Top Museum/Art Gallery/Historic Site

Photo © AGO

AGO: Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors each year. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces. The AGO's mission is to bring people together with art to see, experience and understand the world in new ways. Visit AGO.ca to learn more.

Art Gallery of Hamilton: Art Gallery of Hamilton: Founded in 1914, the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the oldest and largest public art gallery in southwestern Ontario. Its permanent collection, which is focused on historical Canadian, International, and Contemporary art, numbers more than 11,200 works and is recognized as one of Canada’s finest. The AGH is a vital creative hub and centre of lifelong learning that enables people of all ages to enrich their lives by gaining a deeper understanding of art.. www.artgalleryofhamilton.com  

Casa Loma Casa Loma was first built in 1914 by esteemed financier Sir Henry Pellatt. As Toronto’s majestic Castle, Casa Loma is regarded as a treasured historic site and heritage landmark. Today, Casa Loma is one of Toronto’s top tourist attractions and hospitality venues. Visit www.casaloma.ca for details. Visit www.casaloma.ca for details.  

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum is the largest community museum in Ontario with a large feature gallery which showcases local and travelling exhibits from around the world, a temporary gallery, and our permanent gallery which tells the story of Waterloo Region. Located on the second floor of the main museum gallery is the Waterloo Region Hall of Fame. The second floor also contains a War Memorial with a visual list of the names of all those from Waterloo County/Region who have given their lives for their country. One admission price includes entry to all of the museum exhibit galleries.  www.waterlooregionmuseum.ca  

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection is the largest publicly funded art gallery in Canada that focuses exclusively on Canadian and Indigenous art, both historical and contemporary. Across 13 galleries, see special exhibitions and explore the permanent collection that includes celebrated paintings by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and contemporary artists who have contributed to the development of the art of Canada. Outside, wander through the Sculpture Garden and explore more than 100 acres of grounds and trails along the Humber River Valley. Located just 30 minutes north of Toronto. Start your trip at mcmichael.com today.  

ROM: is as a national landmark, and a dynamic cultural destination in the heart of Toronto for all to enjoy. From towering dinosaur skeletons to awe-inspiring contemporary paintings, ROM is home to more than 18 million artworks, artifacts, and specimens from around the world and across the ages. So, it should be no surprise ROM is also the most visited museum in Canada—and one of the top ten museums in North America. Plus, ROM hosts some of the world’s best exhibitions. Visit ROM.CA to learn more.

The Diefenbunker: Canada's Cold War Museum is Ottawa's immersive history destination. Descend into history, 75 feet underground, and explore Canada's most significant Cold War artifact. This impressive four-storey underground facility operated as the country's central communications headquarters during the Cold War, ready at any moment in case of a nuclear attack. Today, the Diefenbunker is a one-of-a-kind museum and national historic site offering award-winning exhibitions, tours, programs, events, and escape rooms. Diefenbunker.ca

The Aga Khan Museum: Celebrating a decade of connecting cultures, the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto, Canada, is North America's first institution dedicated to highlighting the artistic and scientific contributions of Muslim civilizations to global heritage. Through the arts, the Museum seeks to spark intercultural dialogue, fostering mutual understanding and inclusive, pluralistic communities. As a vibrant educational institution, the Museum encourages public engagement with its diverse Permanent Collection of more than 1,200 objects, alongside an ever-changing roster of exhibitions and innovative programs — including music and dance performances, theatre, lectures, workshops, and film screenings. agakhanmuseum.org

Fort William Historical Park features Fort William, one of North America’s largest living history sites, and brings to life the 19th century fur trade. Fort William was the North West Company’s key inland headquarters (1803–1821), serving as a major centre of commerce during the North American fur trade. It was also the location of the annual Rendezvous, which provided an opportunity for people from Indigenous, French-Canadian, and Anglo-Scottish communities to come together to trade goods, share knowledge, exchange ideas and build relationships. The living history site includes an Anishinaabe encampment, heritage trades complex, working farm, and 50 authentically reconstructed buildings and structures. The Park is also home to the David Thompson Astronomical Observatory, year-round events, a campground, in-person, virtual and overnight educational programs, and wedding, private function and conference facilities. Visit www.fwhp.ca.

Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons: Ontario’s first European Community, Sainte-Marie was the headquarters for the French Jesuit Mission to the Huron-Wendat people. Located near Midland in the beautiful Southern Georgian Bay area, this world-renowned reconstruction staffed by costumed interpreters tells the story of contact between the French and Wendat nations. Come experience early Canadian pioneer life, through guided or self-guided visits, school group tours, interactive education programs, special events, or corporate functions. https://saintemarieamongthehurons.on.ca

London Children's Museums: The London Children’s Museum is a state-of-the-art cultural and educational destination newly reopened at 100 Kellogg Lane. Featuring eight immersive exhibits and daily hands-on programs, it curates powerful play experiences for children ages 0–10. Designed by children, for children, the museum is a vibrant space for experiential learning, discovery, and imagination. https://www.londonchildrensmuseum.ca/