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Top 10 Museums In Ontario Everyone Should Visit
If you’re roaming around Ontario and looking for some cool spots to soak in some culture, you’re in luck. We’ve got a list of the city’s best museums that you shouldn’t miss visiting!
These places are packed with awesome exhibits that’ll make you say “wow” and maybe even teach you a thing or two. So, put on your most comfortable sneakers and let’s hit the road—these Ontario museums are too good to miss. Let’s dive right in!
Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada
Address: 158 Sterling Rd #100, Toronto, ON M6R 2B7, Canada
Contact Details: +14165302500
Website: https://moca.ca/
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, closed; Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 11 AM to 6 PM; Friday 11 AM to 9 PM
Tucked away in Toronto’s Lower Junction Triangle, the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada (MOCA) is a hub of creativity housed in a historical gem—the Tower Automotive Building.
The MOCA lights up the first three floors with exhibits that’ll have you pondering long after you’ve left. While you’re there, don’t skip the cafe. It’s a bright spot for a tasty pastry or a good cup of coffee, perfect for a little break before you dive back into the art.
And for a souvenir that’s cooler than your average keychain, the museum shop is stocked with unique finds that reflect the innovative spirit of the place.
| Pro Tip: The MOCA keeps things fresh with rotating installations, so every visit is a new adventure. Right now, you can wander through thought-provoking exhibits like Phyllida Barlow’s “Eleven Columns” or Liz Magor’s “The Separation,” both running right now! |
Niagara Falls History Museum
Address: 5810 Ferry St, Niagara Falls, ON L2G 1S9, Canada
Contact Details: +19053585082
Website: https://niagarafallsmuseums.ca/
Opening Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
One would think Niagara Falls is only for star-crossed lovers (and you may even fall under this category)—but museum enthusiasts are also in for a treat! The fall’s nearby museum, which offers a deep dive into the region’s vibrant past, is a must-visit!
This isn’t just a place to learn about the iconic falls; it’s where you’ll uncover stories of bravery and freedom, like the area’s pivotal role in the Underground Railroad and the War of 1812.
The museum brings history to life, letting you try on a War of 1812 soldier’s uniform, lift a musket, or even balance on a tightrope, just like the daredevils of yesteryear.
It’s a place where art meets history, with exhibits that not only showcase historical events but also offer critical takes on contemporary issues.
| Pro Tip: When you visit, make sure to participate in the hands-on exhibits—it’s a fun way to connect with history. And don’t miss the chance to explore the nearby historical sites for a complete time-travel experience. |
MZTV Museum of Television
Address: 64 Jefferson Ave, Toronto, ON M6K 1Y4, Canada
Contact Details: +14165997339
Website: http://www.mztv.com/
Opening Hours: Sunday and Monday, closed; Tuesday to Friday 2 to 5 PM; Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
Step into the MZTV Museum of Television and you’re stepping into the annals of TV history, guided by none other than media visionary Moses Znaimer. This place takes you in a time machine where you can trace the evolution of the television from its earliest days to the modern era.
Imagine checking out some of the first TVs to hit the market, and yes, even ones that Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe might have watched.
But it’s not all about nostalgia here. The MZTV Museum is a place to get hands-on with the technology that’s shaped our viewing habits. You’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the box that’s brought the world into our living rooms.
| Pro Tip: Make sure to use the audio guides available on your phone in multiple languages to get the full story behind each exhibit. It’s like having your own personal tour guide without the group. And with the museum’s convenient location and parking, it’s an easy addition to your Toronto itinerary. |
Cumberland Heritage Village Museum
Address: 2940 Ch. Old Montréal Rd, Cumberland, ON K4C 1G3, Canada
Contact Details: +16135802988
Website: http://ottawa.ca/cumberlandmuseum
Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM to 9:30 PM
Once you’re over in Ottawa, visiting Cumberland Heritage Village is like stepping onto the set of an early 20th-century film.
You can wander through the Vars Train Station or browse the shelves of the A.E. McKeen General Store, all while actors in period costumes give you the lowdown on the daily grind of the good ol’ days.
It’s a hands-on history lesson where you can touch, feel, and even play a part in the past!
| Pro Tip: When you visit, check out their special events calendar. They often have themed days where you can churn butter, press apple cider, or even send a telegraph. It’s a perfect way to make history fun for the kiddos (and let’s be honest, for us adults too). Just remember to bring your camera— this place is as picturesque as it is educational. |
THEMUSEUM
Address: 10 King St W, Kitchener, ON N2G 1A3, Canada
Contact Details: +15197499387
Website: http://www.themuseum.ca/
Opening Hours: Monday and Tuesday, closed; Wednesday 10 AM to 5 PM; Thursday to Friday 10 AM to 2 PM; Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM; Sunday 1 to 4 PM
In Kitchener, there’s a spot where art and science collide to create an interactive playground for the curious at heart.
It’s a museum that breaks the mold, offering hands-on exhibits that whisk you from the depths of Earth to the far reaches of space, and even into the pages of your favorite pop culture stories.
