From an 1870s Classroom to a Modern University Campus: Family Learning at Doors Open Markham

What do a one-room schoolhouse, a Group of Seven artist, historic railway stations and a state-of-the-art university campus have in common? Families can explore them all during Doors Open Markham on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, one-day event invites visitors inside 17 fascinating locations across the city, connecting Markham's rich heritage with art, architecture, education, culture and modern innovation. Young visitors can experience what school was like in the late 1800s, learn about local firefighting, discover the stories behind historic neighbourhoods and step inside one of Ontario's newest university campuses. Keep reading for the complete list of participating sites and our full interview with Pody Lui, Communications Advisor for Markham Civic Centre, including family-friendly highlights, hidden gems and tips for planning your day.

Doors Open Markham has been welcoming visitors since 2003, but this year's lineup offers a particularly interesting way for families to see how a community changes over time. Historic villages, houses, churches and railway stations sit alongside contemporary architecture and spaces that have been adapted for entirely new purposes. From discovering the connections between Thornhill and Canada's Group of Seven to comparing an 1870s classroom with a university campus completed more than 150 years later, students can explore how history, education, art, architecture and community life continue to shape the city around them.

Where Is Markham? Exploring One of York Region's Most Diverse Communities

Located in York Region immediately north of Toronto, Markham is made up of several distinct communities, including historic Markham Village, Unionville and Thornhill. Today, the city is known for its mix of historic neighbourhoods, cultural diversity, technology and innovation, making Doors Open an interesting opportunity to explore both its past and present.

Markham is conveniently located for families travelling from across York Region, Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area. Using central Markham as an approximate reference point, the city is about 20 kilometres from Richmond Hill, or around a 20-minute drive; approximately 20 kilometres from Pickering, or around 20 minutes by car; and approximately 30 kilometres from Toronto, or around 30 to 40 minutes away. Travel times can vary considerably depending on traffic, starting location and which Doors Open sites you plan to visit.

Doors Open Markham: The Ultimate Fall Field Trip

For families with school-aged children, Markham is primarily served by the York Region District School Board (YRDSB) and York Catholic District School Board (YCDSB). French-language public and Catholic education is also available through Conseil scolaire Viamonde and Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir. With Doors Open sites highlighting history, visual arts, architecture, technology, education and community life, the event offers local students an opportunity to extend learning beyond the classroom and discover the many layers of the community around them.

Participating Sites at Doors Open Markham 2026

This year, visitors can explore 17 sites and experiences:

• Central United Church — 131 Main Street, Unionville, Ontario, L3R 2G3
• Heintzman House — 135 Bay Thorn Drive, Markham, Ontario, L3T 3B9
• Markham Museum — 9350 Markham Road, Markham, Ontario, L3P 3J3
• Markham Public Library – Thornhill Village Branch — 10 Colborne Street, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 1Z6
• Markham Village Fire Station No. 97 — 209 Main Street North, Markham, Ontario L3P 1Y4
• Markham Village Train Station — 214 Main Street North, Markham, Ontario, L3P 1Y5
• Markham Village Walking Tour — begins at the Old Town Hall, 96 Main Street North, Markham, Ontario, L3P 1X8
• McKay Art Centre (Salem Eckardt House) — 197 Main Street, Unionville, Ontario, L3R 2G8
• St. Maurice and St. Verena Coptic Orthodox Church — 3300 Highway 7 East, Markham, Ontario L3R 5N9
• Stiver Mill Community Centre — 9 Station Lane, Unionville, Ontario, L3R 1R5
• Thornhill Walking Tour — begins at Markham Public Library – Thornhill Village Branch, 10 Colborne Street, Thornhill, Ontario, L3T 1Z6
• Unionville Curling Club — 257 Carlton Road, Unionville, Ontario L3R 2A3
• Unionville Train Station (Community Centre) — 7 Station Lane, Unionville, Ontario, L3R 1R4
• Varley Art Gallery of Markham — 216 Main Street, Unionville, Ontario L3R 2H1
• Wong Dai Sin Temple — 378 Steeles Avenue East, Thornhill, Ontario L3T 0E7
• York Region District School Board Museum and Archives (Buttonville) — 21 Renfrew Drive, Markham, Ontario
• York University's Markham Campus — 1 University Boulevard, Markham, Ontario, L6G 0H2

Visitors should review the official Doors Open Markham event page before setting out for the latest information about individual site hours, accessibility, parking, tours and scheduled activities.

