Local Guides World

Best Heritage museums in Canada

Top Rated Heritage museums

Top Reviewed Heritage museums

Reviews

Recently, we were in Hamilton for the Grey Cup, which was excellent. We also found this gem of a living museum for aircraft and history buffs alike. Actually, there is something for everyone here because the food was good, as was the flight simulator my daughter and I tried. The staff was very helpful and informative. We learned about interesting connections between planes, pilots, actual events and movies such as Scruffy Weir (pilot, great escape) and his plane with registration POW. Among other interesting facts, we learned planning and operational details about the dam busters, and connections to the movie. We seen and learned so much more.
John Kraus
at 2023 Dec 04
John Kraus
at 2023 Dec 04
Lovely community gem! Very informative with hands on displays for young explorers and seasoned history buffs. Easy access, lots of parking. Check out their website for coming events. Lots to do for all ages.
Bob Schwenger
at 2023 Nov 25
Bob Schwenger
at 2023 Nov 25
Excellent flavour of town history!
My scout group spent the night during the museum’s Night-Op event and had a blast. Well restored and maintained war planes; knowledgeable and passionate volunteers and staff made the visit fun and educational. Plenty of free parking.
It was an amazing experience visiting this historic site and all the more beautiful made by the beautiful Fisgard lighthouse! The Canada Parks staff was also very friendly, helpful and explained the history very well. Kudos to those amazing people! Highly recommend!
Excellent! We were met at the entrance by Mr. Tony Houghton, a volunteer at the Museum who guided us around the Museum for a couple of hours. He was extremely professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The boys, aged 4 and 8, enjoyed his attention to take them on a private tour of numerous planes where they could sit in the cockpits; and, he provided them with interesting and fun facts about the planes. We also enjoyed our lunch at the Museum’s Runway Cafe. The Museum is well-kept, the volunteer staff is courteous and the historic planes a must-see! We recommend this as a great place to bring kids of all ages, especially on a rainy day.
A great stop for us, from the excellent staff who were very polite and helpful. To learning about the history of the fort and the amazing lighthouse. We just walked around and took it all in, well worth a visit and inexpensive.
What a great find! My wife and I spent a fun, rainy afternoon exploring the many levels and spaces at The Montreal Arts Center/Museum. The guided headphone tour is narrated by Allan Diamond, the founder and artistic director, who we also got to meet in person and talk to. The eclectic rooms/galleries run the gamut from outsider art, fine arts, antiques to jewelry. I even loved the beautiful wallpapers! Well worth an “off the beaten path” visit.
Located in a beautiful historic building, this non-profit community art center offers so many amazing things. It also has so much warmth and charm.

The piano bar on street level is cozy and classy and the larger event space upstairs is perfect for private and company parties, fundraisers and exhibitions.

There are many art and music events happening here monthly. Themed holiday parties and live music events are always amazing.

Performers and musicians are often booked for special events in the three bars.

The museum is very interesting as well. The permanent private collection includes International, local and regional art, artifacts, photos, paintings and articles.

They also provide studio spaces for artists to rent and host drawing and paint classes.

As well there is a small movie theatre that often shows classic and popular movies and is also available for private screenings and events.

If you live in the neighbourhood or are visiting, I highly recommend a visit.

