50+ Beautiful Doors From Across Canada
Updated: Jun. 15, 2021We challenged you to capture Canada's most beautiful doors on camera, and you delivered! From weathered wooden doors to sleek, classical designs, check out this gallery of gorgeous door photography.
Museum piece
“I love the entrance doors to the Museum of Nature in Ottawa,” writes Paula Brown. The ornamental moose heads between the archways is the perfect Canadian flourish!
Vanishing point
Scarborough, Ontario’s Alan Cheng captured this seemingly endless series of doorways while strolling through a museum. Thank goodness for the numbers—it looks like a place that would be easy to get lost in!
Check out more eye-popping perspective photography from across Canada.
Handsome hue
Although this door is set in an old farm shed, that gorgeous shade of green is inspiring us to give our own front door a makeover. Thanks to Robbie Gorr of Petawawa, Ontario, for sharing this colour cue.
You’ll find more of Robbie’s captures in this gorgeous gallery of Canadian garden photography.
Standing on guard for thee
It’s easy to forget how grand Canada’s Parliament Buildings are—until people stand in the shot for scale! Melanie Corbin of Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, snapped this impressive pic on a visit to our nation’s capital.
Planning your own visit? Add these great day trips from Ottawa to your itinerary!
History lesson
“The Gardner Dunton House was built in the 1840s,” writes Karin Allin, whose photo hints at the historic structure’s glory days. “It sits on the property of Peel District School Board, in Mississauga, Ontario.”
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House of the setting sun
It looks cold enough to see your breath, but this red door still seems to be basking in the sunlight. Thanks to Linda Sweeney of Miramichi, New Brunswick, for submitting this fantastic photo.
Don’t miss this gorgeous gallery showcasing the beauty of the Canadian winter.
Chamber of secrets
“Enter—if you dare!” writes Shawn Fitzpatrick of Kingston, Ontario. The fact that the door is slightly ajar is enough to spark the imagination… We can’t help but wonder what lies beyond!
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Take me back to Gaspereau
“Having a particular fondness for old barns, this is one of my favourites,” writes Kim Ross of New Minas, Nova Scotia. “Located in the farming community of Gaspereau, Nova Scotia, this barn has been standing for many years. Many of the older style barns had hay mows on the second floor, as does this one, with a door for getting the hay in and out. I love the faded red paint and rusty old hinges showing the wear and tear of the elements over the years. The bonus in this shot is that I got two doors for the price of one!”
Check out the abandoned barns of southwestern Ontario.
(Ware)house beautiful
This immaculately restored old warehouse wouldn’t be out of place in a bustling European port. But as photographer Maryalice Wood discovered on a stroll through Vieux Quebec, it’s very much on this side of the Atlantic!
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Gallery-worthy
James Pollock’s shot of a door at the Bothwell Oil Museum in Chatham-Kent, Ontario, is as pretty as a painting. From the incredible textures of the worn and weathered planks to the reflection of the fall foliage in the glass, it’s a bona fide work of art.
Check out more beautiful barns across Canada.
Restoration project
“A fresh new look! Getting a face lift in downtown Toronto,” writes photographer Brenda Snape of Aurora, Ontario. The elaborate Corinthian capitals on those columns are well worth preserving!
Take a look at more impressive architecture from across Canada.
In living colour
Brittany Walker of Melita, Manitoba, says, “I travelled to St. John’s a while back and while there, snapped this picture of a colourful door in the downtown area. St. John’s is a beautiful, one-of-a-kind city filled with colourfully painted homes.“
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Positively regal
On a visit to Ottawa, Cindy Mulvihill of Low, Quebec, was struck by this impressive arched doorway in the East Block building of Parliament. The blackened stone, wrought iron lamp posts and stained glass windows create a real sense of majesty.
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Cutest door on campus
You’ll find this eye-catching red door at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. It certainly caught the attention of shutterbug Maryalice Wood of Langley, B.C.
