Please choose ONE of the following to submit your vote for 2024's Top Small Museum/Art Galleries/Historic Sites.
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/
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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/
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 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/
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
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
iArtS Museum: An immersive experience of larger-than-life 3D illusion arts at iArts Museum, where laughter-filled activities await. Fun for all ages! Capture over 100 photos for lasting memories! Located in the heart of downtown Toronto! www.iartsmuseum.ca
