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-metre) 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.

Plan a trip to see Royal Ontario Museum

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Best Lodging Options Near Royal Ontario Museum

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

Chelsea Hotel, Toronto

4 out of 5
33 Gerrard St W, Toronto, ON
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG

Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG

3.5 out of 5
30 Carlton Street, Toronto, ON
Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre by IHG
The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel Toronto

The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel Toronto

4 out of 5
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The Yorkville Royal Sonesta Hotel Toronto
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown

4 out of 5
108 Chestnut St, Toronto, ON
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Toronto Downtown
Park Hyatt Toronto

Park Hyatt Toronto

5 out of 5
4 Avenue Rd, Toronto, ON
Park Hyatt Toronto
The Hazelton Hotel Toronto

The Hazelton Hotel Toronto

5 out of 5
118 Yorkville Ave, Toronto, ON
The Hazelton Hotel Toronto
Soho Suites Yorkville

Soho Suites Yorkville

4 out of 5
188 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON
Soho Suites Yorkville
Bellair Yorkville

Bellair Yorkville

3.5 out of 5
188 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON
Bellair Yorkville
Kimpton Saint George by IHG

Kimpton Saint George by IHG

4.5 out of 5
280 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON
Kimpton Saint George by IHG
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

The Royal Ontario Museum offers a wealth of activities and attractions, including fascinating history museums and special exhibitions that showcase diverse cultures and natural history. Visitors can explore vibrant exhibition spaces and enjoy entertainment options nearby, making it an ideal destination for a memorable day out. Don't forget to secure your attraction tickets in advance to fully experience all that this remarkable venue has to offer.

Shopping

During your visit to the Royal Ontario Museum, enjoy nearby shopping at CF Toronto Eaton Centre, just 1.6km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and stores. St. Lawrence Market, 3.2km away, provides a local flair for fresh goods. The Path, also 1.6km away, features diverse shopping options.

Recreation

Rogers Centre, a vibrant sports facility, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. The Danforth Music Hall provides an entertaining backdrop for live performances, while Second City delivers laughter with its family-friendly comedy shows, making each venue a delightful addition to your wellness retreat near the Royal Ontario Museum.

Adventure

Explore the Martin Goodman Trail for a scenic hike filled with adventure and breathtaking views. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre offers thrilling skiing experiences. If climbing is your passion, head to True North Climbing for an exhilarating outdoor challenge.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the Royal Ontario Museum with a visit to the Four Seasons Centre for world-class performances, or catch a captivating show at the Royal Alexandra Theatre. For a more intimate vibe, enjoy a concert at Massey Hall, all offering a blend of culture and entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Royal Ontario Museum

When visiting the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, immerse yourself in a blend of culture and urban experiences. Explore nearby urban parks, art museums, and modern towers that highlight the city's vibrant atmosphere. Ideal for families and culture enthusiasts alike, you'll find historic museums and captivating sights throughout downtown Toronto. Don't forget to capture stunning photos near the Royal Ontario Museum to cherish your visit.

  • CN Tower: Standing tall at 553 meters, the CN Tower offers stunning panoramic views of Toronto. Experience the thrill of walking on the glass floor or dine in the revolving restaurant for a unique culinary experience while taking in the breathtaking skyline.
  • University of Toronto - St. George Campus: A blend of historic architecture and modern facilities, this campus is rich in culture. Stroll through its beautiful grounds, visit galleries, and immerse yourself in the vibrant student atmosphere of one of Canada's top universities.
  • Metro Toronto Convention Centre: A bustling event venue, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions. Explore its modern facilities and enjoy the dynamic energy that comes with hosting global events.

Best time to go to Royal Ontario Museum

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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 on your visit to the Royal Ontario Museum, plan your trip between December and February, when hotel prices are lower, and consider staying on a Sunday for the best rates. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly accommodations and filter for Eco-certified options for sustainable stays. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into an Expedia package can lead to significant savings. For getting around, public transport is an affordable option, and exploring the area on foot is a great way to enjoy free activities.

  • 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: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort the results from lowest to highest price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodation options that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your hotel stay near the Royal Ontario Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia