As the weather cools, finding ways to keep busy indoors becomes increasingly important; however, staying occupied when the temperature drops doesn’t necessarily mean staying at home. There are plenty of indoor activities that older adults can partake in, whether attending seasonal community events or visiting local museums of interest.
This article will list, in no particular order, some unique museums in Ontario and Alberta that you and your loved ones might consider visiting.
Note that many museums add to their collections and switch out their displays every 4 to 6 months, so the actual exhibits your loved one can expect to see may change depending on when they plan to visit. Consider checking your desired museum’s website for an accurate and up-to-date picture of currently offered experiences.
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
The Waldie Blacksmith Shop is a museum and educational experience offered by the Milton Historical Society in Ontario. This venue is a living history museum and is one of Ontario’s last blacksmith shops still standing in its original location.
Historically, blacksmithing played a vital role in the province’s economy, which makes this novel experience all the more enjoyable. The Waldie Blacksmith Shop was established in 1865 and ran until the 1970s. Volunteers restored the building in 1999, and it stands today as a notable piece of preserved history.
Experienced blacksmiths will be on-site to answer any questions. They may also do live demonstrations with the forge. If your loved one wants to try smithing, they can take blacksmith courses.
The Canadian Military Heritage Museum in Brantford, Ontario, began as a collective effort from war veterans and history enthusiasts to honour Canada’s rich military past. Today, it features a sizable collection of 20th-century wartime artifacts.
Their exhibits and community events retell the stories of those who bravely served our country. With themed displays and scheduled re-enactments, this museum informs visitors of Canada’s military heritage while commemorating courage and devotion to one’s nation.
Many exhibits center on, for example, photographs and uniforms of local medical heroes, World War I and II soldiers, and women in war.
This venue is also fully accessible, with on-site handicap parking available.
Depending on where your loved one lives, this downtown Toronto museum may require some driving. However, if they’re willing to make the trip into the city or happen to be downtown for the day, they may want to spend their spare time at the Textile Museum of Canada.
This venue features a variety of textile objects, such as tapestries, garments and quilts, from over 200 different regions around the world. Their exhibits demonstrate the aesthetic and cultural significance of cloth variants so visitors can learn about and develop an appreciation for textile practices.
Watch for scheduled events and programs like beading workshops and walking tours.
This museum is wheelchair-accessible.
The Museum of the Highwood is a museum in High River, Alberta, focused on helping visitors connect with the town’s rich history. Situated in the High River train station, this museum’s collection of over 45,000 artifacts and photographs covers thousands of years of history.
Visitors gain admission by donating money, and the museum provides interpreter services and information for tourists. Exhibits center on the area’s history, such as Indigenous trade and Highwood’s musical history.
They also offer events and activities like walking tours, games, and crafts during certain times of the year.
The Olds Historical Society, formed in 1972, runs the Mountain View Museum in Olds, Alberta. The society collects local photographs, paintings, and other artifacts to preserve and display, providing visitors with information on the town’s extensive heritage and culture.
The town was incorporated in 1905, meaning there are over 100 years of history to document!
The museum runs a Buy a Brick Fundraiser to raise additional money, with funds directed towards building its link structure. This feature will join the main museum building to their new educational centre. Visitors can buy an engraved metal plaque that the museum will permanently display on site, with prices varying depending on the metal chosen.
If your loved one finds themselves in downtown Edmonton with time to pass, the local Paleontology Museum may interest them.
This tiny museum consists of two rooms in the Earth Sciences Building basement at the University of Alberta. Since it’s part of the university, admission is free, and entry is as simple as walking right in.
Restored fossils and bones of various prehistoric creatures with accompanying informational diagrams are littered throughout the museum. Some exhibits are even hands-on, allowing you to touch the items on display, making for an educational and exciting day trip.
Visiting a museum can be a relaxing and intellectually stimulating activity. It’s a great way to stay occupied indoors as the weather gets colder.
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Our Ontario locations even offer a “Fun Bus” or shuttle transportation for outings and trips to shopping centres, restaurants, and parks!
For more information, contact us today.