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.

Some things to do may not be available due to COVID-19.

Many tourism experiences require advance bookings or have restrictions in place due to COVID 19. It is important to check directly with the business operator before you travel. Get the most up-to-date information now.

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Historic Parks, Castles & Forts

Explore Historic Parks, Castles & Forts

Museums

Explore Museums

Get Inspired

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

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

4 Ontario 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 more4 Ontario 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

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

15 Museums to Visit with Kids

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 more15 Museums to Visit with Kids

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

Unique Galleries & Museums in Toronto

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

Read moreUnique Galleries & Museums in Toronto

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

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

Specific Spots

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

Kingston Penitentiary Tours

Tour behind the walls of Canada’s oldest and most notorious maximum-security prison. Now offering architecture and film tours.

Visit site Kingston Penitentiary Tours

Marine Museum of the Great Lakes

Discover Kingston’s aquatic history at the Marine Museum of the Great Lakes where shipwrecks, lighthouses, and ecosystems converge.

Visit site Marine Museum of the Great Lakes

Military Communications and Electronics Museum

Canadian military history through diverse exhibits and educational programs that encourage critical understanding of the Canadian Forces.

Visit site Military Communications and Electronics Museum

The Miller Museum of Geology

Minerals and crystals from all over the world at the Museum’s display gallery and engaging instructor-led educational programming.

Visit site The Miller Museum of Geology

Museum of Healthcare

Over 35,000 artefacts and many fascinating exhibits at the Museum of Healthcare to learn about the history of medicine in Canada.

Visit site Museum of Healthcare

The PumpHouse

The history of Canada's oldest original waterworks where steam-powered pumps supplied the first running water to Kingston from 1851.

Visit site The PumpHouse

Bellevue House National Historic Site

Take a tour of the historic Bellevue House where Canada’s first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, made his home from 1848-1849.

Visit site Bellevue House National Historic Site

Canada’s Penitentiary Museum

Explore this award-winning museum that preserves and interprets the rich history of Canada’s world-famous federal penitentiaries.

Visit site Canada’s Penitentiary Museum

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