Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in Canada:
1Britannia Mine Museum
Britannia beachThe Britannia Mine Museum, previously known as the British Columbia Museum of Mining, is a non-profit organization situated in Britannia Beach. This location is approximately 55 km north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and can be reached via the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway on Howe Sound. The museum is an important institution that preserves and presents information and artifacts related to British Columbia's rich mining history. 2Watson's Mill
OttawaWatson's Mill, located in Manotick, Ontario, Canada, is a unique attraction as it is the only working museum in the Ottawa area and one of the few operating industrial grist mills in North America. This historic flour and gristmill offers a rare glimpse into the past, showcasing the industrial processes of the past in a fully operational setting. 3Canadian Railway Museum
Saint-ConstantThe Canadian Railway Museum, which operates under the brand name Exporail, is a rail transport museum situated in Saint-Constant, Quebec, Canada. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in the history and evolution of rail transport in Canada. It offers a unique opportunity to explore Canada's rich railway history in a comprehensive and engaging manner. 4S.S. Klondike National Historic Site
WhitehorseThe SS Klondike refers to two sternwheelers, with the second one now serving as a National Historic Site in Whitehorse, Yukon. These sternwheelers were used to transport freight between Whitehorse and Dawson City along the Yukon River. The second SS Klondike, which is the one tourists can visit today, is an almost exact replica of the first one and was in operation from 1937 to 1950. 5Manitoba Electrical Museum & Education Centre
WinnipegThe Manitoba Electrical Museum and Education Centre, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a unique institution dedicated to preserving and showcasing the electrical history of the region. The museum offers a comprehensive look into the evolution of electricity in Manitoba, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history, science, and technology. 6Manitoba Museum
WinnipegThe Manitoba Museum, formerly known as the Museum of Man and Nature, is the largest museum in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was designed by Henry Herbert Gatenby in 1965 and is the largest heritage center in Manitoba and the world, focusing on human and natural heritage. 7Atlas Coal Mine National Historic Site
DrumhellerThe Atlas Coal Mine is recognized as Canada's most complete historic coal mine. It houses the country's last standing wooden coal tipple, which is also the largest still standing in North America. This wooden structure was used for loading and sorting coal, and now serves as a significant reminder of the country's rich mining history. 8Railway Coastal Museum
Saint John'sThe Railway Coastal Museum is a transport museum situated in the city of St. John's, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history of railway and coastal water transportation in the region. It is housed in the historic Newfoundland Railway terminal on Water Street, providing a unique and authentic setting for the exhibits. 9Moyie Sternwheeler-National Historic Site
KasloThe Moyie is recognized as a National Historic Site of Canada and holds the distinction of being the world's oldest intact passenger sternwheeler. This recognition underscores the vessel's historical significance and its contribution to Canada's maritime heritage. 10Gulf of Georgia Cannery
RichmondThe Gulf of Georgia Cannery is a National Historic Site of Canada, situated in the charming town of Steveston, British Columbia. This former fish cannery, built in 1894, now serves as a fishing museum, offering a unique glimpse into the region's rich maritime history. It was once the largest cannery in British Columbia, known as the 'Monster Cannery', and in 1897, over 2.5 million cans of salmon were manually packed here. 11Canadian Automotive Museum
OshawaThe Canadian Automotive Museum, situated in Oshawa, Ontario, is a unique destination for automobile enthusiasts. The museum showcases a wide array of Canadian-made cars, reflecting the rich automotive history of the country. It provides an opportunity for visitors to explore the evolution of the automobile industry in Canada, with a particular focus on the Canadian division of General Motors, a key player in Oshawa's economy. 12Farmers' Bank of Rustico and Doucet House Museum
South RusticoThe Farmers' Bank of Rustico, located in the village of Rustico, Prince Edward Island, was operational from 1864 to 1894. It is often recognized as the first community-based bank in Canada. This historical significance makes it an interesting site for those interested in the history of banking and community development in Canada. 13Winnipeg Railway Museum
