Canada · MUSEUMS
A shortlist to send to whoever is planning: 15 museum visits that hold up, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
A one-day Royal Ontario Museum ticket in Toronto, packed with Barosaurus, a Ming tomb mound, and world-class natural history.
“The exhibits were all extremely immersive and I enjoyed being able to see and experience the deep historical elements as well as the artifacts from all over the world. I intend to go back as I only saw and engaged with a fraction of what was on display.”
Royal Ontario Museum admission in Toronto with a mobile ticket. See dinosaurs, art, culture, and nature in 3 to 4 hours.
“One of the best museums I’ve visited. 4 floors of great exhibits. I do recommend paying for the extra exhibits. They are so beautiful! I’m so glad they were open on a Monday!”
Toronto’s AGO general admission lets you see The Marchesa Casati, Indigenous art, ship models, and Gehry’s spiral for $21.
“It was so great that if I lived in Toronto, I would have bought the annual pass to go there every single weekend, gaze at one piece of art for a full day, and come back next week for another one. If you are artsy, I highly recommend you plan at least half a day there. I went there 12 to 6, and my friends dragged me out of the gallery for dinner but I went back after dinner cause there was still a few rooms that I needed to explore. Next time, I plan to be there for a full day to be able to enjoy more guided tours,…”
Timed-entry Britannia Mine Museum in Squamish: ride the mine train, tour tunnels, watch the BOOM show in Mill No.3, pan for gold.
“It started slow with an overview but got better and better . our Guide Spencer made the mine come alive. We loved Spencer and “The Boom” was the most awesome finale.”
Spend a day at Ottawa’s Canadian War Museum, from regeneration-themed architecture to tanks, memorial halls, and powerful stories of conflict.
“Worth the visit. Great value, lots of really interesting exhibits and history.”
One-day admission to Canada’s Museum of History in Gatineau, with Children’s Museum, Ciné+, and the world’s largest indoor totem poles.
“j’avais deux heures devant moi, ce qui m’a permis de voir l’exposition sur l’histoire du Canada.”
Ottawa Canadian Museum of Nature admission: blue whale skeleton, Canada Goose Arctic ice, live bugs and tide pools, plus Butterflies in Flight.
“We had a wonderful time. There was so much to see and learn. We could easily have spent another four days there.”
Book ahead for a self-guided hour of optical illusions, hands-on puzzles, and photo-ready rooms at Toronto’s Museum of Illusions, near transit.
“It is a small space with various optical illusions, but interesting and fun, a bit pricy for the possible time spent.”
Canadian War Museum admission in Ottawa with ticket access to permanent and special exhibits. Plan a 3-hour visit or stay longer.
“I loved the thoughtful presentation of Canadian history from multiple perspectives. My video-game obsessed teenager loved seeing real weapons, tanks etc up close and personal. A win-win really! Could spend several hours there, we only allowed 2.5 and there’s a lot we missed.”
Calgary 3.5-hour bus tour with Scotsman's Hill skyline views, Gasoline Alley Museum, and Olympic Park stops, ending at Calgary Tower.
“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.”
Skip the line to the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto. General admission covers all galleries, plus Gehry architecture and 120,000 works.
“Very easy to use and nice to be able to skip the line. The gallery is well laid out and was a good respite for us on a hot day.”
Canadian Museum of History in Ottawa: Douglas Cardinal design, world’s largest indoor totem poles, CINÉ+ and the Children’s Museum.
“A great location to experience a short walk through Canada’s history, from early Inuit period to current days. The Grand Hall with all those Totem Pols is just incredible! Definitely worth a visit (have at least 4 to 5 hours available in your schedule).”
Bata Shoe Museum ticket in Toronto for $11. See 4,500 years of footwear in rotating galleries and enjoy free WiFi.
“Sayyid Asad's place was a nice place. Asad allowed us to check out at 4pm as we pleaded for such due to time differences at our final destination.”
Step into the Museum of Illusions Montreal for 70+ interactive optical tricks, photo moments, and hands-on science, near downtown.
“This is a great experience for both adults and children. Adults may enjoy it even more as they may have a better understanding of the physics involved. Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to enjoy the full experience. The staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about all of the exhibits.”
Visit Halifax’s Pier 21 immigration museum with a guided exhibition tour and a short documentary on journeys, belonging, and family history.
“Our guide for the 30 minute guided tour was excellent. The museum is very interesting and informative. The video of different Canadians who have gone to Canada for a better life is also worth checking out”
Six time zones of days out, sorted by the kind of day.
