Best art gallery and museum gift shops in Ontario

Greater Toronto Area (GTA)

Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

Explore room after room of Canadian, Indigenous and international art through the ages at one of the most notable art museums in North America.

Before you leave, make time to visit shopAGO, a thoughtful gift shop that complements the art collection and design aesthetic of the gallery. The back wall features an impressive selection of posters and prints.

Membership perks: Includes subscription to AGO magazine and e-newsletter, invitation to exclusive member events and unlimited access to AGO exhibits.

Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto

Gardiner Museum

Toronto’s unique ceramic museum is also one of Ontario’s most hands-on attractions, offering workshops, tours and events.

The hand-crafted pieces of sculptured art by featured local and international artists in the GardinerShop make this exquisite gift shop feel more like an extension of the museum.

Membership perks: Get unlimited admission to the museum, discounts at the GardinerShop and Clay Restaurant and a subscription to the monthly e-newsletter.

Location: 111 Queens Park, Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum

This is the place for curious minds and creative thinkers. From the museum’s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal design to the innovative exhibits and galleries located within, the past and present come to life in a magical way.

Naturally, you’ll find an extensive selection of fascinating gifts, books, stationery, prints, jewellery, toys and keepsakes in the ROM Boutique.

Membership perks: Members enjoy unlimited access to exhibits all year round, sneak previews of upcoming events, exclusive discounts to members and complementary free coat check.

Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto

Aga Khan Museum

You’ll need a few hours to fully experience this museum’s fascinating Islamic art and culture, collection and stunning gardens.

A visit to the Gift Shop is also a must for Middle Eastern-style gifts, art, books and fabrics, including an impossibly gorgeous line of men’s silk ties, all inspired by the museum’s permanent collection.

Membership perks: In addition to advance notice of upcoming exhibits, enjoy free admission, discounts on shopping and dining at the museum and access to special events such as talks, films and performances.

Location: 77 Wynford Drive, North York

Bata Shoe Museum

This quirky little gem walks you through the fun and fascinating history of footwear, from rare Arctic boots to game-worn Toronto Raptors sneakers.

Find books, games and gifts in the Museum Shop for the shoe lover in your life.

Annual pass perks: Members are invited to exclusive programs, subscription to e-newsletter and discounts and savings applied to gift store purchases.

Location: 327 Bloor Street West, Toronto

The Village at Black Creek

Experience interactive activities that bring history to life at The Village at Black Creek.

Visit the gift shop and browse old-fashioned candies, vintage toys such as marbles, the game Jacob’s Ladder and even an old-fashioned telephone.

Membership perks: In addition to free admission to The Village at Black Creek, a Conservation Parks Pass allows members to also have free access to conservation parks such as Albion Hills Conservation Park, Heart Lake Conservation Park, Bruce’s Mill Conservation Park and more.

Location: 1000 Murray Ross Parkway, North York

Ottawa

National Gallery of Canada

Get acquainted with the very best in Canadian and Indigenous art, then visit the Gallery Boutique for art-inspired books, prints, photography, apparel, jewellery and art supplies.

Membership perks: A National Gallery membership comes with discounted rates for workshops and summer day camps, free magazine and e-newsletter subscriptions and access to exclusive exhibits.

Location: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa

Canadian Museum of Nature

Learn about the mysteries of the earth at this thought-provoking national museum.

From fossils, minerals and books to artisan gifts and plush toys, check all the nature enthusiasts off your gift list at The Nature Boutique, with unique merchandise inspired by the natural history collection.

Membership perks: A family membership pays for itself in just two visits. Plus, enjoy discounts at the gift shop and the museum café and invitations to special openings and events.

Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa

Canadian Museum of History

Explore Canada’s history through exhibitions, collections and activities.

The online boutique contains artwork from Canadian artists, apparel, accessories and much more.

Membership perks: Enjoy two renowned museums! Membership includes access to the Canadian War Museum, plus previews of exhibits, newsletter subscription and viewing films offered at the museum’s movie theatre, CINÉ+.

Location: 100 Laurier Street, Gatineau

Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

Bala’s Museum

Fans of the beloved Anne of Green Gables are invited to tour the quaint former vacation home of author Lucy Maud Montgomery in Muskoka.