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All aboard!
The Kelowna, B.C., train station boasts this brightly-painted door, which caught the eye of shutterbug Maria Powell.
Don’t miss this gorgeous gallery of railway themed photography.
Exit stage left
If this door looks a bit “stagey,” it’s with good reason! “I took this picture at the Badlands Amphitheatre in Drumheller waiting for Blue Rodeo to begin,” writes Deb Sandau. “The actors for The Badlands Passion Play come through this on the second tier of the stage.”
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The bright side
Dealing with a dark and gloomy front entrance? Here’s a surefire fix—cover every square inch with a coat of sunny yellow paint! Edmonton’s John Schnell snapped this unabashedly cheerful doorway on a visit to Banff back in 2010.
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Rural relic
This old granary has seen better days, but Rebecca Bromberger’s photo manages to capture its weather-beaten beauty.
Read the heartwarming story of this Alberta family’s farming tradition.
Over the rainbow
The cheerful paint job on this little shed is sure to put a smile on your face. Thanks to Rosa Cross of Tancook Island, Nova Scotia, for sharing this sweet photo.
Don’t miss this gorgeous gallery of rainbow photography from across Canada.
Maritime flair
Between the brilliant emerald hue and crab-shaped knocker, this home’s entryway has curb appeal in abundance. According to photographer Ruth Boudreau of Brasdor, Nova Scotia, it’s “One of many doors in Lunenburg with a nautical theme.”
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Hidden gem
In lieu of more conventional studs, this handsome wooden door boasts elaborate decorative florets. Cindy Herbert of Welland, Ontario, discovered this hidden gem in the base of a statue in Niagara Falls.
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Doors on doors
“This door was taken at a ghost town in Saskatchewan,” writes photographer Helen Rempel of Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. “I spruced it up a bit with adding a few flowers and a bit of texture.”
Parisian elegance
Paris, Ontario, makes for a great day trip from Toronto, particularly if you’re a fan of historical architecture. Here, Rhonda Beirnes showcases one of many vintage doors you’ll spot on a stroll through the charming downtown, this one belonging to the 120-year-old Hall’s Linens.
Fancy framework
Sometimes it’s not the door, but the frame that steals the spotlight. That’s certainly the case with this fascinating bit of millwork photographed by B. Gustafson of Victoria.
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The art of camouflage
A gorgeous wall mural renders this back door very nearly invisible! Sherbrooke, Quebec’s Russ Hayes snapped this stunning artwork on a stroll through the streets of Toronto.
Check out more of Russ’s impressive photography in this gallery of Canada’s most beautiful bridges.
Postcards from Montreal
You don’t have to be a Habs fan to find this facade impressive! Baltimore, Ontario’s Norma Keith took this fantastic photo of the historic Chateau Ramezay on a visit to Montreal.
You’ll find more of Norma’s photography in this gallery showcasing Canadian history on camera.
Flown the coop
With its distinctive full moon cut-out, this shed door bears more than a passing resemblance to a birdhouse. By the looks of the rusted hinges and peeling paint, any former residents have long since flown the coop! Thanks to Bonnie Dominix of Harbour Mille, Newfoundland, for sharing this wonderful shot.
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Higher learning
“Many students passed through these doors,” notes photographer Richard Main of the imposing Fort William Collegiate Institute in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Although the archway is marked with the date of 1919, much of the structure dates back to 1907, and its combination of classical and medieval architecture helped secure its heritage building designation in the 1980s.
You’ll find more of Richard’s incredible photography in this tribute to winter in northern Ontario.
Going to the chapel
There are plenty of white churches across Canada, but these brilliant blue doors and striking architectural details set the Eglise Saint Wilfrid de Kingscroft in a class by itself. You’ll find the charming white clapboard structure in the Quebec hamlet of Kingscroft, about an hour and a half east of Montreal. Thanks to the talented Russ Hayes of Sherbrooke, Quebec, for putting this gem on our radar!
