Top 10 Museums in Old Toronto, Canada

December 2, 2021 Tynisha Seiler

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true—you can find world-class theater, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top—the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.
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1. MZTV Museum of Television

64 Jefferson Ave, Toronto, Ontario M6K 1Y4 Canada +1 416-599-7339 [email protected] http://www.mztv.com/
Excellent
82%
Good
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5.0 based on 38 reviews

MZTV Museum of Television

The MZTV Museum and Archive seeks to protect, preserve and promote the Receiving Instruments of Television History. Whereas other North American Museums of Broadcasting feature Programs, ours is unique in its focus on the History of the Technology, as well as on the Sets Themselves. Together with related original papers, discs, books, magazines, toys and other ephemera the collection offers some 10,000 objects to scholars and students as well as the general public. The Museum’s mandate is to exhibit the world’s most comprehensive collection of North American Television Receivers for the formative fifty-year period from the 1920s to the 1970s. The MZTV Museum also aims to tell the story of the medium and to contribute to the understanding of the impact of television on the people who watch it.

Reviewed By TorontoTourist55

As always, as a resident of the city, I find gems like this wonderful museum only when I become a "tourist" myself. What an incredible collection of Television's history is to be found at the MZTV Museum of Television. I knew that Felix the Cat was the first image shown on North American broadcasting, but to see the actual figurine of Felix, that was used in 1928, was incredible! Also on display, the 1939 New York Worlds' Fair RCA Phantom Teleceiver, in its original lucite cabinet is to step back 80 years and marvel at the new technology that so many marveled at in a day when anything seemed possible. If you've ever turned on a TV set, you owe it to yourself to see what came before modern television, the inventors, the pioneers, and the works of art that were the beginnings of what we often take for granted. Moses Znaimer, a broadcast pioneer in his own right has collected and has put on display this wonderful look back at all things of the airwaves. I recommend this museum to all, and I will return to marvel again at this marvelous collection.

2. Royal Ontario Museum

100 Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C6 Canada +1 416-586-8000 [email protected] http://www.rom.on.ca
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,278 reviews

Royal Ontario Museum

Opened in 1914, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) showcases art, culture, and nature from around the globe and across the ages. One of North America's most renowned cultural institutions, Canada's largest museum is home to a world-class collection of more than six million objects and specimens, featured in 40 gallery and exhibition spaces. As the country’s preeminent field research institute and an international leader in new and original findings in biodiversity, palaeontology, earth sciences, the visual arts, material culture and archaeology, the ROM plays a vital role in advancing our global understanding of the artistic, cultural and natural world.

Reviewed By ElTouristo61 - New York City, United States

The ROM, Canada’s largest museum, is an impressive collection of art, culture, nature and history. Plan on spending at least half a day as there are so many exhibits. The special exhibit on Jodhpur included 4 centuries of royal art, paintings, decorative art, and jewelry—an amazing journey through some of India’s cultural history. Well worth the few extra dollars for access. Equally impressive are the European and Asian sections. There is plenty for the whole family to do but keep in mind if you enter with a city pass you’ll have to pay a few extra dollars for the special exhibits.

3. Hockey Hall of Fame

Brookfield Place - Concourse Level 30 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario M5E 1X8 Canada +1 416-360-7765 [email protected] http://www.hhof.com
Excellent
59%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
8%
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4.5 based on 4,054 reviews

Hockey Hall of Fame

Honor the achievements of some of the greatest stars in hockey at this shrine to Canada's national sport.

Reviewed By dave4559

Recommend a stop here if you are a hockey fan, make sure you have some time to see everything, lot to see and do, son was able to shoot pucks, lots of history and the trophy room was incredible.

4. Campbell House Museum

160 Queen St W (at University Ave.), Toronto, Ontario M5H 3H3 Canada +1 416-597-0227 [email protected] http://www.campbellhousemuseum.ca/
Excellent
44%
Good
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Satisfactory
8%
Poor
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4.5 based on 36 reviews

Campbell House Museum

A rare example of Georgian architecture, this museum is the restored home of the first Chief Justice of Upper Canada.

5. Colborne Lodge

11 Colborne Lodge Dr. (at the Queensway), Toronto, Ontario M5H 2N2 Canada +1 416-392-6916 [email protected] http://www.toronto.ca/colbornelodge
Excellent
58%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 26 reviews

Colborne Lodge

This rare Regency picturesque cottage is a graceful monument to John and Jemima Howard, the couple who founded High Park. John Howard, one of Toronto's first architects, as well as a City engineer and surveyor, built Colborne Lodge in 1837. Drop in and view the many original furnishings and artifacts and some of John Howard's own watercolours depicting images of early Toronto. Colborne Lodge is one of 11 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Sites engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present. Special events and pre-registered activities are priced separately. Limited free parking. JANUARY - APRIL Open only Friday, Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5. Regular General Admission*: Adults: $8.00 Seniors (65 +) and Youth (13-18 yrs.): $7.00 Children (4-12 yrs.): $5.00 *prices include tax

6. Mackenzie House

82 Bond St, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1X2 Canada +1 416-392-6915 [email protected] http://www.toronto.ca/mackenziehouse
Excellent
68%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 81 reviews

Mackenzie House

Mackenzie House is the restored home of William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first Mayor, a radical journalist and publisher, and leader of the Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada. This house was given to Mackenzie by friends and supporters, when he retired from public life, and in recognition of his many years of serving the community. Mackenzie House is one of 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Sites engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present.

