Please choose ONE of the following to submit your vote for 2025's Top Small Museum/Art Galleries/Historic Sites.
Dundurn National Historic Site: Known as Dundurn Castle, this 40-room Italianate-style villa was built in the 1830s on Burlington Heights, also the site of a fortified military encampment established by the British during the War of 1812. It was home to Sir Allan Napier MacNab, railway magnate, lawyer and Premier of the United Canadas from 1854 to 1856. Today Dundurn Castle tells the story of the MacNab family and the servants who lived and worked at the house. Visitors are invited to experience a guided tour of the home with a costumed interpreter, explore the lovingly restored two-acre Historic Kitchen Garden, and discover The Hamilton Military Museum – free with admission to Dundurn Castle. www.hamilton.ca/dundurn
The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery is an award-winning national institution based in Waterloo Region celebrating the art and craft of clay, glass, and enamel. In an inclusive community space and cultural hub, we engage artists and the public through exhibitions and collaborate in accessible education programming. We amplify diverse and often untold stories to open dialogue and inspire social change. www.theclayandglass.ca
Discovery Harbour: Nestled along the shores of beautiful Penetanguishene Bay, Discovery Harbour is a history attraction sprawled across 30- acres, filled with adventure. The site teaches its visitors the intriguing story of the original 19th century British naval and military outpost built to defend Upper Canada during and after the War of 1812. At Discovery Harbour, you can experience living history by walking through the site, talking to costumed interpreters, entering the historic buildings, and even exploring the above and below deck of our two replica ships: the H.M.S. Tecumseth and H.M.S. Bee. https://discoveryharbour.on.ca
McDougall Cottage Historic Site: This welcoming 1858 granite and limestone cottage was built overlooking the beauty of the Grand River. Nearly 165 years after being built, the charming cottage is an active hub for community events, with tours, special events, workshops, and more. Interact with engaging exhibits, and peer out the window at the ever-evolving neighbourhood of the downtown Cambridge historic factory district. Visit mcdougallcottage.ca for more information.
History comes alive at Lang Pioneer Village Museum, an immersive experience nestled on the shores of the historic Indian River. Featuring over thirty restored and furnished historic buildings constructed between 1825 and 1910, several replica buildings and Aabnaabin Camp a Michi Saagiig encampment through a partnership with Curve Lake & Hiawatha First Nations. Villagers of all ages, dressed in authentic historical attire, go about their daily chores and trades contributing to the authenticity of this living history experience. www.langpioneervillage.ca
Bytown Museum: Nestled on the historic Ottawa Locks on the Rideau Canal, a picturesque UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bytown Museum brings Ottawa’s past to life. From the deep roots of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People along the Kichi Sìbì (Ottawa River) to the arrival of the British Military under Lt.-Col. John By in 1826 who worked to build the Rideau Canal and established Bytown, later known as Ottawa, the museum explores the stories of an evolving city and its people. It offers offers stunning views, immersive exhibits, and engaging programs that connect history, nature, and community. https://bytownmuseum.ca/
Toronto Railway Museum: The Toronto Railway Museum is located in Roundhouse Park, in the heart of downtown Toronto. We share the stories of Toronto’s railway history. Our mission is simple: to connect people to the secret history of rail in Toronto and tell the story of those who propelled the city from sleepy town into our nation’s economic engine. https://torontorailwaymuseum.com/
Great Lakes Museum:Through interactive galleries, educational programs, and events for all ages the Great Lakes Museum inspires an enduring connection to the maritime history of the Great Lakes. The Museum is located at the historic Kingston Dry Dock, a national historic site, and is the owner of the S.S Keewatin, the oldest remaining Edwardian-era (Titanic-era) passenger steamship in the world. The Museum is open year-round. Guided tours of the Keewatin are available May-October. www.greatlakesmuseum.ca
Assembly Hall is dedicated to nurturing and celebrating community, creativity and culture with arts-focused classes, performances and events. The beautifully restored building, which blends history with innovative modern design, is a favourite community-based location for meetings, celebrations and more. toronto.ca/assemblyhall
Black Creek Pioneer Village: Experience 40 historic buildings, 60 rare breed animals, unique exhibits, and exciting programs for every age. Meet costumed historians demonstrating heritage trades, discover hands-on activities, and explore the history of the Toronto region from many perspectives, or challenge yourself with an escape game, thrill to ghost stories, jump into immersive theatre, or get crafty at an artisanal workshop. Connect with equity-deserving artists, contemplate the past through art installations by Indigenous artists, and hear stories about the past that matter to people today. Welcome to The Village! www.BlackCreek.ca
Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario @ Elliott Tree Farm:
The Maple Syrup Museum of Ontario is part of these authentic seasonal experiences and the artifacts have been carefully curated with easy-to-read story plaques to provide a fun and educational cultural experience. When visiting the museum, you will learn why maple syrup production holds a cultural and historical significance of tradition and food value for the Indigenous people of Ontario and how maple syrup connected their communities to the land, reflecting a harmonious relationship with nature. From those times of discovery, you will learn how early European settlers to the province adopted and adapted the indigenous maple syrup techniques making maple syrup a staple of early Canadian diets, providing a sweet source of sustenance during harsh winters. https://elliotttreefarm.ca/
Museum of Health Care at Kingston: The Museum of Health Care is Canada’s only museum dedicated exclusively to preserving the history of health and medicine. Located in the historic Ann Baillie Building, the Museum offers immersive exhibitions, educational programs, and a nationally significant collection of medical artifacts. Through innovative storytelling and community partnerships, it connects the past to present-day health experiences in meaningful, accessible ways. https://www.museumofhealthcare.ca/
Muskoka Heritage Place: Operating on 35 acres, Muskoka Heritage Place boasts 16 authentic pioneer buildings, two museums, costumed narrators and fully operational steam train operating on 1 km of track. Since 1971 we've been entertaining and educating generations through a "grab on to history" kind of way. The village is nestled in the Muskoka rocks, trees and hills; just the way it would have looked to the early settlers of the area. With the exception that we are only a 10 minute walk from downtown Huntsville and all that it has to offer. And oh yeah, our farm animals just love listening to people. www.muskokaheritageplace.ca
Markham Museum brings the present and past together. Our 25-acre Museum site offers exhibits, historic local buildings, school programs, public programs, special events, private event rentals, and research facilities. Visit www.markhammuseum.ca.
The Wellington County Museum and Archives is a National Historic Site, located in the oldest remaining rural House of Industry and Refuge (or 'Poor House') in Canada. The building was constructed in 1877 as place for the poor, homeless, and destitute people of Wellington County. https://wcma.wellington.ca/
1000 Islands History Museum: Founded in 1995, the 1000 Islands History Museum is a family-friendly waterfront museum where you can experience ten thousand years of Canadian history in the Thousand Islands. From rum runners to river rats, explore the people, places, and heritage of Gananoque and the St Lawrence River through year-round interactive exhibits, lively community events, hands-on children’s activities, and a quality gift shop. Open daily 10am – 6pm and admission is by donation. https://www.1000islandshistorymuseum.com/
Huron County Museum & Historic Gaol: Home to historical and cultural exhibitions, the Huron County Museum houses thousands of artifacts that illustrate the history of Huron County’s rural and urban communities. It's partner site, the Huron Historic Gaol, is a National Historic Site that served as the County jail from 1841-1972. Its unique octagonal shape was viewed as a model of humanitarian prison design. www.huroncountymuseum.ca
The Pickering Museum Village: Nestled on the banks of Duffins Creek, Pickering Museum Village is the largest community museum in Durham region. Discover interactive, hands-on exhibits in our heritage buildings, such as the Greenwood Blacksmith Shop or Fun on the Farm Combination Barn. Explore the museum on your own or learn a skill in one of our unique heritage programs. Test your knowledge with an Escape Room, or be thrilled with one of our Ghost Walks. Pickering Museum Village is fun for the whole family! www.pickering.ca/en/discovering/pickering-museum-village.aspx