WinnipegThe Winnipeg Railway Museum was situated within the Via Rail-operated Union Station in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. It was located on tracks 1 and 2, providing a unique setting for the museum. This location was not only convenient for visitors but also added to the authenticity of the museum experience. 14Lower Fort Garry National Historic Site
St. AndrewsLower Fort Garry is a significant historical site in Canada, serving as a trading post for the Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC). This site offers a glimpse into the country's past, particularly the fur trade era, and the role of the HBC in shaping Canada's history.- 15
Mackenzie Printery & Newspaper Museum
Niagara-on-the-LakeYou can learn a lot of interesting facts in this interactive museum. Find out about the history of newspapers and printing press. 16Morningstar Mill
ThoroldMorningstar Mill is a heritage site that spans 2.98 acres, located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. It's a place where history comes alive, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. The site is rich in historical significance and offers a unique experience for those interested in history and heritage. 17Saskatchewan Science Centre
ReginaThe Saskatchewan Science Centre, located in Regina, Saskatchewan, is an interactive science museum. It operates as a not-for-profit charitable organization, making it a unique institution in the region. Visitors can expect a variety of interactive exhibits that make learning about science fun and engaging. 18Sault Ste. Marie Canal National Historic Site
Sault Sainte MarieThe Sault Ste. Marie Canal is a National Historic Site located in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. It is part of the national park system and is managed by Parks Canada. This site is a significant part of Canadian history and offers visitors a chance to explore and learn about the country's past. 19Saskatchewan Railway Museum
SaskatoonThe Saskatchewan Railway Museum is situated to the west of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is conveniently located at the intersection of the Pike Lake Highway (Hwy 60) and the Canadian National Railway tracks, specifically on the "Hawker" siding. This strategic location makes it easily accessible for visitors. 20Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site
ClaybankThe Claybank Brick Plant National Historic Site, situated near Claybank, Saskatchewan at the base of the Dirt Hills in the RM of Elmsthorpe No. 100, functioned as a brick manufacturing plant from 1914 to 1989. This site offers a unique glimpse into the industrial history of Canada, showcasing the brick manufacturing process of the early to mid-20th century. 21Marine Museum of the Great Lakes
KingstonThe Marine Museum of the Great Lakes is a small yet significant museum that focuses on the marine history of the Great Lakes. It has been recognized as a national historic site of Canada since 1978, marking its importance in the country's cultural and historical landscape. The museum offers a unique insight into the maritime history of the region, making it an interesting destination for those interested in history, maritime affairs, or the Great Lakes themselves. 22Alberta Central Railway Museum
WetaskiwinThe Alberta Central Railway Museum is situated in a convenient location, south-east of the City of Wetaskiwin, in Central Alberta, Canada. This makes it easily accessible for tourists visiting the region. The museum offers a unique insight into the history and development of the railway system in Alberta. 23Alberta Railway Museum
EdmontonThe Alberta Railway Museum, located in the northern part of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, is a unique destination for railway enthusiasts. The museum houses an extensive collection of railway equipment and buildings, and features locomotives from both the Canadian National Railways (CNR) and Northern Alberta Railways (NAR). This provides a comprehensive insight into the history and development of railways in the region. 24Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario
Smiths FallsThe Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario, which was established in 1985, is housed in a former station of the Canadian Northern Railway. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the railway, including the station itself and a collection of historic rolling stock, equipment, and railway memorabilia. 25POMO Museum
Port MoodyThe PoMo Museum, previously known as the Port Moody Station Museum, is a significant cultural institution in Port Moody, British Columbia. It is managed by the Port Moody Heritage Society, an organization dedicated to promoting awareness and understanding of the region's rich heritage and history. The museum serves as a platform for visitors to explore the past and gain insights into the cultural evolution of Port Moody. 26Central BC Railway and Forestry Museum
