Top art galleries in Ontario
National Gallery of Canada | Ottawa Tourism
From classic masterpieces to Indigenous expressions and contemporary works, admire the textures, colours and unique forms created by talented artists at must-see art galleries across Ontario.
Several galleries are also home to thoughtfully curated gift shops and boutiques, so factor in time for shopping during your visit.
Greater Toronto Area
Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)
One of the largest art museums in North America, the AGO is a cultural hub known for its diverse collection of over 120,000 artworks.
The AGO has historical and contemporary art by Canadian, Indigenous, African and European artists, including works by the Group of Seven and Christi Belcourt. A regular schedule of temporary exhibitions features impressive works of art by established and emerging artists from around the world.
Shop for prints, books, stationery and exhibition mementos at the museum gift shop.
Tickets to the AGO are free for anyone 25 and under. Secure free pre-booked tickets on the first Wednesday of the month from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Membership perks include unlimited access to AGO exhibits, discounts on select events and a subscription to the gallery’s exclusive e-newsletter.
Location: 317 Dundas Street West, Toronto
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
The Museum of Contemporary Art specializes in curating and promoting art created in the 21st century. Ironically, the museum is located inside a historic building in Toronto’s Junction Triangle neighbourhood.
Rotating art exhibitions showcase the work of local and international talent. Explore artwork made using diverse mediums, including paintings, sculptures, installations, video, photography, performance art and more.
Admission is free for guests 18 and under and for all visitors on Free First Friday Nights.
Location: 158 Sterling Road #100, Toronto
York, Durham and Headwaters
McMichael Canadian Art Collection
The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is known for its extensive collection of work by the Group of Seven, a group of artists renowned for their unique landscape paintings. In addition, it’s home to a stunning collection of Indigenous art.
Shop for art-themed products at the gallery store and explore the extensive grounds and trails on an audio self-guided tour.
Admission is free on Family Sundays. Membership perks include complimentary admission and parking, guest passes, dining and holiday shopping discounts and invitations to special events.
Location: 10365 Islington Avenue, Kleinburg
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery
This popular gallery is located in a beautiful, airy building designed by well-known Canadian architect Arthur Erickson. The museum is named after Robert McLaughlin, a Canadian industrialist and philanthropist who supported the arts.
Enjoy contemporary Canadian paintings, drawings, photographs and mixed media artworks in various styles and genres. The gallery has a special focus on the works of the Painters Eleven, a collective of Ontario abstract painters who were active in the 1950s.
Stop by the RMG Shop for handmade products and educational books. While admission is free, a donation is encouraged.
Location: 72 Queen Street, Oshawa
Niagara Region
Niagara Falls Art Gallery
The Niagara Falls Art Gallery was established in 1979 as a not-for-profit art gallery.
Its collection includes the works of William Kurelek, a renowned Canadian artist, as well as historical and contemporary art of the Niagara region. The gallery aims to inspire people of all ages to engage with the arts through various community events and exhibitions held throughout the year.
Location: 8058 Oakwood Drive, Niagara Falls
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Art Gallery of Hamilton
One of the oldest and largest art galleries in Ontario, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is dedicated to collecting, exhibiting and promoting Canadian and international art.
World-renowned architect Bruce Kuwabara designed the gallery building and features a permanent collection of over 10,000 works from different periods. The gallery showcases rotating art exhibitions and curated shows by contemporary artists.
Browse one-of-a-kind items in the gallery gift shop. Membership holders receive reciprocal admission benefits to over 80 Ontario museums and galleries, as well as discounts at the cafe and gift shop.
Location: 123 King Street West, Hamilton
Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB)
Discover a diverse range of artwork across multiple mediums like photography, sculptures, ceramics, textiles and more. Housed in a spacious building, the gallery specializes in contemporary Canadian ceramics, with over 4,000 works collected over the past 40 years, ranging from highly functional to aesthetic sculptural installations.
Visit the AGB Shop to purchase artwork, sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, glassware and wood products. Membership perks include unlimited admission to the gallery and special rates on art classes.
Location: 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington
Huron, Perth, Waterloo and Wellington
Kitchener-Waterloo Art Gallery
From paintings and sculptures to video art, photography and more, there’s plenty of art to experience, and a variety of educational programs are offered.
Take a guided tour of the gallery, listen to an artist talk or attend a hands-on art workshop.
Art Gallery of Guelph
Formerly known as the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre, the Art Gallery of Guelph promotes historical and contemporary visual arts by exhibiting the creative works of diverse people in the art world.
Housed in a stately two-storey house beside a beautiful sculpture park, the gallery’s permanent collection of over 9,000 pieces showcases the cultural heritage of the Guelph region.
Temporary exhibits showcase pieces by established and emerging artists from Canada and around the world.
Visit the Gallery Shop for handmade and free-trade gifts, pottery, glassware, jewellery, and original prints and paintings.
While admission is free, donations are appreciated.
Location: 358 Gordon Street, Guelph
The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery
The Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery is dedicated to celebrating the art and craft of clay, glass and enamel. The gallery’s permanent collection includes 1,490 pieces and focuses on contemporary works made by Canadian artists.
Explore your creative side in one of the gallery’s hands-on workshops. Visit the Gallery Shop to purchase a creation from a local artisan.
Gallery members receive gift shop discounts as well as discounts at other participating galleries and advanced notice about future exhibits.
Location: 25 Caroline Street North, Waterloo
Bruce, Grey and Simcoe
MacLaren Art Centre
Located in the heart of downtown Barrie, the MacLaren Art Centre is a cultural hub that promotes and supports contemporary arts.
