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

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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.

Must-visit museums in Ontario

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

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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

Rediscover Black History in Ontario

Thousands of enslaved and free Black Americans risked the dangerous journey to Upper Canada (now Ontario) to escape the atrocities of slavery in...

Read moreRediscover Black History in Ontario

A 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 moreA Photographer's Guide to Ontario's Castles and Forts

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

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

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

Ontario’s barn quilt tales and 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 and trails

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

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.

Read moreUnique art galleries and museums in Toronto

Kid-friendly castles, forts and historical jails in Ontario

History comes alive at Ontario’s family-friendly interactive heritage sites.

Read moreKid-friendly castles, forts and historical jails in Ontario

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

11 unique museums in Ontario

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

Read more11 unique museums in Ontario

Things to do on Family Day in Ontario

Get ideas for fun activities and things to do for kids of all ages this Family Day long weekend in Ontario.

Read moreThings to do on Family Day in Ontario

Fun March Break activities in Ontario

Discover plenty of family bonding activities and fun things to do with your toddlers, tweens or teens.

Read moreFun March Break activities 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

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

Specific spots

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

Kawartha Lakes Arts and Heritage Trail

Spend a weekend getting to know the diverse creative talents in the Kawartha Lakes area along the Kawarthas’ Arts and Heritage Trail.

Visit site Kawartha Lakes Arts and Heritage Trail

Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum

The extraordinary history of early Black pioneers and settlers in the area has been lovingly preserved, restored and exhibited.

Visit site Sheffield Park Black History and Cultural Museum

Port Burwell Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse

Located where Big Otter Creek meets Lake Erie, this museum dives into Port Burwell’s rich shipbuilding and marine history.

Visit site Port Burwell Marine Museum & Historic Lighthouse

Canadian Museum of Nature

The Canadian Museum of Nature is Canada's national museum dedicated to natural history and sciences and holds the distinction of being the first...

Read more Canadian Museum of Nature

Dundurn Castle

Dundurn Castle is a national historic site on York Boulevard in west Hamilton. Constructed in the 1830s, Dundurn Castle was once the home of...

Read more Dundurn Castle

Hamilton Children’s Museum

Activities and materials that will engage the kids to get entertained from their own creativity and imaginations.

Visit site Hamilton Children’s Museum

Annandale National Historic Site

Tour the fully restored 1880’s Victorian mansion built in the ‘Aesthetic Art Movement' architectural style by Tillsonburg’s first mayor.

Visit site Annandale National Historic Site

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

Last updated: December 15, 2022

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