Toronto has 18 museums of a local, regional, and national scope:
 You can find the Ontario Science Centre in nearby North York |
48th Highlanders Museum
75 Simcoe St, Toronto, M5J 1W9
416-596-1382
The museum exhibits artifacts from this regiment from 1891 to the present day, including uniforms, weapons and equipment. The regiment has served in both the World Wars and the Boer War, as well as in the Golan Heights, Korea, South Africa, Cambodia, Cyprus, and Bosnia. Located in the beautiful Romanesque style St. Andrews Church. Tours are available..
Archives of Ontario
77 Grenville Street, Unit 300, Toronto, M5S 1B3
416-327-1600
The archives maintain and provide many records of the province, both government and private photographs, manuscripts, maps, plans and printed materials. There are of interest to anyone keen on history, or who needs to do research concerning Ontario. Introductory tours of the research facilities are offered.
Arthur Conan Doyle Collection
Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge St, 5th Floor, Toronto, M4W 2G8M4W 2G8
416-395-5577
Arthur Conan Doyle is the literary giant who created the fictional accounts of the detective Sherlock Holmes. His various works spanned several genres, including true crime, current events, spiritual writings and history. This special collection displays many Doyle first editions, recent publications, translations and secondary materials based on Sherlock Holmes stories. The Collection is housed in a room evoking 221B Baker Street. Visitors can also see a selection of digitized treasures. Open 2-4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, or by appointment.
Bata Shoe Museum, The
327 Bloor Street West Toronto, M5S 1W7
416-979-7799
A remarkable museum devoted to the history of footwear from ancient times to the present day. Includes samples of footwear that belonged to Elvis Presley, Winston Churchill and Terry Fox.
Beth Tzedec Reuben and Helene Dennis Museum
1700 Bathurst Street, Toronto, M5P 3K3
416-781-3511
This museum focuses on Jewish heritage and culture. It particularly emphasizes Jewish ritual at home and in the synagogue. The museum has over 1000 artifacts including artwork and ceremonial items.
Hockey Hall of Fame
30 Yonge Street, Toronto, M5E 1X8
Brookfield Place (formerly BCE Place)
416-360-7765 fax: 416-360-1501
This museum, housed in the former Bank of Montreal heritage building, is the place for both hockey fanatics and younger players to experience the game. Although jerseys, sticks, and other memorabilia may adorn the walls, many of the interactive exhibits are designed with entertainment-value in mind. When not traveling with the winning team, the Stanley Cup can be found at this site. Available for facility rentals. Open Mon-Fri-10 am-5 pm; Sat-9:30 am-6 pm; Sun-10:30 am-5 pm. Admission $$.
Mackenzie House
82 Bond Street. Toronto, M5B 1X2
(2 blocks east of Yonge St., south of Dundas St. E.)
416 -392-6915 Fax: 416-392-0114 Event Hotline: 416-338-3888
Mackenzie House is a Greek Revival row-house, purchased by the community for William Lyon Mackenzie, outspoken newspaper editor and the first Mayor of Toronto, who also led the 1837 Upper Canada Rebellion (he was eventually pardoned). The museum features a recreated print shop and gallery with changing exhibitions. Enjoy several celebrations of Toronto’s Scottish heritage including Hogmanay, scotch tasting, and Robbie Burns Day. Open January – April: Saturday & Sunday 12 pm-5 pm; May-Labour Day: Tuesday-Sunday 12 pm-5 pm, and September – December: Tuesday – Friday 12 pm-5 pm, Saturday-Sunday 12 pm-4 pm. Closed Mondays, Good Friday, Christmas Eve Day, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Eve Day, and New Year’s Day. Admission $.
TTC: Dundas Station (Yonge/University subway line) and walk two blocks east to Bond Street.
MZTV Museum Of Television
550 Queen Street East (at River St), Toronto, M5A 1V2
416-599-7339 F: 416-599-3575
A museum dedicated to the history of television in North America. TVs from 1928 to 1985 are on display, plus assorted memorabilia including TV accessories such as remotes and indoor antennas, TV guides and magazines.
Pier (Waterfront Museum), The
245 Queens Quay West
416 338-7437, 1-888-675-7437
On the waterfront, The Pier is a great museum for the entire family, housed in a 1930’s shipping warehouse next to the Harbourfront. This museum, opened in 1998 is dedicated to the history of Toronto Bay, with interactive exhibits and traditional wooden boat building demonstrations. Learn about the last Ice Age, about ancient trade routes around Lake Ontario, the War of 1812, steamships and shipwrecks on the Lake, and about turn-of-the-last-century Hanlan’s Point amusement park. Open May 1-October 31, daily from 10am until 6pm. Admission $.
Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada Regimental Museum
Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, M5R 1X8
416-923-1171
The museum has memorabilia, uniforms and artifacts dating back to 1860 when the regiment was founded. This historical regiment has played a very important role in Canada’s military history, taking part in the Fenian Raids (1866 to 1871), the Boer War (1899-1902), as well as more recent conflicts.
Redpath Sugar Museum, The
95 Queen’s Quay East, Toronto, ON M5E 1A3
416-366-3561 Fax: 416-366-7550
The Redpath Sugar Museum was established in 1979 to celebrate the 125th anniversary of what is today the oldest sugar refining company in Canada. The original Redpath Refinery was founded in Montréal in 1854. This museum focuses on the history and the production of sugar, and the areas where it is refined, and provides information on sugar from a chemical and nutritional perspective. Tours are available. Open Monday-Friday, 10.00 a.m.-12.00 noon, 1.00 p.m.-3.30. p.m.
