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Step Back in Time: 15 Must-Visit Historical Sites in Ontario

Clever Canadian Written By: July 2024

Most people I meet are eager to tell me about their plans to hit the beach or embark on a mountainous adventure. But, honestly, it’s rare to hear anyone mention a visit to historical sites—and I think they’re seriously missing out. 

Literally, from grand castles to quaint pioneer villages, Ontario is brimming with incredible historical sites just waiting to be discovered. 

So, if you’re a history buff like me, this one’s for you! Get ready to embark on a journey through the past with these incredible historical gems Ontario has in store for you!

Fort Henry National Historic Site – Kingston

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Address: 1 Fort Henry Dr, Kingston

Website: https://www.forthenry.com/

Contact Details: +16135427388

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM

Fort Henry is a must-visit if you’re into military history. This massive 19th-century fortification offers an immersive look at what life was like for soldiers stationed there. 

The guided tours and interactive exhibits make it a fun and educational experience for all ages Plus, they have some pretty epic reenactments that bring the past to life. 

Whether you’re watching a cannon firing or a marching drill, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Trust us, it’s a blast (pun intended)!

Pro Tip:

Catch the Sunset Ceremony during the summer months. It’s a spectacular event with precision drills, music, and a fireworks finale.

Royal Ontario Museum – Toronto

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Address: 100 Queens Park, Toronto

Website: https://www.rom.on.ca/

Contact Details: +14165868000

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–5:30 PM

The Royal Ontario Museum is an absolute treasure trove of history and culture that we absolutely love—and so will you. 

There are a lot of dinosaur skeletons and ancient Egyptian artifacts which means there’s really something for everyone here. The exhibits are top-notch too, and you can easily spend a whole day exploring the large museum inside.

What we love most is the diversity of the collections. You can go from admiring medieval armor to marveling at indigenous art in just a few steps. 

Pro Tip:

Check out the Friday Night Live events if you’re visiting in the spring or fall. The museum turns into a lively party with DJs, drinks, and special exhibits.

Casa Loma – Toronto

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Address: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto

Website: http://www.casaloma.ca/

Contact Details: +14169231171

Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 AM–5 PM

Casa Loma is Toronto’s very own castle, and it’s as grand as you’d imagine. Built in the early 1900s, this Gothic Revival mansion is full of opulent rooms, secret passages, and stunning gardens. 

The views from the towers are unbeatable, offering a panoramic look at the city skyline. Also, the self-guided audio tours are really informative and let you explore at your own pace.

Pro Tip:

Visit during Halloween or Christmas when the castle is decked out in festive decorations and offers themed events. It adds an extra layer of magic to your visit.

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons – Midland

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Address: 16164 ON-12, Midland

Website: http://www.saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca/ 

Contact Details: +17055267838

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons is an amazing place to dive into early Canadian history. This reconstructed 17th-century French Jesuit settlement gives you a peek into the lives of the missionaries and the Huron-Wendat people they lived among.

Walking through the site, you get to see traditional longhouses, chapels, and workshops. The interpreters do a fantastic job of bringing history to life with their demonstrations and stories.

Pro Tip:

Don’t miss the seasonal events like the First Light festival in November, where the site is illuminated by thousands of candles, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Dundurn Castle – Hamilton

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Address: 610 York Blvd, Hamilton

Website: https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/hamilton-civic-museums/dundurn-national-historic-site

Contact Details: +19055213168

Opening Hours: Daily 12–4 PM

Dundurn Castle is a beautiful neoclassical mansion that offers a glimpse into 19th-century aristocratic life. The guided tours are fantastic and filled with interesting tidbits about the house’s history and the family that lived there.

The attention to detail in the restoration is impressive, making it feel like you’ve traveled back in time. And a bonus, the gardens are a lovely spot for a leisurely stroll.

Pro Tip:

Check out the military museum on-site. It’s small but packed with fascinating artifacts and stories from various periods of Canadian military history.

Fort William Historical Park – Thunder Bay

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Address: 1350 King Rd, Thunder Bay

Website: https://fwhp.ca/

Contact Details: +18074732344 

Opening Hours: 24/7

Fort William Historical Park is a massive living history site that takes you back to the fur trade era. The reenactments are incredibly detailed, with staff dressed in period attire demonstrating traditional crafts and trades. It’s like stepping into a bustling 19th-century trading post.

The park spans over 250 acres, so there’s plenty to explore, including a working farm, an observatory, and even a historic canoe route. It’s perfect if you want to get a real feel for this pivotal time in Canadian history.

Pro Tip:

Visit during one of their special events like the Great Rendezvous in July, where the fort comes alive with music, games, and historical reenactments.

Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site – Prescott

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Address: Windmill Rd, Prescott

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/windmill?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=windmill

Contact Details: +16139252896

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM

The Battle of the Windmill site commemorates a lesser-known but fascinating part of Ontario’s history. This is where a significant battle of the Upper Canada Rebellion took place in 1838. The windmill itself, now a lighthouse, stands as a poignant reminder of the past.

The site offers stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, making it a great spot for both history buffs and nature lovers. The interpretive panels provide insightful details about the battle and its impact on Canadian history.

Pro Tip:

Climb to the top of the windmill for an exceptional panoramic view. It’s worth the effort for the unique perspective on both history and scenery.

