All open air museums to visit in Ontario

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in Ontario. These museums feature historical buildings, reenactments, and interactive exhibits in an outdoor setting.

Are you interested in experiencing history firsthand? These are the best open air museums in Ontario:

  1. Black Creek Pioneer Village1

    Black Creek Pioneer Village

     Toronto
    Black Creek Pioneer Village, formerly known as Dalziel Pioneer Park, is an open-air heritage museum located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This museum offers a unique opportunity to experience the history and culture of the 19th century Ontario. It's a great place for tourists who are interested in history and want to learn more about the lifestyle of the people during that period.
  2. Hermitage Gatehouse Museum2

    Hermitage Gatehouse Museum

     Hamilton
    The Hermitage, once a grand residence in Ancaster, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, now stands as a historical ruin. It forms a significant part of The Hermitage and Gatehouse Museum, which is diligently maintained by the Hamilton Conservation Authority. The site offers a unique glimpse into the past, allowing visitors to explore the remnants of a once magnificent home.
  3. Battlefield House Museum & Park3

    Battlefield House Museum & Park

     Hamilton
    The Battlefield House, situated near King Street East and Centennial Parkway in Stoney Creek, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, serves as a living history museum. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience history firsthand. The museum is set in a house built in 1796 and is a significant site of the historic Battle of Stoney Creek, which took place on June 6, 1813, during the War of 1812.
  4. Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History4

    Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History

     Chatham-Kent
    The Josiah Henson Museum of African Canadian History is an open-air museum located in Dresden, Ontario, Canada. The museum is dedicated to documenting the life of Josiah Henson, a runaway slave, abolitionist, and minister who served as the inspiration for the title character in Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin. In addition to Henson's life, the museum also explores the history of slavery and the Underground Railroad.
  5. Grey Roots Museum & Archives5

    Grey Roots Museum & Archives

     Owen Sound
    The Grey Roots Museum and Archives is conveniently located just south of Owen Sound on Grey Road 18. The facility houses the County museum, archives, and tourism offices, making it a one-stop destination for tourists interested in exploring the history and culture of Grey County.
  6. Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung6

    Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung

     Stratton
    The Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, also known as Manitou Mounds, is a significant site of early habitation and ceremonial burial in Canada. It comprises a vast network of 30 village sites and 15 ancient burial mounds, making it a rich source of historical and cultural information. The site offers a unique opportunity to explore Canada's ancient past and gain insights into the lives and practices of its early inhabitants.
  7. Lang Pioneer Village Museum7

    Lang Pioneer Village Museum

     Otonabee-South Monaghan
    The Lang Pioneer Village Museum is a living history museum situated in the hamlet of Lang, within Peterborough County, Ontario. The museum was established in 1967 by the County of Peterborough. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life as it was in the 19th century. The museum is located on the shores of the historic Indian River and features more than 30 restored and furnished buildings, many of which were donated from the surrounding townships.
  8. Glengarry Pioneer Museum8

    Glengarry Pioneer Museum

     North Glengarry
    The Glengarry Pioneer Museum offers visitors a glimpse into the pioneer and Celtic history of eastern Ontario, from before 1812 until the 1920s. This historical journey provides a unique perspective on the region's past, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.
  9. Markham Museum9

    Markham Museum

     Markham
    The 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.
  10. Lost Villages Museum10

    Lost Villages Museum

     South Stormont
    Today, Ault Park is home to the Lost Villages Historical Society, which operates the Lost Villages Museum. This living museum incorporates a number of buildings that were moved from the villages. These buildings serve as a testament to the history and culture of the area, providing visitors with a unique insight into the past.