Doors Open Winnipeg showcases city’s history and culture

Winnipeggers explore CFB Winnipeg during Doors Open weekend on May 24, 2025. (Daniel Timmerman/CTV News Winnipeg)

The 22nd annual Doors Open weekend kicked off on Saturday, showcasing Winnipeg’s built heritage, history and culture from across the city.

The free event hosted by Heritage Winnipeg features approximately 70 buildings and exclusive tours, allowing attendees to learn about Winnipeg’s history and the non-profit organizations that keep the buildings functional.

The event’s lineup ranged from open doors at museums, churches, historic houses and featured 12 new buildings and activities — including public access to the Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Winnipeg.

“Because it’s our 100th anniversary for the base … we wanted to find an opportunity to share the knowledge and share some of the details about what we do here in the middle of Winnipeg,” said Col. Jody Hanson, Commander of 17 Wing CFB Winnipeg.

CFB Winnipeg marked the occasion with a range of displays and activities, including a bus tour following the perimeter of the base, a mock Canadian Armed Forces’ physical fitness evaluation test and flypasts by CT-142 Dash-8 aircraft and CC-130H Hercules.

Hanson stated that when the base opened in 1925, it was used primarily as a storage location for aircraft with minimal operations. During the Second World War, the base participated in the British Commonwealth Air Training Program and grew into a training centre for Canadian aircrew.

“Throughout the years, we have continued to support that training mandate,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Winnipeg Rowing Club, a returning participant to Doors Open’s lineup, marked the day by introducing individuals to rowing on the rowing machine, dockside rowing and providing tours of the renovated clubhouse.

Michael Caryk, an assistant coach at the Winnipeg Rowing Club, said the event allows the club to showcase old memorabilia such as awards won by Theo Dubois, a champion rower and inductee in the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame.

Founded in 1881, Winnipeg Rowing Club is the oldest rowing club in Western Canada.

“One of the other beautiful pieces about Doors Open is people can feel less intimidated,” said Bonnie Schroeder, a member of Winnipeg Rowing Club.

“Sometimes it’s intimidating to try something new, so you can come out and just see the place and see what it’s like, and sit in a boat and learn what it feels like to actually learn some of the techniques.”

More details on Doors Open Winnipeg, including a full list of the lineup, are available online.

-With files from CTV’s Daniel Timmerman