Barrie Area Museums
Base Borden Military Museum
8 Waterloo Road East
Canadian Forces Base.
Borden, ON L0M 1C0
From #400, take Highway 89 west about 15 km to base entrance, turn left on Dieppe Road and follow the signs.
(705) 423-3531. Fax: (705) 423-3623
CFB Borden was opened in 1916 to train troops for the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the Great War. In early 1917, the base was the first flying station for the Royal Flying Corps Canada, to becoe the birthplace of Canadian military aviation. In 1938, when the Canadian Tank School came to the base, and during the Second World War, Borden was the most important training base in Canada, a role it has continued for the past 60 years. The museums at CFB Borden reflects Borden’s aviation and armour traditions Admission by donation
Simcoe County Museum
1151 Highway 26, Minesing, Ontario
(From Barrie, follow Bayfield Street North and exit at Highway 26. Look for Museum on south side of highway)
705-728-3721
The Simcoe County Museum portrays and promotes the history of people in Simcoe County by the collection, preservation, interpretation and display of natural, documentary, man-made and built heritage artifacts. The Simcoe County Museum is open year round, seven days a week. Hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is Adults $4.00, Seniors/Students $3.50, Children $2.50, Preschoolers free.
Orillia Musems
OPP Headquarters, Shop & Museum
777 Memorial Avenue
Orillia, Ontario, L3V 7V3
(705) 329-6889 Fax (705) 329-6618
Orillia is proud to be the home of the Ontario Provincial Police Headquarters. The Lincoln Alexander Building also has a unique museum, gift shop and Steakout Cafeteria which are open to the general public. Explore the OPP’s fascinating heritage through engaging displays of specialized law enforcement equipment, uniforms past and present, insignia, investigative techniques, vintage vehicles, police photographs and more! Enjoy the interactive children’s area, check out the educational CD-ROMs or try on a uniform in the “dress-up” area. Free Admission Open Year-Round Open Monday to Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm
Orillia Museum of Art & History
30 Peter Street S.
(705) 326-2159 fax : (705)-326-7828
Mailing: 11 Peter St. S., Orillia, ON, L3V 5A8
Located in the Sir Samuel Steele Memorial Building the Orillia Museum of Art and History and open to the public seven days a week. The museum has art exhibits through out the year, including a collection of work by the Group of Seven. Regular scheduled art classes, a gallery shop and a range of programmes and events.
Stephen Leacock Museum
50 Museum Dr., Box 625,
Orillia, ON, L3V 6K5
(705) 329-1908 FAX : (705)-326-5578
Discover a charming place on 9.5 acres of Lake Couchiching shoreline was once the summer home of Orillia’s most famous humourist, Stephen Leacock. This national historic site hosts the original waterfront home & grounds of the famous writer. Explore the gardens and trails, waterfront café and unique gift shop. Play in our Children’s Discovery Place. Open 10AM – 5 PM, daily June-August, and weekdays in May and September. Admission.
Pentanguishene – Midland Area Museums (Georgian Bay)
Penetanguishene Centennial Museum and Archives
13 Burke Street
Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1C1
(705) 549-2150 fax: 705-549-7542
The Penetanguishene Centennial Museum, was built in 1875 by Carl Beck to be a general company store for workers in Beck’s nearby sawmills. The rectangular two storey building still stands on its original site, and now houses an extensive collection of early industrial & pioneer materials, artifacts and historical records that document the development of Penetanguishene. The location in a restored general store in its original site makes this museum unique in Ontario, and it has become a vibrant, year round hub of activity. Open year round Monday to Saturday from 9:00 – 4:30, and Sunday 12:00 – 4:30 pm. Admission Adults $4.50, Seniors $4.00, Students $3.50, Preschoolers Free. Froups of 10 or more save $1 per person.
Huronia Museum & Huron-Ouendat Village
P.O. Box 638
Midland, ON L4R 4P4
(705) 526-2844
The recreated Huron Village represents one of hundreds of similar villages that occupied Huronia for over two thousand years. These villages would have supported 30 to 300 families and consisted of palisades, longhouses, wigwams, sweat lodges, drying racks and fire pits. Huronia Museum houses a variety of displays, which illustrate the human history and culture of one of Ontario’s most historic areas. Unique exhibits, which portray the many ideas, images and objects from the people of Huronia. Open mid-October to end of March 31st weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and April 1st – October 16th Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The Museum and Village are closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day and Good Friday. Admission: Adults $6, Seniors $5,50, Youth (to 17 years) $4.50, children under 6 are free.
