All war museums to visit in Ontario

Explore the history and impact of conflicts at 17 war museums in Ontario. These museums offer insights into military history, strategies, and the human experiences of war.

Are you interested in military history? These are the must-visit war museums in Ontario:

  1. Fort York National Historic Site1

    Fort York National Historic Site

     Toronto
    Fort York is a historic site located in the west of downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is known for its military fortifications and associated buildings. The fort was built by the British Army and Canadian militias in the late 17th and early 18th centuries to defend the settlement of York and protect the new capital of the British colony of Upper Canada from the threat of military attack, especially from the newly independent United States.
  2. Diefenbunker - Canada's Cold War Museum2

    Diefenbunker - Canada's Cold War Museum

     Ottawa
    The Diefenbunker is a significant historical site in Canada, built as a nuclear fallout shelter between 1959 and 1961. Located in Carp, just outside of Ottawa, the bunker was constructed to protect Canadian government officials in the event of a nuclear attack. The construction of this shelter was a secret operation, reflecting the tense political climate of the Cold War era.
  3. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum3

    Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

     Hamilton
    The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum is situated at the John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport in Mount Hope, Ontario, Canada. This location makes it easily accessible for tourists, especially those who are flying into the country. The museum's location at an active airport also adds to the authenticity of the experience, as visitors can see modern aircraft in operation alongside the historical planes on display.
  4. Dundurn National Historic Site4

    Dundurn National Historic Site

     Hamilton
    Dundurn Castle is a historical mansion of neoclassical style situated on York Boulevard in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. This architectural gem is a significant part of the city's heritage and offers a glimpse into the past. The mansion's location provides easy access for tourists and is a notable landmark in the city.
  5. National Air Force Museum of Canada5

    National Air Force Museum of Canada

     Quinte West
    The National Air Force Museum of Canada, located on the west side of CFB Trenton in Trenton, Ontario, is an aviation museum dedicated to preserving the history of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The museum serves as a permanent archive, collecting, preserving, and displaying RCAF memorabilia, photographs, paintings, and documents as a lasting tribute to the men and women who served in the RCAF and its predecessor organizations.
  6. Billy Bishop Museum6

    Billy Bishop Museum

     Owen Sound
    The Billy Bishop Home & Museum, located in Owen Sound, Ontario, is a National Historic Site of Canada. It is dedicated to commemorating the life and achievements of World War I flying ace and Victoria Cross winner Air Marshall William Avery "Billy" Bishop. The museum is situated in Bishop's birthplace and childhood home, providing a unique insight into the early life of this decorated serviceman.
  7. Thunder Bay Museum7

    Thunder Bay Museum

     Thunder Bay
    The Thunder Bay Museum, situated in Thunder Bay, Ontario, is managed by the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society. This society was incorporated in 1972 as the successor to the Thunder Bay Historical Society. The museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a wealth of historical and cultural exhibits for visitors to explore.
  8. Military Communications and Electronics Museum8

    Military Communications and Electronics Museum

     Kingston
    The 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.
  9. Laura Secord Homestead9

    Laura Secord Homestead

     Niagara-on-the-Lake
    Visit a nicely restored mansion of a woman who was one of the most important figures in the War of 1812. You can learn more about her here.
  10. The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum10

    The Ontario Regiment RCAC Museum

     Oshawa
    The Ontario Regiment (RCAC) Museum is a military museum situated in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. It is conveniently located on the South Field of the Oshawa Municipal Airport, making it easily accessible for visitors. The museum is a significant landmark in the region, offering a deep dive into the history of the Ontario Regiment and the Canadian Armed Forces.
  11. Base Borden Military Museum11

    Base Borden Military Museum

     Borden
    The Base Borden Military Museum is a significant military museum situated on the grounds of CFB Borden in Ontario, Canada. This location offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Canada's military history in a setting that has been an integral part of that history.
  12. Battlefield House Museum & Park12

    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.
  13. Sault Ste. Marie Museum13

    Sault Ste. Marie Museum

     Sault Sainte Marie
  14. The Craigleith Heritage Depot14

    The Craigleith Heritage Depot

     The Blue Mountains
    The Craigleith Heritage Depot is a multifaceted institution located in The Blue Mountains, Ontario. It serves as a museum, library, tourism and community hub. This unique combination of roles makes it a significant destination for tourists interested in learning about the local history, culture, and community.
  15. Garrison Petawawa Museum Collection15

    Garrison Petawawa Museum Collection

     Petawawa
    The Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, also known as Garrison Petawawa or CFB Petawawa, is a military base located near Petawawa. It is operated by the Canadian Army and has a rich history dating back to 1905 when it was established as the Petawawa Military Camp by the Department of Militia and Defence. The base was named after the Petawawa River that runs through the area.
  16. 16

    Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment Museum

     Belleville
    The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment Museum is situated in the Belleville Armoury in Belleville, Ontario. This location is easily accessible and provides a unique setting for the museum, which is dedicated to preserving the history of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.
  17. 17

    North Lanark Regional Museum

     Mississippi Mills
    The North Lanark Regional Museum, located in Ontario, Canada, was established and is managed by the North Lanark Historical Society. The museum's primary mission is to collect, preserve, and display the history of Mississippi Mills, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of the area's past.