I have had the pleasure of performing for an event here and it was such a wonderful night.
Delightful new bar in an art center! Beautiful, classy, eccentric ambiance, very fun!
Artistic people/ surroundings, and great drinks! …Very conducive to socializing
I went to the fort and light house late in the day. Most things were shutting down so it is hard to give an evaluation. It was a great place to visit to see the fort and lighthouse.
Had a great tour of the art center! A brilliant hidden gem. Completely unassuming from the outside and totally not what you'd expect on the inside!
We walked for the whole areas and checked out everybody's what they had for sale
It's worthwhile to visit this place. You can spend 2-3 hours here depending on how interested you are in aircraft and Canadian aeronautics history. Kids can also have some fun as they get to sit in the cockpit of real fighter planes and if you are 12 and above they have a flight simulator as well.
C L
at 2023 Sep 30
C L
at 2023 Sep 30
This is a must-see museum for everyone to gain an appreciation for and learn the history of early Chinese settlers and the role they played in shaping the great nation of Canada. I was unprepared for the brutal narratives and flagrant examples of "acceptable" discrimination that were the norm of the times. The exhibits are thought-provoking, poignant and immersive. Tours are included with admission and well worth the time.
Best experience ever. Once the park closes for the day you get the place to yourself. we rented a oTentic for two days in the park. The tent was amazing, well cleaned and well kept. The park host was super friendly and check in after hours was super easy. It was peaceful roaming the grounds after-hours. I would highly recommend staying in the park if you can.
Did the life drawing session tonight and it was fantastic. It was my first time ever doing a life drawing class and definitely not the last! Ian was really kind and helpful with some tips beforehand and I’m really inspired to continue to learn more about drawing and art in general after this experience.
We had the best time here! The staff is incredible, not rushed and so kind. We spent 4 hours here with our homeschool group and the kids still didn't want to leave when it was time. I can't say enough good things. We will be back. :)
It's a beautiful and very interesting place.
I recommend for visit.
Such a fun and informative museum. This Museum featuring dozens of Canadian military planes, plus aviation exhibits & flight simulators.

The planes are beautifully restored. The exhibits are excellent, so much history, and so many great personal stories. A good experience for any age. Every single person that works there, interacted with nothing with positivity and love and care about the place and also educated.
Stumbled upon the CCM with low expectations and ended up spending over 2 hours here. The exhibits were informative and the documentaries on the Chinese Bachelors and interviews really shed a light on the struggles and discrimination that Chinese Canadians faced. Highly recommend. Tickets were $15 for adults, cheaper for senior citizens and students.
I took my son on the 4 pm Farm Animal Tour and it was SO much fun! Farmer Valerie shared lots of funny anecdotes about each animal as she cares for them ever day. She also invited the kids to feed and interact with them. Seeing these rare breeds and learning about their history, use in olden times, and recent adventures was so enjoyable. They really are beautiful creatures.
Loved capturing wedding photos here. Beautiful spot in the heart of downtown Toronto!
Amazing museum, a must visit! And they are extremely sweet and helpful. They give u ana amazing tour and tell h stories of how the planes went through the war and were rebuilt. The cafe too is really nice good portions very wel priced. Lastly you also get to sit in 3 of the planes. It’s a very cool experience! And they have a flight simulator too. Must go with kids.
Imagine stepping into a village frozen in the era of the 1920s-30s, a nostalgic time capsule waiting to be explored. Surrounding you are vintage homes, each piece of furniture echoing stories of a bygone era. The local press, school, carpentry, farm, garage, workshop, and church are pristine representations of that period. As you stroll, the townsfolk, draped in period attire, go about their daily lives. The village is buzzing with anticipation, as craftsmen are busy preparing for Christmas. With the hum of a 1930s machine, the carpenter skillfully crafts lathes, carts, and delicate wooden trinkets. The press churns out notebooks and gift bags using a 1920s printer, while the forge produces exquisite iron gifts. It's not just a visit; it's a mesmerizing journey back in time.

