Fascinating Tales and Local Legends: Museums Paint Pictures of the Past
Visiting museums in Ontario’s cottage country offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the community’s rich history, cultures and artistic heritage. It’s also a time to chat with staff for a more intimate knowledge of the region’s peoples and places.
Whether you’re exploring a historic a hall of fame, a road-side museum or a specialized collection dedicated to local industry or natural history, you’ll leave with a newfound appreciation for the eclectic tapestry of stories that exist in this part of Ontario. So hit the road and explore some of these amazing gems!
Algonquin Park
Algonquin Logging Museum Brings to life the story of logging from the early square timber days to modern forestry management. On the easy-to-walk 1.5 km trail, a recreated camboose camp and a steam-powered amphibious tug called an “alligator” are among the many displays.
Algonquin Visitor Centre Opened in 1993 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Algonquin Provincial Park the visitor centre has world-class exhibits on the Park’s natural and human history
Tom Thomson Cairn The famous painter’s memorial cairn and totem pole is near Hayhurst Point overlooking Canoe Lake in the park. Group of seven member J. E. H. MacDonald designed the bronze plate
Almaguin Highlands
Burk’s Falls Museums Dedicated to preserving the deep-rooted heritage of the Burk’s Falls area while offering an informative, educational and interactive learning environment. Visitors are invited to attend both the Watt Century Farmhouse Heritage Centre and the Wiseman’s Corner Schoolhouse Heritage Centre as each location provides a glimpse into the past
Magnetawan Heritage Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts celebrating the area’s rich logging and farming heritage. Dive into the past and explore diverse exhibits, including the restored plant and turbine that powered the village’s first electricity, various local historical artifacts, and a beautifully preserved 1930’s style log cabin
Loring Restoule
Commanda General Store Museum is dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Victorian era in rural, northern Ontario. Exhibits showcase the cultural, social, and economic aspects of the 19th century, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a bygone era in the smokey hills of Commanda
Muskoka
Bala’s Museum – With Memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery While more famous for her Anne of Green Gables books, Montgomery spent time in Muskoka writing her novel The Blue Castle. This former schoolhouse is dedicated to all things Montgomery with local history thrown in.
Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site Gravenhurst Discover about the life and times of Dr. Norman Bethune, one of Canada’s most famous sons, a battlefront surgeon, medical pioneer, advocate for Canada’s universal health care, and Chinese cultural icon
Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame Bracebridge is packed with a rotating display of race boats and memorabilia that tell the story of Canada’s success, past and present, in national and international boat racing.
Dorset Heritage Museum Features exhibits of early pioneer life, local settlers, traditional logging practices and historic information of the pioneer settlement of the Dorset area
Grace and Speed In-water Boat Museum at the Muskoka Discovery Centre Gravenhurst proudly showcases North America’s largest in-water collection of classic antique wooden boats, offering a rare and immersive glimpse into the golden age of boating craftsmanship
Group of Seven Outdoor Gallery is a year-round, free, public art exhibition, featuring 103 recreations of art masterpieces, by Canada’s renowned Group of Seven artists and Tom Thomson. The Main Gallery is in downtown Huntsville and features 38 murals on the exterior walls of businesses and stores. There are also satellite galleries in Dwight, Dorset, Baysville, Oxtongue Lake, and Algonquin Provincial Park.
Huntsville and Area Historical Society Download a free heritage walking tour and share in the culture of the area
Misko Aki: Confluence of Cultures at the Muskoka Discovery Centre Gravenhurst This award-winning exhibition is a journey across the vast Muskoka landscape, with stopovers at special places to view the land through Indigenous eyes. It is a journey though time so you can see the changes to the landscape and learn how Indigenous peoples continue to be present in this special place called Misko-Aki, the Red Earth.
Muskoka Lakes Museum Port Carling Set on an island between the locks, the museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits that provide a colourful glimpse into the way things were. Explore the Indigenous gallery and exhibits on local resort, steamship and boat building history. Visit an original pioneer log cabin and watch history come alive.
The Tree Museum Gravenhurst A self guided walk through waterfront and forest surrounded by unique pieces of art entwined with nature. The projects explore concepts of identity, memory and territory in respect to nature and natural processes, while underscoring the imbalance that characterizes our current relationship to the environment.
Parry Sound
Bobby Orr Hall of Fame Parry Sound Located alongside the Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts, it has a collection of past and present sports information for our regions sporting legend. Whether it’s the trophy room, coaches corner, or hometown zone, visitors will find something of interest to read and learn about
French River Provincial Park Visitor Centre A recipient of the Governor-General’s Architectural Award for public buildings in 2010, it is located at the junction of the French River and Highway 69. Exhibits showcase the rich history of First Nations, French and English cultures that have lived, worked and travelled local waters over the centuries, as well as the river’s plants, wildlife and unique landscapes
Humphrey Museum was built out of hand hewn logs in the early 1870s. Originally a Church, the building later became a rural one-room school where many received their early education. It portrays the life and times of yesteryear while paying tribute to the pioneer families who settled in the area
West Parry Sound District Museum – The Museum on Tower Hill is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, art, and culture of the Parry Sound District. Dynamic exhibits and programs, community involvement, and the exploration of the natural environment enriches the community. The museum also hosts a number of unique events throughout the year