Are you curious about the history of industry and innovation? These are the top industrial heritage museums in Ontario:
1Watson'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. 2Canadian 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.- 3
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. 4Morningstar 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. 5Sault 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. 6Marine 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. 7Railway 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. 8Military 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. 9Science 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. 10Northern 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. 11Oil 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. 12Wallaceburg 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. 13Peterborough 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. 14Markham 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. 15Sault Ste. Marie Museum
Sault Sainte Marie 16Grand 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. 17Elgin 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.- 18
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.