What to do and see in Toronto, Canada: The Best History Museums

A rare example of Georgian architecture, this museum is the restored home of the first Chief Justice of Upper Canada.

This rare Regency picturesque cottage is a graceful monument to John and Jemima Howard, the couple who founded High Park. John Howard, one of Toronto's first architects, as well as a City engineer and surveyor, built Colborne Lodge in 1837. Drop in and view the many original furnishings and artifacts and some of John Howard's own watercolours depicting images of early Toronto. Colborne Lodge is one of 11 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Sites engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present. Special events and pre-registered activities are priced separately. Limited free parking. JANUARY - APRIL Open only Friday, Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5. Regular General Admission*: Adults: $8.00 Seniors (65 +) and Youth (13-18 yrs.): $7.00 Children (4-12 yrs.): $5.00 *prices include tax

Immerse yourself in the 1860s and explore an authentically re-created country village of the Toronto region. At Black Creek Pioneer Village, visitors discover 40 historic buildings, 70 rare and heritage breed animals, 10 gardens growing flowers and plants from heirloom seeds, and exciting programs that engage people of all ages. They meet costumed educators who demonstrate and involve visitors with trades and crafts common in 1860s’ Ontario, tap their toes to music of the era, laugh at the hysterical antics of the History Actors, and have fun engaging in hands-on activities throughout the village!

Mackenzie House is the restored home of William Lyon Mackenzie, Toronto's first Mayor, a radical journalist and publisher, and leader of the Rebellion of 1837 in Upper Canada. This house was given to Mackenzie by friends and supporters, when he retired from public life, and in recognition of his many years of serving the community. Mackenzie House is one of 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Sites engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present.

Canada's oldest surviving purpose-built post office, in the heart of Toronto's historic St. Lawrence district. Toronto's First Post Office is a museum and full-service postal outlet.

The years between the two Great Wars, when Toronto experienced increased immigration, the vote for women, the stock market crash, prohibition and the introduction of public health and welfare. It's also the time of the Charleston craze, tabloid journalism, new technology and more. And it can all be seen, heard, felt and lived at Spadina Museum - Toronto's only museum to represent the 1920s and 30s, a transformative period that dramatically changed the City. For over a century, Spadina was home to three generations of the Austin family. Opened in 1984, it is one of 10 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto. Spadina Museum completed an extensive interior restoration in 2010, bringing the house back into the twentieth century. Visitors may view what the house looked like during those years through artifacts, furnishings and reproduced and original decor or explore the estate's six acres of restored 1905 gardens. Today, Spadina Museum interprets the interwar period through a rich slate of guided tours, school programs, special events, changing exhibits, lectures and workshops. Spadina Museum is one of 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Sites engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present.

Gibson House & Zion Schoolhouse are two of the 10 historic museums operated by the City of Toronto. Toronto's Historic Museums engage visitors, inspire passion, challenge ideas and connect the past to the present. Site Description: 5172 Yonge Street between Sheppard and Finch, north of and accessible from Park Home Avenue, behind the Gibson Square condominiums. Limited free accessibility parking on site; nearby paid underground and street level parking. Gibson House Museum is just north of the North York Centre TTC station - walk north on the west side of Yonge St. and then west (or left) along Park Home Avenue to our new entrance, just beside Gibson Park. Hours of Operation: Mid-September to June Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays March Break Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 1 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays July and August Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. Closed on holidays, first 2 weeks in January and first 2 weeks in September Admission: Regular admission: Adults $6.19, Seniors/Youth $3.54, Children $2.65 (plus tax) ($6.99; $4.00; $2.99 with tax) Christmas admission: Adults $7.08, Seniors/Youth $4.42, Children $3.76 (plus tax) November 18 to December 31, 2015 ($8.00; $4.99; $4.25 with tax) Gibson House Built in 1851, Gibson House was the home of Scottish immigrant David Gibson and his family. He was a land surveyor who helped map early Toronto. Wanted by the government for participating in the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837, Gibson was forced to flee to the United States where he and his family remained for 11 years. On their return to York County, the Gibsons built this beautiful home and once again became active members of their rural community. Visitors can step back in time and explore this elegant farmhouse. Its serene Georgian-style exterior belies the dramatic lives of the Gibson family. Don't just read about Toronto history - taste it, touch it, hear it and explore it.