Prince GeorgeThe Prince George Railway & Forestry Museum is situated in the city of Prince George, in the province of British Columbia, Canada. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of the railway and forestry industries in the region. 27Military Communications and Electronics Museum
KingstonThe Military Communications and Electronics Museum is situated in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, along Ontario Highway 2 at CFB Kingston. This location is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the history and development of military communications and electronics. 28Mclean Mill National Historic Site
Port AlberniThe McLean Mill National Historic Site is a steam-powered sawmill located near Port Alberni on Vancouver Island. It has been open to tourists since July 1, 2000. This historic site offers a unique opportunity to explore Canada's industrial heritage and learn about the country's logging industry. 29Wile Carding Mill
BridgewaterThe Wile Carding Mill, located in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, Canada, is a unique site that offers a glimpse into the past. Although it is no longer in regular operation, the mill is still functional. This provides an opportunity for visitors to see how a carding mill works, adding a hands-on, educational aspect to their visit. 30Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
LunenburgThe Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, located in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada, operates seasonally from mid-May through mid-October. This timing is crucial for tourists planning their visit to the museum. The seasonal operation ensures that visitors get the best experience, with all the museum's features and attractions fully operational. 31Science North
SudburyScience North, located in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, is an interactive science museum that offers a unique architectural experience. The museum complex consists of two snowflake-shaped buildings situated on the southwestern shore of Ramsey Lake. Additionally, a former ice hockey arena, which now serves as the complex's entrance and houses an IMAX theatre, is part of the museum. This combination of science and architecture provides a unique experience for visitors. 32New Brunswick Museum
Saint JohnThe New Brunswick Museum, situated in Saint John, New Brunswick, holds the distinction of being Canada's oldest continuing museum. This historical institution has been preserving and showcasing the country's rich heritage for many years, making it a significant cultural landmark. 33Reynolds-Alberta Museum
WetaskiwinThe Reynolds-Alberta Museum is situated in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique opportunity to explore the history of mechanization in Alberta from the 1890s to the present day. 34BC Forest Discovery Center
North CowichanThe BC Forest Discovery Centre, situated in Duncan, offers a comprehensive insight into the history of logging in British Columbia, Canada. This museum provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the evolution of the logging industry in the region, its impact on the local economy, and the various techniques and equipment used over the years. 35Edmonton Radial Railway Society
EdmontonThe Edmonton Radial Railway Society (ERRS) is a significant organization that restores and operates historic streetcars. These streetcars can be found in Fort Edmonton Park and across the High Level Bridge. This offers tourists a unique opportunity to experience a piece of Edmonton's history while enjoying a scenic ride across the city's landmarks. 36Northern Ontario Railroad Museum & Heritage Centre
SudburyThe Northern Ontario Railroad Museum and Heritage Centre, located in Capreol in Greater Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, is a rail transport museum. The museum's primary focus is on preserving historical artifacts that represent the heritage of Northern Ontario and the history of the lumber, mining, and railroading industries. This museum offers a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the rich history and heritage of Northern Ontario and its significant industries. 37Keno City Mining Museum
Keno CityThe Keno City Mining Museum is a historical institution situated in Keno City, Yukon, Canada. It offers a deep dive into the region's rich mining history, providing a unique perspective on the area's past.- 38
Moulin Fleming
MontrealThis windmill shows the way of life of Canadian ancestors. It has 5 stories and it is really worth seeing. 39McAdam Railway Station
McAdamThe McAdam Railway Station, located in McAdam, New Brunswick, Canada, holds significant historical value as it is recognized as a heritage station, a provincial historic site, and a national historic site. Built in 1901, it was one of the main stations in the province before its importance declined from the 1960s and was abandoned in 1994. Today, it serves as a museum, attracting history enthusiasts and tourists alike. 40Marine Museum of Manitoba
