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FAQ
Affiliation first — because it's the question that matters.
Are you affiliated with the museum?
No. Toronto Museum Ticket Guide is an independent planning guide written by a retired exhibit preparator. We are not affiliated with any museum, we do not sell tickets, we do not process payments, and we do not earn commission on your admission. If a page on this site ever asks for a card number, close it — that's not us. Admission is sold by the museum itself.
Do you sell tickets?
No. Reading only. The museum sells timed general admission and special exhibition tickets on its own site. See How Admission Works.
How long does a visit take?
Two hours if you do dinosaurs and gems and leave. Three to four hours if you add a special exhibition and a snack. A full day if you try to see everything, which I don't recommend with children under eight.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, everywhere except the gem vault and (usually) the special exhibition hall. There's stroller parking outside both. On a Saturday the dinosaur gallery is genuinely difficult with a double stroller — go on a weekday if you can.
Can I bring a backpack?
Small daypacks are fine on your back. Large hiking packs have to be checked at the desk by the Bloor entrance — free. Wheeled luggage is not allowed in the galleries at all.
Can I take photos?
Yes, without flash and without a tripod. Flash damages pigment on textiles and irritates everyone in the gem vault. Some special exhibitions ban photography entirely — there's a sign at the door, read it.
Is there food?
There's a cafeteria on the lower level. Airport pricing, average food. You can't bring your own lunch into the galleries but there are tables in the lower atrium. Three blocks north on Bedford is better and cheaper.
Where do I enter?
Two entrances: the Crystal on Bloor Street (main, accessible, shorter queue) and the old stone doors on Queen's Park (one step, usually quieter in the morning). Museum station on Line 1 puts you at the Bloor entrance.
What if it's sold out?
Weekend morning slots do sell out, usually a week ahead in busy seasons. Try the afternoon slot instead — it's rarely full. The museum also releases some same-day slots in the morning; check their site before you leave home.
Who writes this?
Frank De Luca. Twenty-two years as an exhibit preparator at the big museum on Bloor. See About.