Martyr’s Shrine
Hwy 12, Midland (across from Wye Marsh, just east of Midland)
(705) 526-3788
The twin-spired Shrine Church and 75 pleasantly landscaped acres honour the eight Jesuit saints who lived, worked and died here over 350 years ago. Learn about the Jesuit missionaries, Jean de Brébeuf, Gabriel Lalemant, and their companions who were responsible for bringing Christianity to Canada’s First Nations peoples. A place of pilgrimage and a ministry of prayer Features include Shrine Church, St. Ignatius Prayer Room, Papal Visit Monument, Little Flower Island, Irish Peace Garden, First Nations Park, picnic area and much more. The Shrine church and facilities are wheelchair accessible. Open from mid May to Thanksgiving weekend in October. Admission $3.00 per person (10 and over), $35.00 -Family Season Pass (A family of four), $50.00 – Bus Day Pass (with passengers)> Special student pricing $6.includes the “Walk Where They Walked” half day educational program.
Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons
Hwy 12 East, Midland
(705) 526-7838, Web:
Explore Canada’s national treasure and Ontario’s first European community. Experience the re-enactment & dramatic story of the 17th century French Jesuit mission to the Huron nation. Features an introductory audio-visual show, award winning interpretive museum, on-site restaurant and museum gift shop. Special summer presentations include 17th century fire starting, locked waterway demonstrations, and native storytelling with costumed guides. Open Victoria Day to Thanksgiving. Open weekdays May 1 to October 30 , and daily from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving weekends (prime season) 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (with last admission 4:45 p.m.) Admission (GST included) are: Self-Guided Shoulder Season Admission: Adults: $ 10.00, seniors $ 10.00, youth (6-12): $ 9.00, students $ 9.00, children 5 yrs. & under free. Prime Season (Victoria Day to Labour Day) Admission Adults: $12.00 , Seniors $10.50, youths (6-12): $ 9.00 , students $ 10.50, children 5 yrs. & under: free. Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Interac.
Collingwood Museum (formerly the Huron Innstitute)
Memorial Park, 45 St. Paul Street
Box 556, Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 4B2
(705) 445-4811 Fax: (705) 445-9004
The award winning Collingwood Museum explores the history of Collingwood, reviewing 150 years of marine heritage. Ship Side launch every 15 Minutes. Exhibits, Special Events, Education Programmes, Museum Store, Archives and Research Facilities. Changing exhibits throughout the year.
Flying Aviation Museum
Collingwood Municipal Airport
1997 Concession 6N, Stayner, ON L0M 1S0
705-445-7545
Aviation Museum at this fly-in airport has static air displays open to the public. Workshop operates Thursdays all year round, and the Museum is open July & August, Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am til 4 pm. No Charge. Run by the Collingwood Classic Aircraft Foundation.
Nancy Island
11-22nd Street North, Wasaga Beach, Ontario L9Z 2V9
705.429.2728 (Nancy Island) or 705.429.2516 (Office)
Fax: 705.429.7983
The Nancy was a private cargo Schooner which sailed on the Upper Great Lakes. During the war of 1812, the Nancy was pressed into service as a British supply ship and was sunk by American Forces in the Nottawasaga River. The sunken hull of the Nancy obstructed the river to form a silt island, and the hull was rediscovered in 1911 and recovered in 1928. The remains of the hull now rest in a museum on the island to mark the site of the Nancy’s demise and to commemorate her gallant defense. The Nancy Museum commemorate this episode in the war of 1812. Late May to mid June: weekends 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.; weekdays for group reservations only; Mid-June to Labour Day: open daily 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Labour Day to Thanksgiving: weekends 11 a.m.- 5 p.m. & weekdays for group reservations only. Operating dates and hours are subject to change.
