Looking for something free and fun to do? Look no further! These Toronto museums offer free admission and there's so much to explore without spending a dime.
You can see everything from historic mansions to dinosaur bones and more, so leave your wallet behind and take a trip to some of these museums around the city this year.
Some venues offer free admission daily, while others only offer free admission at certain times, so be sure to plan ahead.
Here are 14 Toronto museums with free admission to visit in 2024.
Montgomery's Inn
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 4709 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Montgomery's Inn was built in the 1830s and served as shelter for travellers. According to the website, this "lively museum gives visitors the opportunity to see how a 19th-century Canadian inn was run from ballroom to bedrooms, with a kitchen and bar still in full working order."
You can even check out the weekly farmers' market where you can find freshly-baked bread, seasonal fruits and vegetables, or stay for one of the pub nights.
Aga Khan Museum
Price: Free admission Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Address: 77 Wynford Dr., North York, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Aga Khan Museum showcases works from historical Muslim civilizations as well as modern Muslim communities around the world. You can explore exhibits and collections and see live performances, film, talks and more.
Admission is free every Wednesday evening so you can save some cash.
Spadina Museum
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 285 Spadina Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Spadina Museum is perched on top of a ravine and offers sweeping views of Toronto. The historic mansion will transport you back in time so you can see what life was like in the city in the years from 1900 to the 1930s.
The museum is only possible to visit by guided tour and offers free admission. You can see the tour schedule on the website.
Museum of Contemporary Art
Price: Free admission Fridays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 158 Sterling Rd. #100, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: MOCA lets you explore exhibitions by Canadian and international artists and there's so much to enjoy.
You can take a look at the Greater Toronto Art 2024 exhibit, check out events and more.
The museum offers free admission every Friday evening, so you don't have to spend a ton of money for a fun night out.
Todmorden Mills
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 67 Pottery Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This hidden gem is tucked away in the Don River Valley. This cross-section of Toronto has seen many transformations, from an Indigenous waterway to industrial hub, from a prisoner of war camp to a modern arts and theatre venue.
You can learn about the working people that contributed to the growth of Toronto and enjoy 60-minute tours at 11:30 a.m.,1 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. during opening hours.
Fort York National Historic Site
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 250 Fort York Blvd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This historic battleground is the site where British soldiers, First Nations warriors and Upper Canadian militiamen took a stand against the United States during the War of 1812.
You can immerse yourself in moments from the bloody Battle of York through multimedia, oral accounts, letters and more. The museum includes a "480 square foot vault or treasury, designed to display iconic and light-sensitive artifacts."
Forty-minute tours are offered on the hour beginning at 11 a.m.
The Royal Ontario Museum
Price: Free admission on the third Tuesday of each month from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Address: 100 Queen's Park, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: The Royal Ontario Museum is an iconic Toronto landmark and it "showcases art, culture and nature from around the world and across the ages," according to the website.
From massive dinosaur bones to a bat cave and art exhibits, you can easily spend a day getting lost in this museum. The venue offers free admission during the evening of the third Tuesday of every month.
Gibson House Museum
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 5172 Yonge St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This 19th-century farmhouse is tucked away between the high rises of North York and is an interesting spot to explore. Once home to a Scottish immigrant, this historic house will sweep you back in time and give you an "opportunity to taste, smell and touch history in a way that few other museums can," according to the website.
Mackenzie House
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 82 Bond St., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This museum is "home to the triumphs and tragedies of Toronto's Victorian era and its controversial first Mayor," according to the website.
The historic part of Mackenzie House is currently being restored and drop-in workshops in the printshop are offered.
Gardiner Museum
Price: Free admission every Wednesday after 4 p.m.
Address: 111 Queens Park, Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: This museum is home to "an internationally-renowned collection of ceramics" and you can see pottery from all over the world.
There are a variety of exhibitions to explore as well as events and a restaurant with stunning views.
Market Gallery
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 2nd Floor, St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St. E., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located above the bustling St. Lawrence Market lies Market Gallery. This historic exhibition space takes you on a journey through Toronto's history and offers a collection of fine art, historic artifacts, archeological specimens and more.
Scarborough Museum
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 1007 Brimley Rd., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located in middle of Thomson Memorial Park, you'll find the Scarborough Museum, which is made up of four historic heritage buildings.
You can hear a range of stories that have shaped the community as well as enjoy festivals, events and more at this spot.
Bata Shoe Museum
Price: Free on Sundays
Address: 327 Bloor St. W., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can kick it up a notch with a trip to this museum, which is entirely dedicated to footwear. According to the website, the museum "displays over a thousand shoes and related artefacts" from Egyptian sandals to glamorous heels.
Colborne Lodge
Price: Free
When: Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 11 Colborne Lodge Dr., Toronto, ON
Why You Need To Go: Built by two painters, this Regency-era lakeside summer cottage is full of the couples' original art, architectural drawings, inventions and more.
The museum features cottage and garden tours, special events, workshops, and other activities to enjoy. Free guided tours are offered throughout the day.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
Rending of the skating rink.
Rendering of the cabins.
