List of Major Museums in Canada: Top 10 List

List of Major Museums in Canada: The Royal Ontario Museum is the largest and most visited museum of the Dominion of Canada. The country has a total of 2700 museums including the cultural heritage and so many science centres. They represent one of the select industries and almost every electoral district has at least one museum.

It spans both rural and urban areas and helps to boost the economy at local, provincial, and national levels. The Musée de l’Amérique francophone is the oldest museum of Canada. Check the list of major Museums in Canada below.

List of Major Museums in Canada

The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s largest museum. It showcase the various cultures from around the world and natural history of the country. It is located in downtown Toronto. Meanwhile, the Musée de l’Amérique francophone holds the title of Canada’s oldest museum.

Originally named as the Musée du Séminaire. It was renamed the Musée de l’Amérique française in 1993, and then to the Musée de l’Amérique francophone in 2013. Around 8 million people visited the museums of Canada in 2023.

Below is the list of top 10 Major Museums in Canada as mentioned below.

List of Major Museums in Canada
Museum Name	Location	Collections
Dawson City Museum	Dawson City, Yukon	Yukon Gold Rush artifacts, First Nations artifacts
Royal BC Museum	Victoria, BC	Natural history, First Nations artifacts, Modern history
The Museum of Anthropology	Vancouver, BC	Indigenous art, Cultural artifacts, Archaeological objects
Royal Tyrrell Museum	Drumheller, Alberta	Dinosaur fossils, Prehistoric life exhibits
The Manitoba Museum	Winnipeg, Manitoba	Manitoba’s natural and cultural history, Hudson’s Bay Company artifacts
Canadian Museum for Human Rights	Winnipeg, Manitoba	Exhibits on human rights issues and movements
Royal Saskatchewan Museum	Regina, Saskatchewan	Indigenous artifacts, Natural history exhibits
Royal Ontario Museum	Toronto, Ontario	Art, World cultures, Natural history, Archaeology
The Art Gallery of Ontario	Toronto, Ontario	Canadian art, European masterpieces, Contemporary art
Canadian War Museum	Ottawa, Ontario	Military history, War artifacts, Memorabilia

1. Dawson City Museum – Dawson City, Yukon

The Dawson City Museum tells the story of the big gold rush. It was a major event in the late 1800s that shaped the town’s history.

• The museum showcase the different cultures that were part of Dawson City’s development, including Indigenous peoples, settlers, and people who moved from other places.
• The museum is in old buildings, like the Carnegie Library, showing what life was like during the gold rush time.
• The museum works to keep old things safe, like artifacts and buildings from Dawson City’s past, so future people can see them.
• Visitors can do fun things and take guided tours to learn about mining, daily life, and Indigenous history.
• The museum involves the local community through events and working with others, making people feel connected to Dawson City’s past.

2. Royal BC Museum – Victoria, BC

The Royal BC Museum, located in Victoria, British Columbia, was started in 1886 and is the main museum and archives for the province. Its main job is to study, keep safe, and show off the natural and human history of British Columbia.

• The museum has over 7 million things like objects, papers, pictures, and nature samples.
• It covers lots of different topics like the cultures of the First Nations, BC’s nature, its history, and things going on today.
• The museum has shows that are always there, where you can learn all about BC’s past and what is happening now.
• Visitors can see things like how indigenous people lived, how BC’s land was made, how people started living here, and how industries like logging and mining got going.
• Besides the regular stuff, the Royal BC Museum also puts on other shows that change over time. These shows look at different parts of BC’s culture, history, and environment.
• They have tours, programs for schools, workshops, and activities to help people of all ages understand and enjoy BC’s history, culture, and nature.
• Apart from showing things to the public, the Royal BC Museum also does research and works to protect stuff.
• Their team studies things, talks with indigenous groups, and helps keep BC’s history and nature safe for the future.

3. The Museum of Anthropology – Vancouver, BC

• The Museum of Anthropology in Victoria, BC, has lots of old things from Indigenous peoples.
• The museum’s building is really cool and was designed by a famous Canadian architect.
• Visitors can see tall wooden poles with pictures on them called totem poles.
• There are also other neat things like masks, carvings, and jewelry made by Indigenous people.
• The museum teaches people about Indigenous cultures through fun activities and talks.
• It also has stuff from different countries to learn about how other people live.

4. Royal Tyrrell Museum – Drumheller, Alberta

The Royal Tyrrell Museum is found in the middle of the Alberta Badlands in Drumheller, Alberta, Canada.

• It is one of the top places in the world for studying dinosaurs, ancient life, and the rock history of Alberta.
• The museum has more than 130,000 fossils, including lots of complete dinosaur skeletons, which makes it one of the biggest collections of dinosaur fossils globally.
• People visiting can see many displays with dinosaur fossils, fun things you can touch, and big models that look like real ancient places.
• Apart from being a museum, the Royal Tyrrell Museum also does lots of science research. They study dinosaurs, rocks, and other related things.
• The museum teaches kids and adults through school programs and activities like tours, workshops, and events to help everyone understand and enjoy the history of our planet.

5. The Manitoba Museum – Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Manitoba Museum, in Winnipeg, is the largest museum in Manitoba. It has over 2.6 million things like old items, animals, and papers. It was established in 1965, it covers a wide range of subjects, including Manitoba’s natural and human history, science, and culture.

