Top Ontario museums offering free or discounted admission with the Canada Strong Pass in summer 2026
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Summary
- Canada Strong Pass provides free admission for children and half-price for youth at Ontario museums this summer.
- Discounts apply from June 19 to September 7, including galleries, parks and national historic sites.
- Participating locations include major attractions such as Science North, the National Gallery and Fort Henry.
The Canada Strong Pass is back, bringing young people across the country access to museums, galleries and parks this summer. Wondering which Ontario museums are participating? We’ve got you covered.
From June 19 to September 7, 2026, participating museums and galleries offer free admission for children and youth aged 17 and under, while visitors aged 18 to 24 receive 50 per cent off admission. No physical pass or registration is required. Simply visit participating attractions to take advantage of the offer.
The program also includes free admission Park Canada national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas.
Here are some of the best museums you can visit to explore Ontario this summer.
Canada Aviation and Space Museum
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Where: 11 Aviation Pkwy., Ottawa, ON
Have you ever wondered how the iconic Canadarm project got off the ground, or how Canadian air traffic controllers keep track of all those planes? This museum is where innovation takes flight, bringing you on a journey through Canada’s relationship to the skies. Learn all about Canadian aircraft, from World War II to the Cold War to the present day.
Not eligible for the Canada Strong Pass discount? CAA Members save 25 per cent on single admission tickets and 10 per cent on memberships at Ingenium museums.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Where: Various locations in Burlington, ON and Hamilton, ON
Where: 680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington, ON; 1221 Spring Gardens Rd., Burlington, ON, 1185 York Blvd., Hamilton, ON; 16 Old Guelph Rd., Hamilton, ON
Spend a day outdoors at Canada’s largest botanical garden, which boasts over 2,100 acres of nature sanctuary to explore. In the summer, walk through the Rock Garden to see hostas, coral bells, lilies and snapdragons, or visit the stunning exotic plants at the RBG Centre’s greenhouses. The Canada Strong Pass applies in Garden Admission areas: the RBG Centre, Hendrie Park, the Rock Garden and Laking Garden.
Canadian Museum of Nature
Where: 240 McLeod St., Ottawa, ON
A trip to this museum brings you up close and personal with the natural world. Examine real-life specimens or walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs as you explore the castle-like building. Whether you’re looking for a worm’s eye view of beguiling bugs or a polar bear’s perspective on the chilly Arctic, you’ll find an exhibit that captures your interest.
Not eligible for the Canada Strong Pass discount? CAA Members save 15% on single admission tickets to the Canadian Museum of Nature.
National Gallery of Canada
Where: 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
The best place to experience art in Ottawa is the National Gallery. Home to more than 87,000 works, the gallery houses a vast collection of Indigenous and Canadian art, as well as pieces from around the world. Wander the halls or explore the public spaces surrounding the iconic gallery building.
Fort Henry
Where: 1 Fort Henry Dr., Kingston, ON
Over the years, Fort Henry has been an operational fortification, a school of gunnery, a POW camp and a museum, carrying history that stretches back to the War of 1812. Today, the fort is a living model of 19th-century military life, featuring guided tours, reenactments, musical performances and demonstrations by the Fort Henry Guard. Meet the women of the garrison, watch soldiers fire the artillery, and let the sights and sounds take you back in time.
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Where: 1867 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa, ON
Nurture your inner scientist at the Science and Technology Museum. When it comes to mind-boggling science experiments, you won’t just watch—you'll get hands-on experience with the wonders of chemistry in action. The museum also has a tinker lab, an ever-popular Crazy Kitchen, and more than 700 artifacts from the history of science and technology in Canada for you to explore.
Not eligible for the Canada Strong Pass discount? CAA Members save 25 per cent on single admission tickets and 10 per cent on memberships at Ingenium museums.
Ontario Science Centre
Where: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON
The Ontario Science Centre was one of the first interactive science museums in the world, pioneering an approach that fostered a love of innovation among generations of visitors. With exhibits like the Space Deck, Innovation Station and KidSpark, the museum continues to bring a sense of wonder to its temporary location, until the permanent building opens in 2029.
Canadian War Museum
Where: 1 Vimy Pl., Ottawa, ON
With its vast collection of rare vehicles, artillery, uniforms and more, the Canadian War Museum is one of the world’s most respected military museums, emphasizing the human experience of war. After a visit, you’ll have a little more understanding of armed conflict, including Canada’s role in various military campaigns throughout history.
Art Gallery of Ontario
Where: 317 Dundas St. W., Toronto, ON
Showcasing a mix of contemporary art and European masterpieces, the AGO houses art that engages in conversations Canadians are having, both within the country and abroad. With a diverse collection of paintings, sculpture, photography and much more, you’ll spend hours wandering the museum and discovering its many works.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Where: 901 Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON
Did you know there’s a working farm in the heart of Ottawa? During your visit, you can meet the animals who call the museum home, learn about the science behind what we eat and even cook up some farm-fresh snacks. This interactive experience is the perfect way to teach kids—and adults—about the journey food takes from soil to plate.
Not eligible for the Canada Strong Pass discount? CAA Members save 25 per cent on single admission tickets and 10 per cent on memberships at Ingenium museums.
Fort William Historical Park
Where: 1350 King Rd., Thunder Bay, ON
As Northern Ontario’s premier tourism attraction, Fort William was once the world’s largest trading post. You’ll wander both Anishinaabe and settler structures and learn about the role that fur trading played in our history. Discover culture, crafts, medicine, business and heritage farming at the site’s 57 buildings, including blacksmithing, canoe building and barrel making.
Upper Canada Village
Where: 13740 County Rd. 2, Morrisburg, ON
A day at Upper Canada Village will transport you back to rural English Canada in 1866. Costumed interpreters bring the village to life, keeping the kitchen fires lit, the animals fed and the mill running. With over forty historic buildings, including homes, a schoolhouse and shops, you won’t just be learning history—you'll be experiencing it.
Celebrate Canada with CAA
The Canada Strong Pass offers amazing deals on museums for young people and families across Ontario. But if you don’t meet the program’s criteria, you can still save on admission with CAA.
Bring your CAA Membership with you to the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Canada Science and Technology Museum, the Canada Aviation and Space Museum and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum for discounts on your day.