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Horizontal hold
When Frank Koenig of Morinville, Alberta, spotted this wacky-looking abandoned building, he knew he had to take a snapshot. Although the hinges are (somehow!) still holding, the planks that make up the door itself have sagged over time, creating this eye-popping effect. Isn’t it curious how the lines still manage to match up, even though they’re no longer perfectly horizontal?
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Mean streets
Although the intersection of Yonge and Eglinton is a cluster of steel and glass skyscrapers, Toronto photographer JM Fontaine exposes its gritty underbelly in this moody shot of a derelict doorway.
Interested in exploring more of Midtown Toronto? Take a virtual tour of Mount Pleasant Cemetery.
Wall of doors
Marianne Detmar encountered this cheerful installation while walking through the beautiful town of Elora, Ontario. “Such a unique and colourful way to use old doors,” she writes. “So many wonderful things to see and do here!”
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Keep out!
Between the bars and the sternly worded notice, it’s unlikely this entryway sees much traffic—of the two legged or four-legged variety! Victoria Emms of Anola, Manitoba, snapped this pic on a visit to the Camp Morton Historical Site.
Homegrown Hobbiton
Cindy Herbert of Welland, Ontario, didn’t have to travel all the way to Middle Earth to find this Hobbit hole! The enchanting door is set into the trunk of a tree in Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park.
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Gold Rush relic
Rust-red hinges give these barn doors a truly distinctive appearance. Vernon, B.C.’s Donna Smith took this fantastic photo in Keno City—a tiny Gold Rush relic nearly 500 kilometres outside of Whitehorse.
Positively enchanting
“This creative project was done by a man in my community who wanted to fill a hole in the tree trunk,” writes Paula Eves of Sarnia, Ontario. “It was a very popular spot, but unfortunately, the tree recently had to come down.” We can’t help but wonder where the inhabitants have moved to… Have you seen any of these fairy doors spring up in your neck of the woods recently?
You’ll find more of Paula’s snaps in this gallery of “in the backyard” photography.
Doorways to her world
Erla McCormick says this photograph captures the “doorways to her world.” “Through the smaller doors lays my world of home. A place I care for my son, Kris, along with my dog, Chewbacca, and cat, Trouble,” Erla writes. “Behind the garage door is my salvation. Why, you ask? Because it stores my Classic, 1962 Pontiac Tempest LeMans Convertible. Candy apple red! When I am out driving in it, sun on my face, wind in my hair, all of my worries disappear. So both doors are very important, especially in today’s crazy world!”
If this pic made you smile, you won’t want to miss this gallery of “my happy place” photography.
Uncle Doug’s Camp door
“This camp door is certainly showing its age,” writes Kim Ross of the beloved property at Fisherman’s Reserve, Three Fathom Harbour, Nova Scotia. “Built about 150 years ago, it’s still standing, albeit a bit weatherbeaten. I love the battered look of the door, every inch of metal rusted by the salty sea air. Even the window has survived—quite a feat given the high winds that come in off the Atlantic Ocean.”
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Impressive entrance
“A doorway into history,” writes photographer Maryalice Wood, who captured this striking shot in Bella Coola, gateway to British Columbia’s famed Great Bear Rainforest.
Classic Canadiana
Situated in one of Windsor, Ontario’s most historic neighbourhoods, Mackenzie Hall was built in the 1850s by none other than Alexander Mackenzie—Canada’s second Prime Minister. Thanks to Justine Coulter of Harrow, Ontario, for sharing this fascinating slice of local history.
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In the details
Where else but Quebec City could you find such impressive classical detail? The ornamental millwork on these doors is nothing short of breathtaking. Many thanks to Kitchener, Ontario, photographer Gee Wong for sharing this beautiful shot.
Read up on the intriguing history of Quebec’s log homes.
