Ontario is full of museums, historic buildings, and other attractions exploring the area’s heritage. Visit these four attractions designed to take you back in time.
Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill is a historic place in downtown Ottawa that serves as the center of the Canadian government. Many people come by just to see the historic building and the iconic CN Tower, which was built in 1976.
A tip for visiting Parliament Hill is to plan an afternoon exploring the area on foot. You can take a ride to the top of CN Tower for excellent views of the city and then explore the monuments and landmarks in the area, such as the Centennial Flame. This fountain and memorial celebrate Canada’s 100th anniversary of confederation. You can also visit the Library of Parliament, which houses historic resources going back over 150 years to the first session of Parliament held in 1867.
Black Creek Pioneer Village
Black Creek Pioneer Village gives visitors a taste of what life was like in 1867. One of the main attractions is the Village’s actors, who are trained to help guests reimagine life 150 years ago. The Village also has its own brewery where you can try craft beers inspired by 1860s recipes as well as more modern drinks. The 2018 season opens starting on April 28.
Black Creek Pioneer Village is located at 1000 Murray Ross Parkway in North York, which is northeast of downtown Ontario. Plan your stay during a special event, such as the Canada Day celebration on July 1, or come by for the special nightlife activities, including escape rooms, axe throwing, haunted walks, and goat yoga. If you’re planning on spending some time at the brewery or want to take your time seeing all that Black Creek Pioneer Village has to offer, book a hotel room nearby so you don’t have to rush your visit.
Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a historic castle in Toronto. Also known as “Toronto’s Camelot,” builder Sir Henry Pellatt designed the castle with architect E.J. Lennox in 1911. Today it’s a popular site for guests who want to walk through the long tunnels, secret passages, and massive gardens at Casa Loma.
There are two restaurants and a café on-site, so plan a meal at the castle to make the most of your time traveling and enjoy a unique dining experience. For a more thrilling experience in the castle, check out the “Escape from the Tower” escape room series based on true events.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum offers a collection of art, culture, and natural history exhibits. It’s the largest museum in Canada. The Sigmund Samuel Gallery of Canada — just one gallery at the museum — features 560 artifacts spanning the entirety of Canadian heritage.
This museum is in Toronto by the University of Toronto – St. George Campus. Art Gallery of Ontario, Textile Museum of Canada, and several monuments and other historic attractions are nearby, making this another good neighborhood for finding a hotel room.
Encompassing Toronto, Ottawa, and numerous other cities, the province of Ontatio has an abundance of historic attraction. If you can’t see them all in one trip, try a few of attractions recommended above to explore the area’s rich history and culture.