Must-visit museums in Ontario

Greater Toronto Area

Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada

The Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada (MOCA) is brimming with innovative and thought-provoking art and exhibits.

Located in Toronto’s Lower Junction Triangle, MOCA occupies the first three floors of the former Tower Automotive Building, which was once a factory producing aluminum products during World War II.

Pick up delicious baked goods at the cafe and purchase publications and one-of-a-kind keepsakes at the gift shop.

Location: 158 Sterling Road #100, Toronto

MZTV Museum of Television

Founded by media genius Moses Znaimer, the MZTV Museum of Television provides a fascinating journey into the history of television.

Learn about TV inventors and pioneers, marvel at the largest collection of early televisions—including TVs once owned by Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe—and explore technology that has revolutionized the TV experience.

Location: 64 Jefferson Avenue, Toronto

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

ROM exhibits are like nothing else you’ll experience in Toronto.

The extensive educational exhibits and collections of art, culture, and nature at Canada’s largest museum provide a powerful connection to the past and endless inspiration for the future. Visit three levels of gallery space showcasing an array of artifacts from early civilization and natural history.

Mark your calendars for exclusive exhibits and exciting programming across Canada and worldwide.

Location: 100 Queens Park, Toronto

Hockey Hall of Fame

Home of the original Stanley Cup, this museum salutes hockey excellence and celebrates the nostalgia of the sport.

Peruse the vintage jerseys of your favourite NHL hockey teams and check out trophies, awards, retro hockey sticks and exhibits featuring hockey superstars.

Hone your skills with interactive activities, answer trivia questions to test your hockey knowledge or see if you have what it takes to be the next sports broadcaster.

Purchase Hockey Hall of Fame tickets online.

Location: 30 Yonge Street, Toronto

Aga Khan Museum

Celebrating the contributions of Muslim culture, the Aga Khan Museum features extensive and rare collections that include elaborate tapestries, captivating paintings, ancient books and a variety of ceramics and metallics.

The museum’s architecture is equally impressive, with intricate details, open-concept spaces and natural lighting. The venue boasts a masterfully landscaped garden oasis with a stunning granite pool.

Location: 77 Wynford Drive, North York

Niagara Region

Niagara Falls History Museum

Evidence shows Indigenous Peoples lived along the Niagara River for over 13,000 years. Niagara Falls was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad.

This museum showcases fascinating facts and information on Niagara's history, from artwork inspired by historical events to critical analyses of current events.

The museum has partnered with the Battle Ground Hotel Museum, Willoughby Historical Museum and Lundy’s Lane Battlefield, all located near the majestic Niagara Falls.

Location: 5810 Ferry Street, Niagara Falls

Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington

THEMUSEUM

THEMUSEUM is a modern art and science museum in Kitchener that engages visitors with interactive exhibits on space, the Earth, natural history and more.

There are also exciting exhibits that pop culture fans will want to see. Whether you visit for the art, the science or the one-of-a-kind games, this treasured museum offers plenty of fun and educational entertainment.

Location: 10 King Street West, Kitchener

City of Waterloo Museum

The signature Seagram collection is one of many interesting exhibits highlighting Waterloo’s distilling and brewing history. You can also book a tour to explore the city’s pub past.

This museum features thousands of artifacts that tell the fascinating story of Waterloo, and it offers special presentations on various topics, such as transportation, sports, and manufacturing.

Location: Conestoga Mall, 550 King Street North, Waterloo

Huron County Museum

Dive into the history of Huron’s early settlements, agriculture and military. Experience Main Street Huron in a gallery featuring late 19th and 20th businesses with a full-size steam locomotive in the centre.

The museum also hosts fun and informative events like Dad and Kids Night, documentary screenings, talks with historians and interactive workshops for budding artists. Entry is free for children under five years old.

Location: 110 North Street, Goderich

Ottawa Region

Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is home to one of the world's largest natural history collections.

The Fossil Gallery features 30 complete skeletons, hundreds of fossils and seven life-sized dinosaur models. Learn about water, minerals and rocks. Tour the Arctic region with guided, interactive activities.

Visitors are also treated to exhibits of over 450 species of birds, enthralling 3D displays of mammals and live sea creatures and various new and exciting programs.

Purchase tickets in advance online or at the door.

Location: 240 McLeod Street, Ottawa

Cumberland Heritage Village Museum

Explore heritage and recreated buildings from the early 1900s in a historic village a short drive east of downtown Ottawa.

Town landmarks like the Vars Train Station or the A.E. McKeen General Store showcase artifacts from the early 20th century while costumed actors provide a glimpse into the general way of life during that time.

