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Doors Open Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Saturday May 25th and Sunday May 26th
by Deborah Stiff, HH Toronto Field Consultant

Not a typical haunted building story, but something useful for anyone interested in checking out such sites for themselves.

Last year, 91 property owners allowed 76,000 visitors to peruse their premises - all for FREE!!

This year, 100 buildings (at last count) will be welcoming visitors to the 3rd annual Doors Open Toronto. These buildings are of historical and/or architectural significance, and many of them are not generally open to the public.

What better opportunity to check out some (allegedly) haunted locales in this city? Old City Hall, Historic Fort York, Mackenzie House (to name a few) will be open for viewing.

In year one, Doors Open was a one-day event (Saturday only). It was such a hit, last year, they spread it over 2 days (Saturday and Sunday). Some buildings are only open the Saturday, so do check the website (www.doorsopen.org) for more information.

These buildings are beautiful inside and out, and well worth the visit for their history. I am an admitted history hound, so that is why I went to visit many of the places. I wouldn't go to any of the spots I've named here purposely looking for otherworldly phenomena, but they are worth a look-see on their own merit.

On Thursday May 16th, The Toronto Star will be publishing the complete guide to the event, listing all the buildings that are participating. As well, after May 16th, you can download the information from their site (www.thestar.com).

Do wear your most comfortable walking shoes (you'll need them!) and maybe pick up a day pass from the T.T.C. to get you around the city, since many of the sites are out of the downtown core. This event happens rain or shine (it was raining last year on the Sunday and I went anyway - as did loads of other curious people!) and it is totally FREE!! It's such a blast, I wouldn't miss it.

Re-cap of pertinent info:
Doors Open Toronto Saturday May 25th and Sunday May 26th.
Website: www.doorsopen.org
Toronto Star Website: www.thestar.com

For those coming from out of Toronto, parking is available at a number of the subway stations. Park there, grab the "red rocket" and go and visit some Toronto history. (T.T.C. route maps are available at all T.T.C. subway stations, and getting where you want to go, the T.T.C. personnel are very helpful).

T.T.C. INFO: Phone: 416-393-4636, (also in the Toronto Yellow Pages)
Web: www.ttc.ca or www.toronto.com

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