Royal Canadian Military Institute
426 University Ave, Toronto, M5G 1S9
416-597-0286
Since 1890, the Institute has provided a place of relaxation, recreation and camaraderie in which like-minded men and women are able to focus on military affairs. This museum’s collection includes various medals and badges presented to Canadians and other military memorabilia and artifacts donated by R.C.M.I. members. The institute’s library has one of the best collections of military books in North America.
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queens Park, Toronto, M5S 2C6
416-586-8000
Explore an exceptional array of themed galleries throughout the Museum, spanning both world cultures and natural history. With six million objects in the ROM’s collections, the Museum’s diverse collections of world cultures and natural history make the ROM one of the largest museums in North America. The new Bloor Street Plaza and Bennett Music Court (now the main entrance) provides dramatic views into the Michael Lee-Chin Crystal through large planes of glass, and elegant landscaping and lighting. School groups may use the Loblaws School Entrance, located at the south end of the building on Queen’s Park. Open Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am-5:30 pm, Friday: 10:00 am-9:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am-5:30 pm. Admission $$. Members free, Persons with disabilities full admission, with 1 attendant free. Admission is free 45 minutes before closing (except for specially ticketed exhibitions).
Royals Museum
54 Meighton Ave, Toronto, M4B 1R6
416-755-1727
The Royals Museum displays a good collection of artifacts, photos and memorabilia from the Royal Regiment and its predecessors, dating from 1862 to the present day.
Salvation Army George Scott Railton Heritage Centre, The
2130 Bayview Ave, Toronto, M4N 3K6
416-481-4441
The Salvation Army began helping the poor of 19th Century England, and evolved help so many in Canadian society. Of special interest is the story of the assistance given by the Salvation Army to the victims of the 1914 Empress of Ireland sinking-a peacetime ship disaster which had a death toll greater than the Titanic’s.
Spadina Museum: Historic House & Gardens
285 Spadina Rd, Toronto, M5R 2V5 (next door to Casa Loma)
416-392-6910 Fax: 416-392-0382 Event Hotline: 416-338-3888
Starting as a Victorian country estate and growing into an Edwardian city mansion for four generations of the wealthy Austin family. Enjoy a guided tour highlighting the exquisite furniture and decors reflecting Toronto art scene of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, along with a restored Victorian garden. Great location for film shoots, weddings and corporate functions. Special events include Doors Open Toronto, Strawberry Festival and Music in the Orchard. Hours: January to March Saturday & Sunday: Noon-5 pm; April to Labour Day Tuesday to Sunday: Noon-5pm, Holiday Mondays: Noon-5 pm; September to January Tuesday to Friday: Noon-4 pm, Saturday & Sunday: Noon-5 pm, Thanksgiving Monday: Noon-5 pm, December 24 & 31: Closed. Admission $.
TTC: Dupont Station (Yonge/University subway) and walk north to the Baldwin Steps (Spadina Avenue and Davenport Road); climb to top of the Baldwin Steps.
Textile Museum of Canada, The
55 Centre Avenue, Toronto, M5G 2H5 (in the Metropolitan Hotel complex)
416-599-5321 Info Line: 416-599-5515
Opened in 1975, visitors can see a collection of over 8,000 items, from around the world, including carpets, quilts, garments, and ceremonial objects. These pieces showcase artistic workmanship and the importance of textile arts throughout history, around the world. See items from China, Japan, Africa, South and Central America Europe and the Pacific. The Contemporary Gallery complements the exhibition program by examining current issues in the area of textile arts. There is a 15,000 square feet of exhibition space, and 10,000 square feet for a conservation laboratory, and an auditorium, a fine gift and bookstore. Open Tue: 11am-5pm, Wed: 11am-8pm, Thu: 11am-5pm, Fri: 11am-5pm, Sat: 12am-5pm, Sun: 12am 5pm, Mon: Closed. Admission $.
Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum & Arts Centre
67 Pottery Road, Toronto,
(east of the Bayview Ave Extension, just west of Broadview Ave)
416-396-2819 Event Hotline: 416-338-3888
Set in the scenic Don River Valley, the mills were core to Toronto’s development in the mid 1800s, producing lumber, flour, paper, whisky and beer for residents. Learn about the early days of industry in Toronto, its role in Toronto’s development and the cultural impact of the city’s growth on the natural environment. Explore the scenic Don River Valley (and a wildflower preserve), explore millers’ homes, the Brewery Gallery, the Paper Mill Gallery and Theatre and the relocated Don Train station.
Open Jan – March (Please call to confirm Papermill Gallery hours); April – May, Wednesday to Friday from Noon to 4:30 pm Weekends from Noon to 5 pm; June-August, Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 4:30 pm Weekends from Noon to 5 pm; Sept. – Dec, Wednesday to Friday from Noon to 4:30 pm Weekends from Noon to 4 pm. Admission $.
TTC: Exit Broadview station (Bloor/Danforth subway line) and take any northbound bus and to Mortimer Avenue bus stop. Cross Broadview Avenue to west side of street and walk down Pottery Road (caution this road is steep).
Toronto Police Museum and Discovery Centre
40 College Street, Toronto, M5G 2J3
416-808-7020
This museum serves as a tribute to the Toronto Police Service. Conventional and interactive displays focus on the history of the police service, some of the more notorious cases they have investigated, and their collection of uniforms, vehicles and equipment
Toronto’s First Post Office
260 Adelaide Street East, Toronto, M5A 1N1
416-865-1833
This post office was built and opened in 1833. It still serves as a post office, a philatelic store, and as a living museum. Displays of early North American postal history with equipment and letter envelopes are featured. Frequent workshops are held.