Explore a diverse range of exhibitions in numerous mediums, such as video, installation art, painting and sculpture. Family-friendly events and workshops are hosted regularly.
The on-site Lazy Tulip Café offers a variety of healthy, made-in-house food options. Admission is a pay-what-you-can donation. Members of the gallery enjoy free entry to other participating museums and savings towards camps, art classes, events and purchases at the museum gift shop.
Location: 37 Mulcaster Street, Barrie
Tom Thomson Art Gallery
The Tom Thomson Art Gallery honours the life and legacy of Canadian artist Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.
Tom Thomson was a landscape artist in the early 20th century who developed a distinct style that heavily influenced the Group of Seven artists.
The gallery focuses on Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven and other works of Canadian art that represent the natural beauty and landscapes of Canada.
Admission is by donation.
Location: 840 1st Avenue West, Owen Sound
Ottawa Region
National Gallery of Canada
Founded in 1880, the National Gallery of Canada has been a landmark in Canadian art and culture for over a century.
The gallery’s vast collections encompass works from antiquity to the present day, spanning Indigenous art to masterpieces from around the world. Experience works by renowned artists like Emily Carr and Jean-Paul Riopelle in the permanent collection.
Stop by the Gallery Boutique for art-inspired books, prints, photography, apparel, jewellery and art supplies. Membership perks include discounted rates on workshops and summer day camps, free magazine and e-newsletter subscriptions, as well as access to exclusive exhibits.
Location: 380 Sussex Drive, Ottawa
Ottawa Art Gallery
The Ottawa Art Gallery is a contemporary art museum that showcases local, national and international art.
The collection features paintings, sculptures, photography, new media and more, created by established and emerging artists. Participate in fun, educational programs such as artist talks, guided tours, and hands-on art activities.
Stop by Jackson Café for a treat and enjoy your meal on the gallery’s rooftop terrace or outdoor plaza. Admission to the Ottawa Art Gallery is free.
Location: 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
Southwestern Ontario
Art Windsor-Essex
Surrounded by greenery and unique sculptures, Art Windsor-Essex opened in 1943 as the Willistead Art Gallery of Windsor. Today, it exhibits works of art by local and national artists, featuring both historical and contemporary art.
Explore over 4,000 pieces that have been collected since the gallery’s opening. From miniature watercolour portraits to video sculptures, a diverse range of artistic expressions is available for viewing. A rotating schedule of art exhibitions means there’s always something new to experience.
Join art workshops and enjoy a free guided tour.
Location: 401 Riverside Drive West, Windsor
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Art Gallery of Peterborough
Situated beside Little Lake, the Art Gallery of Peterborough fosters creativity and a love for the arts through art classes, workshops, artist talks and guided tours.
View historical art as well as contemporary works by local artists in a variety of mediums.
Purchase books, art supplies, jewellery and glass and ceramic creations from the Gallery Shop. Admission is free, and donations are appreciated.
Get free admission to participating Ontario art galleries, discounts on workshops and special offers in the gallery gift shop with a membership.
Location: 250 Crescent Street, Peterborough
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre
The quaint Rails End Gallery and Arts Centre is located inside a historic railway station, set against the scenic landscapes of Haliburton County.
The gallery showcases a diverse range of art, from traditional watercolour paintings to contemporary mixed-media installations. Discover the artistic expressions of regional artists, attend art workshops and explore the surrounding trails.
Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.
Location: 23 York Street, Dysart and Others
Algonquin Park, Muskoka and Parry Sound
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery
Take a self-guided tour through Huntsville, Lake of Bays and Algonquin Provincial Park to view over 100 unique murals celebrating the art of Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven.
Over 35 murals are in downtown Huntsville, located on the exterior walls of businesses and stores. There are also murals in Dwight, Dorset, Baysville, Oxtongue Lake and Algonquin Provincial Park.
Location: Various locations around Huntsville
Northeastern Ontario
Art Gallery of Sudbury
Located in Bell Park, the Art Gallery of Sudbury contains multiple exhibition spaces, a gift shop and a community gallery.
The gallery showcases a diverse collection of historical and modern works by regional and national artists, including paintings, sculptures, photographs and art prints.
Admission to the gallery is by donation.
Location: 174 Elgin Street, Greater Sudbury
Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma
Art Gallery of Algoma
The Art Gallery of Algoma was founded in 1975 on the shoreline of St. Mary’s River with the goal of becoming a nationally recognized visual arts institution in Northern Ontario.
From original Inuit art prints to towering sculptures in the Elsie Savoie Sculpture Park, the works of local and national artists are on display, with a special focus on Indigenous artists.
Participate in an art-making class, book a tour and browse pottery, prints and memorabilia in the Gallery Shop.
Complimentary admission, invitations to member-only events and discounts in the gallery shop are included with membership.
Location: 10 East Street, Sault Ste. Marie
Northwest Ontario
Thunder Bay Art Gallery
Thunder Bay Art Gallery is the largest art gallery in Northern Ontario that focuses on contemporary Indigenous artists.
The gallery opened in 1976 on the campus of Confederation College and has three spacious showrooms. Today, the permanent collection comprises over 1,600 works of art, including paintings, sculptures and traditional Indigenous items.
Kids 12 and under enjoy free admission, and entry is free for all visitors on Wednesdays.
Location: 1080 Keewatin Street, Thunder Bay
From impressive permanent collections to can’t-miss touring exhibitions, Ontario’s rich art gallery scene simply must be seen.
Last updated: December 24, 2025