• The museum has many areas to explore, each showing different things about Manitoba’s past and nature.
• There is a special place in the museum where you can learn about space and cool science stuff.
• The museum has classes and fun activities for people of all ages to learn new things.
• The museum brings people together by organizing events and talks to share and understand Manitoba’s history and nature better.

6. Canadian Museum for Human Rights – Winnipeg, Manitoba

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) is located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It stands as a prominent landmark at The Forks, a historic meeting place at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers.

• The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, designed by Antoine Predock, is an impressive masterpiece.
• It includes symbolic elements like the Tower of Hope, representing the ongoing struggle for human rights.
• The CMHR is Canada’s first national museum solely focused on human rights.
• It aims to explore this topic through exhibits, installations, and programs, encouraging reflection and discussion on past and present human rights issues.
• Visitors to the museum can enjoy interactive displays covering various human rights topics. These include indigenous rights, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the global fight against discrimination and oppression.
• CMHR prioritizes accessibility for all visitors. It ensures easy access throughout the museum and provides resources and help for people with disabilities, creating an inclusive environment for everyone.
• Since opening in 2014, CMHR has received widespread praise nationally and internationally.
• It has been honored with numerous awards for its design, engaging exhibits, and efforts to promote awareness and education about human rights.

7. Royal Saskatchewan Museum – Regina, Saskatchewan

The Royal Saskatchewan Museum (RSM) is the oldest museum in Saskatchewan, Canada, established in 1906.

• It has a huge collection of over 2 million objects like fossils, minerals, artifacts, and artworks, telling the story of the province’s natural and cultural history.
• The museum is famous for its dinosaur fossils, including “Scotty,” one of the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimens ever found.
• It honors and preserves the heritage of Saskatchewan’s Indigenous peoples, showcasing their cultures, traditions, and contributions to the province.
• Visitors of all ages can enjoy interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, learning about Saskatchewan’s past and present.
• Besides being a museum, the RSM also conducts scientific research and educational programs in collaboration with universities and community groups.

8. Royal Ontario Museum – Toronto, Ontario

The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is located in Toronto, Canada. It was established in 1914. Its distinctive architecture combines historic and modern elements, featuring a combination of the original building, designed by architects Frank Darling and John.

• It houses over six million objects from various fields like natural history, world cultures, and art.
• The museum is famous for its dinosaur exhibits, showcasing complete skeletons and fossils.
• Visitors can explore diverse cultures through the ROM’s galleries, representing civilizations worldwide.
• Research and education are central to the museum’s mission, with specialized labs and educational programs available.
• The ROM regularly hosts community events and exhibitions to engage with the public and foster learning.

9. The Art Gallery of Ontario – Toronto, Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is located in Toronto, Canada. It was established in 1900 and it has evolved into one of the largest art museums in North America. It housing over 90,000 works spanning from the 1st century to the present day.

• Famous architect Frank Gehry redesigned the AGO in 2008, giving it a unique glass and titanium exterior.
• The AGO has a big collection featuring works by Canadian artists like the Group of Seven and Emily Carr, as well as international artists such as Rembrandt and Picasso.
• The museum hosts various temporary exhibitions showcasing art from around the world, along with educational programs and special events.
• The AGO is dedicated to inclusivity, offering free admission for visitors under 25 and community outreach programs.
• Visitors to the AGO can enjoy large galleries, interactive displays, and scenic views of Toronto.
• Amenities at the AGO include dining options, a gift shop, and spaces available for private events.

10. Canadian War Museum – Ottawa, Ontario

The Canadian War Museum is situated in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It is located near the banks of the Ottawa River. The museum was established in 1880 and it initially began as the Museum of the Canadian War Memorials, which evolved into the current institution.

• The museum has a lot of stuff, including uniforms, vehicles, weapons, art, and personal items, showing Canada’s military history.
• Important items like tanks, artillery, and aircraft give a good look at Canada’s role in global conflicts.
• Designed by Raymond Moriyama, the museum’s building mixes modern design with elements from a military bunker.
• Its layout and materials bring to mind themes of conflict and remembering, making it a good background for the exhibits.
• Visitors can play with interactive exhibits, like virtual reality games and hands-on displays, bringing history to life.
• These experiences help people understand Canada’s military history and the people who served.
• The museum offers different learning programs for all ages, like tours, workshops, talks, and activities.
• These programs aim to help people understand and appreciate Canada’s military history and its impact on society.
• The main goal of the museum is to remember and honor. Through exhibits, events, and working with veteran groups, it honors the sacrifices of Canadian soldiers and civilians, keeping their stories alive for future generations.

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List of Major Museums in Canada – FAQs

How many museums are there in Canada?

There are 2,700 museums in Canada. They comprise one of the few sectors that have representation in every riding, every region, rural and urban, and are contributing to the local, provincial, and federal economy.

Which is the oldest museum in Canada?

The Musée de l’Amérique francophone is the oldest museum in Canada. It was established in 1806 by the Séminaire de Québec. It is originally known as the Musée du Séminaire, it changed its name to the Musée de l’Amérique française in 1993 and to the Musée de l’Amérique francophone in 2013.

Which is the biggest museum in Canada?

The Royal Ontario Museum is the biggest museum in Canada. It is located right in downtown Toronto. The museum houses exhibits that run the gamut from dinosaurs to ancient Egypt to Canada’s First Nations.