Okay, I’ll admit it — I used to think museums were kind of… quiet. Like, a rainy-day backup plan. But Ontario’s museum scene? It’s anything but boring. From epic science centres and art galleries to quirky house museums and hands-on history spots, there’s a whole world of stories waiting inside these walls — and they’re way more fun than your high school field trip memories.

Whether you’re looking for inspiration, nostalgia, or just somewhere unique to spend a Saturday, this guide covers the coolest, most curious, and totally worth-it museums in Ontario. Let’s explore.

1. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) – Toronto

rom.on.ca

Let’s start with the queen of them all. The ROM is part natural history museum, part art gallery, and part “holy crap this dinosaur is huge.” With exhibits that range from ancient Egypt to Indigenous beadwork to real meteorites, it’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of day. Bonus: the building itself is iconic — that crystal façade is basically a Toronto landmark.

2. Ontario Science Centre – Toronto

ontariosciencecentre.ca

Yes, it’s technically for kids, but let’s be real — adults love this place too. Touch everything, press all the buttons, and 100% climb into the electricity room (you know the one). From space to physics to human anatomy, the Science Centremakes learning feel like a giant playground.

3. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) – Toronto

ago.ca

If you want to feel cultured and calm (and maybe take a great mirror selfie in that spiral staircase), head to the AGO. The collection is massive — everything from classic European works to contemporary Indigenous art. Don't skip the Thomson Collection (yes, there’s a full period room inside), and check their rotating exhibits for fresh inspiration.

4. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum – Hamilton

warplane.com

History and aviation lovers, this one’s for you. Located at Hamilton International Airport, this museum is packed with vintage aircraft — including one of the last flying Lancaster bombers in the world. You can even book a ride in one (if you're feeling brave and have a strong stomach).

5. Canada’s Wonderland of Oddities: Ripley’s Believe It or Not! – Niagara Falls

ripleys.com/niagarafalls

Okay, it’s technically a museum. And it’s so weird in the best possible way. Shrunken heads, optical illusions, a mirror maze, and the kind of quirky facts that’ll have you saying, “wait, what?” If you’re in Niagara Falls, this spot is a must for your fun and freaky side.

6. McMichael Canadian Art Collection – Kleinburg

mcmichael.com

Hidden in a forest north of Toronto, the McMichael Gallery is all about Canadian art — especially the Group of Seven, Tom Thomson, and Indigenous creators. It’s peaceful, powerful, and surrounded by trails. Basically, the perfect “quiet luxury” art day with a side of nature therapy.

7. Canada Science and Technology Museum – Ottawa

ingeniumcanada.org

Ottawa has three national-level museums, and this one might be the most fun. Think vintage trains, arcade-style science exhibits, space tech, and a full section on wearable tech (I saw the original “Smart Bra” here — wild). Bring the whole crew and get hands-on.

8. Bata Shoe Museum – Toronto

batashoemuseum.ca

Shoes. But make it historical, political, artistic, and fabulous. From ancient Egyptian sandals to 1970s platforms and Justin Bieber’s sneakers (seriously), this museum is a surprise hit. It’s smaller than most but so well curated — and the building is shaped like a shoebox. Iconic.

9. Museum of Illusions – Toronto

museumofillusions.ca

Ready to warp your brain and your Instagram grid? Museum of Illusions is full of trippy rooms, spinning tunnels, and mind-bending photo ops. It’s definitely more “fun house” than “history lesson,” but it’s perfect for a rainy day when you want something playful and unexpected.

10. The AGO’s Odd Cousin: The Gardiner Museum – Toronto

gardinermuseum.on.ca

If you’ve never been emotionally moved by a bowl, you haven’t been to the Gardiner Museum. It’s all about ceramics — ancient pottery, modern sculpture, and special exhibits that are way more thought-provoking than you’d expect. Plus, they offer clay classes if you’re feeling artsy.

Final Thoughts From Your Museum-Hopping Local Girl

Ontario’s museums aren’t just about quiet halls and plaques on walls — they’re immersive, exciting, and full of stories that make you see your province (and the world) differently. Whether you're soaking up art, puzzling through illusions, or geeking out over dinosaurs and jet engines, there's a museum in Ontario with your name on it.

So pick your vibe — arty, nerdy, weird, or wow-worthy — and make a day of it. Culture looks good on you.