Location: 2940 Ch. Old Montreal Road, Cumberland

Canadian Museum of History

The Canadian Museum of History is one of Canada’s oldest cultural institutions and the country’s most visited museum.

It hosts several extraordinary exhibitions focusing on Canadian and world history and civilizations, and its collection consists of more than four million artifacts, specimens, works of art, written documents and sound and visual recordings.

Location: 100 Rue Laurier, Gatineau

Canadian Science and Technology Museum

The Canadian Science and Technology Museum is a unique, interactive museum experience that is fun for both kids and adults.

Famous for its quirky and immersive exhibitions like the mind-bending Crazy Kitchen, the museum underwent an $80 million renewal project. It is now bigger and better than ever, with more space for travelling exhibitions and all the curiosity and creativity the museum is known for.

Location: 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard, Ottawa

Canadian Agriculture and Food Museum

Visit the only working farm in the heart of a capital city, where you’ll see dairy and beef cattle, pigs, sheep, horses, poultry, goats, rabbits and honeybees.

Exhibits highlight agricultural heritage, food literacy and the role of agricultural science and technology in our everyday lives.

Location: 901 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa

Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

Located on a former military air base, the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum showcases 130 aircraft and artifacts from both civil and military service. It is considered one of the finest aviation museums in the world.

Highlights include the original Canadarm used on the Endeavour space shuttle, the Lancaster bomber from the Second World War, and Life in Orbit: The International Space Station exhibition.

Location: 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa

Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum is one of the world’s most respected museums dedicated to armed conflict and the human experience of war.

Exhibits and experience galleries highlight defining moments in Canada’s military history and how past events have shaped the nation. The museum's collection includes over three million artifacts, including rare vehicles, artillery, uniforms, medals, and personal memoirs.

Location: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa

Southeastern Ontario

Pumphouse Steam Museum

The Pumphouse is located in one of Canada’s oldest original waterworks, where steam-powered pumps provided the first running water to Kingston residents.

Guides demonstrate how steam power was essential to Canada’s industrial development and how pumped water played a key role in Kingston’s history.

The museum also hosts events like the "Rip and Sip" collage art and wine night, where participants can sip, create and learn about Kingston’s history.

Location: 23 Ontario Street, Kingston

Southwestern Ontario

Museum of Ontario Archaeology

The Museum of Ontario Archaeology shares the human history and experience of living in the Great Lakes region of Southwestern Ontario.

Learn more about the historical Lawson site, the first ever provincially protected archaeological site. Collections include excavated objects and their cultural interpretation, document collections and a wide range of Indigenous art. The museum also offers fascinating and immersive AR and VR experiences online.

Location: 1600 Attawandaron Road, London

Chimczuk Museum

Learn about Windsor’s unique history at the Chimczuk Museum.

Exhibits delve into the culture and legacy of local First Nations and Metis communities and the city’s development through subsequent eras.

There’s a state-of-the-art children’s gallery and learning space for hands-on exploration. The collection includes art, literature, cartography and over 15,000 artifacts, some of which date back to 3,000 BC. You can also tour the historic Duff-Baby house, a Canadian landmark.

Location: 401 Riverside Drive West, Windsor

Hamilton, Halton and Brant

Canadian Military Heritage Museum

The Canadian Military Heritage Museum honours those who served in Canada’s military, including the valiant and important contributions of women and Indigenous People from the Loyalist era to modern times.

Military enthusiasts will enjoy the restored vehicles and planes displayed and historic moments retold knowledgeable guides.

Location: 347 Greenwich Street, Brantford

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology

Known as the Steam Museum, the Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology is considered a civil and power engineering landmark.

It features two massive steam-powered beam engines and artifacts from Hamilton’s industrial past. It’s also one of the city’s leading STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programming providers for kids and youth groups. Enjoy fun, interactive activities like touring medieval catapults or making things explode in the museum’s chemistry lab.

Location: 900 Woodward Avenue, Hamilton

Woodland Cultural Centre

Bringing the story of the Haudenosaunee people of the Eastern Woodlands to life, this museum is renowned for its collection of Indigenous art artifacts.

The centre preserves and promotes Indigenous language, culture, art and history through thoughtful exhibits and events. Three galleries rotate programs focusing on contemporary art and historical exhibitions.

Location: 184 Mohawk Street, Brantford

York, Durham and Headwaters

Canadian Automotive Museum

The Canadian Automotive Museum is dedicated to preserving and sharing Canada’s automotive experience.