And if you love to tinker, the Creation Station and the StarLab Star Show are must-dos. It’s a place where every visit is a new chance to play, learn, and be wowed.
| Pro Tip: Keep an eye on their calendar for unexpected workshops and shows that pop up. And if you’re into gaming, the Game Design and Development Club with realViLab is a hidden gem for aspiring creators. |
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto, ON M5S 2C6, Canada
Contact Details: +14165868000
Website: https://www.rom.on.ca/
Opening Hours: Monday, closed; Tuesday to Sunday 10 AM to 5:30 PM
The Royal Ontario Museum is a gateway to a world where every exhibit is a portal to another time and place. With three floors of galleries, you’ll journey from the cradle of civilization to the frontiers of modern art and science.
This is a place where past and future converge, offering a treasure trove of artifacts and interactive experiences that spark the imagination.
| Pro Tip: To make the most of your visit, grab a CityPASS for a discounted tour of Toronto’s top attractions, including the ROM. And if you’re a member, you get VIP access to a world of beauty and wonder that spans 4 billion years |
Orillia Museum of Art & History
Address: 30 Peter St S, Orillia, ON L3V 5A9, Canada
Contact Details: +17053262159
Website: http://www.orilliamuseum.org/
Opening Hours: Sunday and Monday, closed; Thursday 11 AM to 7 PM; Tuesday to Saturday 11 AM to 4 PM
The Orillia Museum of Art & History, set within the storied walls of the Sam Steele Memorial Building, stands as a cultural cornerstone in Orillia’s vibrant arts district.
OMAH, a dynamic space known for its rich historical exhibits and diverse offerings, regularly updates its narrative.
As of now, visitors can explore local lore through ‘A Collection Inspired Exhibition: A Close Up on Carmichael’ and experience the theatrical journey of ’50 Years of Mariposa Arts Theatre.
| Pro Tip: For a truly immersive experience, time your visit to coincide with one of OMAH’s interactive workshops or artist talks. These events are a fantastic way to dive deeper into the stories behind the exhibits and connect with the local art community. |
Aga Khan Museum
Address: 77 Wynford Dr, North York, ON M3C 1K1, Canada
Contact Details: +14166464677
Website: http://www.agakhanmuseum.org/
Opening Hours: +14166464677
If you’re into a mix of history and art, the Aga Khan Museum is a spot you can’t miss in Toronto. Picture this: a collection that’s a journey through time and across continents, with over a thousand artifacts that tell the story of Muslim civilizations.
We’re talking about everything from intricate textiles and detailed miniatures to ancient manuscripts and shiny ceramics.Not to mention, there are also some really old medical texts and musical instruments that have seen the world evolve over eleven centuries.
And they keep things fresh with a rotating themed installation that changes up parts of the gallery every six months.
| Pro Tip: To make the most of your visit to the Aga Khan Museum, plan to go on a Wednesday evening. The museum offers free admission every Wednesday from 4-8 pm, courtesy of BMO Financial Group. |
Charles W. Stockey Centre & Bobby Orr Hall Of Fame
Address: 2 Bay St, Parry Sound, ON P2A 1S3, Canada
Contact Details: +18777464466
Website: http://www.bobbyorrhalloffame.com/
Opening Hours: Sunday to Tuesday, closed; Wednesday to. Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM
Nestled within the Charles W. Stockey Centre for Performing Arts, you’ll find a tribute to one of hockey’s greats: the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame. It’s a place where you can get up close and personal with the legacy of Parry Sound’s hometown hero, number 4 himself.
Here, you can marvel at a treasure trove of memorabilia from Orr’s illustrious NHL journey, alongside tributes to other sports stars with roots in Parry Sound.
And it’s not just a walk down memory lane; you can also lace up for some interactive fun with hockey-themed games that are a hit with visitors of all ages. It’s a spot where the spirit of the game is as alive as it was on the ice during Orr’s legendary career.
| Pro Tip: To make the most of your visit to the Aga Khan Museum, plan to go on a Wednesday evening. The museum offers free admission every Wednesday from 4-8 pm, courtesy of BMO Financial Group. |
Hockey Hall of Fame
Address: 30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8, Canada
Contact Details: +14163607765
Website: https://www.hhof.com/
Opening Hours: Monday, closed; Sunday to Thursday 10 AM to 5 PM; Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM
Let’s now dive into one of our favorite museums in Ontario which happens to be in the heart of Canada’s beloved winter sport at this shrine to hockey.
Can you imagine coming face-to-face with the original Stanley Cup (we sure haven’t during our first visit), surrounded by a treasure trove of hockey memorabilia?
Picture jerseys from hockey’s greatest teams, a collection of shiny trophies, and sticks that have seen epic games!
But it’s not all about looking here, as you can get into the game with hands-on activities. Test your slapshot, match wits with hockey trivia, or step into the shoes of a sportscaster and call the play-by-plays.
| Pro Tip: If you’re a hockey enthusiast, consider timing your visit to coincide with local hockey games or tournaments in Parry Sound for a full hockey-themed experience. Don’t forget to explore the gift shop for exclusive memorabilia that celebrates the legacy of Bobby Orr and the sport of hockey. |
