By Bryan Zarpentine
August 11th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
As much as Ontario can be a sportsman’s paradise for all of the fun it offers adventurers and outdoorsmen, the province offers so much more. On days when the weather is a little too cold or you don’t quite have the energy to be outside, there are countless ways to have fun indoors throughout Ontario. Naturally, the province’s biggest cities are filled with amazing museums. Let’s take a look at some of the top museums, as well as the other activities that residents and visitors of Ontario can do if they’d prefer to stay inside.
Royal Ontario Museum
The Royal Ontario Museum is both the largest museum in Canada and arguably Toronto’s most iconic architectural landmark. On the outside, you’ll see a striking facade that’s designed to resemble a giant crystal with glass and aluminum facets. Of course, the real fun is on the inside. That’s where you’ll find an astonishing array of cultural and natural history artifacts. The museum is a journey into the past, including the era of dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, and Canada’s First Peoples. That just scratches the surface of the Royal Ontario Museum, so there is bound to be something for everyone.
For the true hockey fan – all the jerseys are there for you to see and purchase if you wish.
Hockey Hall of Fame
When in doubt, visitors to Ontario should check out the Hockey Hall of Fame. Even if you’re not the biggest hockey fan, it’s a way to immerse yourself in Canada’s national sport. This iconic venue houses hockey’s ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup. You can view the original trophy in Lord Stanley’s Vault or have your picture taken with the modern version. The Hall of Fame’s museum takes a look at hockey’s origins, the Zamboni, and the NHL’s greatest players. There is also an interactive ice rink for visitors to test their stick skills, which always makes for a fun time.
Bird Kingdom
If you’re interested in birds, needless to say, Bird Kingdom is the place for you. It’s the world’s largest free-flying indoor aviary! Guests can wander through a rainforest and discover hundreds of tropical birds. Bird Kingdom is able to replicate the natural habitats of both common and exotic birds, creating an authentic experience that even some zoos can’t match.
Museum of Illusions
Toronto’s Museum of Illusions might be the perfect place to bring inquisitive children. There are interactive exhibits, each showcasing a unique trick that will challenge anyone’s perception of reality. It’s a truly unique museum that visitors won’t soon forget. The entire visit can be done in as little as 30 minutes, making it the perfect museum for young kids with a short attention span.
There is nothing like this market anywhere else: two floors of food choices. If you want a snack while touring the place a peameal bacon on a bun is a must.
St. Lawrence Market
As far as indoor farmers markets are concerned, the St. Lawrence Market is the pinnacle. When you get there, grab a sandwich or a pastry from Carousel Bakery and then walk around to enjoy over 100 different vendors. You’ll find cuisine from all over the world, giving you the opportunity to expand your taste buds. The market has multiple floors that have artisanal foods, fresh produce, and even souvenirs that will help make the experience memorable.
Online Casino Games
In some cases, you don’t even need to leave home to have a good time. That’s the advantage of online casinos, which are quickly gaining in popularity throughout Ontario and the rest of Canada. From slots to card games, just about every game you’d find in a traditional casino can be found in one of Canada’s online casinos. More importantly, they can be accessed from anywhere if you have a mobile device and a good Internet connection. The trick is to explore various casino bonuses that can give you free bonuses to get new users started the right way.
Northern Ontario’s top tourist destination. The kids will want to spend the full day.
Science North
Science North is Northern Ontario’s top tourist destination. Located in Sudbury, there are four levels of interactive fun, not to mention a digital planetarium, an IMAX theatre, and several special rotating exhibitions. You can enjoy live animals, beautiful tropical butterflies, and countless other science-based experiences. There is so much fun to be had at Science North that you won’t even realize how much you’ve learned by the time you leave.
Acadia Earth
Arcadia Earth is the best way to explore underwater worlds and fantasy lands. It takes visitors on a multi-sensory journey of what a more sustainable future might look like using technology and art installations. The goal is to inspire others to help create a better and more sustainable world. AT the same time, it helps to showcase the overwhelming beauty of our planet. Like any good museum, Acadia Earth helps to educate and entertain at the same time.