Doesn't that sound enchanting?
Drove by this museum literally hundreds of times. My wife and I needed a break from driving one day and pulled in to see what it was all about. It costs $10.00 per person and if that seems steep, it won't for long. The museum is actually quite large and sprawling. So much to see and take in. We were very impressed.
An amazing museum of Chinese Canadian history that all Chinese Canadians should see to truly appreciate the freedom we have today. There are many volunteers that will help explain many of the stories in the exhibits. They even have an archivist that helped us find the registration cards of my family from the 1923's Chinese Exclusion Act. My whole family learned a lot.
New museum that I spotted crossing Chinatown. Beautifully done with lots of history and stories presented with a large exhibit focussed on the head tax on Chinese workers during the early 20th century. Powerful to read the stories of those affected back then. Great to visit and nice addition to the history of Vancouver
Such an interesting place! Lit to discover in a fun way. You can see how teachers teached, speak for the print shop manager, the carpenter, discover all the activities from before
My son and I visited in June 2023 and absolutely loved it! Great staff and a beautiful collection of aircraft inside and outside. Well stocked gift shop. Going again soon! I'm a ham but nobody was in the radio room, maybe next time!
Such a precious and peaceful place that I wish not too many people know! We spent two and a half hours here. Various historical sites to see; the brochure was helpful. The lighthouse, blue ocean and beach with white seashell pieces are so pretty and dreamy.
Very interesting outdoors museum with many items donated. Replica of little town with buildings you can visit.
Afforded entry fee: 8$ for students with student card.
They also have a building with the SouthPort aviation museum. A lot of military aviation memorabilia as well as photographs.
Nice little gift shop at the entrance as wel where you can buy local crafts about the Fort La reine Museum.
I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and variety of the museum items as well as the staff's knowledge. A place to return for sure.
Beautiful building and displays. Interactive and informative, with incredible personal stories of resilience, persistence, joy and sadness. An important part of our history that every Canadian should know!
Elsa M
at 2023 Jul 18
Elsa M
at 2023 Jul 18
The new Canadian Chinese Museum is incredibly well done. Opened 2 weekends ago. It’s housed in the Wing Sang building in Chinatown and I checked out the three floors of well curated artifacts, stories, history of exclusion, media, juxtaposed between original brick building and modern design. The ground floor paper trail exhibit was heart wrenching yet beautifully curated with numerous individual stories which included forgotten bachelors with no family members to carry on their legacies. I think of all these early Chinese early settlers that paved the way for my family’s disporia to this country in the 70s.

I highly recommend checking it out, I plan to be back with my own daughters, family, friends and students.
A truly outstanding area, so unique and rich with history. There is something special about this museum, the volunteers who work here are full with enthusiasm about the planes.

This is a fantastic learning experience for all tourists or enthusiasts in the local area. I definitely recommend this place.

Big thanks to Rick and the Scottish gentleman (sorry, I didn’t get his name) who educated me on the history on the lancaster plane and many others. Amazing.
Very nice. The docent we had was very knowledgeable. I would love to go back. There is so much to see. Displays were very nice, well displayed, and marked for further detailed information.
Newly opened just a week ago. I enjoyed the whole museum experience especially watching the videos of people talking about their lives or their ancestors'. I left with the knowledge of the 1923 Chinese Immigration Act and its impact on those Chinese bachelors and the Chinese community. It's very well curated.
I would say don't miss the oral history videos!!
Tracy To
at 2023 Jul 07
Tracy To
at 2023 Jul 07
I was fortunate enough to visit the Chinese Canadian Museum in their new permanent home at the Wing Sang Building in Vancouver's Chinatown, during their opening weekend. I learned so much and was so engrossed with The Paper Trail Exhibit, and left the Museum completely obsessed with The 1923 Immigration Act; wondering why I never learned about it in Social Studies class during high school. The emotions that I felt walking through the museum were strong and makes me feel so proud as a Chinese Canadian born in Vancouver, that our city and society has come to far.
Came here to do a nude painting. Was hoping for a girl, but the guy was nonetheless very talented and held very interesting poses. Everyone was super nice as well. Looking to come back again soon
There was nothing to see in this two-room gallery. Seriously. Nothing to see. And yet it was heavily advertised all around as being some amazing experience. Don't waste your time with the current exhibit (Tumbling in Harness).

