Museums in Toronto You Have to Visit

If there’s one thing Toronto has a lot of, it’s museums. In fact, there are over 50 currently operating museums in the city of Toronto, and that’s not including pop-up exhibits or virtual experiences. Whatever type of art or expression interests you, there is a terrific museum in the Toronto area that will pique your interest. While you can’t go wrong with any of them, here are a few favorites to check out on your next visit.

Royal Ontario Museum

If you can only see one museum during your time in Toronto, let it be the Royal Ontario Museum. The largest museum in Canada, this incredible institution has collected over  6,000,000 pieces for display. Established in 1912, the building itself is a piece of art, combining elements of the original building with modern structures, such as the Michael Lee-Chin “Crystal,” a mid-2000’s expansion inspired by the vast collection of gems and minerals the museum houses. 

Museum of Illusions

Toronto’s Museum of Illusions may be small, but it certainly is memorable, perfect for those who love seeking out unique photo opportunities. The mind-bending exhibits will have you laughing just as much as they’ll have you questioning reality. Snap a picture in a life-sized Escher-style optical illusion or take a stroll through the Vortex Tunnel for a journey that’ll have you wondering which way is up and which way is down. Children and adults alike are sure to enjoy the unique experience the Museum of Illusions provides!

Bata Shoe Museum

When you look at real estate in Toronto, do you admire the biggest, most spacious walk-in closets and picture them filled with dozens of your favorite shoes? Now, imagine that, but in the form of a museum. The Bata Shoe Museum is not only an iconic destination for those with a penchant for footwear, but a must-see for history buffs as well. Their collection of over 13,000 pieces of footwear runs the gamut from modern day styles to pieces from over 4,000 years ago. The style, fabric, structure, and function of each pair tells a story about who wore them and what life was like during that era.

Hockey Hall of Fame

If there’s one common thread in all of Canada, it’s the love of hockey, and the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto exemplifies just how important the sport is to local history. Here, you can view the original Stanley Cup up close and in person, as well as some other really cool artifacts from the earliest days of the sport. They also have interactive exhibits, such as Slapshot Trivia, where fans are put to the test on just how much they know about hockey and its players. Whether you’re a sports fan or not, it’s sure to be a fun trip.