Museums and heritage sites

From the beautiful to the bizarre and everything in between, Ontario’s engaging museums, science centres and historic sites delve into the mysteries of earth and space. They explore our past, question our present and challenge future possibilities.

Historic parks, castles and forts

Museums

Articles and itineraries

Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.

Behind-the-scenes tours at top Ontario landmarks

Explore rarely seen historic sites and cultural landmarks on exclusive behind-the-scenes tours and during Doors Open Ontario.

European-inspired Southwest Ontario trip

For a taste of Europe without the jet lag, this delightful itinerary might be the perfect getaway.

Holiday events at Ontario’s heritage buildings

Several of Ontario's heritage sites and museums offer the unique opportunity to experience Yuletide traditions of the past with some modern touches.

Kid-friendly castles, forts and historical jails in Ontario

Explore history, legends and lore at Ontario’s family-friendly castles, forts and jailhouses.

Indigenous history and heritage in Ontario

Learn about Indigenous history at Ontario’s recreated villages, museums, cultural centres and other significant sites.

Scenic train rides and railway museums in Ontario

Experience the romance, adventure and nostalgia of train travel aboard a heritage train or at a train museum.

Historic and architecture walking tours in Ontario

A new perspective can transform a familiar place into something brand new.

Historic and unique hotels in Ontario

Glimpse into Ontario’s past while enjoying modern luxuries and comforts at one of these unique historic accommodations.

Canada Strong Pass 2026 savings in Ontario

The Canada Strong Pass provides free or discounted access to Ontario’s national parks, museums and VIA Rail travel.

Ontario’s barn quilt tales and trails

The unique designs and motifs showcased in this form of textile art tell a story of people and place, both past and present.

Kid-friendly museums in Ontario

Whether your child is a train enthusiast, history buff, or a fan of magic tricks, you’ll want to visit these Ontario museums with your kids.

Rediscover Black history in Ontario

Explore museums, heritage sites and historical buildings that tell the story of the Underground Railroad and preserve the legacy of Black history in Ontario.

Must-visit museums in Ontario

If you're a cultural enthusiast, here's a selection of "must-see" museums to add to your list.

Ontario bucket list travel experiences

Whether you’re kickstarting your New Year’s travel goals or crafting the perfect life list, Ontario delivers the extraordinary at every turn.

Historic forts, castles and heritage homes in Ontario

Tour historic castles, War of 1812 forts and luxurious heritage homes.

Budget-friendly Ontario travel tips

Experience Ontario’s iconic destinations and charming cities and towns on a budget-friendly trip.

Visit Ontario’s historic lighthouses

From the Great Lakes to heritage waterways, visit, photograph and learn about Ontario’s historic lighthouses.

Unique art galleries and museums in Toronto

Dive into technology, media, storytelling, art and craft at these new, notable and not-as-well-known cultural gems.

Cool museums in Ontario you should visit

Here are some one-of-a-kind museums that will spark your curiosity.

Attractions

Discover top attractions, hidden gems and unforgettable experiences.

Royal Ontario Museum

Explore diverse exhibits that showcase the world’s cultural and natural history at the Royal Ontario Museum.

Casa Loma

Step back in time at Casa Loma, Toronto’s urban castle.

Canadian Museum of Nature

With over 14 million specimens in its collection, the Canadian Museum of Nature is one of the most intriguing and impressive museums found...

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

Dubbed Canada’s Cold War Museum, the four-story underground bunker was built between 1959 and 1961 in response to escalating nuclear threats.

Canadian War Museum

Discover the Canadian War Museum, the national museum dedicated to Canada’s military history and commemorating all who have served, from past to present.

Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

Home to Canada's most extensive aviation collection, this Ottawa museum traces the Canadian flight history through over 130 aircraft and...

Rideau Canal

Spanning from Canada’s capital, Ottawa, to Kingston on Lake Ontario, the UNESCO Heritage-listed Rideau Canal is a significant architectural and natural attraction.

Fort Henry National Historic Site

Fort Henry National Historic Site is a fortification in Kingston showcasing Canada’s military heritage with tours and reenactments.