SelkirkThe Marine Museum of Manitoba, located in Selkirk, was founded in 1972 with the aim of collecting ships, artifacts, and objects related to navigation. The museum's mission is to narrate the history of the development and use of transport on Lake Winnipeg and the Red River. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to delve into the maritime history of the region. 41Oil Museum of Canada
Oil SpringsThe Oil Museum of Canada is a significant site in the history of the petroleum industry. Located in Oil Springs, Ontario, Canada, it stands on the very ground where the first commercial oil well on the continent was dug in 1858. This makes it a unique destination for those interested in the history and development of the oil industry.- 42
Fire Fighters Museum of Winnipeg
WinnipegThe exhibition sheds light on the historical ways of fighting with fire. Modern and informative. 43Lieu historique national de Coteau-du-Lac
Coteau-du-LacThe Coteau-du-Lac Canal is a significant historical site in Canada, dating back to the 18th century. It is situated at the confluence of the Delisle and Saint Lawrence Rivers in Quebec. As a military canal, it played a crucial role in the transportation and defense systems of the time. Today, it stands as a testament to the engineering and strategic planning of the era. 44Museum of Industry
StellartonThe Nova Scotia Museum of Industry, situated in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, is a provincial museum that focuses on the history of work and workers in Nova Scotia. This museum is part of the Nova Scotia Museum system and aims to illustrate how the province was influenced by the opportunities and challenges that came with the Industrial Age. 45Canadian Energy Museum
DevonLeduc No 1, a significant crude oil discovery, was made near Leduc, Alberta, Canada on February 13, 1947. This discovery provided the geological key to Alberta's most prolific conventional oil reserves, leading to a boom in petroleum exploration and development across Western Canada. This historical event marked a turning point in the province's economy and is a key part of the museum's narrative.- 46
Fonderie Darling
MontrealThis industrial building is often place of avant-garde exhibitions by artists from all over the world. 47Wallaceburg and District Museum
WallaceburgThe Wallaceburg and District Museum is situated in the town of Wallaceburg in Southern Ontario. It is conveniently located just a half-block away from the banks of the Sydenham River, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. 48Dauphin Rail Museum
DauphinDauphin is a city located in Manitoba, Canada. It is home to a historic train station that features the Winnipeg-Churchill train of Via Rail. This train route is a significant part of Canada's railway history and offers a unique experience for visitors to the Dauphin Rail Museum. 49Sandon Historical Society Museum
SandonThe Museum is the brick building on the right of the main photo, and you can see the restoration work we are doing on the adjacent Burns ( centre ), and Atherton ( left) buildings. Inside the museum are three levels of exhibits- mining machinery and more in the basement, and on the top two floors ph 50Outlook & District Heritage Museum
OutlookThe Outlook station, now home to the Outlook & District Heritage Museum, is a former railway station in Outlook, Saskatchewan. This station was constructed by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) as part of the Moose Jaw-Edmonton branch line. The historical significance of the station adds to the charm and appeal of the museum. 51Engine 374 Pavilion
VancouverMay 23, 1887, was a great day for Vancouver when CPR Engine 374 pulled the first transcontinental train into the city. This completed one of the great engineering feats of the century, linking the new nation of Canada from coast to coast. 52Miami Railway Station Museum
MiamiThe Miami Railway Station, located in Miami, Manitoba, is a historic site that was originally constructed in 1889 by the Northern Pacific and Manitoba Railway Company. This former railway station now serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past and the rich history of the railway industry in the region. 53New Brunswick Railway Museum
HillsboroughThe Salem & Hillsborough Railroad (S&H) is a unique combination of a tourist railway and a museum, situated in the scenic town of Hillsborough, New Brunswick. This establishment offers visitors a chance to delve into the rich history of rail transport in the region, while also providing an engaging and educational experience. 54Peterborough Lift Lock Visitors Centre
PeterboroughThe Peterborough Lift Lock, located in Ontario, Canada, is a significant engineering marvel. It serves as a boat lift and Lock 21 on the Trent-Severn Waterway. The lock is designed to compensate for a height difference of 19.8 meters, making it a unique and impressive structure. It was built by Richard Birdsall Rogers and inaugurated on July 9, 1904, and at the time, it was the largest work of its kind ever accomplished. 55Markham Museum