It’s truly a treat to visit this museum, which hosts the world’s biggest Anne of Green Gables Dollhouse. Doll collectors will appreciate the vintage dolls, while the Anne of Green Gables costumes are popular for Halloween. Fans with an eye for detail will appreciate the dioramas that depict famous scenes from the book.

The gift shop even has limited mini replicas of the infamous bottle that saved Minnie May’s life, complete with vintage labels. There are also commemorative plates and mugs.

Note: please call ahead before visiting during the Christmas holiday.

Location: 1024 Maple Avenue, Bala

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Art Gallery of Algoma

Admire the colourful masterpieces of Norval Morrisseau (Copper Thunderbird) and Canada’s famed landscape painters, the Group of Seven.

And browse beautiful pottery, prints and memorabilia at the Gallery Shop.

Membership perks: Complimentary admission, invitations to member-only events and discounts in the gallery shop come with membership.

Location: 10 East Street, Sault Ste. Marie

Northeastern Ontario

Science North

With four floors filled with exhibits and interactive resources, there’s a lot to learn at Science North.

Shop online for unique and educational gifts and science-based products like STEM kits that will expand young minds.

Membership perks: Receive unlimited admission to Science North and Dynamic Earth, free parking, advance notice about upcoming events and access to members-only events and more.

Location: 100 Ramsey Lake Road, Greater Sudbury

Northwest Ontario

Thunder Bay Museum

Thunder Bay Museum lives up to its mottos “Learning Through History” with various exhibits, programs and exhibits to learn about Northwestern Ontario’s history.

Visit the gift shops to buy books about the area or plush merchandise. Virtual merchandise is available for online orders.

Membership perks: In addition to free admission to museums for the year, get complimentary passes for friends and family, discounts to book rooms and children’s programs and advance notice about exciting upcoming programs.

Location: 425 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay

The Muse: Lake of the Woods Museum and Douglas Family Art Centre

The Muse consists of the Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglas Family Art Centre in Kenora. They are housed in two different buildings that face each other.

The museum gift store carries a selection of books from local authors, games and art. Find fascinating books about birds, bears and other wildlife. Discover old-fashioned games such as jacks or Cat’s Cradle and browse art products in the Art Centre. Gift cards are also available.

Membership perks: Members can borrow books from the art library and receive free or reduced fees to events and exhibits, newsletters and exclusive invitations to members-only events.

Locations: 
Lake of the Woods Museum, 300 Main Street South, Kenora
The Douglas Family Art Centre, 224 Main Street South, Kenora

York, Durham and Headwaters

McMichael Canadian Art Collection

Just a half-hour north of Toronto, treat yourself to over 7,000 works of art by the likes of Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries and Indigenous artists.

Then treat someone special on your list to a unique Canadian-made gift from the Gift Shop.

Membership perks: Enjoy complementary admission and parking, guests passes, dining and holiday shopping discounts as well as invitations to special events.

Location: 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg

Robert McLaughlin Gallery

As an artist-centred and community-oriented art gallery, the Robert McLaughlin Gallery collaborates with diverse artists and aims to engage and unite people through art.

Located on the gallery’s main level, the RMG Shop proudly carries handmade products, and numerous educational books and publications for all ages, including colouring books.

Membership perks: Join the arts community with access to exclusive members’ tours and discounts at the gift shop and partner locations.

Location: 72 Queen Street, Civic Centre, Oshawa

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Art Gallery of Peterborough

An essential artistic fixture in the Kawartha region, the Art Gallery of Peterborough promotes local artists, develops programs and supports exhibitions through workshops, lectures and publications. The gallery’s diverse collection represents historical and contemporary art. 

Shop the Gallery Shop for books, art supplies, jewellery and various glass and ceramics.

Membership perks: Get free admission to participating Ontario art galleries, advance registration and discounts to workshops, including March Break and summer camps, and special offers in the gallery gift shop.

Location: 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough

The Canadian Canoe Museum

The Canadian Canoe Museum features more than 600 world-class canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. The museum’s architecture is inspired by the artisanship of canoe building and reflects a connection to the land.

Browse through The Canadian Canoe Museum Store inspired by canoes, kayaks and paddling, in-person or online.

Membership perks: Enjoy free admission, discounts on gifts and workshops, a vote at the Annual General Meeting and digital magazine subscriptions.

Location: 2077 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

MacLaren Art Centre

MacLaren Art Centre houses world-class art, including collections of contemporary Canadian art. The gallery also offers classes dedicated to educating the public about visual arts.