Royal Ontario Museum

Casa Loma

Canadian Museum of Nature

Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum

Canadian War Museum

Canadian Aviation and Space Museum

Rideau Canal

Fort Henry National Historic Site

Dundurn Castle

Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Canada’s Penitentiary Museum

Fort George National Historic Site

HMCS Haida National Historic Site

Great Lakes Museum

Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre

Big Tub Lighthouse

Terry Fox Monument

The Muse Kenora

Lambton Heritage Museum

Bell Homestead National Historic Site

O’Hara Mill Homestead

Aga Khan Museum

Hockey Hall of Fame

Battlefield House Museum & Park National Historic Site

PumpHouse Museum

Canadian Museum of Health Care

Miller Museum of Geology

Whitehern Historic House & Garden

Schneider Haus National Historic Site

Museum of the Streets

Union Station

Historic Bovaird House

Brampton Heritage Walk

Wellington County Museum & Archives

Upper Canada Village

Kingston Penitentiary Tours

Museum of Illusions

The Village at Black Creek

Fryfogel Tavern and Arboretum

Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

Upper Canada Heritage Trail

Museum London

Eldon House

Maison François Baby House

Ska-Nah-Doht Village and Museum

Port Burwell Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse

Niagara Parks Power Station

Muskoka Heritage Place

Waterloo Central Railway

Stratford Perth Museum

Old Fort Erie

McCrae House

Fanshawe Pioneer Village

Fort Malden National Historic Site

Annandale National Historic Site

Bradley Museum

Hamilton Children’s Museum

Locomotive 6167

Museum Windsor – Chimczuk Museum

Peel County Courthouse and Jail

Scotsdale Heritage Farm

The Hamilton Military Museum

Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

Fulford Place

Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre

Brockville Railway Tunnel

Laura Secord Homestead

THEMUSEUM

Welland Canals Centre

Ermatinger-Clergue National Historic Site

ByTown Museum

Mariners Park Museum

Pickering Museum Village

The Canadian Clock Museum

Morningstar Mill

Canadian Museum of History

Mohawk Chapel

Nancy Island Historic Site

Lang Pioneer Village Museum

Lakeside Park Carousel

Trent-Severn Waterway National Historic Site

Fort St. Joseph National Historic Site of Canada

Sault Ste. Marie Canal Historic Site

Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site

Bellevue House National Historic Site

London Children's Museum

Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Ingersoll Cheese and Agricultural Museum

Sault Ste. Marie Museum

Ridge House Museum

Ontario's Legislative Building

Museum of Ontario Archaeology

Museum of Dufferin

Hutchison House

Joseph Brant Museum

Huron County Museum

Huron Historic Gaol

Glanmore House

Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

Canadian Automotive Museum

Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre

Bobby Orr Hall of Fame

Bata Shoe Museum

Canadian Canoe Museum

Simcoe County Museum

Timmins Museum

St. Edmunds Bruce Peninsula Museum

The Historic SDG Jail

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons

NHA/NHL Birthplace Museum

National Air Force Museum of Canada

Garrison Petawawa Military Museum

Niagara Apothecary

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Royal Canadian Mint

Timber Village Museum

Kincardine Lighthouse Museum

The Cloyne Pioneer Museum and Archives

Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre

The Museum on Tower Hill

Canadian Transportation Museum and Heritage Museum

Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum

Markham Museum

Castle Kilbride

Chiefswood National Historic Site

Military Communications and Electronics Museum

Stroll Walking Tours

Mississauga’s Music Walk of Fame

Sentineal Carriages Inc.

Orillia Museum of Art & History

McDougall Mill Museum

Sand Point Lighthouse

Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts

Snug Harbour Range Rear Lighthouse

St. Marys Museum

Canadian Golf Hall of Fame

Oil Museum of Canada

Tecumseh Parkway

Peterborough Museum & Archives

Ruthven Park National Historic Site

Kingsville Military Museum

Port Dover Lighthouse

Richmond Hill Heritage Centre

Boynton House

The Haunted Walk of Kingston

Waterfront Boardwalk

Whitefish Island National Historic Site

Alexander Henry Icebreaker

L’Orignal Old Jail

Fort William Historical Park

Ojibwe Cultural Foundation

North Bay Museum

Dionne Quints Museum

North Bay Heritage Railway & Carousel

Guelph Civic Museum

Last updated: April 9, 2025

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