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.

Must-visit museums in Ontario

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

European-inspired Southwest Ontario trip

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

4-day Ontario road trip: Grand River and Stratford explorer

Follow the Grand River to charming towns and communities and enjoy a mix of nature, culture and rural life. START…

Visit Ontario’s historic lighthouses

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

Budget-friendly Ontario travel tips

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

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.

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.

Explore historic forts and castles in Ontario

Visit the unique collection of heritage castles, historic forts and striking heritage homes in Ontario.

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.

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.

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.

4-day Ontario road trip: Southwest and West Coast sampler

Explore the culture, history, nature, food and drink in and around Windsor. START: Chatham-Kent END: Leamington

Doors Open, Culture Days and behind-the-scenes tours

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

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.

Best art gallery and museum gift shops in Ontario

Here's a list of Ontario museums and galleries with gift shops that are just as thoughtfully curated as the exhibits.

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.

Indigenous history and heritage in Ontario

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

Historic and unique hotels in Ontario

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

5-7-day Ontario road trip: Lake Superior's Ontario coast

Travel along the awe-inspiring coast of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. START: Sault Ste. Marie…

Cool museums in Ontario you should visit

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

Adventure by bike to Northern Ontario historic places

Put these seven unique Northern Ontario historical sites on your biking bucket list.

5-day Ontario road trip: Adventures, attractions and sports in and around Toronto

Visit top attractions in and around Toronto, including Canada’s Wonderland theme park and the Toronto Zoo. START…

Historic and architecture walking tours in Ontario

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

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 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.

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 George National Historic Site

Explore the fort with winding internal structures and get a soldier’s point of view how the battles were fought during 1812.

The Canadian Clock Museum

It’s always a good time to visit Canada’s only museum dedicated to showcasing the heritage of Canada’s clock industry since the early 1800s.

Dundurn Castle

Tour Dundurn Castle in Hamilton, a stunning mansion built in the 1830s as the home of Sir Allan Napier MacNab, former Premier of the United Canadas.

Morningstar Mill

Witness an 1800’s grist mill in operation at this rural industrial heritage site and the restored heritage home of the Morningstar family.

Royal Ontario Museum

Casa Loma

Canadian War Museum

Rideau Canal

Fort George National Historic Site

The Canadian Clock Museum

Dundurn Castle

Morningstar Mill

Last updated: April 9, 2025

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