Experience History And Art At The Best Museums In Canada

Canada is a country that is rich in history, culture, and art, and the best way to explore all of this is by visiting the best museums in Canada. Canadian museums provide a stunning glimpse into the country's unique natural history and the people who helped shape it into what it is today. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the fascinating exhibits, interactive displays, and engaging activities that these museums have to offer. Start planning your visit today and unlock the secrets of Canada's past and present at the top museums in Canada.

List Of The Best Museums In Canada You Have To Visit

There's nothing like strolling through the halls of a magnificent museum, surrounded by artifacts and artwork spanning hundreds, even thousands of years. You can experience time travel, become completely immersed in creation, or discover a little bit more about the cosmos in only a few short hours.

Throughout Canada, there are more than 2,500 museums, each of which offers something distinctive. Here is our list of museums in Canada that you have to visit once in your lifetime.

Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Toronto, Ontario

Located in Toronto, the Royal Ontario Museum is one of the largest museums in Canada

The Royal Ontario Museum, located in Toronto, is one of the largest museums in Canada for exploring the natural and cultural history of the world. The museum's collection contains dinosaur fossils, antiquities from ancient Egypt, and items related to Canadian ancestry.

One of the standout exhibits at the ROM is the "Galleries of the Age of Dinosaurs," which features an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils and exhibits that provide insight into the evolution and extinction of these incredible creatures. The exhibit offers a fascinating look at the prehistoric world and the creatures that once roamed the earth.

Another popular exhibit at the museum is the "Canadiana Gallery," which explores the history and culture of Canada, from the First Nations to the present day. The exhibit includes everything from artifacts and photographs to interactive displays and multimedia presentations, providing a comprehensive look at the history and diversity of Canada.

In addition, the ROM has an extensive collection of art, including works by Canadian artists such as Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven. The museum also has a large collection of textiles and fashion, including clothing and accessories from around the world.

Besides its permanent collections, the ROM hosts several temporary exhibits throughout the year, covering everything from ancient Egypt to contemporary art.

Canadian Museum of History – Gatineau, Quebec

Interior exhibitions of the Canadian Museum of History - Top museums in Canada

The Canadian Museum of History is among the top museums in Canada, located in Gatineau, Quebec, just across the river from Canada's capital city of Ottawa. It is the most visited museum in Canada, with over 1.2 million visitors annually.

The museum has an impressive collection of over 4 million objects and artifacts, covering Canada's history from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum's exhibits are organized around four main themes: First Peoples, Canada Hall, Canadian Personalities, and the Canadian Children's Museum.

In addition to its exhibits, the Canadian Museum of History hosts a range of special events and programs throughout the year, including lectures, workshops, and concerts. The museum's IMAX theatre is also a popular attraction, showing a range of films on a giant screen.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum for Human Rights is one of the most eye-catching buildings in the entire country

Next on our list of museums in Canada is Winnipeg’s Canadian Museum for Human Rights, one of the most eye-catching buildings in the entire country. The museum is dedicated to exploring the topic of human rights, both in Canada and around the world.

The museum's unique architecture is an attraction in itself, with its striking design featuring a Tower of Hope that extends above the museum's roofline. The museum's exhibits are organized around the central theme of "examining human rights, celebrating human dignity, and inspiring change."

The museum also owns a powerful collection of 10 core galleries housing exhibits that force you to consider the human experience and your own place in it. The museum's galleries cover a range of topics, including indigenous rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ rights.

With its engaging exhibits, innovative design, and variety of programs and events, the museum is a must-see destination for anyone interested in learning more about human rights and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Read Canada Travel Insurance for International Travelers for a better experience in Canada.

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

View of the Art Gallery of Ontario, Canada

With more than 65,000 pieces of art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography, the Art Gallery of Ontario is regarded as one of the best museums in Canada. The gallery's collections include works by Canadian artists, such as Tom Thomson and Emily Carr, as well as international artists, such as Vincent van Gogh and Pablo Picasso.

The "Contemporary Collection" is a famous exhibit at the museum, which features works by some of the most important contemporary artists from around the world. The exhibit offers a fascinating look at the evolution of contemporary art and at the artists who are shaping its future.

Canadian War Museum – Ottawa, Ontario

Exhibits inside the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa - One of the best museums in Canada

The Canadian War Museum, located in Ottawa, is a popular museum in Canada. This museum is dedicated to exploring Canada's military history, both at home and abroad, and to showcasing the experiences and sacrifices of Canadian soldiers, sailors, and airmen.

The museum's collection includes a range of artifacts and exhibits that cover Canada's military history from the earliest days of colonial conflict to the present day. The museum's galleries feature everything from military vehicles and weapons to uniforms and personal letters and diaries from soldiers in the field.

