Please choose ONE of the following to submit your vote for 2026's Top Small Museum/Art Galleries/Historic Sites.
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
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
Castle Kilbride National Historic Site: Step back into the lavish Victorian era! Visit the 1877 mansion of James Livingston, Canada's "Flax Mill King" and view one of the finest examples of Trompe l'oeil ("fools the eye") wall and ceiling murals in Canada. Located in the charming village of Baden. www.castlekilbride.ca
Canada's Penitentiary Museum is a museum dedicated solely to preserving and interpreting the history of Canada’s federal penitentiaries. Located in Kingston, Ontario—the birthplace of the Correctional Service of Canada—the museum is housed within Cedarhedge, the former residence of the wardens of the historic Kingston Penitentiary. Through engaging exhibits, artifacts, and stories, visitors gain unique insight into the people, places, and events that have shaped the country's correctional history. https://www.penitentiarymuseum.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! pickeringmuseumvillage.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/
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/
The Image Centre: Located in downtown Toronto at Toronto Metropolitan University, The Image Centre (IMC) is Canada’s leading museum dedicated to photography. Visitors can enjoy free exhibitions and public programs featuring the work of emerging, renowned, and historical photographers. The IMC is also home to a collection of nearly 500,000 photographic objects, making it a major hub for the study and preservation of photography. https://theimagecentre.ca/
The Robert McLaughlin Gallery: The Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG) is the largest public art gallery in the Durham Region. Founded in 1967, the RMG is an artist-centred, community-oriented public art gallery in the heart of downtown Oshawa. Guided by its founding principle of being a home for the arts, the gallery builds relationships with diverse artists and communities to present collections, exhibitions, and programs year-round. https://rmg.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
The Village at Black Creek: 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
Toronto's First Post Office: Toronto's First Post Office was originally constructed in 1833 and now operates in Old Town Toronto as a museum that tells the stories of the early Town of York and Toronto, a National Historical Site, a stationery gift shop that features local and Canadian artists, a community hub, and a fully functional post office, Canada's oldest in operation. It is operated and governed by an independent non-profit charity organization, the Town of York Historical Society. townofyork.com
Museum of Dufferin: Located in Mulmur, Ontario, the Museum of Dufferin is a unique destination where local history, art, and community come together. Housed in a modern building inspired by the traditional Ontario bank barn, the museum invites visitors to explore three life-sized historic buildings, engaging gallery exhibitions, and a collection of rare artifacts that tell the story of the region. The Museum of Dufferin serves as a vibrant community hub, offering workshops, special events, and hands-on programs for visitors throughout the year. www.dufferinmuseum.com
The Toronto Holocaust Museum is a world-class destination for Holocaust education and dialogue about this vital history and its ongoing relevance. The Museum serves as a powerful and growing force against antisemitism, bigotry and hatred in all its forms. Through its immersive exhibitions and transformative learning experiences, the Museum deepens the public’s knowledge and understanding while inspiring visitors to think critically about the tragedies of the Holocaust and to make connections between the Holocaust, world events, and contemporary Canadian life. https://torontoholocaustmuseum.org/
Eldon House Heritage Site and Gardens: Virtually unchanged since the nineteenth century, Eldon House is London’s oldest residence and contains family heirlooms, furnishings and priceless treasures of the Harris Family. Eldon House is a historic site in downtown London that has been preserved and maintained since 1960 when it was donated to the City of London. It was home to four generations of the Harris family and is an excellent example of Georgian architecture. Its gardens are considered among the most beautiful in the city. www.eldonhouse.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 Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery: The Canadian Clay & Glass Gallery is an award-winning gallery dedicated to celebrating Canadian excellence in the art and craft of clay, glass, and enamel. Located in Waterloo Region, we offer free admission to an inclusive community space where exhibitions inspire social change and studio classes foster creativity for all ages. With an extensive Gallery Shop and Waterloo Park just steps away, the Gallery is an ideal day-trip destination. www.theclayandglass.ca
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
Markham Museum Markham Museum: a unique year-round experience across 25 acres of parkland, featuring over 20 historic buildings, interactive galleries, seasonal activities, hands-on programs, and special events for all ages. Visitors can discover Markham’s people, places, land, and waterways - past, present, and future - through engaging science, industry, and history exhibitions. Discover a new skill through our pottery programs, celebrate an occasion in one of our charming rental spaces, explore immersive galleries and Geo Tour trails, and enjoy a guided tour of our historic print shop, variety hall, log cabin, and Blacksmith shop. www.markhammuseum.ca
Canadian Heritage Bushplane Centre: Discover the Thrill of Aviation History at the Bushplane Museum! Nestled in the heart of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is a must-visit attraction for aviation enthusiasts, families, and history lovers alike. Explore a world-class collection of vintage bushplanes, interactive exhibits, and hands-on flight simulators that bring the adventure of Canada’s aviation pioneers to life. Walk among historic aircraft, learn about forest fire suppression, and experience the science behind flight. Whether you’re looking for a fun family-friendly museum, a unique rainy-day activity, or a top attraction in Northern Ontario, the Bushplane Museum offers an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. Plan your visit today and immerse yourself in the incredible history of bush flying in Canada! https://bushplane.com/
Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum & Community Centre: Since opening in 1971, the Museum has provided programs and services that showcase our community's history. Enjoy guided and self-guided tours as you visit the restored historic buildings, exhibition galleries, and more. With engaging exhibits, interactive programs, and a collection of over 18,000 artifacts, the Whitchurch-Stouffville Museum is a must-visit destination. Admission is FREE! Visit wsmuseum.ca for upcoming events, exhibits, and more! https://www.townofws.ca/play/museum/