The only reason why I gave this two stars instead of one was because it is free and has generous work hours (until 8 PM). It's possible to explore the entire building as well to check out the architecture, which helps make up for the poor art experience.
The park was super straightforward to get to by car. The grounds were beautifully kept and had tones of great historical sites to visit. The Nature Trail and Fighting from the Homefront exhibit were particularly great. Would highly recommend even for the gorgeous views and beach access.
Toddler birthday, great venue for a smaller group. Crafts and a touch tank for the kids.
Recommended.
ingrid tang
at 2023 May 28
ingrid tang
at 2023 May 28
One of the best buildings listed in Toronto Doors Open. Really enjoyed walking through this unique and classical place.
Roman
at 2023 May 27
Roman
at 2023 May 27
Great opportunity through Open Doors Ontario to see this historical place.
Very friendly staff.
Andy Fyon
at 2023 May 26
Andy Fyon
at 2023 May 26
Stopped to eat lunch in their parking lot and decided to visit the museum. Range of topics from local military history, settler history, agricultural history, and church history. Old buildings filled with period items. Well worth an hour to visit. A lot of work has gone into the site. Well done.
Really enjoyed my visit. My guide, Harold knew so much about the history and provided an excellent tour. Saw some items from my childhood that brought back memories
Such a nice place to visit. I can't believe I have been here in Victoria for more than one year and never been to this place. Should have visited sooner. The lighthouse is a feast for the eyes and the surroundings are so beautiful and peaceful. A nice spot for picnics as well. The only thing to remember is that they close the premises at 4 so, going early is a good idea.
Have been here for a wedding and I've done a presentation for work here. Nice viewing windows, and the boat inside is awesome . Washrooms are clean, and you supply everything. Just a hall rental or boardroom , you supply everything to drink or eat ?
Great place to visit. The fort and lighthouse are well maintained with lots of information. Staff was friendly and cost of entry was very reasonable. Picnic tables and grassy areas are plentiful for but so were the Canadian geese. Visited at the end of March and got there just after 9 when the fort opens to get lighthouse pictures without a lot of people around. There is a lot to see and do here.
I was given incorrect information about the hours twice.
First time, I was told it's open till 8 pm on Wed.
I came on Wed. Google was showing the museum as open, but it was closed.
This time, I was told it was just closed for an event.
It turned out it was closed until May 3rd because of change of installations.
Horrible user experience. The admits should add hours on the ad banner and update google information when they have changes.
Very interesting and love the ship that was there that is on our old $5.00 Bill…. So much history…a must go to!
It's worth visiting here. A guide helped me during my visit.
Chaitanya Wagh
at 2022 Nov 29
Chaitanya Wagh
at 2022 Nov 29
A cute little museum located on Fallowfield and Stittsville Main Street intersection. The museum showcases history of the Goulbourn community, has staff dressed in the historic era. They also have few goats in the back where kids can play and have fun.
Attended their annual Christmas craft sale. This sale is one of my favorites as Goulbourn goes the extra mile to create a nostalgic setting complete with wood fire, staff dressed in period costumes, and area crafters.
V Partridge
at 2022 Nov 23
V Partridge
at 2022 Nov 23
Really enjoyed their Christmas market. Santa was top notch and the vendors were kind.
ME GG
at 2022 Nov 21
ME GG
at 2022 Nov 21
This is a museum with staff and volunteers that truly care about being a part of the community, teaching with various methods and being vibrant. They're amazing, from wearing beautiful costumes to having goats during Christmas sales and vegetable gardens in the summer. It's a place you keep wanting to return to.
Well worth the $8.00
Our guide Ian, was knowledgeable and friendly,
This place is fun and interactive, a treasure hunt on the self-guided audio tour. Modern and classical art with eclectic rooms and very interesting acquisitions. I recommend this as a place for all ages, for anyone interested in art. Take a Bixi ride off the beaten path, good to combine with a visit to the market and arsenal art contemporain. Worth the $12 entry.
James L
at 2022 Sep 05
James L
at 2022 Sep 05
A unique, historical and beautiful location in the heart of Toronto. Features include an architecturally significant building dating back to 1829 and beautiful and tranquil gardens with several areas to sit and take in the surroundings. Large wrought iron fences surround the area and cobblestone drives are a wonderful feature. Large trees offer shade and one would not feel as though they are in the heart of a large metropolitan city.
I really enjoyed visiting this museum, and suggest it to anyone who hasn't had the chance to yet. They have a variety of historical buildings as well as staff that are informative and friendly.

The museum itself is a nice walk, situated mostly outdoors. There are houses to check out, as well as animals which are super cute too! I recommend going during the summer as that is when the animals are there.

