Musée de la civilisation de Québec

Top 20 best museums in Canada2026 ranking

Discover below the ranking of the best museums in Canada, based on travellers' reviews.

Our members' favourite museums, approved by the editors

#1 Museum of Civilization (Quebec) +12 recs 5/5

The Museum of Civilization, located in Old Quebec, explores history, culture, and anthropology through diverse permanent and temporary exhibits. Its space dedicated to First Nations highlights Indigenous cultures, while interactive displays address current themes. Designed by Moshe Safdie, its modern architecture blends harmoniously into the surrounding heritage. Accessible and multi-thematic, this museum is an enriching stop for visitors curious about culture and history.

#2 Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (Montreal) +11 recs 4.5/5

The Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, opened in 2005, houses the largest French-language collection in the Americas with 4 million items. Its distinct architecture features wood-paneled rooms and 6,200 glass slats. Enjoy free access, 2,500 seats, diverse cultural events, and modern technology for all visitors in Montreal.

#3 Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (Montreal) +11 recs 4.5/5

The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, opened in 1992, stands on the precise site where Montreal was founded. This national historic site offers a dramatic underground journey through four centuries of history, featuring authentic ruins, an immersive multimedia show, and major international exhibits. As Canada's only major archaeology museum, it welcomes over 350,000 visitors annually.

#4 Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Montreal) +10 recs 4.5/5

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, founded in the mid-19th century, stands as a cornerstone of culture in Canada. Through private donations and public funding, it has grown to 53,000 square meters. Its collection of over 38,000 pieces features Pissarro, Monet, Rodin, César, and Renoir, accumulated over the last century and a half.

#5 Redpath Museum (Montreal) +10 recs 4.5/5

On the McGill University campus in Montreal sits the oldest natural history museum in Canada. The Redpath Museum was built to mark the 25th anniversary of Sir John William Dawson as university principal. With over a million specimens, it houses collections in paleontology, biology, ethnology, mineralogy, and geology. The main highlights are three mummies brought from Egypt in 1859, the oldest dating back 3,500 years.

#6 Biosphere (Montreal) +5 recs 2.8/5

On an island in the Saint Lawrence River, right in Montreal, stands a building unlike any other. On Île Sainte-Hélène, you will find the Biosphere, a steel geodesic sphere that is the largest of its kind globally. This museum focuses on environmental issues and biodiversity. Explore cutting-edge projects, attend lectures, and join interactive attractions.

#7 Montreal Science Centre (Montreal) +5 recs 3.5/5

The Montreal Science Centre turns learning into an interactive adventure right on the Vieux-Port (Old Port) waterfront. With over 450 hands-on activities, rotating temporary exhibits, and a massive IMAX theater, this family-friendly institution makes science accessible. It is a prime spot for sparking curiosity in visitors of all ages.

#8 Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum (Sherbrooke) +4 recs 5/5

Located in the heart of Sherbrooke, the Sherbrooke Nature and Science Museum features interactive exhibits on wildlife, geology, and natural phenomena. The AlterAnima space showcases taxidermy in an immersive setting, while live science demonstrations invite hands-on experimentation. Fossils, minerals, and scale models explore the history of Quebec landscapes. A perfect stop for all ages.

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Latest reviews

Impressive structure

The architecture of the dome is impressive. The museum lets us discover topics related to the environment and ecology, but it remains quite small and some exhibits lack energy. For me, it is not a mus…

84 0

Great with kids

The Montreal Science Centre is an ideal place to visit with kids when the weather isn't great. The facilities are playful and allow kids to test all sorts of scientific experiments. It is a very fun v…

75 0

Very interesting

I found the visit to this museum really very interesting. It traces the entire history of the city of Montreal, from its creation. You can discover archaeological remains in the excavations. There are…

70 0

Stunning library

This library is located in a really beautiful building. You can go inside and walk around without any issues, as long as you stay quiet. A huge collection of books awaits you, in all kinds of styles,…

57 0

A really interesting visit

This museum is housed in a beautiful, perfectly preserved historic building. I found the visit to be really interesting. The collections are quite rich and varied. It is a museum that you can visit wi…

53 0

Very impressive dome

This unique dome is really very impressive. I had never seen a structure like this before. Regarding the museum inside, the exhibits are interesting but you get through them pretty quickly. It is true…

44 0

Beautiful collections

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has some beautiful collections that are both rich and varied. There are many different artistic styles represented throughout. The museum is huge and well laid out. I…

47 0

Very interesting

This museum, which has quite modern architecture, is really very interesting. The collections are rich and varied. There is plenty to learn more about the history of Quebec and its populations. I foun…

12 0

An immersive museum

I absolutely loved this beautiful museum located in downtown Victoria. The varied exhibits are well displayed, with a focus on the local climate and geography. The lighting, sound, and atmosphere real…

7 0

A cultural bubble in Montreal

A rainy day in Montreal? Head over to this massive library. I loved the relaxing atmosphere and the huge selection of books in French, too ;) Actually, it is the largest French-language library in No…

40 0

Rankings by travellers, for travellers

Our rankings are powered by thousands of reviews from travelers like you, not the arbitrary pick of a single editor. Every positive review you publish raises the destination’s score.

1 positive review = +1 reco

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