Museums

About Museums

Humans are naturally curious and thirsty to learn. We also love to share stories and knowledge with others, so it’s no wonder that museums are both popular and aplenty across Canada, waiting to expand and enrich the minds and hearts of all who visit. Maybe you’re a human history buff, or you’re fascinated by modern science. Perhaps you want to learn all there is to know about your own senses, or you want to marvel at an entire museum dedicated to footwear. Subjects of discovery are limitless, and there are museum adventures of all kinds that can captivate and stimulate your mind.

Grand Histories

Canada is host to renowned, vast museums with numerous exhibits and thousands of displays. Visiting a big museum can be an all-day (or even multi-day) adventure that leaves you in awe of the sheer magnitude of human knowledge. From the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto to The Museum of Anthropology in Vancouver, BC, these magnificent collections are truly something to behold.

Little Curiosities

Sometimes good museums come in small, quirky packages. If you’re looking for something on the road-less-travelled, try a museum (or tour of museums) on a smaller scale, often with a singular and more niche subject on display. Alberta is home to a huge portion of Canada’s odd museums, so you can plan out an entire museum-based adventure in relatively close proximity. Chuckle at the quirky displays of the Torrington Gopher Hole Museum in Alberta and learn all about cream and butter while you enjoy a huge helping of ice cream at the Historic Markerville Creamery Museum. Antique dolls, miniatures, tractors, and neon signs – all these and more are on display throughout the province.

Immersive Experiences

People typically think of museums as big spaces where you walk around and look at and read about interesting things. While this is certainly true, some museums offer more immersive experiences, where you can join the displays you find so captivating. Some historical sites offer costumes and let you interact with actors, who teach you about the past and even let you participate in the way of life represented. Other places offer virtual reality displays, which can truly transport you to another time or place. Science museums in particular really love to engage all of your senses and even invite you to try some experiments yourself. These additions truly take your museum experience to the next level.

Tours with Museums

Edmonton Urban Explorer

5 days

FROM $945

Experience the best of Edmonton’s downtown! Discover their extensive river valley, historic sites, local food stops, and iconic landmarks on this journey through the heart of Alberta’s capital city.

Calgary Delights

4 days

FROM $669

Head to southern Alberta to experience some of Calgary’s popular urban adventures, cultural immersion, and stunning views. Excitement awaits in “Cowtown”! Package available May to September.

Halifax Explorer

6 Days

FROM $1579

Uncover Halifax’s gems: Peggy’s Cove, Bay of Fundy, Lunenburg, and more! Immerse yourself in history, marvel at Titanic artifacts, and explore stunning landscapes. Package runs from June to September.

Yukon Culture Tour

5 Days

FROM $949

If you are looking for a taste of Canada’s north, try this Yukon vacation package. This mixed bag of sights, wildlife, museums, arts and relaxation is created for the leisure traveller.

Experience the Yukon (Summer)

10 Days

FROM $3209

Wild and breathtakingly beautiful, Whitehorse has plenty to offer adventure seekers, nature lovers, and the artistically inclined. The Yukon has excitement and memories right at your fingertips.

Experience the Yukon (Winter)

8 Days

FROM $3499

Venture into the Great White North. Beautiful, energetic and entertaining—known as the “Wilderness City”, Whitehorse has the great outdoors at its doorstep and has adventure for all interest levels.

Build Your Own Museum Tour

Let’s make a trip that’s uniquely yours! You decide how long, which styles of museums, number of inclusions, everything. Start planning now and make your dream trip a reality.

Staff Picks

Royal Tyrrell Museum

Located in Drumheller, Alberta, this is easily one of the best paleontological museums in the world. While you're in the area, hit up Dinosaur Provincial Park to see where these ancient dinosaurs and other creatures roamed.

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

The centre's design evokes the form of a Squamish Longhouse and Lil'wat Istken (earthen dwelling) and embodies the spirit of partnership between two unique Nations who wish to preserve, grow, and share their traditional cultures in Whistler, BC.

Canadian Museum for Human Rights

This Winnipeg, Manitoba attraction features a captivating and modern design and is packed with thought-provoking galleries that will challenge you to think deeply about our world. The museum has also recently launched a new augmented reality experience.

ADVENTURE

Benefits

Transport Yourself

Travel through time. Or across the globe. Or to another planet entirely! Museums allow you to explore and discover everything humanity knows about a subject all while staying at one location.

Improve Society

Learn about the past to avoid making the same mistakes in the future. Learn about other cultures to increase appreciation and understanding of other people. Learn about humanity’s and nature’s feats to be inspired to do even more.

Find Serenity

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, museums can provide a reflective and sometimes spiritual experience. Quiet contemplation of historical artifacts, works of art, or scientific phenomena can leave you feeling rested, humbled, and connected to the rest of the universe.

Essential Gear and Equipment

You will definitely want to bring a camera for all the sights your chosen museum has to offer. Be sure you have comfortable walking clothes as some museums are so vast that it takes more than a day to survey all their exhibits.

Some museums will be able to offer you a guided audio tour or exhibit map, so enquire at reception if you are interested! Finally, it’s good decorum to have some cash on hand for museums that operate by donation.

Tips

You may want to research the museum or route of museums you plan to visit in advance so that you can best map out your route to maximize your time and see as much as you can.
Observe the stated etiquette of the museum. Some may not allow photography, while others may request noise be kept to a minimum.
Take your time – most displays will include a wealth of written information that enhances your learning and understandings of the items you are seeing, and there is no need to rush or gloss over the details – take it all in.
To truly get the most out of your visit, book a guided or private tour. A museum tour guide will be able to personalize your experience, answering questions and sharing additional and fascinating information. They’ll also be able to help you navigate a large museum so you get to see more!

Did You Know?

With a population of around 24,000, the relatively small municipality of Whitehorse, Yukon is host to a surprisingly large number of museums, all located close together, providing convenience of access for visitors to the city. It’s a one stop shop for displays on natural history, art, details of the Klondike Gold Rush, Indigenous culture and heritage, railways, and riverboat transportation.

Have Questions?

Sometimes it’s just easier to talk to someone. Give us a call and let’s discuss how we can create your unique experience.

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