Sight guide · Toronto · Canada
Visiting Art Gallery of Ontario
The AGO holds one of North America's larger art collections, strong on Canadian painting, including the Group of Seven and Indigenous artists, alongside European works and the Thomson Collection.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Canmenwalker, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Art Gallery of Ontario is a gallery in Grange Park, Toronto. Allow 2–3 hours; it is mid-priced. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Gallery
- Area
- Grange Park
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- art, architecture and rainy day
- Best months
- November–January
About Art Gallery of Ontario
The AGO holds one of North America's larger art collections, strong on Canadian painting, including the Group of Seven and Indigenous artists, alongside European works and the Thomson Collection. Frank Gehry, who grew up nearby, redesigned the building in 2008, adding the timber-lined Galleria Italia and a sculptural spiral staircase.
Tip: Head first for the Group of Seven rooms, then climb Gehry's spiral staircase at the back of the building.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 2–3 hours.
- Cost: Mid-priced.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Grange Park, independent shops, galleries and bars along Queen Street West.
Best time to visit Art Gallery of Ontario
Art Gallery of Ontario is indoors, which makes it a good plan for the wettest months:
- January: -1°C (30°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- December: 2°C (36°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- November: 8°C (46°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
When to visit Toronto has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Toronto itinerary visits Art Gallery of Ontario on day 2, together with St. Lawrence Market and Distillery District.
- No. 4 of the 19 sights in our Toronto things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 4-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 7-day plan.
- One of the picks in museums in Toronto.
- One of the picks in toronto on a rainy day.
If you like Art Gallery of Ontario
- Royal Ontario Museum — Yorkville, 3 hours
- Casa Loma — The Annex, 2 hours
- Aga Khan Museum — Don Mills, 2 hours
Staying near Art Gallery of Ontario
Stay in Queen West and Ossington ($$$) to walk here: independent shops, galleries and bars along Queen Street West. All areas to stay in Toronto.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Art Gallery of Ontario?
Plan 2–3 hours.
+Is Art Gallery of Ontario free?
No, it is mid-priced. Tickets are usually available on the day.
+When is the best time to visit Art Gallery of Ontario?
November–January, the wettest months, when an indoor sight is most welcome. Head first for the Group of Seven rooms, then climb Gehry's spiral staircase at the back of the building.
+Do I need to book Art Gallery of Ontario in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.