"LeBreton Gallery" is the standout exhibit at the Canadian War Museum, which includes an impressive collection of military vehicles and artillery, such as tanks, artillery guns, and even a Voodoo fighter jet. The exhibit provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about the history of Canadian military technology and to see some of the most impressive military vehicles in the world up close. The "Regeneration Hall" is another popular exhibit at the museum that explores the impact of war on Canadian society and culture.

Museum of Anthropology – Vancouver, British Columbia

Anthropology Museum on the University of British Columbia Campus

The museum is situated on the scenic grounds of the University of British Columbia, with stunning views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The building itself is an architectural marvel, with a design that blends traditional and contemporary elements, reflecting the museum's commitment to celebrating both the past and the present.

The museum's collection focuses on indigenous peoples' art and culture from around the world, with a special emphasis on the First Nations of British Columbia. Over 10,000 objects, including carvings, masks, textiles, and other cultural artifacts, are housed in the museum, many of which are of enormous cultural and historical significance.

Canadian Museum of Nature, Ottawa, Ontario

Of course, when visiting a new place, it's necessary to get to know its wild side. The Canadian Museum of Nature has a number of world-class exhibitions where you may learn about the country's natural heritage. The Fossil Gallery has dramatic dioramas of spectacular, life-size reconstructions of predatory Daspletosaurs poised to eat a herd of herbivorous Chasmosaurs. The Mammal Gallery showcases famous Canadian species such as grizzlies and bison, while the Canada Goose Arctic Gallery educates visitors on the rapidly changing Arctic environment.

Royal Alberta Museum, Edmonton, Alberta

This newly renovated museum is the largest in Western Canada. The Royal Alberta Museum's galleries span over 75,000 square feet and house millions of items that showcase the province's rich natural, cultural, and human history. In the military and political history collection, you may see tools from people who lived in Alberta over 10,000 years ago, learn about the immigrant populations that helped shape the province's character, and read about Albertan heroism. Indigenous tales are interlaced throughout the human history galleries, including one that focuses on modern First Nations and Métis storytelling, culture, and history.

Even the province's creepy crawly occupants have not been overlooked; the Bug Gallery, complete with hatchery, has a collection of spiders, insects, and other invertebrates from around the region and beyond.

Pointe-à-Callière Montréal Archaeology and History Complex, Montreal, Quebec

Canada, which recently turned 150 in 2017, is widely viewed as a youthful country. However, French explorers beat the British to the punch, establishing settlements long before English Canada existed. In fact, when Canada celebrated its 150th birthday, Montreal celebrated being 375 years old—that's a lot of history to discover! Pointe-à-Callière offers visitors an opportunity to learn about the city's rich history.

Montreal's intriguing evolution is brought to life via captivating multimedia displays and actual artifacts dating back to the city's founding. Visitors with children will enjoy the Archaeo-Adventure class, which allows families to participate in a simulated archeological excavation.  

Things To Note When Visiting The Museum In Canada

Firstly, it's important to plan your visit in advance. Many museums operate during specific hours, and some may require advanced reservations or have timed entry to manage visitor flow. Check the museum's website for information on hours of operation, admission fees, and any special exhibitions or events that may be taking place during your visit.

When you arrive at the museum, take some time to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. Many museums provide maps or information desks to assist visitors in navigating the galleries and exhibitions. Check to see if any guided tours or audio guides are available, as these can provide valuable insights and context for the exhibits.

Be mindful of the exhibits and artifacts on display. Many museums have strict rules around photography, touching objects, or speaking loudly to preserve and protect the collections for future generations. It's also important to respect the cultural significance of the objects on display.

Don't be afraid to ask questions or engage with the museum staff. They are there to help you make the most of your visit and can provide valuable insights and information on the exhibits and collections. With a bit of planning and consideration, visiting the museum in Canada can be a rewarding and enriching experience for all.

Whether you are a history buff, an art lover, or simply someone looking to learn more about Canada and the world, the best museums in Canada offer a wealth of knowledge and insight. So why not plan a visit today and experience the history and art at these incredible museums for yourself? If you are an international visitor planning to visit Canada, it's important to note that a visa is required for entry. Even if you are from a country that is not on the list of exempt countries, you can still apply for a Canada visa through the Canada Immigration Services. This can be done easily and conveniently online by completing the application form without having to wait in long lines at the Embassy or Consulate. The application process is straightforward and simple and can be completed at any time with just a smart device and a strong network connection. Applying for a Canada eVisa allows you to avoid the hassle and inconvenience of traditional visa application methods and makes the process much smoother and more accessible.