Royal Ontario Museum Tours and Activities

Royal Ontario Museum showing interior views and a statue or sculpture
Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum
Royal Ontario Museum which includes interior views
Royal Ontario Museum


Canada’s biggest dinosaur, Egyptian mummies and ice-age mammals make this museum one of Toronto’s most popular attractions for the whole family.

Find ancient dinosaurs, enter a bat cave, admire African art and let children participate in activities in the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), Canada’s largest museum. Over one million visitors a year come to discover more than six million historical artifacts. The entrance hall with mosaics depicting worldwide cultures is a worthwhile sight on its own.

ROM originally opened in 1912 in multiple sites with a focus on world culture and natural history. Now ROM’s permanent collection encompasses three sections under one roof: Natural History, World Cultures and the Hands-On area. Join a free tour of the general museum or special exhibits with a volunteer docent to get more value from your visit.

Natural History exhibits occupy the second floor of the building. Investigate the 90-foot (27.5-meter) Barosaurus, one of several dinosaur skeletons, and the biggest in Canada. In the Bat Cave you’ll find more than 800 preserved bat species. Ice-age mammals are on display nearby.

World Cultures is the biggest gallery, with exhibits on three floors. Discover artifacts from Africa, Asia, Rome and other places with remarkable ancient cultures. The stone coffin of an Egyptian woman, Djedmaatesankh, dates back to 800 B.C. Look for displays portraying nearly 7,000 years of Chinese history.

Children will enjoy interactive exhibits in the Hands-On gallery, where they can try on traditional international costumes and handle ancient fossils and meteorites.

See what’s new in the temporary exhibits. Past subjects have ranged from photojournalism and art displays to typewriter collections and religious themes.
The museum is located on the north side of Queen’s Park, on the campus of the University of Toronto, and a five-minute drive from downtown. Public buses stop at the park and there is a parking lot on nearby Bedford Road. The closest subway stops are St. George and Museum Stations.

Royal Ontario Museum is open daily, except December 25. Adults can visit the museum on Friday nights in May and June for live music performances. Seniors, students and young children receive a discount and infants enter for free. Check the official website for the events calendar and pricing.

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Best Lodging Options Near Royal Ontario Museum

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DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Royal Ontario Museum

Explore the Royal Ontario Museum, a lovely destination featuring impressive exhibition spaces, captivating galleries, and opportunities for group trips. Nearby, you can enjoy theatre, entertainment, and shopping. Don't miss the Gardiner Museum for a unique art experience, and consider nearby hotels for a convenient stay. This cultural hub offers a perfect blend of activities for a fulfilling visit.

Shopping

At the Royal Ontario Museum, enjoy nearby shopping at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, just 1.6km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with numerous shops. St. Lawrence Market, 3.2km away, presents a delightful selection of local goods. The Path, also 1.6km away, is a fantastic underground shopping experience.

Recreation

At the Royal Ontario Museum, explore wellness through engaging activities nearby. Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Rogers Centre for exhilarating sports events, enjoy captivating performances at Roy Thomson Hall, or share laughter with family at Second City, creating cherished memories in a lively setting.

Adventure

The Martin Goodman Trail offers a scenic hiking experience just 1.6km from the Royal Ontario Museum, perfect for enjoying the outdoors. For skiing enthusiasts, the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, located 9.7km away, provides thrilling sports vibes. True North Climbing, 11.3km distant, promises an exhilarating climbing adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Royal Ontario Museum! Enjoy a performance at Massey Hall or the Ed Mirvish Theatre, both offering captivating shows. For a more intimate setting, catch a breathtaking ballet at the Four Seasons Centre. Delight in the rich culture and entertainment atmosphere!

Find the best attractions near Royal Ontario Museum

While visiting the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, you'll find a wealth of attractions including urban parks, art museums, and conference venues. Ideal for culture seekers and families alike, the area boasts a variety of historic and art museums. Explore numerous history museums that enrich your experience, ensuring your trip is filled with fascinating insights and memorable moments.

  • CN Tower: A modern architectural marvel, the CN Tower stands proudly 3.2km from the Royal Ontario Museum. Soaring high above the city, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Toronto and beyond, perfect for capturing unforgettable photos.
  • Metro Toronto Convention Centre: Located 3.2km away, this bustling event and conference venue exudes business vibes. It hosts a variety of conventions, conferences, and exhibitions, making it a hub for professionals and visitors alike.
  • University of Toronto - St. George Campus: A historic college university, located just 483m from the museum, the University of Toronto's St. George Campus boasts stunning architecture and rich cultural history, inviting you to explore its beautiful grounds and vibrant atmosphere.

Best time to go to Royal Ontario Museum

Visitor numbers around Royal Ontario Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Royal Ontario Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
November41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Royal Ontario Museum

To save money during your visit to the Royal Ontario Museum, consider exploring nearby free attractions like the CF Toronto Eaton Centre and the University of Toronto - St. George Campus. The best time to visit is from December to February when accommodation prices drop, especially on Sundays. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels, and consider eco-certified options. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities in an Expedia package for the best deals. Remember to book early and look for instant discounts on tickets for extra savings!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Royal Ontario Museum are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Royal Ontario Museum is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Royal Ontario Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you'll be able to view sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Royal Ontario Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.