MarkhamThe Markham Museum, located in Markham, Ontario, Canada, is a 25-acre open-air museum. It is dedicated to preserving the old buildings and artefacts from Markham's past. This museum provides a unique opportunity for visitors to step back in time and explore the history of Markham. 56Sault Ste. Marie Museum
Sault Sainte Marie 57Comox Air Force Museum
ComoxThe Comox Air Force Museum is situated at the main entrance of CFB Comox, nestled in the scenic Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. This location offers visitors easy access to the museum and the opportunity to explore the surrounding natural beauty of the Comox Valley. 58Grand Trunk Railway Station
CaledoniaThe Caledonia railway station, built in 1908 by the Grand Trunk Railway Company of Canada, is a significant part of the town's history. It was the third station to be constructed in Caledonia, Ontario, and has since become a symbol of the town's rich railway heritage. The station's architecture and historical significance make it an interesting site for visitors interested in railway history. 59CFB Esquimalt Naval & Military Museum
EsquimaltCFB Esquimalt is a comprehensive facility with a range of different areas. These include Naden (formerly HMCS Naden), His Majesty's Canadian (HMC) Dockyard Esquimalt, the Fleet Maintenance Facility – Cape Breton (FMF CB), a Fire Fighting and Damage Control School, and the Naval Officer Training Centre (NOTC) Venture. The base also provides extensive housing, including 716 married quarters for personnel, spread across nine sites such as Belmont Park, WorkPoint, and Royal Roads. 60Remington Carriage Museum
Town of CardstonThe Remington Carriage Museum, situated in Cardston, Alberta, Canada, is a significant attraction for those interested in history and transportation. The museum, which opened its doors in 1993, is the largest of its kind in the world, showcasing more than 240 carriages. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the evolution of transportation and the role of carriages in society. 61Heart's Content Cable Station
Heart's ContentDesignated as a Provincial Historic Site in 1974, Heart's Content Cable Station is now a museum. Visitors can explore the many machines used during the station's operational years and learn about its history through interpretive displays. This provides a unique opportunity to delve into the past and understand the evolution of global communication. 62Pemberton & District Museum & Archives Society
PembertonWelcome to the Pemberton and District Museum, located in the heart of the Pemberton Valley, the traditional and unceded territory of Lil'wat Nation, who have been here since time immemorial. The Pemberton Museum has over 2,000 artifacts, 2,000 photographs and over 20 meters of archival and refere 63Elgin County Railway Museum
St. ThomasThe Elgin County Railway Museum, located in St. Thomas, Ontario, is a rail transport museum that offers a unique insight into the history and heritage of rail transport in the region. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collection of locomotives, passenger and freight cars, and even a model railroad that recreates scenes from the area. 64La Cité de l'Or
Val-d'OrLa Cité de l'Or is a unique tourist site located at the eastern entrance of the city of Val-d'Or, in the region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue in Quebec. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the history and culture of the area, as well as the opportunity to learn about the mining industry that played a significant role in the development of the region. 65Churchill House
HantsportChurchill House, located in Hantsport, Nova Scotia, is a historic house and community centre. This well-preserved structure was built in 1860 and today serves as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. It's a significant part of the local history, having been built by the renowned shipbuilder Ezra Churchill for his son John Wiley Churchill.- 66
Saint-Laurent Maritime Park
Saint-Laurent-de-l'Île-d'OrléansA small museum that introduces you into the traditional way of shipbuilding. It is a very friendly and inspiring place. - 67
Jet Aircraft Museum
LondonThe Jet Aircraft Museum, located at the London International Airport in Ontario, Canada, is a charitable foundation aviation museum. It specializes in Canadian Forces jet aircraft, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the history and technology of these machines. The museum is easily accessible due to its location at the airport, making it a convenient destination for tourists. - 68
Central New Brunswick Woodmen's Museum
BoiestownThe Central New Brunswick Woodsmen's Museum is a unique institution dedicated to the history of forestry in Canada. It is situated in the town of Boiestown, New Brunswick. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the rich history of the forestry industry in a setting that is both educational and scenic.