Doors Open Toronto 2016: 5 buildings worth checking out this weekend

Ever passed a building in your neighbourhood and wondered what's inside? Well, this weekend, you might be in luck.

On Saturday and Sunday, more than 130 interesting buildings across the city will be open for free tours. In many cases, it's a rare chance to see some of the city's top architecture.

Here's a look at some of your best bets:

Todmorden Mills Heritage Site

Nestled in the Don Valley, this industrial community fueled Toronto's growth by providing lumber and bricks, as well as flour and beer in the 1800s.

The tour includes two historic houses, as well as several former structures including the brewery building. There's also a nine hectare wildflower preserve and walking trail.

Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre

The aquatic centre, built for last summer's Pan Am and Parapan Am Games and used again during the Canadian Olympic swimming trials, is probably the best pool in Canada.

Take a tour the massive sports complex — in all, it's 312,000 square feet — if you're looking for some athletic (as well as architectural) inspiration.

TTC Leslie Barns

Public transit geeks rejoice! You can finally get a look at the TTC's brand new Leslie Barns (at Lakeshore Boulevard East and Leslie Street) where its new streetcars will be maintained and stored. The building has other neat features, too, including Toronto's largest green roof.

Now, the TTC just needs more streetcars.

High Level Pumping Station

Those interested in the city's water system have two options this weekend: the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant in the east end, or the High Level Pumping Station on Poplar Plains Road, just northwest of Dupont Street and Avenue Road.

The building, constructed in 1906, is the oldest pumping station in Toronto and is still operational today. Visitors, Doors Open says, can see some of the original technology used to pump drinking water to higher ground.

Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport

Maybe you've flown out of the island airport, but on Saturday you'll have the chance to walk out on the tarmac to watch planes as they take off and land.

And if you're looking for similar options, the University of Toronto's Institute for Aerospace Studies is offering guided tours of its facilities, near Dufferin Street and Finch Avenue West, all weekend.