Museums & Heritage Sites

Culture runs deep in Ontario — we’ve got a phenomenal variety of museums and heritage sites. You’re going to love our engaging exhibitions, whether you’re checking out the masters, modern art or something historic.

Here’s your ultimate Ontario museums and heritage sites collection. Take a deep dive into specific types of activities or keep scrolling to browse articles, specific spots, areas you’ll want to check out and important information to know before you go.

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Historic Parks, Castles & Forts

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Museums

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Get Inspired

Planning your trip in Ontario? Get inspired by our articles related to museums and heritage sites.

Kid-Friendly Museums in Ontario

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

Read moreKid-Friendly Museums in Ontario

Black History in Grey and Simcoe Counties

The story of the Underground Railroad and its legacy in Ontario is one of the most important chapters in Canadian history. Black settlements and...

Read moreBlack History in Grey and Simcoe Counties

Must-Visit Museums in Ontario

If you are a cultural enthusiast, here is a selection of ‘must see’ museums to add to your list.

Read moreMust-Visit Museums in Ontario

Kid-Friendly Castles, Forts & Historical Jails in Ontario

Each of these sites has something unique to discover about Canada’s past, and a chance for interactive learning that goes beyond the pages of a...

Read moreKid-Friendly Castles, Forts & Historical Jails in Ontario

Rediscover Black History in Ontario

During the 19th century thousands of enslaved and free Black Americans risked the dangerous journey to Upper Canada (now Ontario) to escape the...

Read moreRediscover Black History in Ontario

The History Lover’s Guide to Ontario's Forts

Though home to Indigenous people for thousands of years, the earnest wave of European exploration in North America began in the 15th century...

Read moreThe History Lover’s Guide to Ontario's Forts

Look Up! 8 Ontario Architectural Wonders You Must See for Yourself

A new perspective can transform a familiar place into something brand new. From museums, to historic buildings, to downtown streetscapes, looking...

Read moreLook Up! 8 Ontario Architectural Wonders You Must See for Yourself

Ontario’s Behind-The-Scenes Tours

Get a sneak peek behind the curtains and closed doors at theatres, historic spaces and galleries that engage, inspire and entertain. Meet actors...

Read moreOntario’s Behind-The-Scenes Tours

The Photographer's Guide to Ontario's Castles and Forts

Get started at these striking heritage homes and historic strongholds in picturesque settings, with tips on how to make your architecture...

Read moreThe Photographer's Guide to Ontario's Castles and Forts

11 Unique Museums in Ontario

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

Read more11 Unique Museums in Ontario

Unique Art Galleries & Museums in Toronto

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

Read moreUnique Art Galleries & Museums in Toronto

Ontario Art and History Trips That Will Spark Your Imagination

Travel to places where history lives on outside of books, and art extends far beyond gallery walls with these four escapes in Ontario.

Read moreOntario Art and History Trips That Will Spark Your Imagination

Ontario’s Barn Quilt Tales & Trails

Many rural communities have gone a step further by proudly displaying their quilt designs like a crest or coat of arms. These quilts are artwork...

Read moreOntario’s Barn Quilt Tales & Trails

Adventure by Bike to Seven Northern Ontario Historic Places

Cycling provides a sense of adventure and opens your eyes to the undiscovered world in your own backyard. Can you think of a more intimate way to...

Read moreAdventure by Bike to Seven Northern Ontario Historic Places

3 Inspiring Road Trips

Uncover stories of people who risked their reputations, livelihoods and ultimately their lives in the name of freedom, progress and expression.

Read more3 Inspiring Road Trips

Specific Spots

Ready to dive into a specific spot known for museums and heritage sites? Here are some related things to do.

Kingston City Hall

Discover Kingston City Hall, one of the finest 19th century architectural wonders in Ontario. Home to the administrative and governing body of...

Read more Kingston City Hall

Museum of Illusions

With just 15 locations around the world, the opportunity to explore Toronto’s Museum of Illusions is a truly special one. This photogenic museum...

Read more Museum of Illusions

Upper Canada Village

Walking into Upper Canada Village feels like heading through a time warp—with gorgeous heritage buildings and friendly staff playing the part of...

Read more Upper Canada Village

Laura Secord Homestead

Tour the home of the famous 1812 war heroine who braved weather and other dangers to warn the British about the looming American invasion.

Visit site Laura Secord Homestead

Kingsville Military Museum

A military and civic heritage museum showcasing over 11,000 artifacts and items from different periods of Canadian history.

Visit site Kingsville Military Museum

Pickering Museum Village

Take a guided or self-guided tour of the museum and recreate the past through drama and hands-on activities at Durham Region's largest history...

Visit site Pickering Museum Village

Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Get to know the hidden gems in Niagara-on-the-Lake from curators providing guided walks and visit the exhibits.

Visit site Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

Mariners Park Museum

Explore the many ways people have interacted with the surrounded waterways, from fishing and shipping to rum-running and boat racing.

Visit site Mariners Park Museum

Last updated: June 28, 2021

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