Nottawasaga Lighthouse
The lighthouse went into service in 1858, one of the six so-called “Imperial Towers” around the Georgian Bay. The Imperial Towers are double-walled, and there is a “dead” air space between the outer and inner walls. The cracking you see is only in the outer wall, and the tower’s white dolomite limestone exterior was recently stabilized. . The lighthouse is 94 feet tall and protected Georgian Bay shipping for 124 years before it was decommissioned in 2003, but the solar-powered light continued to shine on its own.
Sheffield Black Cultural Museum
Highway 26, approximately 2 miles west of Collingwood
P.O. Box 265. Long Point Road
Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 3Z5
Tel: (705) 445-0201
Many Model ship, photographs, and artifacts are on display about early families who lived in the Collingwood Area. Two large boulders are insrbied, one is with the names of early Black Pioneer families and descendents, and the other is inscribed with the names of the men and women who sailed the Great Lakes to broaden the development of Collingwood. Guided tours available. Open May to October. (After Oct. by appointment). Hours Tues.- Sun. 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. Museum by donation.
Bruce Peninsula Area Museums
Billy Bishop Heritage Museum
948 3rd Ave. West,
Owen Sound, ON, N4K 4P6
(519) 371-0031 Fax: (519) 371-5310
The boyhood home of First and Second World War flying ace William Avery Bishop, BC, CB DSO. A well-preserved example of the Queen Anne Revival style, the house has an eclectic mix of architectural styles, featuring asymmetrical proportions, a variety of window shapes and decorative millwork. The Billy Bishop Museum is the childhood home of the World War I flying ace and recounts early aerial warfare inclduing accounts of some of Bishop’s daring battles with the Red Baron and others Memorabilia from peace time and both World Wars are displayed in the exquisitely furnished Victorian home, including pictures of planes, battles, flying suits and a model of the Avro Arrow. Special exhibits throughout the year include a memorable Victorian Christmas. A gift shop has books, cards, model kits, prints and much more. School tours and group discounts can be arranged. Open September to June: Tuesday to Sunday, 12 noon to 4 pm; July & August daily, 10 am to 4 pm. Closed the month of January and closed on weekends in February. Other times by appointment. Admission Fee
The Escaporium
Carney’s Lane, 946 3rd Ave East
Owen Sound Ontario Canada
519 376-4172
The world’s first and only museum of escape artists and escapology.
Owen Sound Marine & Rail Museum
1155 1st Avenue West
Owen Sound, ON N4K 4K8
(519) 371-3333
Located in the historic 1932 CN Rail station on the City’s west harbour wall, the museum preserves the history of marine and rail transport, and Owen Sound’s role in the opening of Western Canada via the Upper Great Lakes. The museum has CNR & CPR rail memorabilia, including a caboose, plus artifacts and photos. Other exhibits include exquisite ship models by skilled artisans, one of two tugs that appeared on the Canadian one-dollar bill, birch bark and dug-out canoes, and shipbuilding industry displays. The building is wheelchair accessible and has free parking beside the beautifully landscaped walkway along the harbour. The gift shop offers a variety of museum memorabilia to remember your visit. School tours and group rates can be arranged. Open June to Thanksgiving – Daily 10 am to 4 pm , and Thanksgiving to May Long Weekend: Tuesday to Friday: 10 am to 4 pm; Weekends: 11 am to 3 pm. Admission Fee
Tom Thomson Memorial Art Gallery
840 1st Ave. West
(519) 376-1932
The Art Gallery houses the world’s third largest collection of Tom Thomson works and is the only gallery designated as a Thomson memorial. Thomson, who grew up in Leith, just north of Owen Sound, and his colleagues in the Group of Seven had a distinctive approach to portraying early 20 th century Canadian landscape. Visit the gallery and celebrate the legacy of Thomson, who grew up in Owen Sound. Open July and August: Monday – Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm; Wednesday, 10 am to 9 pm; Sunday, 12 noon to 5 pm and September to June: Tuesday – Friday, 11 am to 5 pm; Wednesday, 11 am to 9 pm; Saturday/Sunday, 12 noon to 5 pm. Admission by donation.