Reviewed By DGVNJ - Elmwood Park, United States

On a quiet side street you step into Mackenzie House and are transported back 175 years and treated to an informative history of Toronto and if you go during the holidays you can feast in the joyous experience of a Scottish Hogmanay celebration. When we arrived we were able to explore the entire house and had the chance to use what I believe to be one of the the oldest working printing presses in existence in a recreated print shop. The costumed docents gave insightful and informative descriptions of house and the way of life that we were being given a view to. Since this was a special Hogmanay event we were also treated to some wonderful live music by Gin Lane and a delicious feast. For the first time in my life I tried haggis and loved it! The haggis looks like a medium sized pumpernickel loaf and you are given a 1/2 in slice. It's a rich concoction that tasted wonderful. The entire event was well worth it and a great way to start our visit to Toronto.

7. Casa Loma

1 Austin Terrace, Toronto, Ontario M5R 1X8 Canada +1 416-923-1171 [email protected] http://www.casaloma.ca
Excellent
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Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 7,568 reviews

Casa Loma

Canada's majestic castle and Toronto’s premier historic attraction. In 1911, Sir Henry Pellatt engaged noted architect E.J. Lennox to help him realize a lifelong dream,the creation of an Edwardian castle on the top of a hill overlooking Toronto. It took 300 men nearly three years to complete the nearly to 200,000 square foot castle at a cost $3,500,000 (at the time). Situated on 5 acres, Casa Loma was the largest private residence in Canada. Sir Henry Pellatt with his wife Lady Mary enjoyed Casa Loma for less than ten years before financial misfortune forced him to abandon his home. The tour of the castle is self-guided. Visitors can experience the castle at their leisure with the aid of multimedia audio guides.

Reviewed By Amy_K-30229 - Chicago, United States

This was one of my favorite tourist attactions in Toronto. It's in the Annex District, the neighborhood where Margaret Atwood--author of The Handmaid's Tale--lives. The self-guided tour is very well done, you pick up a map and a telephone reciever-like device that can hang around your neck. The map shows you how to walk the property and each room has a number to type in to be able to learn about Sir Henry Pellatt and his fourtune then downfall, as well as the construction of his great castle. The basement has the movie posters of all the films/tv shows that were filmed there, as well as a tv playing the clips of each. It was great to walk through the whole castle, then make it down to the basement to recognize each room as the clips played on screen. My only disapointment was, they were setting up for a wedding in the conservatory, so we could not fully explore the room.

317 Dundas St W, Toronto, Ontario M5T 1G4 Canada +1 416-979-6648 [email protected] http://www.ago.net
Excellent
63%
Good
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Satisfactory
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Poor
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4.5 based on 4,265 reviews

The AGO, Art Gallery of Ontario

With a collection of more than 90,000 works of art, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is among the largest and most distinguished art museums in North America. An international landmark, the AGO is also one of Canada’s most innovative cultural destinations. Highlights of the Gallery’s world-class collection include iconic Canadian and Inuit works, along with European and contemporary art – all on view in a spectacular building transformed by renowned Toronto-born architect Frank Gehry. After spending time with the AGO’s vast collection, be sure to enjoy a meal or glass of wine at the Gallery’s award-winning restaurant FRANK. Visit shopAGO for a unique collection of artful gifts, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and beautiful art books.

Reviewed By H8962UYericb - Toronto, Canada

This fine gallery has interesting permanent collections including a wonderful room of sculptures by Henry Moore and regular fantastic visiting shows - most recently on the influence of industrialism of the Impressionists - I will look at Gare St. Lazare with new eyes.

9. Spadina Museum

285 Spadina Rd, Toronto, Ontario M5R 2V5 Canada +1 416-392-6910 [email protected] http://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/spadina-museum/
Excellent
56%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
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4.5 based on 301 reviews

Spadina Museum

The years between the two Great Wars, when Toronto experienced increased immigration, the vote for women, the stock market crash, prohibition and the introduction of public health and welfare. It's also the time of the Charleston craze, tabloid journalism, new technology and more. And it can all be seen, heard, felt and lived at Spadina Museum - Toronto's only museum to represent the 1920s and 30s, a transformative period that dramatically changed the City. For over a century, Spadina was home to three generations of the Austin family. Opened in 1984, it is one of 10 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto. Spadina Museum completed an extensive interior restoration in 2010, bringing the house back into the twentieth century. Visitors may view what the house looked like during those years through artifacts, furnishings and reproduced and original decor or explore the estate's six acres of restored 1905 gardens. Today, Spadina Museum interprets the interwar period through a rich slate of guided tours, school programs, special events, changing exhibits, lectures and workshops. Spadina Museum is one of 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Sites engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present.

Reviewed By rosemariet835 - Toronto, Canada

Visited the Spadina House yesterday. Loved the Informative guided tour , apple cedar and homemade cookies included with the admission. I was really impressed with the beauty and design of this grand house. The staff were friendly and so knowledgable. I will return for their other events at this wonderful venue. Thanks. ????

10. Toronto's First Post Office

260 Adelaide St E, Toronto, Ontario M5A 1N1 Canada +1 416-865-1833 [email protected] http://www.townofyork.com
Excellent
51%
Good
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Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 43 reviews

Toronto's First Post Office

Canada's oldest surviving purpose-built post office, in the heart of Toronto's historic St. Lawrence district. Toronto's First Post Office is a museum and full-service postal outlet.

Reviewed By 716sachink - Plainview, United States

As the name suggests, it is Toronto’s First Post Office and is functional even today. It is located in the historic St. Lawrence district. It has a museum inside which is worth visiting. Certainly would very highly recommend the same to any traveler.

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