Best Museums in Ontario

"Opened to the public in 1969, this is where science comes to life in a fun and interactive setting. Discover everything from science and nature to geology and human anatomy via more than 500 hands-on experiences in eight exhibit halls. There are also live daily science demonstrations popular with school groups, a state-of-the-art planetarium, replica rainforest, the KidSpark discovery area designed just for kids eight and under, and Ontario’s only IMAX Dome theatre."

"Toronto architect Raymond Moriyama was hired to design the Ontario Science Centre back in 1964. The site was modeled on the natural contours of the Don River ravine, on which the science center stands. Inside, you’ll find several hundred interactive experiences and artefacts, including moon rocks."

"The McMichael Canadian Art Collection offers its visitors a unique and truly Canadian experience. From the art within its walls, to the surrounding landscape, the McMichael Gallery is the perfect gallery for a proper introduction to Canada’s art, its people, their cultures and history. The McMichael Gallery’s permanent collection consists of nearly 6,000 pieces of art created by Tom Thomson, the Group of Seven, their contemporaries, and First Nations, Métis, Inuit and other artists who have made a contribution to the development of Canadian art."

"Admittedly, this museum is not directly in Toronto, but rather the village of Kleinburg. Here is what justifies the drive 40 minutes north of Toronto: it is situated in a beautiful woodland setting that will rival any outdoors oriented photo. It also is filled to the brim with a magnificent collection of Canadian and native art."

"Handcrafted buildings (including painter Tom Thomson’s cabin, moved from its original location), set amid 40 hectares of conservation trails, contain works by Canada’s best-known landscape painters, the Group of... Top ChoiceArts Center in Waterfront"

"Spend your afternoon in the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) where you can see numerous collections of art from around the world and the largest Canadian art collection. There are so many things to do in Toronto so next up is Nathan Phillips Square where you can take a picture with the iconic Toronto sign and see the new city hall. The Old City Hall is just to the right, an old Romanesque building. If you’re visiting in the winter you can go skating in the square for free."

"Stay aboard for the full two-hour tour, or if you're itching to tackle Toronto , hop off at one of the 21 stops, which include many of Toronto's top attractions, such as the CN Tower, the Eaton Centre, Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma and the Royal Ontario Museum. Consult with the guides for optimum planning and when the busses will be stopping at certain locations. Don't miss the boat tour at the Harbourfront, which is included in your ticket."

"The David Dunlap Observatory is a heritage site in Richmond Hill, and it’s definitely worthy of being on your Instagram feed. The building is really unique with its spherical roof and bright blue door, and it’s also a great spot to go star-gazing for some cool shots!. LOCATION:225 East Beaver Creek Road, Richmond Hill, ON | Website"

"It is quite another to feel more connected with the universe. Just a 30-minute drive out of Toronto offers you access to a world beyond the city. The David Dunlap Observatory is a large astronomical observatory managed by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada."

"This hidden treasure on Brimley Road might be one of the best insights into how early settlers lived when they arrived in Scarborough, before it became on the biggest suburbs in the 20th century. Set off a series of trails and greenery of the Thomson Memorial Park, this series of four buildings is especially beautiful in the summertime."

"This midtown roaster sources its beans from both hemispheres, including small producers like Doña Aracelly, a second-generation grower from central Costa Rica, where this single-origin light roast originates. It makes a fruit-forward and lightly acidic cup—and there’s even a hint of lavender if your senses are fully awake to it. $16 for an eight-ounce bag."

"Toronto Purchasing Centre: De Mello Palheta (2489 Yonge Street), Ninetails Coffee Bar (651 Bloor Street West). Photo Courtesy of De Mello Palheta Official Website. Even if you haven’t been to many Toronto cafés uptown, chances are you’ve still tried De Mello Palheta’s coffee beans."

"Restaurants North Toronto. Where is it: Yonge and Eglinton. What is it: Named after the O.G."

"At 7 Baker, European and Asian flavours come together to create totally unique and delectable baked goods. With traditional European bread and pastry recipes infused with Asian flavours, this bakery is unlike anything you’ve ever laid eyes on. The shiny space features gold finishings that make the bakery gleam from the outside."

"Save for the giant tanks, drinking at Shacklands feels like hanging in your fave neighbourhood dive bar: the walls are slathered in action figures, the stereo’s playing Matthew Sweet and old cartoons are on a loop on the TV. But instead of Labatt 50, the bar’s pouring a delightful jumble of sours, bretts and fruity blends, courtesy brewer Jason Tremblay."

"Don’t come to Shacklands looking for a lager or an IPA—you won’t find any. They pour only Belgian-style brews: farmhouse ales, saisons, tripels and dubbels. Everything here is downright funky."