Bruce County Museum
33 Victoria St N, Southampton, ON N0H 2L0
(519)797-2080
Bruce County Museum is rich with heritage. From marine history to pioneer settlers, first nations, military and archival information the museum is a must stop on your travels. The Museum has a wide range of events and cultural activities including exhibits, films, meetings, art shows, musical events and business gatherings.
Cabot Head Lighthouse
Turn east off Highway 6 on the Dyers Bay Road. through community of Dyer’s Bay and along the shore road to Cabot Head
519-795-7780.
Friends of Cabot Head
Box 233 Lions Head, ON, N0H 1W0
This century-old lighthouse sits on the eastern edge of the Bruce Peninsula with breathtaking, panoramic view of white limestone cliffs and blue-green Georgian Bay water. From the tower, you can see Flowerpot Island, Lonely Island, Bear’s Rump Island and Cape Croker.
The Lindsay Township Heritage Room is furnished with artifacts from the mid-to- late 1800’s. The Marine Room features nautical history from the first commercial fishing to trade and shipwrecks and the Environmental Room to learn about the area’s geological features and fauna. Take a Historical Self-Guided Walking Tour utilizes a site map brochure and strategically placed interpretive historical plaques throughout the light station site.The lighthouse is open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week from Victoria Day weekend to Thanksgiving. Admission by donation.
Muskoka Museums
Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site
235 John Street North
Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P 1G4
(705) 687-4261, Fax: (705) 687-4935
Bethune Memorial House National Historic Site of Canada commemorates the life and achievements of Dr. Henry Norman Bethune who was a battlefront surgeon, activist, humanitarian, inventor, teacher and artist. An international hero, Dr. Bethune is most famous for the last two years of his life, which were spent in China, serving as a surgeon and teacher. Generations after his death, his name is still warmly remembered by millions of students in China. Open daily June 1 to September 7 from 10 am to 4 pm; and September 8 to October 31 Saturday to Wednesday. November to May by appointment.
Muskoka Heritage Place
88 Brunel Rd.
Huntsville, ON P1H 1R1
(705) 789-7576
Steam Train & Pioneer Village, historic site with authentic activities for the entire family. Visitors to Muskoka Heritage Place enter through a turn-of-the-20th-century Muskoka museum to a 90 acre outdoor site encompassing Cann Lake and nature trails. Life in the late 1800s is historically recreated with genuine Huntsville area settlement dwellings with Costumed narrators to demonstrate pioneer life. Village is open daily Victoria Day wekend to Thanksgiving Day weekend in October. The train runs Tuesdays through Saturdays in July and August, subject to availability.Museum & Steam Train have separate admission.
Muskoka Rails Museum
53 Covered Bridge Trail
Bracebridge, ON P1L 1Y2
(705) 646-9711
Since the late 1800’s trains have played an important role in the communities of Muskoka. The first railroad appeared in 1875, built to a terminus in Gravenhurst and then extended northward in 1885 to Bracebridge and Huntsville. The Muskoka Rails Museum operates a replica of the original Bracebridge railway station. The building will house a museum and various commercial activities. (NOT YET open)
Woodchester Villa
15 King Street, Bracebridge , ON P1L 1H4
(705) 645-5264
This octagonal house was built in 1882 by logging pioneer Henry J. Bird stands on a sloping lot, with the west or main entrance close to the grade at the front , and the lower basement kitchen entrance level with the grade at the rear, lower down the slope. Four of its sides are 16 feet wide and the other intermediate four walls being 14 feet wide, probably to cut down the size of the inevitable triangular rooms. The basement walls are of squared random-width fieldstone, as were the original walls above, though ground settling necessitated subsequently repairs and stucco. The walls are 16 inches thick on average. Today, as a house museum, Woodchester Villa is furnished in the style of the year 1914. open to the public from Canada Day (July 1) until Labour Day (first weekend in September). Hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission.