The building first served as a car dealership in the 1920s and contains the original freight elevator. The museum maintains 90 antique vehicles and is a must-see attraction for automotive enthusiasts of all ages. Snap a pic with movie star cars including Lightning McQueen, Herbie the Love Bug and a 1983 DeLorean.

Location: 99 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa

Kawarthas and Northumberland

The Canadian Canoe Museum

The recently relocated and renovated Canadian Canoe Museum is the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft, reflecting the history and diversity of this country from coast to coast. 

The Collections Hall is a massive 1858 square metres with an inspiring view through seven-metre-high glass windows. Permanent exhibits include Headwaters, Connected by Canoe, and Pushing the Limits.

Location: 2077 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Orillia Museum of Art and History (OMAH)

OMAH is housed in the historic Sam Steele Memorial Building in the art district of Orillia.

The museum holds a wealth of the town’s history—there’s even a former jail in the basement that stores the museum’s archives and records.

Location: 30 Peter Street South, Orillia

Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley

Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario

Transport yourself to another era at the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario.

Tour the historic steam and electric locomotives, cabooses, operator’s house and station house. Host an event in the 1899-era dining car or plan a unique glamping experience in one of three authentic cabooses.

Don’t miss the incredible operating diorama made by expert railroad modelers inside one of the historic passenger coaches.

Location: 90 William Street West, Smiths Falls

Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound

Muskoka Discovery Centre

The Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre is the leader in preserving and celebrating the culture and heritage of Canada’s Muskoka District.

Permanent exhibits include The Muskoka Story: A Microcosm of Canada, Misko-Aki: Confluence of Cultures and Evolving Muskoka: Life on the Edge of the Shield.

Tour the water and boathouse galleries and bring the kids to the KidZone for fun and informative crafts and experiments.

Location: 275 Steamship Bay Road, Gravenhurst

Bobby Orr Museum

Located in the world-class Charles W. Stockey Centre for Performing Arts, the Bobby Orr Museum recognizes the career of hockey legend Bobby Orr, who was born in Parry Sound.

In addition to the proud display of the famous number 4 jersey and NHL memorabilia, the museum features rare collections from Orr’s early career and honours notable athletes with ties to Parry Sound. It also offers interactive hockey-inspired games for families to play.

Location: 2 Bay Street, Parry Sound

Northeastern Ontario

Museum of Northern History

Once considered the richest man in Canada, Sir Harry Oakes acquired his wealth prospecting gold and invested in a successful mining company in Kirkland Lake.

His former residence and historical landmark is now the site of the Museum of Northern History. Art exhibits and artifacts from the turn of the century demonstrate everyday life in Kirkland Lake.

The bedroom of Sir Harry Oakes's eldest daughter, Nancy, is a popular attraction. It contains vintage furnishings, a dollhouse and elaborate designs applied to the stucco walls.

Location: 2 Chateau Drive, Kirkland Lake

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Sault Ste. Marie Museum

Learn more about Sault Ste. Marie history and gain a greater appreciation of Canada’s Northern communities.

Explore travelling exhibits as well as permanent military, marine and music galleries.

Families with kids are welcome. Each child is given a sheet to complete as they walk through the museum. The Discovery Gallery features fun artifacts, photographs, nature species and a dress-up area.

Location: 690 Queen Street East, Sault St. Marie

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

The Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre was formed by a small group of volunteers wanting to preserve Ontario’s bushplane and firefighting heritage.

Get a hands-on look at 24 classic bush planes. Step into the original 1924 hangar, climb into the cockpit and feel the rush of their flight simulator.

Kids are invited to the Children’s Flight Centre to learn more about how planes work.

Location: 50 Pim Street, Sault St. Marie

Northwest Ontario

The Muse Kenora

The Muse represents the award-winning Lake of the Woods Museum and the Douglas Family Art Centre.

Museum exhibits feature Indigenous and pioneer artifacts, natural history, minerals and pictorial and archival material, all illustrating the human history of Lake of the Woods.

The Douglas Family Art Centre was made possible by two longtime lake residents who gifted 67 pieces to create a vibrant destination for students to learn about art and for artists to share their pieces with the community.

Location: 224 & 300 Main Street South, Kenora

Thunder Bay Museum

The Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society was created to preserve and interpret the history of Northwestern Ontario.

After amassing so many artifacts and documents, the group opened a museum. Explore three floors of galleries and exhibits chronicling 10,000 years of history in the area. Make sure to see the Antechamber Gallery, which celebrates the artistic and creative endeavours of the local community.

Location: 425 Donald Street East, Thunder Bay