Callander Bay Heritage Museum & Alex Dufresne Gallery
Callander Bay Heritage Museum & Alex Dufresne Gallery
Callander Bay Heritage Museum & Alex Dufresne Gallery
5
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
“Why is there a barbershop in your museum?” ...Because our museum started in a barbershop! In 1979 the town barber, Alex Dufresne, convinced the town council to purchase the red bricked house on 107 Lansdowne St. that had once belonged to Dr. Allan Roy Dafoe, the physician to the Dionne Quintuplets, and turn it into a community museum. Alex donated his photograph collection, various antiques, and his actual barbershop (chairs, sinks, mirrors and all!) to start the museum’s collection. Today, this collection has expanded to include artefacts related to the Dionne Quintuplets, the shipping industry on Lake Nipissing, the sawmills around Callander Bay, and the general history of Callander. In 1994, an addition was added and named the Alex Dufresne Gallery in honour of our founder. The space hosts 5 different art exhibitions each year featuring local and area artists. We are open year-round and we hope you will visit!
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
13 reviews
Excellent
10
Very good
3
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Tine J
1 contribution
Sep. 2022 • Friends
What a treat, a little brilliant surprise on a day where we couldn’t find the hike we were looking for 😉 well worth a visit, even when you do find the hikes.
Written September 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're glad to hear that plan b worked out so well for you with visiting us :) Thank you for leaving a review!
Written May 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cindy S
Callander, Canada32 contributions
Jul. 2019
Excellent display of historical artifacts. Comprehensive information on the history of Callander and area. Outstanding exhibit on the Dionne quintuplets. The Alex Dufresne gallery provides displays of the work of local area artists. The staff are friendly and knowledgable. Classes held throughout the year that are either free of charge or at a very low cost. Fun fact: A famous Canadian actor is shown in a class photo at a Callander public school. Go visit the museum to find out who it is!
Written November 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for leaving us such a wonderful review Cindy! It's appreciated so much!
Written November 7, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeanette S
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada28 contributions
Aug. 2018 • Couples
Comprehensive information on the Dionne Quintuplettes as well as local early pioneers of the area such as Mr. Booth and major events such as ship fires/sinkings and logging practices. Geological area suitable for children to explore rocks and their origins. Lots of displays and photos allowed, and encouraged (no flash) at designated "selfie spots." Staff is great, coming by to check if you have any questions or need help. Bonus you can visit the connected art gallery when you visit for the very reasonable price of the museum entry ($5.50 for adult).
Written August 27, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a kind review Jeanette! We're so glad to hear that you enjoyed your visit and we hope you will be back again sometime soon!
Written August 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
WeLoVeNoVaScOtIa3
Ontario86 contributions
Aug. 2018 • Family
I have visited this museum twice now, as there is a wealth of information about the Dionne Quintuplets. I brought my mom to North Bay to see the Quints homestead, and we found this museum, where we spent a couple of hours the first time, looking at the memorabilia and information about the local history. The curators are more than happy to answer questions, and were quick to provide my mom with a table and chair so she could look through photo albums in comfort (mom is 83!)
This museum is well thought out regarding flow of the rooms, as it is located in a house, and is well worth visiting!
This museum is well thought out regarding flow of the rooms, as it is located in a house, and is well worth visiting!
Written August 8, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words and kind review! We quite enjoyed welcoming your family for a second time and we look forward to perhaps a third :)
Written August 9, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Larry L
Callander, Ontario, Canada60 contributions
Jun. 2018 • Couples
Really enjoyed looking at and reading the history pages. Lots of the stuff I remember as a child.Also they had some art set up. Not sure why in Museum.
Written July 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a review Larry! I'm so glad that you enjoyed yourself :)
Written July 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liz M
Callander, Canada46 contributions
Aug. 2017 • Family
The museum is packed full of local history right from the beginning days of the town of Callander up to recent events. The curators are amazing and so full of information and willing to spend as much time as needed to answer all your questions. If you are an art lover there is a free to use gallery attached to the museum full of beautiful pieces from area artists. a new feature are the Historical Walking Tours offered on Thursdays at 1pm. Another wonderful way to spend an hour exploring and learning.
Written September 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the wonderful review Liz! It is appreciated so much!
Written July 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OnTheGoGail
3 contributions
Jun. 2017 • Friends
The two young women/staff were really helpful and supportive of the bus load (44 people) of seniors. Because the museum is compact, but has a lot to offer, we were split in two groups to be informed about what we could expect to see and then allowed to wander as we pleased with the staff ready to answer any and all questions. The only problem for some were the stairs to the top level, but the museum is located in a house and that is its design.
Written June 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were very happy to welcome your group to the museum, and we hope they enjoyed themselves!
Written July 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kassidy1
North Bay, Canada1 contribution
May 2017 • Family
As a ten year old it was a very fun and informative experience. The curator Tasha was a amazing tour guide and gave us a thorough tour. She explained the story with enthusiasm which made it even more interesting. Also when we went to the Dionne
Quintuplets Birthday exhibit held on May 27 2017 it was very interesting because all the Dionne Quintuplets calendars were on display and Tasha along with her summer student would tell you detailed information on each and every calendar. But she is missing one Calendar 1938 (I believe) and she is still looking for it to complete the museums collection. So if you ever feel like you want to learn about Callander heritage go to the Callander Bay Heritage Museum and Alex Dufresne Gallery.
Quintuplets Birthday exhibit held on May 27 2017 it was very interesting because all the Dionne Quintuplets calendars were on display and Tasha along with her summer student would tell you detailed information on each and every calendar. But she is missing one Calendar 1938 (I believe) and she is still looking for it to complete the museums collection. So if you ever feel like you want to learn about Callander heritage go to the Callander Bay Heritage Museum and Alex Dufresne Gallery.
Written May 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Kassidy, it was a pleasure to give you a tour and I'm glad that you enjoyed yourself :) I hope you will come back and see our new Dionne quintuplet exhibit sometime!
Written July 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
camfischer1
Regina, Canada4 contributions
Aug. 2016 • Family
Went with my family on a rainy day. while doing laundry at the laundry mat.This was a most informative afternoon spent with my grandchildren and daughters and sister.
Written September 18, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review camfischer1, we appreciate it so much!
Written July 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
adamsma5349
Houston, TX9 contributions
Jul. 2016
This small museum is a treasure of local historical documentation. This is the home of the Dionne Quintuplets' doctor complete with some original furniture and much Quintuplet memorabilia. There is a barber shop from the turn of the century. An additional large room houses an art gallery featuring local artists.
Written July 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for the 5-star rating and for giving a concise breakdown of some of the highlights of our museum and gallery - we appreciate it so much!
Written July 28, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Claim your listingCALLANDER BAY HERITAGE MUSEUM & ALEX DUFRESNE GALLERY - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Callander Bay Heritage Museum & Alex Dufresne Gallery
- Callander Bay Heritage Museum & Alex Dufresne Gallery is open:
- Tue - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Callander Bay Heritage Museum & Alex Dufresne Gallery:
- (0.17 km) Welcome to the Chateau Larose Lake View Suite
- (1.03 km) Sunbeam Bungalows
- (13.02 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton North Bay
- (1.94 km) Terrace Suites
- (14.69 km) Hampton Inn by Hilton North Bay
- Restaurants near Callander Bay Heritage Museum & Alex Dufresne Gallery:
- (0.13 km) Phoenix Restaurant
- (0.15 km) La Piaza Pizza
- (0.16 km) Lulu's Bar & Grill
- (0.47 km) 1886 Lake House Bistro
- (0.13 km) Moose on the Loose