A study in contrasts
Alan Cheng of Scarborough writes, “In the summer of 2012, while vacationing in P.E.I., I snapped this photo at a gas station near the town of Borden-Carleton, the starting point of the Confederation Bridge on the Island. The bright white door stood out nicely against the vivid green of the wall.”
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Treasures close to home
“Napan, New Brunswick, has become one of my favourite places to explore,” shares Cathy Martin of nearby Miramichi. “Most of the time, I take landscape photos of sweeping fields, the river or farms, but I discovered this gem along the way.”
For more flower photography, check out this gallery showcasing Canada in bloom.
Stagecoach stop
David Lee of Chilliwack, B.C., captured this great shot of a cabin that was part of an original stagecoach stop, located behind the newer Ashcroft Manor Teahouse in Ashcroft, B.C.
Find out the fascinating history of B.C.’s E&N Railway.
Arched entrance
Robbie Gorr of Petawawa, Ontario, writes,”I snapped this pic of the front door of St. George’s Anglican Church in the village of Portage-du-Fort, Quebec, as part of a series of photos of old churches and cemeteries that I took in that area.”
Find out what it was like logging in Quebec in the 1940s.
Initial impression
Rosa Cross of Tancook Island, Nova Scotia, writes “Growing up on Tancook Island during the ’60s and ’70s, it seemed that a lot of houses had these aluminum screen doors with the initial of the family’s last name in the centre. Alas, the ‘C’ pictured here is not for Cross but rather Crooks—another Tancook family name!”
You’ll find more of Rosa’s snaps in this gallery of beautiful boat photography.
The bigger picture
Linda Swance of Burlington, Ontario, writes: “This door is very unique. Not for the door itself, but the house it belongs to. It is the entranceway to an old silo! The silo was converted into a very extraordinary castle/home! It can be found just outside Elora, Ontario.”
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Heavenly gates
We’re smitten with Karen Allin’s shot of the massive front doors of Toronto’s St. Andrews Presbyterian Church.
Join Karen on a visual tour of Rattray Marsh conservation area.
Historic hotel
You can’t visit Niagara-on-the-Lake without indulging in a spot of tea at the historic Prince of Wales Hotel! The Victorian-era property is shown here in a detail shot snapped by Cambridge, Ontario’s Glenn Holtzhauer.
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Getting a handle on things
Vanessa Vincent shared this striking detail shot of handsome door hardware against a backdrop of brilliant red. Isn’t it incredible what a fresh coat of paint can do?
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No entry
Photographer Rosa Cross writes, “Rocks rolled in along the beach to make this door impassable.” We just hope nobody was inside at the time!
Don’t miss this gallery showcasing the haunting beauty of abandoned Nova Scotia.
The power of paint
They may be #twinning from an architectural perspective, but the doors of this Kingston, Ontario, duplex have distinct personalities thanks to their different hues. Which do you prefer: Yellow or red? Thanks to Russ Hayes for sharing this fun photo!
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Mystery mansion
This spooky abandoned estate would make the perfect setting for a mystery story. It certainly makes an atmospheric subject for Shawn Fitzpatrick’s skilful photography.
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An excellent vintage
Although Toronto’s Distillery District is most famous for its annual Christmas Market, its historic architecture makes it worth visiting year round. These black steel doors set into a sea of red brick make a striking subject for Gee Wong’s camera.
Check out more great places to spend Christmas in Canada.
Twice as nice
Glenn Holtzhauer of Cambridge, Ontario, shared this pretty pic that he captured in Quebec City back in 2011. Those little wall-mounted planter pots are such a charming idea!
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St. Jacobs gem
“While walking the streets of St. Jacobs, I came across this beautiful door,” writes Brantford, Ontario, photographer Marianne Detmar. Between the the intricate glasswork on the sidelights and transom, and the warm and welcoming wreath, it’s easy to see why it made such an impression. (Those salvaged shutters are just aching to be reinvented as do-it-yourself room dividers!)
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