Toronto is turning into one big playground at least for one weekend this spring; Doors Open Toronto returns on May 24 and 25 with free entry to over 150 locations, inviting the public to experience the city's spaces through this year’s theme of “Play.” This year’s edition spans everything from e-sports to historic performance venues, celebrating how Toronto connects through physical activity, art, and imagination.

Here is a look at just three of the over 150 spaces and events to check out:

Ubisoft Toronto Makes Its Doors Open Debut

One of this year’s new additions is Ubisoft Toronto, making its Doors Open debut with a behind-the-scenes look at one of the city’s major creative tech hubs. Housed in a 1922-built industrial building once used by Canadian General Electric, the studio features original brick-and-beam architecture with a distinct rooftop water tower. Visitors can learn about the studio’s 15-year history in Toronto, try their hand at Ubisoft titles in the in-house arcade, and step inside the Performance Capture Studio used on games like Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed. Self-guided tours run both days from 10 AM to 4 PM, with staff and volunteers on hand to answer questions.

Rooftop of the Ubisoft building, image by City of Toronto

Walking Tour Explores the Design of St Andrew’s Playground Park

For those eager to explore how design shapes play, the Toronto Society of Architects and DTAH are teaming up for a guided tour of St Andrew’s Playground Park. A recent revitalization brought bold yellow seating and refreshed landscaping to downtown’s oldest park. At the corner of Adelaide and Brant streets, the redesigned space offers a mix of mature trees with playful, modern touches. The one-hour walking tour, led by the team behind the redesign, explores the park’s evolution and the challenges of creating playful public space in a dense urban context. Free tours run on Saturday, May 24, at 2 PM and 4 PM, with advance registration required.

St Andrew's Playground, image by Toronto Society of Architects

The Don Jail Returns to Doors Open for the First Time Since 2019

Not all spaces of the city’s past were designed for play. The historic Don Jail offers an ironic counterpoint to the theme, returning to Doors Open for the first time since 2019. Now part of the Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital campus, the former jail, built in 1864, opens its preserved interiors to the public for a rare glimpse into Toronto’s carceral past. With an exterior designed in the Italianate style by architect William Thomas, the building initially served as a reform jail, gradually becoming outdate over the century that it operated before closing in 1977. Today, it houses hospital administration offices, connected to the modern complex by a glass bridge. During the event, the public can embark on a rare self-guided tour through normally restricted areas. Capacity is limited, with final entry at 3:30 PM. Access will be provided through the jail's north entrance, and not the main hospital building.

Don Jail at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital, image by City of Toronto

Toronto City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square will once again act as the event’s central hub, offering tours of the Council Chamber and Mayor’s Office, as well as Indigenous-led programming at the new Spirit Garden in partnership with Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre. A companion Doors Open Talks series offers deeper reflections on the theme, with panels like Sports & the Making of Toronto, Ready Player One: A Dive into Toronto’s Video Game Industry, and Spaces for Play hosted by the Toronto Society of Architects. An interactive map on the City’s website makes planning easy, though early registration is advised for high-demand talks and tours.

You can learn all about the more than 150 sites and events this year by visiting the Doors Open website. Make sre to visit the site soon to book spots at talks and tours! Once you have toured, photos from the event can also be shared using our dedicated Doors Open Forum thread.

* * *

UrbanToronto has a research service, UTPro, that provides comprehensive data on development projects in the Greater Golden Horseshoe — from proposal through to completion. We also offer Instant Reports, downloadable snapshots based on location, and a daily subscription newsletter, New Development Insider, that tracks projects from initial application.