Maybe you’re feeling a distinct crispness in the air. Or maybe you’re noticing the occasional splashes of yellow, red, or gold among summer’s leaves of green.
Celebrate summer’s last hurrah by visiting some of Northeastern Ontario’s many art galleries and museums! Here are our top 5 suggestions that capture the history, the culture, and the spirit of the north.
1. Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence
The Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence located in North Bay has something to offer all ages. The Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence explores air defence history from the First World War, through the Second World War, into the Cold War and beyond. In addition, they offer education programs perfect for grades 3-10 allowing a unique and interactive experience around local, national and international history. They also offer virtual experiences such as Artists in CADPAT II, the UGC, North Bay’s Underground Complex, and Off Scope: Domestic Life at Canadian Radar Stations.
Admission is by donation, and for information about museum hours, visit the website.
2. North Bay Museum
There’s no better place to explore the city’s past than at the Discovery North Bay Museum, located in the historic Canadian Pacific Railway station. Originally built in 1903, the station was restored in 2004 to accommodate the museum’s regular programming and special exhibitions.
The Train Station at Discovery North Bay is northern Ontario’s model train and slot car superstore with its wide selection of train and slot car race sets and accessories. The museum is also North Bay’s exclusive location for HBC Collection blankets, scarves, toques, mitts, and more.
For hours of operation, visit the Discovery North Bay Museum’s website.
3. Ojibwe Cultural Foundation
The Ojibwe Cultural Foundation on M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island is home to the Mnidoo Mnising Spirit Gallery. This public art gallery promotes contemporary Anishnaabe art and showcases works by emerging and established Indigenous artists. Leland Bell, Darlene Naponse, Christian Chapman, and Leonard Beam are some of the artists whose work has been exhibited.
Heritage art forms such as quill boxes, ash and sweetgrass baskets, and antler carvings by skilled Anishinabek artists are also on display. Browse the Gift Shop for books, crafts, T-shirts and other treasures to take home.
Admission is by donation, and for information about gallery hours, visit the website.
4. Perivale Gallery
Perivale Gallery is the premier art destination of Manitoulin Island, and one of the most prestigious art galleries in all of Ontario. Located in Spring Bay, Manitoulin Island. It has been awarded year after year TripAdivsors Award of Excellence and in 2020, 2021, and 2022 they were awarded the Traveler’s Choice Award. Founded more than 40 years ago by the McMullan family, Perivale Gallery showcases masterworks by outstanding Canadian artists. The Galleries stunning art is surrounded by exceptional gardens and grounds which is why Perivale Gallery a perfect place to visit during the fall months.
See for yourself how this remarkable, carefully-curated art destination rivals any large city gallery in its stunning park-like setting overlooking the shimmering waters of Lake Kagawong.
For hours of operation, visit Perivale Gallery website.
5. Mattawa & District Museum
The Mattawa Museum was built in 1984 to house the documentation, art and artifacts that were to be preserved and shared with locals and visitors. This beautiful pine log building was designed by architect Jules Paivio for Mattawa’s 100th birthday and was built in Redbridge, ON by Erik Selkheld.
The Museum lets you explore the history of the town, and the surrounding townships: Papineau-Cameron, Calvin, Mattawan, Deux-Rivières, and Kiosk.
The museum has an important collection of Aboriginal items such as tools and artifacts, a CPR railroad exhibit, vintage household items, war memorabilia, and a Mattawa sports hall of fame. The history of many prominent people that were associated with Mattawa is documented and illustrated within the museum.
For hours of operation, visit The Mattawa Museum website.
