All open air museums to visit in Canada

Experience history come to life at open-air museums in Canada. 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 Canada:

  1. Heritage Park1

    Heritage Park

     Calgary
    Heritage Park Historical Village is a significant historical park located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. It spans across 127 acres (51 hectares) of parkland, situated on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir in the city's southwestern quadrant. This location offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
  2. Fort Edmonton Park2

    Fort Edmonton Park

     Edmonton
    Fort Edmonton Park, situated in Edmonton, Alberta, is recognized as the largest living history museum in Canada. The park is named after the first enduring European post in the area of modern-day Edmonton. It features both original and rebuilt historical structures that represent the history of Edmonton, including that of Indigenous Peoples. During the summer, the park is staffed by costumed historical interpreters, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
  3. London Heritage Farm3

    London Heritage Farm

     Richmond
    London Heritage Farm is a historical site spanning 4.06 acres. It features the 1880s London family farmhouse and a park that offers a picturesque view of the south arm of the Fraser River. This site provides a unique opportunity to explore the history and natural beauty of the area.
  4. Val-Jalbert4

    Val-Jalbert

     Val Jalbert
    Val-Jalbert is a historical village located in Quebec, Canada. It was transformed into a tourist attraction in the 1960s, offering visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience life in the early 20th century. The village was founded by Damase Jalbert in 1901 and was initially named Saint-Georges-de-Ouiatchouan. It was later renamed Val-Jalbert in 1913 in honor of its founder.
  5. Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village5

    Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

     Edmonton
    The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village is an open-air museum situated in east central Alberta, Canada. It is dedicated to recreating the pioneer settlements of Ukrainian Canadian settlers from the years 1899 to 1930. The museum uses costumed historical interpreters to provide an immersive experience of the past. Buildings from surrounding communities have been relocated to the site and restored to various years within the first part of the twentieth century, providing a tangible glimpse into the lives of these early settlers.
  6. Black Creek Pioneer Village6

    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.
  7. Fort Steele Heritage Town7

    Fort Steele Heritage Town

     Fort Steele
    Fort Steele is a historic village that offers a unique glimpse into the past. Located in the province of British Columbia, specifically in the East Kootenay regional district, it provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the rich history and culture of the area.
  8. Barkerville Historic Town & Park8

    Barkerville Historic Town & Park

     Barkerville
    Barkerville, located in the Quesnel Highlands near the Cariboo Mountains, was the epicenter of the Cariboo Gold Rush in Canadian British Columbia starting from 1863. It is approximately 80 km east of Quesnel. In 1924, it was declared a National Historic Site, marking its significance in the history of Canada.
  9. Hermitage Gatehouse Museum9

    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.
  10. Nk'mip Desert Cultural Centre10

    Nk'mip Desert Cultural Centre

     Osoyoos
    The Nk'Mip Desert Culture Centre, located in Osoyoos, British Columbia, Canada, is a unique interpretive centre that is owned and operated by the Osoyoos Indian Band. This cultural hub provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about the Okanagan Desert and the culture of the Okanagan people in an immersive and interactive environment.
  11. Kilby Historic Site11

    Kilby Historic Site

     Kent
    Kilby Provincial Park is a beautiful location in Harrison Mills, British Columbia, Canada. It is situated on the Harrison River, providing stunning views of Harrison Bay in the Upper Fraser Valley of southwestern British Columbia. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists.
  12. BC Forest Discovery Center12

    BC Forest Discovery Center

     North Cowichan
    The 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.
  13. Kings Landing13

    Kings Landing

     Prince William
    Kings Landing, located in New Brunswick, is a living history museum that houses original buildings from the period of 1820-1920. These buildings were saved and relocated to make way for the headpond for the Mactaquac Dam. Although Kings Landing was never a real village, it serves as a representation of rural New Brunswick during the 19th and early 20th century.
  14. Battlefield House Museum & Park14

    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.
  15. Josiah Henson Museum of African-Canadian History15

    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.
  16. Grey Roots Museum & Archives16

    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.
  17. Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung17

    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.
  18. Lang Pioneer Village Museum18

    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.
  19. Airforce Heritage Museum and Air Park19

    Airforce Heritage Museum and Air Park

     Winnipeg
    The Air Force Heritage Museum and Air Park, located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is a significant site that showcases a variety of aircraft and artifacts that trace the history of the Canadian Air Force. Visitors can explore the rich heritage of the Canadian Air Force through these exhibits, gaining a deeper understanding of its evolution and contributions.
  20. 20

    Wetaskiwin & District Heritage Museum

     Wetaskiwin
    The Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum is a significant cultural institution in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada. It is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the history, heritage, and culture of the local area. This includes the City of Wetaskiwin, County of Wetaskiwin, and the Maskwacis Cree Four Nations. The museum serves as a vital resource for understanding the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
  21. Ross Farm Museum21

    Ross Farm Museum

     New Ross
    The Ross Farm Museum is an agricultural museum situated in New Ross, Nova Scotia. It is conveniently located about an hour's drive from Halifax, making it easily accessible for tourists visiting the area. The museum offers a unique opportunity to explore Nova Scotia's rural heritage and learn about its agricultural history.
  22. Ksan Historical Village and Museum22

    Ksan Historical Village and Museum

     Hazelton
    ʼKsan is a significant historical village and living museum located in the Skeena Country of Northwestern British Columbia, Canada. It serves as a testament to the rich history and culture of the Gitxsan Indigenous people. Visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions and customs of the Gitxsan, gaining a deeper understanding of their way of life.
  23. Glengarry Pioneer Museum23

    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.
  24. Markham Museum24

    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.
  25. Uniacke Estate Museum Park25

    Uniacke Estate Museum Park

     Mount Uniacke
    The Uniacke Estate Museum Park is a preserved historic home located at Mount Uniacke. It was the residence of Richard John Uniacke, who was Nova Scotia's Attorney-General during the War of 1812. The estate, which was built around 1813, offers a glimpse into the life and times of Uniacke and his family.
  26. Pemberton & District Museum & Archives Society26

    Pemberton & District Museum & Archives Society

     Pemberton
    Welcome 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
  27. Lost Villages Museum27

    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.
  28. 28

    John Walter Museum

     Edmonton
    A museum focused on pioneering era of Alberta. It depicts the way of life in the past. You can try it here on your own to really explore it.
  29. 29

    Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum

     Grimshaw
    Situated within the Lac Cardinal Recreation Area, the museum offers a comprehensive view of pioneering life. It features various structures such as four homes, a hall, municipal office, school, barn, pole sheds, church, blacksmith shop, railway station, barbershop, general store, and bakery. All these buildings are furnished, providing a realistic depiction of the past.
  30. 30

    Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village & Museum

     Moose Jaw
    The Sukanen Ship Pioneer Village and Museum offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing life on the Prairies during the early 1900s to 1930s. The museum features many historic buildings that have been relocated from surrounding communities, all set up to mimic a small farming town from this era. This provides visitors with a tangible and immersive experience of what life was like during this significant period in history.
  31. 31

    Northern Life Museum & Cultural Centre

     Fort Smith
    The Northern Life Museum, situated in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada, is a significant cultural institution that houses an extensive collection of over 13,000 artifacts. These artifacts represent the rich history and diverse cultures of the North, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the region's past and its people.
  32. 32

    Historic O'Keefe Ranch

     Spallumcheen
    Currently, the O'Keefe Ranch is managed by the O'Keefe Ranch and Interior Heritage Society, a non-profit organization. It also operates as a registered charity. The ranch opens its doors to the public annually from around May to October, offering a variety of public programs and events that provide insight into the ranch's rich history.