Additionally, the staff that are in the different buildings have some fun little games or demonstrations of historical pieces.
I absolutely loved it! Very well organized, well kept and highly maintained. We got the chance to go back in time to the 1900s. The gentleman at the millsaw even did a demonstration for us. I loved the old school building, the church, the old train, the millsaw... There are some farm animals as well such as horses, bunnies, hens, cow etc. They had a scavenger hunt today and my children enjoyed their time doing it. They learned different things about the old day. This place is a cultural wealth, it is a real valuable heritage and a precious gem! Washrooms available, I would say stroller friendly, parking available and most of all they have a family package for admission of about 22$. Staff is very friendly, welcoming and professional. Open Wed. To Sunday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. They host different events and post them on their social media platforms. A must visit!
I visited specifically for the exhibition Drift: Art and Dark Matter. It was excellent. The immersion of art in science that these artists expressed was so impressive. Take some time away from the university streets and just rest and intake something quiet.
Small gallery but it’s free and still nice! And there’s another one close by in the university.
Natalie P.
at 2022 Jun 18
Natalie P.
at 2022 Jun 18
The owner has been kind, courteous and patient with my son who is a frequent visitor. Thank you kindly for sharing your history collection with us.
Historical village that has a lot to offer. There is a school, church, farms with piglets, turkeys, bunnies and other animals. Also, you can find horses, sheeps here.
I was lucky to see how nails were done of steel with hand tools. They have other performances and as I know events list is on their site.
Entrance is not too expensive (8.50$) and it's free for children under five.
It's located near Ottawa river, but not in a walking distance. So there are not lakes or rivers.
In general the museum is similar to first Canada village, but it's smaller and located much closer.
Definitely recommended.
3 hours would be enough to see everything.
I'd suggest to add some food courts here. They do not sell any food, so take it with yourself.
Centre d'art de Montreal is the first art centre that I visit, I have finished my portfolio of University here.

They have nice place for musician and artist, I have seen so much great product here. There is also a cafeteria for artists.

You can rent a room here, and also you can sell your products here.
Lynn
at 2021 Oct 27
Lynn
at 2021 Oct 27
There is a lot of stuff in there. Adorable sweet man takes care of the place. It is interesting and you can probably get lost in all the historic artifacts. Well worth a visit.
We are spending a weekend in Portage la Prairie, and decided to check out the 'Fort La Reine' museum on the outskirts of town. I wasn't expecting much, but ended up being blown away. There is a lot to see, and you're pretty much given free reign to wander around and look at the houses/artifacts. There are about a dozen houses and various buildings from the late 19th century and early 20th century depicting various eras of life on the prairies. There is also a small railway display, and a building dedicated to the military history in the area. Oh, and don't forget the huge Allis Chalmers building FILLED with old tractors and farm equipment.

