Photo: sciencenorth on Instagram

Ontario has some amazing museums for curious minds looking to explore the past and the present. These museums feature magnificent art, ancient artifacts, and interactive exhibits for people of all ages to expand their knowledge and delve into history. Museums are a particularly great activity for rainy summer days, which we seem to have a lot of in Ontario. Sometimes you just need a change of scenery when you’ve been cooped up in the office or the kids need to burn off some steam and a museum is an educational way to do so. If you live in Ontario or are planning a trip in the near future, you’ll definitely want to visit at least one of the four museums listed below.

Canada Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa

The Canada Science and Technology Museum located in Ottawa on 1867 St. Laurent Boulevard is the largest of its kind. The museum, which is open throughout the week from 9 am – 5 pm provides visitors with a first-hand experience of science and technology. The museum aims to show people Canada’s technological transformation from the earliest days of exploration to today. Many of the exhibits feature communication technology, space technology, computers, and both land and water transportation vehicles. Admission costs range from $11-$17. However, for a few extra dollars visitors are granted access to The Art of the Brick by Nathan Sawaya. This exhibit features recreated famous art work such as Van Gogh’s Starry Night through the use of the most recognizable toy in the world, LEGO blocks.  

Bata Shoe Museum in Toronto

If you can relate to Carrie Bradshaw’s love for shoes, than this is the museum for you. In fact, the Sex in the City character’s favorite shoe brand currently has an exhibit on display until January 6, 2019 called Manolo Blahnik: The Art of Shoes. The exhibit, which is open to everyone visiting the museum, will allow visitors to see the 45-year evolution of the Spanish fashion house up close. The five-floor award winning structure designed by Raymond Mariyama houses over a thousand shoes ranging from Chinese bound footwear and ancient Egyptian sandals to bedazzled stilettos worn on the red carpet. For $14 you can see over 4,500 years of history at 327 Bloor Street West in Toronto.

Photo: batashoemuseum on Instagram

Canada’s Design Exchange

Canada’s Design Exchange Museum situated in downtown Toronto showcases Canada’s wealthy design heritage. The museum, which is open Wednesday – Sunday with varying hours, is located on 234 Bay Street. The permanent collection features designs from 1945 to current day which demonstrate beauty, innovation, and the historical relevance of Canadian design. Peggy Sue, the winner of the 2017 Emerging Designer Competition currently has her work on display. Stop by to see the exhibits for free or pop in on the last Friday of every month from 12 pm – 1 pm for a tour.

Science North in Sudbury

Sudbury is home to one of the largest science centres in Canada, Science North. The museum located at 100 Ramsey Lake Road features a butterfly gallery, digital planetarium, IMAX theatre, and many other exhibits including an escape room. Currently, Engineering Earth presents a mix of engineering and science for visitors to explore. The exhibit allows visitors to walk through time as they explore replicated mining tunnels throughout the years to see the evolution of mining. General admission tickets range from $18-$50, escape room tickets range from $22.50-25.00, and theatre tickets range from $5.40-$15.00.