Top 10 History Museums in Canada, Canada

July 1, 2021 Almeta Stockton

World class skiing, decadent European style cuisine, ornamental cathedrals, peaceful island life…Canada is a patchwork of thriving cities and majestic wilderness. Montreal beckons travelers with its French charm and booming cultural landscape. In Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is a vision of Frank Gehry architecture and national artistic treasures. The gleaming mountain ranges of Banff set a stunning backdrop for an exploration of the Canadian Rockies.
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1. Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay

2 Second Beach Road, British Columbia V0T 1S1 Canada +1 250-559-7885 [email protected] http://www.haidaheritagecentre.com/
Excellent
80%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 143 reviews

Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay

Through the Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay we celebrate the living culture of the Haida. Through our language, art and stories we share our relationship with the land and sea that which shapes, nourishes and sustains us. Kay Llnagaay protects and fosters Haida culture by reaffirming our traditions and beliefs, encouraging artistic expression, and serving as a keeper of all that we are. Kay Llnagaay is a place for the Haida voice to be heard. The Haida Gwaii Museum opened in 1976 and continues to build an international reputation for showcasing Haida historical and contemporary art, All-Island artists and an outstanding collection of objects, artifacts and scientific material culture. The Museum is committed to encouraging and facilitating creative dialogue and exploring a more holistic and critical view of the multiple and diverse ways of understanding Haida Gwaii — home to one of the most prominent Northwest Coast First Nations cultures (Haida), and rich ecosystems in Canada.

Reviewed By helenw720

We found we needed two visits to do justice to this amazing centre and still felt we'd love to return! We went first when we were at the beginning of our visit to Haida Gwaii and then we returned just before we left. So much to learn and experience here...not enough time. Definitely a must must must!

2. Pointe-a-Calliere, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex

350 Place Royale, Montreal, Quebec H2Y 3Y5 Canada +1 514-872-9150 [email protected] http://pacmusee.qc.ca/en/
Excellent
57%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,943 reviews

Pointe-a-Calliere, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex

Pointe-a-Calliere, the birthplace of Montreal and a National Historic Site, offers visitors the opportunity to explore history through an original underground circuit leading through archaeological excavations. At the start of their visit, an immersive multimedia show presents a high-speed view of the city's history, the remains come to life and the count down begins! The museum also offers year-round temporary local and international exhibitions. For Montreal's 375th anniversary in May 2017, Pointe-a-Calliere inaugurated a new pavilion highlighting Fort Ville-Marie.

Reviewed By brusso2017 - Union, United States

Wonderful way to spend several hours admiring the history and architecture of Montréal. Great exhibitions both permanent and temporary. Plenty of hands on fun stuff for kids and big kids ???? We loved the memory collector and the multi media show. Exploring the history while basically being emerged in the actual structures was very cool. Plenty of excellent sounds and sights and “ real life “ experiences! Very reasonable on the US dollar at the moment and even the Canada rates seemed fair

3. Glenbow Museum

130 9 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0P3 Canada +1 403-268-4100 [email protected] http://www.glenbow.org
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 868 reviews

Glenbow Museum

At Glenbow, history buffs, art lovers and pop culture fanatics can all find something inspiring. Explore fascinating historical galleries and exhibitions of art and culture from around the world. We are conveniently located in downtown Calgary on Stephen Avenue Mall, just steps from the Calgary Tower and one block away from the C-Train LRT line.

Reviewed By stevetN3509KX - Faversham, United Kingdom

Spent around 5 hours in the museum, it’s vast (especially level 3) and covers a wide variety of subjects including local history, art, First Nation and international exhibits. The museum is spread across 3 floors and there are many exhibits so be prepared for a long visit if you want to see everything. Shop is well appointed and there are coffee shops and restaurants close by. There is also a school class room on site which was nice to see as the children were clearly enjoying their work. Learnt a heap of stuff about Canada that I didn’t know before and it supplemented the knowledge we’d got from the national heritage museum which we’d visited the day before. If you have the time, then it’s well worth a visit.

4. Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

1675 Lower Water St, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3J 1S3 Canada +1 902-424-7491 [email protected] http://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/
Excellent
54%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,164 reviews

Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Immerse yourself in the rich marine history depicted by this museum's vast collection from binnacles and buoys to anchors and armaments.

Reviewed By B1698RKmichaelh - Burke, United States

This museum has some of the most beautiful ship models, sailboats of unique designs from the Maritime region and artifacts of the wrecks so abundant on the shoreline of Nova Scotia. And to add to this is actual artifacts from the Titanic! Including an actual deck chair. Great displays and fund for the whole family

5. Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

1055 Marginal Rd, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4P7 Canada +1 902-425-7770 [email protected] http://www.pier21.ca/
Excellent
62%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,880 reviews

Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is located in the national historic site at the Halifax seaport where nearly one million immigrants landed in Canada from 1928 to 1971. Today, as Canada’s sixth national museum, we share the ongoing story of immigration to Canada—past to present, and coast to coast. Our exhibits immerse visitors in the immigration experience and allow for a deeper understanding of how newcomers shape our country. Our staff and collections provide opportunities for visitors to discover the countless journeys to Canada and find their own family’s connection to the story. Countless Journeys. One Canada.