Read Our Full Interview with Pody Lui, Communications Advisor for Markham Civic Centre

Doors Open Markham has been welcoming visitors since 2003. What do you think makes Markham’s history and heritage so special to explore through this event?

Markham has an amazing historical story to tell the world and unlike many other municipalities has taken steps to ensure that its local cultural heritage resources are protected and celebrated both in public and private ownership. Today’s Markham is comprised of several former villages and communities such as Thornhill, Unionville and Markham Village with each now protected and offering a unique heritage experience through their heritage resources.

Markham is known for balancing its historic roots with being a modern and innovative city. How does this year’s Doors Open event showcase both the past and present of the community?

When organizing Doors Open Markham, we try to showcase not only interesting heritage building typologies but also newer forms of architectural expression such as the innovative York University Markham Campus or the Wong Dai Sin Temple which is a testament to modern architecture's ability to blend traditional Taoist practices with contemporary design.

A truly modern and innovative city recognizes that protecting its cultural heritage resources is just as important as welcoming new development and growth. Many of the Doors Open sites also illustrate how heritage buildings can be adapted to other uses. Markham embraces its motto – “Leading while Remembering”

For families attending with children, which sites or experiences would you recommend for sparking curiosity and hands-on learning?

Families with children should check out the Buttonville Schoolhouse site to experience life as a student in a recreated late 1800s classroom. When was the last time you did mathematics on a slate!

Markham has a rich collection of heritage buildings, cultural spaces, and community landmarks. Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known stories you’re especially excited for visitors to discover this year?

Did you know that several of Canada’s famed Group of Seven artists once lived in Thornhill Village? Well, it is true and you can find out more by joining one of three walking tours that will explore their former houses in the Colborne and John Streets area of historic Thornhill.

One of the exciting parts of Doors Open is getting behind-the-scenes access to places people may pass by every day. Are there any locations this year that might surprise even longtime Markham residents?

Join Us in the Vault! Go behind the scenes with our curatorial team at the Markham Museum on a 30-minute tour of the collections vault, archives, and curatorial workroom. Explore areas rarely seen by the public.

Markham is one of Canada’s most diverse communities, with many cultures and stories shaping the city. How does Doors Open Markham help celebrate the different communities and people who have contributed to its history?

The Doors Open concept aims to connect the public with Ontario's rich heritage through free access to a wide range of historic sites. This initiative helps showcase the architectural and cultural wonders that define our community as it has developed. Doors Open Markham attempts to offer sites ranging from early European settlement to architectural and cultural sites reflective of more recent peoples.

Places like museums, historic buildings, and community spaces help bring classroom learning to life. Why do you think experiences like Doors Open Markham are valuable for young learners?

It is important for all learners both young and old to experience their community outside of the confines of a classroom or an electronic device. Interacting with historic places that have survived for generations and hearing firsthand about their unique stories enhances the learning experience and creates memories.

If a family only has a few hours to explore Doors Open Markham, what advice would you give them to make the most of their visit?

We are offering four main clusters of Doors Open Markham sites – Thornhill Village, Markham Village, Historic Unionville and Central Markham which allow visitors to go to one area and see several sites often within walking distance of each other.

After attending Doors Open Markham, what do you hope families and students walk away knowing or appreciating about their community?

We hope that all our visitors obtain a better understanding of the many layers of history which make up our community, and that our cultural heritage resources are fragile gifts from the past that once gone, are gone forever. Therefore by exploring these sites firsthand, it will help to build understanding, pride, and long-term support for heritage conservation.

Exploring Doors Open Markham can easily turn into a full day of adventure for families. Are there any favourite local spots you would recommend for visitors to grab a snack, treat, or refreshment while discovering the city?

Markham has many restaurant opportunities ranging from fast foods to fine dining. Visitors are encouraged to try one of the many restaurants found along historic Main Street Unionville or historic Markham Village with many of these eating establishments located in historic buildings.

Discover Markham Beyond the Classroom

From writing mathematics on a slate in a recreated 1800s classroom to exploring the halls of a university campus completed in 2024, Doors Open Markham gives families an opportunity to experience more than a century of change in a single day. Along the way, young visitors can discover local connections to the Group of Seven, explore historic railway stations and neighbourhoods, learn about fire safety, experience art and architecture, and see how heritage buildings continue to serve their communities in new ways. Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 26, 2026, and turn a day of exploring Markham into a free, family-friendly learning adventure.