stop with the Whitby event. For those in the Niagara Region, find out more about Doors Open Niagara-on-the-Lake also happening on October 18, 2025. We hope you enjoyed the 2025 Doors Open Ontario series, which featured 32 in-person events across the province. Stay tuned for next year as we celebrate the 25th anniversary season of Doors Open Ontario!