Canada · MUSEUMS
This is the shortlist to send a friend: 15 museum visits worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to know before you commit.
Explore Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum, from dinosaur skeletons to Ming tomb art, with flexible admission and enough exhibits for a full day.
“Our experience was good, however exhibit rooms could flow better. Too much back tracking. But other than that the museum is beautiful. My family enjoyed themselves. Thank you”
Explore Toronto’s Royal Ontario Museum with mobile admission, from dinosaur fossils and mummies to Indigenous art, jewels, and world cultures.
“As someone love near NYC with Chinese background, I think this is by far the best museum visit we have ever visited in North America! I traveled with my 64 year old mother, my wife and my 2 year old kid, stayed about 2 hours there on our last day in Toronto and all had fun. My kid was fascinated with the buddhas, my mom didn't get bored because she did see quite some valuable Chinese antiques which she already had some background knowledge about, and my wife had fun seeing the big Ming dynasty style Zu Dashou tomb, I also saw a lot. I think everyone had fun, and…”
Review the AGO in Toronto, with tips on its art, Frank Gehry staircase, Canadian collections, price, food, access, and planning.
“A wonderful museum filled with treasures and a stunning array of Canadian masterworks. Highly recommend!”
Explore Britannia Mine Museum near Squamish with an underground train, BOOM! mill show, gold panning, and hands-on mining history.
“This was such a fun excursion on our way up to Whistler. Learning the history of the mine from inside the tunnels was fascinating, and the multimedia show at the end was very impressive.”
Explore Canada’s military story at Ottawa’s Canadian War Museum, with powerful exhibits, tanks, Memorial Hall, and a striking building for $18.
“It was a fun and very appreciated. It was a warm historical moment by listening, watching and reading all those fights to give us freedom. Thank you again you are all heroes!”
Explore 15,000 years of Canadian history, Indigenous cultures, totem poles, family galleries, and special exhibitions in Gatineau.
“j’avais deux heures devant moi, ce qui m’a permis de voir l’exposition sur l’histoire du Canada.”
Review of Ottawa’s Canadian Museum of Nature, with dinosaur fossils, Arctic displays, live animals, butterflies, prices, and practical tips.
“I usually like hands on activities in the museum...”
Explore Toronto’s Museum of Illusions with hands-on puzzles, photo tricks, and mind-bending rooms. See how long the compact visit is worth.
“Fun but doesn’t take very long. We went through, then went back to favourites or ones we had missed.”
Review of Canadian War Museum admission in Ottawa, with galleries, tanks, memorial spaces, practical tips, value advice, and family planning help.
“As I arrived too late for the tour--Google Map not being updated on all the construction in and around downtown Ottawa, I missed the tour by a wide margin. This pointed-out one of the flaws in an on-line or app. ticket, namely-- un-foreseen circumstances. Also, although I originally booked my tour on my laptop, after doing so, I needed to have the ticket transferred to my cell ( no access to a printer ), but couldn't manage that. I took a photo of the confirmed booking, yet once I had downloaded the Viator app. to my phone, there was nothing listed on " My Bookings". Possibly someone who is more…”
See Calgary’s skyline, neighborhoods, Olympic sites, and Gasoline Alley Museum on a practical 3.5-hour guided bus tour.
“I really enjoyed the tour. There were just enough stops and times for pictures. The guide Adelaide gave lots of information and Joanne our driver was very capable. They were both lovely people. It was a comfortable tour with just right number of people.”
Review of Toronto’s AGO general admission, with Canadian art, European masterpieces, Frank Gehry architecture, value, tips, and practical details.
“Excellent museum. Upon arrival it required intervention by staff to get my tickets for entry. Museum is quite large and has rotating exhibits that were wonderful”
Explore Canada’s past, Indigenous cultures, totem poles, and family exhibits at the Canadian Museum of History near Ottawa.
“On ne voit pas passer le temps : le summum pour un musée d’histoire ! Très beau et bien fait. Une journée ne suffit pas si on veut vraiment tout voir et écouter !”
Explore 4,500 years of footwear at Toronto’s Bata Shoe Museum, with rotating exhibits, global artifacts, free WiFi, and easy downtown access.
“I really loved the permanent exhibition in the basement that told the story of how our shoes got to where we they are today. would have loved washrooms on one of the middle rooms instead of the basement. You should supply an APP like Casa Loma does, it was exceptional and very easy to use. Go there to see how it could be done easily and properly and user friendly. Had a great time.”
Explore 70+ interactive illusions at Montreal’s Museum of Illusions, with hands-on exhibits, clever photos, and fun for all ages.
“My girls and I had an awesome time. Pics are the best memories. Wish there were more stuff to watch!”
Explore Halifax’s Pier 21, hear immigrant stories, watch a moving film, and trace Canadian family journeys for $13.
“Very much enjoyed the tour and video that was shown. Was able to get information of my grandfather whom immigrated to Canada from Scotland.”
Every kind of Canadian day out, and the best of each.
