Plan Your Visit
Plan Your Visit
The mission of the Great Lakes Museum is to inspire an enduring connection to the maritime heritage of the Great Lakes, and preserve the maritime legacy – past, present, and future – of the largest inter-connected bodies of fresh water in the world through interactive galleries, educational programs, and events for all ages. Please allow 45 minutes to explore the museum’s galleries.
The Museum is located at the historic Kingston Dry Dock, a national historic site, and is the owner of the SS Keewatin, the oldest remaining Edwardian-era (Titanic-era) passenger steamship in the world.
- Self-guided and guided tours of the Museum are available year-round.
- Guided tours of the S. S. Keewatin are available May-November. See all available experiences here.
- Access to the collection for on-site research is available by appointment, and research inquiries can be made via email or phone.
Hours
Winter (November to May)
Thursday to Monday: 10 am to 5 pm
Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Summer (May to August)
Monday to Sunday: 9:30 am to 6 pm
Holiday Hours
Closed: December 25 & 26 and January 1
Museum Admission
Adults: $10 (Price changes to $11 on January 1, 2026)
Student (with valid ID) / Youth (5-16): $6
Child (4 and under): free
Members can enjoy free access to the Museum’s galleries and tours. Become a member!
Become a Member!
Memberships provide an opportunity for you to join a network of like-minded individuals, while supporting a cultural organization dedicated to experiencing and preserving the maritime heritage of Kingston and the Great Lakes. Check out the benefits and discount that you will receive, along with our heartfelt gratitude.
Accessibility
Great Lakes Museum
The Museum galleries, including the Keewatin exhibit, are fully accessible, and the museum has an accessible washroom. The Museum does not have accessible front doors. Registered service animals are welcome.
A virtual tour of the S.S. Keewatin is available year-round at no extra cost.
S.S. Keewatin
The S.S. Keewatin is not an accessible ship. The use of mobility devices such as walkers or wheelchairs and strollers is not possible due to the gangways, multiple steep and narrow stairways and passages with 6”-8” sills in doorways that you have to step over. You know yourself best. If you are not physically fit enough to stand for the length of the tour, navigate tight quarters, stairways and uneven surfaces, for your own well being you should not board the Keewatin. Please also be advised the ship is not climate-controlled. It can be colder than the outside temperature in the fall and hotter in the summer. Please dress accordingly and feel free to bring a closed bottle of water with you.
Kingston Resident Discount
In honour of our 50th Anniversary, we’re excited to launch a 15% discount program for residents of Kingston, Ontario! It’s our way of saying thank you to the community that has supported us for 50 incredible years.
Enjoy 15% off: Museum Admission, S.S. Keewatin Experiences, Gift Shop Merchandise and select Museum events and programs!
Kingston Resident Discount Eligibility
To receive the discount, visitors must present a valid photo ID and proof of Kingston address at the front desk.
Please note: This discount is available in person only and cannot be applied to online purchases.
EXPERIENCE THE S.S. KEEWATIN
Older than the Titanic and last of its kind in the world.
Group Visits
Want to plan an outing for your group? Contact us to discuss availability and rates.
How to get here
The Museum is located at 55 Ontario St. Kingston, ON K7L 2Y2. Keep an eye out for the big ship!
Parking
Limited free parking is available in our lot located at the bottom of Lower Union St.
There are a also numerous downtown municipal lots and on-street parking available in the area.
Transit
Walk/Bike
The Museum is located along the waterfront pathway and 10 minutes away from the downtown core.
Bus
Plan your trip to the Great Lakes Museum via Kingston Transit. Use the Kingston Transit trip planner »