If you're ever in the area of PLP and have a few hours to spare, check out Fort La Reine museum. It's 100% worth the $10 entry fee ($5 for kids!)
This is one of my favourite museums in Manitoba. It is really well maintained and interesting, with lots of different stories and artifacts. We came twice and spent almost 3 hours with my kids each time.
The staff is very friendly and they strongly recommend covid measures.
Greg Paul Mault
at 2021 May 11
Greg Paul Mault
at 2021 May 11
The way life used to be...much simpler times...should be part of school curriculum for all children to visit and learn. Visit your local museum...😃
Arf
at 2021 Apr 27
Arf
at 2021 Apr 27
This is a great place to spend a bit to me and see how Canada was created .
A fantastic little museum! You can explore yourself or a free guided tour is available with your admission. I highly recommend the guided tour....you get so much information and fun facts from the tour guide as you're shown everything! Our guide was a just delightful gentleman named Chase. We had a GREAT time on our tour with him. We will definitely be returning for their special events!
JP
at 2020 Feb 26
JP
at 2020 Feb 26
Fascinating displays and a real nice curator. There is so much to see. Highly recommended. Photos by Bytown Paranormal
Brianna Heeney
at 2020 Jan 03
Brianna Heeney
at 2020 Jan 03
I've never actually been "inside" the museum but it is one of my favourite places to take pictures! They put out the most beautiful seasonal displays on their property that result in pure photo magic! 📸
Steve Aspeck
at 2019 Sep 18
Steve Aspeck
at 2019 Sep 18
Thoroughly enjoyed our time with the curator. Nice collection!
Charlene B
at 2019 Sep 01
Charlene B
at 2019 Sep 01
The museum has been updated, is cleaner/tidier than ever, and now features a ton of local events from tea parties to escape rooms. It's really come a long way! If you're local, you owe it another visit to see the updates. If you're from out of town, it's certainly worth the trip if you're a history buff, tractor enthusiast or simply in search of a good way to spend the day!
Jaqui Lee
at 2019 Aug 21
Jaqui Lee
at 2019 Aug 21
I can't believe I passed by this beautiful place and never realized what it held inside! This building has a gorgeous library and it's full of paintings of past treasurers, each with their own unique touches! There's a dining hall thats been used for over a hundred years with short little seats because people were tinier back then. Come in for a treasure trove of Canadian law history :)
Mac Stark
at 2019 Jul 27
Mac Stark
at 2019 Jul 27
The crew that maintains this place, should get a medal. The grass is immaculate, the garbage is always cleaned up and taken away. Just a beautiful little spot to check out. Great concerts and events.
Jay Woodruff
at 2019 May 29
Jay Woodruff
at 2019 May 29
Very nice collection, very passionate people. Overbearing at times, but out of love for what he is doing.
Eric Dao
at 2019 May 27
Eric Dao
at 2019 May 27
Very beautiful from the outside! The trees are absolutely lovely and the old design and floors were a sight to behold. One of the cooler architecture pieces of Toronto as it was designed more than 100 years ago! Definitely a treat to have explored it during doors open Toronto, as it was a great cultural experience and a fun one too! Definitely recommend!
Anita Windisman
at 2019 Mar 11
Anita Windisman
at 2019 Mar 11
I have passed by so many times but never went inside. What you may not know is that this building is open to the public. Before entering you are subject to a security check, however. Be sure to visit the law library.
Karen Weir
at 2019 Mar 07
Karen Weir
at 2019 Mar 07
Great new exhibit of a general store. Interactive for kids. Monthly craft activities are a great way to spend the afternoon.
Al Linton
at 2018 Oct 10
Al Linton
at 2018 Oct 10
We always love the fall fairs. This was a busy place this year with lots of displays and food vendors. The free shuttle got us to and from the fair site. Good day outing.
Wonderful events hosted here, Wild Horses @ Rock the Farm's last Wednesday in 2018!
Great place to take the kids
Sheldon Maze
at 2018 May 31
Sheldon Maze
at 2018 May 31
Really interesting building to look inside of. It's the home to the law society and has a couple of really old artifacts from when the society was founded. There is a law library full of reference books to cases, but it is a public space, so anyone can go there during office hours to work in the library. It's a very beautiful space.
Kathleen Drury
at 2018 May 19
Kathleen Drury
at 2018 May 19
Excellent guide to walk you through and explains everything. There is so much to see and learn that one visit will not be enough. And yes you even get to touch the stuff. They also loan things out, just need to ask.

This place is amazing!!!!
Many interesting facts and finds here. Very devoted and plan on being there a while because there's a lot to see
Anderson farm is only a short walk from where my family lives and it is a favourite place of ours. We love going there for events such as the winter Carnival and fall fair. The tree lighting ceremony is always wonderful. It is also a great historic site that we are lucky to have in our community. The community garden is there and the area is well maintained and beautiful. I love to sit there on the grass in the summer and just enjoy the area.
This is a great public area for family time. It is the location of many free events...Rock the Farm and Fall Fair are two that stand out. Anderson's Farm brings the the community together.
The Justina M. Barnicke is a continuation of University of Toronto's Art Museum. The gallery showcases mainly contemporary art from both local and international artists. Featured exhibits rotate about every six weeks. The gallery is just two rooms, but is only steps away from the larger half of the gallery, the University of Toronto Art Centre .
贾斯蒂娜 · M · 巴尼克画廊是多伦多大学艺术博物馆的延续。 画廊主要展示当地和国际艺术家的当代艺术。 画廊只是两个房间,距离多伦多大学艺术中心只有几步之遥。
Some interesting displays of maritime life around Campbell River. The highlight is the display of a restored fishing boat, the B.C.P 45. We had a very informative guide show us the boat and answer a ton of questions.

The co-ordinates to their parking lot, for a GPS or map program are: 50.02054 N, 125.23691 W (Decimal), --or-- 50° 1' 13.94" N 125° 14' 12.88" W (Degrees, Minutes, Seconds )
It's a small gallery but definitely worth a visit. Would be nice if the staff were a bit more welcoming, but i take it they don't get many visitors