Check Out These Museums and Art Galleries Near Burlington

When the weather turns, or you just want to learn something new, Burlington and its neighbours have a surprising number of excellent museums and galleries. From a ceramics collection that is the largest of its kind in the world to a restored Victorian castle, a flying museum, and a fort from the War of 1812, here are the 12 best museums and art galleries near Burlington, Ontario.

Best Museums and Galleries in Burlington

1. Art Gallery of Burlington

Founded in 1978 and located at 1333 Lakeshore Road, steps from Spencer Smith Park, the Art Gallery of Burlington (AGB) is a public art gallery and community centre. Its collection of more than 4,000 works of contemporary Canadian ceramics is described as the largest comprehensive collection of its kind in the world. The gallery stages as many as 12 exhibitions a year, offers art education programs and public tours for people of all ages, and has a shop featuring Canadian artisans.

2. Joseph Brant Museum

At 1240 North Shore Boulevard East, the Joseph Brant Museum is named for Burlington's first citizen, Joseph Brant (Thayendanegea, 1742 to 1807), and includes a replica of his homestead that can be viewed from the rooftop garden. It is a great starting point for the story of how Burlington began. For more background, read the surprising history behind Burlington, Ontario.

3. Ireland House Museum

Built in the 1830s for early settler Joseph Ireland, Ireland House at 2168 Guelph Line has been restored to show three distinct eras: the 1850s, 1890s, and 1920s. The Ireland family lived in the house until 1985. Hours and programming change seasonally, so check with the Museums of Burlington before you go, and watch for Doors Open Burlington for free access to heritage sites.

Best Museums and Galleries in Hamilton

4. Art Gallery of Hamilton

Steps from the downtown core, the Art Gallery of Hamilton (AGH) showcases local and national art, with more than 10,000 pieces in its collection. It is the heart of the city's arts scene and a great rainy-day stop.

5. Dundurn National Historic Site

Built in 1835, Dundurn Castle is a lavish 40-room Victorian-era home that belonged to Sir Allan MacNab, one of Canada's first premiers. Tour the castle, then explore the two-acre Kitchen Garden, where costumed interpreters use 19th-century tools and techniques. In winter, the Victorian Christmas program is a seasonal favourite, and you can read more in our post on Victorian Christmas at Dundurn Castle.

6. Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology

Housed in a 150-year-old waterworks, this museum gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the early days of Canada's industrial revolution, with two preserved 70-ton water pumping engines. Popular events include model train shows, hands-on workshops, and Golden Horseshoe Live Steamer Days each summer, with miniature train rides and free guided tours.

7. Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Since 1972, this museum has built a collection of more than 40 vintage aircraft dating back to the Second World War, making it Canada's largest flying museum. Climb into a cockpit, try a flight simulator, or even book a flight on the Avro Lancaster Bomber, the only surviving Lancaster in the world you can purchase a flight on.

8. Whitehern Historic House and Garden

One of Canada's most intact historic homes, Whitehern in downtown Hamilton tells the story of three generations of the McQuesten family, who lived here from 1852 to 1968. The house and all of its contents were given to the City of Hamilton in 1959, offering a rare glimpse into Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian periods. In summer, the walled garden is a quiet oasis. For a full itinerary, see our 48 hours in Hamilton guide.

Best Museums and Galleries in Oakville

9. Oakville Museum at Erchless Estate

The Oakville Museum at 8 Navy Street is set in Erchless Estate, the former home of Oakville's founding family, the Chisholms. Take a guided tour of the Chisholm family home, see exhibits in the 1856 Custom House, and explore two permanent exhibits on Oakville's Black history: "Freedom, Opportunity and Family: Oakville's Black History" and "The Underground Railroad: Next Stop Freedom."

10. Oakville Galleries

Oakville Galleries has two locations: Gairloch Gardens at 1306 Lakeshore Road East and Centennial Square at 120 Navy Street. The galleries host contemporary art exhibitions, public programs, and education programs for kids, adults, and families, and Gairloch Gardens' lakeside gardens and sculptures make it a lovely add-on to any visit.

Best Museums and Historic Sites in Niagara-on-the-Lake

11. Niagara-on-the-Lake Museum

In the heart of historic Niagara-on-the-Lake, the museum is home to one of Ontario's most important collections of Upper Canadian history. It is an easy stop to pair with a stroll through the town's Queen Street shops and Queen's Royal Park.

12. Fort George National Historic Site

A Parks Canada attraction, Fort George offers insight into more than 250 years of Canadian history, including the War of 1812. It is a hands-on way to see how soldiers lived and a good fit for families. Pair it with a winery stop for a full day, and find more ideas in our guide to taste the season in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Museums and Galleries FAQ

What Are the Best Rainy-Day Museums Near Burlington?

The Art Gallery of Burlington, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, the Oakville Museum, the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, and the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology are all good indoor options.

What Are the Best Museums for Kids?

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum, where kids can climb into a cockpit and try a flight simulator, is a standout. The miniature train rides at the Hamilton Museum of Steam and Technology's summer events and the hands-on programs at the Art Gallery of Burlington are other family-friendly picks.

Which Museums Are Best for History Buffs?

Dundurn, Whitehern, Ireland House, the Oakville Museum, and Fort George each cover a different era of local history, from the War of 1812 to the 1920s.

Which Art Galleries Are Near Burlington?

The Art Gallery of Burlington, the Art Gallery of Hamilton, and Oakville Galleries at Gairloch Gardens and Centennial Square are the closest public galleries.

Do You Need to Book Ahead?

Hours, tours, and programs change seasonally, and some sites offer guided tours or require pre-booking, so check each museum's website before you go.

Explore More of Burlington and Beyond

Looking for more? Browse our guides to Burlington, Hamilton, Oakville, and Niagara, and follow Burlington 365 for local events, openings, and things to do across the region.