Muskoka Heritage Place
88 Brunel Road
(1 km from historic downtown Huntsville)
Huntsville, Ontario, P1H 1R1
(705) 789-7576 Fax: (705) 789-6169
Muskoka Heritage Place is the home of Muskoka Pioneer Village and the Huntsville & Lake of Bays Railway. Visit a turn-of-the-20th-century Muskoka museum incorporating a 90 acre outdoor site including Cann Lake and nature trails. Experience life in the late 1800s in genuine Huntsville area settlement dwellings and costumed narrators. Features include a genuine pioneer village, a working 1902 Steam Train (The Portage Flyer), a First Nation’s exhibit, 2 museums, authentic demonstrations, farm animals and gardens, nature walk and trails. Muskoka Heritage Place is the proud home of the beautifully restored Portage Flyer steam train along the Muskoka River to Fairy Lake. Open Victoria Day weekend until Thanksgiving Day weekend. Village is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The train runs Tuesdays through Saturdays in July and August, subject to availability. Allow 2 hours minimum. Admission: Adult Museum $2, Child aged 3 to 12 Museum $1; Adult Village $10, Child aged 3 to 12 Village $7; Adult Train $5m Child aged 3 to 12 Train $3; Children under 3 FREE
Muskoka Lakes Museum
CR118 in Island Park, Port Carling
Mailing: Box 432, Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0
705-765-5367 Fax: 705-765-7682
Located in the centre of the village of Port Carling, adjacent to both the large and small locks. The Muskoka Lakes Museum portrays the history of the Muskoka Lakes, and serves as a cultural, historical and educational resource by providing permanent and seasonal programs, adult workshops and lectures and special events. The Log Cabins roof has been recently repaired. Island Park, by a footbridge, has picnic tables and washroom facilities. Parking at the Community Centre, on village streets or behind the library. Hours vary seasonally. Admission is by donation.
Bala Museum
Box 14, Bala, ON, P0C 1A0
(about 15 km SW of Port Carling, on #169)
Phone/Fax 705-762-5876 or 1-888-579-7739
Bala’s Museum with memories of Lucy Maud Montgomery, restored to its 1922 glory, when she vacationed at this location. One of her books, “the Blue Castle” is based on her vacation experiences.. Handwritten excerpts and photos from LMM’s Bala diary. The silver tea service given to LMM as a wedding present in 1911 is on display. See the boat that sank under actress Megan Follows in the TV movie “Anne of Green Gables”. One of the best Anne of Green Gables gift shops in Canada is here in Muskoka! Allow 30 minutes. Admission: $3.50 a person or $10 a family (limit of four)
Summer Hours: Thursday – Monday 1 pm – 4 pm, Closed: Tuesday, Wednesday; Fall and Spring hours: Saturday-Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm Call to arrange special tours on fall/spring week days.
Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts
Two Bay Street
Parry Sound, ON, P2A 1S3
705.746.4466 toll free: 877.746.4466
The accomplishments of Parry Sound’s favourite son are chronicled and celebrated in the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame, which is housed in the Charles W. Stockey Centre for the Performing Arts. Bobby began playing hockey in Parry Sound, rose to hockey superstardom. See the stick and puck he used to score the Stanley Cup-winning goal of 1970, his original locker from the Boston Gardens, two of his Stanley Cup rings and much more. Also make time to see exhibits on recent Bobby Orr Hall of Fame inductees, the souvenir shop, and skill-testing games. Open 7 days a week, 10 am to 6 pm
Seguin Township Museum, (formerly Humphrey Township Museum)
Highway 141, just opposite Clear Lake Road
2 Bay Street, Parry Sound, ON P2A 1S3
The Museum is a log building constructed in the early 1870s. At that time it served the community as a Methodist Church and later as a school. The Museum features artifacts from the late 1800s, primarily found in the Humphrey Township.The museum also hosts the popular Home of Festival of the Sound Open daily from July 1st weekend to September (Labour Day). Admission is free, however, all donations are gratefully accepted.
West Parry Sound District Museum & Observation Tower
17 George Street, running off of Great North Road
Box 337 Parry Sound P2A 2X4
Tel: (705) 746-5365 1-888-624-9005 Fax: (705) 746-8775
Located at the base of Parry Sound’s 96-foot observation tower with 131 steps to reach the top, overlooks Georgian Bay. Themes of some permanent exhibits include trapping, shipping, First Nations, logging, agriculture and cottaging. New exhibits are brought in to their two temporary galleries every four to eight weeks, encompassing every thing from anthropology to science to fine arts. Open Thursdays to Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm and Sundays, 1 pm to 4 pm.