Visit the Gallery Shop for home decor, books by local authors, branded merchandise and more. Sales support the centre's many important programs.

Membership perks: Be the first to know about upcoming events, programs and exhibits, and get advance invitations for tours, talks and exhibits, free admission to other participating museums and savings towards camps, art classes, events and purchases at the museum gift shop.

Location: 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Founded in 1982, The Canadian Hall of Fame and Museum celebrates baseball heritage and annually hosts an induction ceremony recognizing those who advanced baseball in Canada.

Purchase baseball memorabilia like autographed baseballs and bats, as well as clothing and gifts at the store or online.

Membership perks: Choose one of the membership packages for special access to the Induction Weekend and receive gifts for first-time members.

Location: 386 Church Street South, St. Marys

The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery

Canada’s only gallery dedicated to ceramic, glass, enamel and stained glass has a gift shop with many hand-made pieces by local artists.

Visit the Gallery Shop to purchase the artistic creations of over 130 artisans. Products are also available online.

Membership perks: Members are treated to gift shop discounts as well as discounts at other participating galleries and advance notice about future exhibits.

Location: 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo

THEMUSEUM

Kitchener’s untraditional museum supports innovative ways of learning and encourages public interaction with its exhibits.

Visit THESTORE on the main floor for plush stuffed animals, toys, branded merchandise, books and more.

Membership perks: Enjoy free admission to THEMUSEUM and other participating museums, savings on programs, events and the gift store.

Location: 10 King Street West, Kitchener

Art Gallery of Guelph

Up-and-coming and established artists are celebrated at Guelph’s public art gallery.

Visit the Gallery Shop for unique products such handmade and free trade gifts, pottery, glassware, jewelry, and original prints and paintings.

Membership perks: Enjoy discounts, newsletter subscription and free admission to the gallery and other participating museums.

Location: 358 Gordon Street, Guelph

Southwestern Ontario

Museum London

Explore art and artifacts that celebrate and educate on the culture and history of the region.

Looking for the perfect gift for the craft-lover on your list? Visit the Gift Shop or shop online for a wide assortment of ceramics, glassware, local art, craft products and gifts like prints, greeting cards and books.

Location: 421 Rideout Street, London

London Children’s Museum

London Children’s Museum unlocks the door to unique and entertaining ways for kids to learn about science, history, art and more with fun hands-on activities.

Gift cards are available and make great stocking stuffers.

Membership perks: Membership provides unlimited admission and endless playtime for kids, free access to other participating museums, discounts on children’s programs during March Break, summer and holidays and a family day pass to share with friends.

Location: 21 Wharncliffe Road South, London

Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum

The history and achievements of Chatham-Kent’s Black community are preserved and celebrated at the Chatham-Kent Black Historical Society & Black Mecca Museum. Learn about the journey of enslaved people from freedom to resettlement in Chatham-Kent with tours, exhibits and archives.

Continue learning with books, postcards and memorabilia from the virtual museum gift shop.

Membership perks: Memberships for ages 18+ include free tours and discounts in the gift shop.

Location: 177 King Street East Chatham

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Art Gallery of Burlington

Burlington’s public art gallery and community centre hosts various permanent and seasonal exhibits, collections, education programs and workshops for the public. It’s also home to the city’s seven art and craft associations and guilds.

Artwork, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, glassware and wood products are available for sale. Online shopping is also available.

Membership perks: Unlimited admission to the gallery, special rates on art classes and invitations to exclusive member events come with memberships.

Location: 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington

Art Gallery of Hamilton

Visit the permanent collection and temporary exhibits at one of the oldest public art galleries in Canada. Then browse one-of-a-kind items like exquisite vases and glassware, stationery and games in the Shop at AGH.

Membership perks: Receive special pricing when renting artwork and discount registration for kids programs and camps including March Break, PA Day and summer camp.

Location: 123 King Street West, Hamilton

Southeastern Ontario

The Aquatarium

The Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing is a fascinating discovery centre featuring land and aquatic animals of the 1000 Islands region, including Justin, a North American Beaver.

Find fun, unique and educational gifts at the Aquatarium Gift Shop.

Membership perks: Use the membership for unlimited visits, go-behind-the-scenes experiences and discounts.

Location: 6 Broad Street, Brockville