For the Win
Great Lakes Museum wins Top Small Museum in Ontario.
Published: Saturday, June 20, 2026 9:00 am
The Great Lakes Museum is proud to announce that it has been recognized as Ontario's Top Small Museum (under 100,000 annual visitors) as part of Attractions Ontario's 2026 Ontario's Choice Awards.
The award was presented on Thursday, June 4, 2026, during Attractions Ontario's Annual General Meeting at the Aga Khan Museum in Toronto. The Ontario's Choice Awards celebrate excellence in tourism and recognize attractions that deliver outstanding visitor experiences across the province.
This recognition is especially meaningful as the Ontario’s Choice Awards are determined by public vote, reflecting the voices of visitors, supporters, and the broader tourism community across the province.
"We are honoured to receive this recognition from Attractions Ontario," said Bep Schippers, Executive Director. "This award reflects the dedication of our staff, volunteers, board members, and supporters who work tirelessly to preserve and share the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes. We are grateful to the visitors and community members whose support makes our work possible."
The Museum extends its sincere thanks to Attractions Ontario and to everyone who continues to support its mission.
Attractions Ontario is the province’s leading association representing attractions, museums, cultural institutions, and tourism experiences. Through marketing, advocacy, and industry partnerships, the organization promotes Ontario as a premier travel destination and supports visitor experiences across the province. The annual Ontario’s Choice Awards recognize outstanding attractions and tourism experiences as voted on by the public.
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. The Museum is located at the historic Kingston Dry Dock, a national historic site, and is the owner of the Keewatin, the oldest remaining Edwardian-era (Titanic-era) steam powered, passenger liner in the world.
Find them online at https://greatlakesmuseum.ca/ or on social media @greatlakesmuseumkingston.
Photo Credit: Attractions Ontario
Photo Caption: Pictured left to right: Bep Schippers (Executive Director), Claire Notman (Manager of Visitor Experience), and Kate March (Attractions Ontario, Director of Communications).
tags: Aga Khan Museum, Attractions Ontario, Award, Kingston Dry Dock, Ontario's Choice Awards, Recognition, The Great Lakes Museum, tourism