Bell Homestead National Historic Site – Brantford

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Address: 94 Tutela Heights Rd, Brantford

Website: https://www.brantford.ca/en/things-to-do/bell-homestead.aspx

Contact Details: +15197566220

Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM–12 PM, 1–4 PM

At the Bell Homestead, you can explore the home where Alexander Graham Bell conceived the idea for the telephone. The house is beautifully preserved, offering a fascinating look at Bell’s early experiments and family life.

The guided tours are engaging, especially from our experience, with knowledgeable staff sharing stories about Bell’s inventions and his life in Canada.

Pro Tip:

Visit the Henderson Home on the property, which houses the first telephone company business office. It’s an interesting extension of the main tour.

Upper Canada Village – Morrisburg

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Address: 13740 County Rd 2, Morrisburg

Website: http://www.uppercanadavillage.com/

Contact Details: +18004372233

Opening Hours: Daily 9:30 AM–5 PM

Upper Canada Village is like walking into a postcard from the 1860s. This living history village is full of costumed interpreters who demonstrate daily life in a rural village. From the blacksmith shop to the bakery, everything is authentically recreated.

One of the highlights is the horse-drawn boat ride along the canal which offers a unique view of the village—we weren’t disappointed one bit when we experienced it!

Pro Tip: Check out their fall event, Pumpkinferno, where the village is transformed with thousands of hand-carved pumpkins. It’s a spectacular sight and a hit with all ages.

HMCS Haida National Historic Site – Hamilton

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Address: Pier 9, 658 Catharine St N, Hamilton

Website: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/on/haida

Contact Details: +19055266742

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM

HMCS Haida, a Tribal-class destroyer, is now a floating museum in Hamilton. This ship saw action in World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War, making it a treasure trove of naval history. You can explore everything from the engine room to the gun turrets.

The guided tours offer deep insights into life aboard a warship, and the interactive exhibits are both informative and engaging. It’s a hands-on history lesson that’s hard to beat.

Pro Tip:

Visit during one of their “Day at Sea” events where you can witness live demonstrations of naval maneuvers and operations. It’s a thrilling experience you won’t forget.

Battle of Crysler’s Farm National Historic Site – South Dundas

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Address: 77 King St W, Stoney Creek

Website: https://www.hamilton.ca/things-do/hamilton-civic-museums/battlefield-national-historic-site

Contact Details: +19055213168

Opening Hours: Daily 12 PM–4 PM

Crysler’s Farm is where a pivotal battle in the War of 1812 took place. Walking through the battlefield, you can almost hear the echoes of musket fire. The site is well-marked with informative plaques that tell the story of this significant clash between British and American forces.

What’s cool is that the battlefield is part of a larger park, which also includes picnic areas and trails. It’s a great spot to combine a bit of history with a relaxing day outdoors.

Pro Tip:

Visit during the annual reenactment in July. It’s an amazing opportunity to see history come to life with hundreds of actors portraying soldiers and civilians.

Fort York National Historic Site – Toronto

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Address: 250 Fort York Blvd, Toronto 

Website: http://www.toronto.ca/fortyork

Contact Details: +14163926907

Opening Hours: Daily 11 AM–5 PM

Fort York is right in the heart of Toronto, and it’s packed with history that you definitely want to interest yourself with. 

In fact, this is where British and Canadian troops defended the town during the War of 1812. The fort has been beautifully preserved, and the guided tours are full of fascinating stories.

You’ll love exploring the barracks and seeing the old cannons up close. There’s also a great visitor center with exhibits that dive deep into the history of the area.

Pro Tip:

Don’t miss the annual Victoria Day and Canada Day celebrations here. They feature musket demonstrations, military drills, and traditional music.

The Distillery District – Toronto

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Address: 33 Mill St, Toronto

Website: https://www.thedistillerydistrict.com/gallery/

Contact Details: N/A

Opening Hours: Daily 11:30 AM–6 PM

The Distillery District is one of Toronto’s trendiest neighborhoods, but it’s steeped in history. Once the largest distillery in the British Empire, the cobblestone streets and Victorian industrial architecture make it a unique place to visit.

Today, it’s filled with art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. It’s the perfect spot to wander, shop, and soak in the historic atmosphere—and they all look terrific in modern times!

Pro Tip:

Visit during the Christmas Market if you can. The festive lights, decorations, and seasonal vendors make it an incredibly charming experience.

Fulford Place Museum – Brockville

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Address: 287 King St E, Brockville

Website: http://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/fulfordplace

Contact Details: +16132468584

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–5 PM

Fulford Place is a stunning mansion built in the early 1900s by Senator George Taylor Fulford. The house is filled with original furnishings and art, giving you a real sense of the opulent lifestyle of its original owners.

The guided tours are super detailed and offer a peek into the life of one of Canada’s most influential families. The gardens are also beautiful and worth a stroll.

Pro Tip:

Check out the tea room in the summer. They serve traditional afternoon tea with all the trimmings, and it’s a lovely way to end your visit.

Ontario Legislative Building – Toronto

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Address: 111 Wellesley St W, Toronto

Website: http://www.ola.org/

Contact Details: +14163257500

Opening Hours: Daily 8  AM–6 PM

The Ontario Legislative Building is a must-see for its impressive architecture and political history. Located in Queen’s Park, it’s where the provincial government meets. The building itself is an architectural marvel with stunning stained glass and intricate carvings.

The guided tours are very informative too, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the provincial government. You’ll even get to see the legislative chamber where all the action happens.

Pro Tip:

If you visit when the legislature is in session, you can sit in the public gallery and watch the proceedings live. It’s a fascinating glimpse into Canadian politics.

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