Reviewed By rayp775 - Ipswich, United Kingdom

Visited here on our first full day in Halifax and a short walk from our stay. Would certainly recommend the guided tour and our guide George, an immigrant who passed through Pier 21 added immensely to our enjoyment, being able to bring to life the process and hopes and fears of all those who journeyed to a new world. With many artefacts donated by families this offers a great insight into the development of both Halifax and wider Canada and its multi-cultural make-up today. Great visit.

6. Canadian War Museum

1 Vimy Place, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0M8 Canada +1 800-555-5621 [email protected] https://www.warmuseum.ca/
Excellent
74%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,545 reviews

Canadian War Museum

The Canadian War Museum is more than a museum that is internationally renowned for its symbolic architecture; it is synonym for inspiring and touching stories. Canada's rich military history is showcased through personal stories, artwork, photographs and interactive presentations. Tour the extensive permanent exhibitions and expand your knowledge of the conflicts that shaped Canada, Canadians and the world, as well as the roll Canadians played in them.

Reviewed By Expedition211142 - Victoria, Canada

I spent the better part of 4 hours here visiting the numerous rooms depicting Canada's Military History, watching several short videos, and looking at the 3 dozen or so collection on military vehicles and weapons. This is a must see place in Ottawa when you are there. There is also a nice gift shop for souvenirs.

7. Royal Alberta Museum

9810 103a Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 0G2 Canada +1 825-468-6000 [email protected] http://royalalbertamuseum.ca/
Excellent
52%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 396 reviews

Royal Alberta Museum

The Royal Alberta Museum is closed, effective March 17, 2020. Welcome to the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM)! Our new museum is more than just a thoughtful, beautifully designed space. It's an authentic reflection of where Alberta is today and will be in the decades to come. It represents the new energy of Alberta, the diversity of our culture and tells our story with a new boldness and confidence. It's a place where you'll find 2.4 million uniquely Albertan stories just waiting to be told. Our gallery spaces include two 30,000 square foot history halls chronicling millions of years of Alberta's natural and cultural history; a 12,000 square foot feature gallery that will play host to touring exhibits from around the world; A 7,000 square foot Children's Gallery where hands-on play is found in every corner; and a 3,000 square foot Bug Gallery where visitors can have close encounters with live invertebrates. Feed your curiosity.

Reviewed By edmontonlocal - Edmonton, Canada

The RAM has interesting exhibits including dinosaurs, wildlife, bugs, geology, gems, military history, and Alberta history. But where they really shine is indigenous history. They have a large collection of Cree, Blackfoot, Dene, and Metis artifacts, including totem poles, tipis, headdresses, arrowheads, beadwork, and artwork. The exhibits make history come to life and show how people lived here for thousands of years.

8. Canadian Children's Museum

100 Laurier Street, Gatineau, Quebec J8X 4H2 Canada +1 800-555-5621 [email protected] http://www.historymuseum.ca
Excellent
74%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 389 reviews

Canadian Children's Museum

Located within the Canadian Museum of History (formerly the Canadian Museum of Civilization) Hands on adventure! The Canadian Children's Museum is one of the most popular attractions at the Canadian Museum of History, and has been since it opened its doors in 1989. Passports in hand, visitors discover one incredible destination after another. Whether on a visit to homes in the International Village, a trek to a desert pyramid, a jaunt to the Port of Entry to help unload a cargo ship, or a stroll through the bustling Market Bazaar, visitors encounter endless ways to learn about the world and one another. A world of discovery where parents have as much fun as their kids!

Reviewed By LegoDad77 - Alert, Canada

I love this museum! My kids adore it as well!! There are a dozen little "kingdoms" you can visit, each one gives you a stamp for your passport! Ha ha It can get busy, and staff supervision is limited to the crane on the boat. The wifi is weak and drops often! Pokeone stops are all over! Make sure your phone is fully charged before you go!

9. Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

559 Chebucto Street, Baddeck, Nova Scotia B0E 1B0 Canada +1 902-295-2069 [email protected] http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell
Excellent
63%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,088 reviews

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

This museum chronicles the life and career of Alexander Graham Bell with its rich collection of artifacts and documents accumulated by Dr. Bell and his family during their time in Nova Scotia.

Reviewed By SueK167 - Laguna Woods, United States

Had no idea the many contributions made by Alexander Bell in addition to the telephone, ie aviation, hearing impaired, boating, conservation, etc, etc. Beautiful museum displaying this man's many talents with minimal education. Highly recommend when in Baddeck NS

10. Nanaimo Museum

100 Museum Way, Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 2X1 Canada +1 250-753-1821 [email protected] http://www.nanaimomuseum.ca
Excellent
55%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 188 reviews

Nanaimo Museum

Nanaimo Museum: Discover Nanaimo’s fascinating history in our museum located in the VI Conference Centre. The main gallery offers a sense of what life was like for Nanaimo's earliest settlers and the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Our award winning replica coal mine is a special treat. The museum also manages the Bastion, an original Hudson's Bay Company post built in 1853. Don’t miss the gift shop! Museum Hours (Fall/Winter/Spring): 10am - 5pm Monday to Saturday Summer 2020 Hours: Open Wens-Sun 10am-4pm See our website for up-to-date COVID-19 modifications to hours and admission!

Reviewed By IrmaNova - Ottawa, Canada

I was sceptical but this small museum was well-curated and charming. This stop is a must while in Nanaimo for an overview of the city’s history (including a walk-through model of a coal mine) and a rotating exhibit. While we visited, the featured exhibit was on refugees, which was very well done. Local volunteers such as Les, will happily share knowledge and stories about Nanaimo to enrich your visit.

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